Classic Wines of California, the distribution arm of Bronco Wine Company, announced new partnerships with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and New Zealand-based Babich Wines.

“We are honored to welcome both Uncle Nearest and Babich Wines to the Classic Wines family,” Casey Tedd, Executive Vice President of Classic Wines of California, said in a news release. “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,” Weaver said. “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.”

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,” André Babich, Principal of Babich Wines said. “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.”

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.

Read more: Uncle Nearest Releases 2025 Master Blend Edition

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. 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. 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, visit the website.

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. Learn more at www.babichwines.com.