Classic Wines of California Welcomes Uncle Nearest and Babich Wines to Its Growing Portfolio

Two iconic family-owned brands join Classic Wines' distribution network in California, expanding access to premium wine and spirits with a strong sense of place and purpose.

SANTA ROSA, Calif., July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Classic Wines of California, the distribution arm of Bronco Wine Company, is proud to announce new partnerships with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, one of the fastest-growing American whiskey brands in U.S. history, and Babich Wines, one of New Zealand's most historic family-owned wineries.

These strategic additions to the Classic Wines portfolio reinforce the distributor's ongoing commitment to bringing character-driven, authentic, and high-quality brands to market in California. Both partners embody deep family legacies, bold leadership, and a forward-thinking approach that aligns with Classic's vision to deliver excellence across the wine and spirits category.

"We are honored to welcome both Uncle Nearest and Babich Wines to the Classic Wines family," said Casey Tedd, Executive Vice President of Classic Wines of California. "Each brand represents not only world-class craftsmanship but also values that resonate deeply with our company—from legacy and integrity to innovation and inclusion. These partnerships strengthen our portfolio while allowing us to better serve California's retailers and consumers with meaningful, premium offerings."

Uncle Nearest, founded in 2017 by best-selling author and entrepreneur Fawn Weaver, honors the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Since its inception, the brand has become a force for cultural storytelling and premium American whiskey innovation.

"As the only independent premium bourbon or American whiskey brand in the Top 50, growing at double-digit velocity year-over-year in every Nielsen report, we had no shortage of options. We've spent the last couple months listening. In doing so, we are confident we found the best partner for Uncle Nearest in Classic Wines of California—a team that not only understands the local market deeply, but—more importantly—shares our values of legacy, family, and authenticity. We're proud to join their portfolio and work together to expand the reach of Uncle Nearest throughout California," said Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest.

Babich Wines, established in 1916, is one of New Zealand's most respected wine companies and is a pioneer in sustainable winemaking.

"As a family-owned winery, we see great alignment with Classic Wines. California is an important market and there's shared purpose, shared values, and real ambition to grow together in the Golden State. We're excited about the future and confident this partnership will help bring Babich Wines to Californian consumers who appreciate character, quality, and a genuine family story," said André Babich, Principal of Babich Wines.

This announcement comes as Classic Wines continues to expand its premium and luxury portfolio across wine and spirits, with a focus on family-owned producers and mission-driven brands that connect with today's evolving consumer.

About Classic Wines of California
Classic Wines of California is a premier wine and spirits distributor dedicated to serving California's diverse retail and restaurant community. The company offers vertically integrated capabilities through its affiliation with Bivio Trucking, allowing for seamless logistics and reliable service across the state. As a family-owned company, it brings deep industry expertise, exceptional service, and an expansive portfolio of high-quality products to the marketplace. Classic Wines operates out of Santa Rosa, Napa, Ceres, and Palm Desert, ensuring a robust presence in key regions. For more information, visit www.classicwinesofcalifornia.com.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand's portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Straight Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, amassing over 1,450 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 953 Gold medals or higher, which includes 173 Best in Class honors and an average critic's score of 91. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world. For more information, please visit the website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.

About Babich Wines
Founded in 1916, Babich Wines is New Zealand's most experienced family-owned winery, now led by the third generation of the Babich family. With over a century of winemaking expertise, Babich is recognized globally for producing exceptional, sustainably crafted wines from premium vineyards across Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, and Auckland. Committed to quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship, Babich was one of the first New Zealand wineries to adopt sustainable practices and continues to lead in organic and low-intervention winemaking. Today, Babich Wines are enjoyed in more than 50 countries and remain dedicated to crafting wines that reflect the purity, character, and vibrancy of New Zealand's finest regions. Learn more at www.babichwines.com.

SOURCE Classic Wines