Emma Watson brings premium gin brand to the U.S

As premium varieties of the classic spirit gin experience a revival, actress Emma Watson is launching a sustainability-minded offering in the U.S.

Renais, a botanical gin brand made from upcycled grapes, is debuting in 40 states this July through direct-to-consumer sales. The spirit first debuted in select European countries in 2023.

The brand was co-founded by the “Harry Potter” star and her brother, Alex Watson.

Renais is “inspired by the beauty of French wine-making traditions,” according to the press release.

The gin is produced using upcycled grapes infused with botanicals, including juniper berries, acacia honey and angelica root.

That tradition is something the siblings are closely familiar with. Their father has owned Domaine Watson, a vineyard in central France, for three decades.

Renais sources its grapes from the winery’s surplus.

To spread the word about the launch, the brand is betting on Emma’s large social media presence, including her 75 million Instagram followers.

The actress directed an advertisement for the brand showcasing the fields of the Domaine Watson winery.

Other brands with famous owners and backers are also hoping to ride the gin wave. The Holistic Spirits Company, co-owned by actor Woody Harrelson, launched last fall in select states.

The company sells “superfood” gin and vodka infused with plants and botanicals. Earlier this year, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre debuted gin and juice RTD cocktails, based on their hit song of the same name.

In 2020, Diageo paid up to $610 million to purchase viation gin, owned by actor Ryan Reynolds.