St. Paul, Minn. – December 20, 2023 – Johnson Brothers, family-owned and operated since 1953, is pleased to announce that it is expanding distribution of the award-winning Copper Cane Wines & Spirits portfolio into four new markets, Hawaii, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. These states join existing partnerships in Minnesota, Iowa, and West Virginia.
Established in 2014 by fifth-generation Napa Valley vintner Joe Wagner, Copper Cane has taken the wine industry by storm with its rich, innovative wines. Since then, the portfolio and reputations of both Copper Cane and Joe Wagner have only grown, with Joe establishing himself not just as a leading winemaker but also as a wine influencer on TikTok and his podcast, “Go with your palate.” Through these platforms, Joe shares his dynamic personality and content to engage a new generation with the world of wine and what that world can be.
“Copper Cane and Johnson Brothers have already successfully partnered in other markets, and we are very excited to broaden our relationship with them, bringing us to seven markets,” states Joe Wagner, owner and winemaker of Copper Cane Wines & Spirits. “We are both family-owned and operated businesses that share values of passion, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and the commitment of collaboration with our customers to ensure they and consumers can enjoy our excellent brands in their respective markets.”
One of the fastest-growing luxury wine suppliers in the industry, the expanded Copper Cane portfolio will be managed by Oxford Street Merchants, Johnson Brothers’ luxury organization.
“We are beyond excited to expand our successful partnership with Copper Cane to seven states,” said Yale Johnson, Vice President of Johnson Brothers, who leads Oxford Street Merchants. “The portfolio features some of the most dynamic and fastest growing brands in the luxury space today, and we are confident our relentless commitment to executional excellence will drive lasting results.”
About Johnson Brothers
Johnson Brothers is a leading wine, spirits, and beer distributor, providing world-class service to customers across the U.S. Founded in 1953, the company has been family-owned for three generations and is committed to the values established by Lynn Johnson, its founder: work ethic, passion, innovation, teamwork, excellence, and integrity. By partnering with the best suppliers worldwide, Johnson Brothers provides exceptional brands and services to customers across 21 states. We are proud to announce that Newsweek has recognized Johnson Brothers as one of the 2023 Most Trustworthy Companies in America! For more info, visit us at Johnsonbrothers.com | LinkedIn | Instagram.
About Oxford Street Merchants
Oxford Street Merchants is an organization of Johnson Brothers, a leading wine, beer, and spirits distributor in the United States, focused on luxury spirits and estate wines. Its dedicated, knowledgeable, and accredited team members bring a passion for brand stewardship and storytelling, ensuring each encounter leaves the customer with an unparalleled luxury experience. Committed to executional excellence and standards of performance, Oxford Street Merchants combines innovation and analytics to drive results. Its name pays homage to 43 Oxford Street, the Saint Paul, Minnesota building where Lynn Johnson founded the third-generation, family-run business. For more info, visit us at oxfordstmerchants.com | Instagram.
About Copper Cane Wines & Spirits
Founded in 2014 by Joseph Wagner, Copper Cane Wines & Spirits has redefined the modern winery with their unique approach to the winemaking process. When grapevine canes begin to lignify, or turn to winter hardy wood, they take on a copper hue. This color shift signals that the green character and harsh tannins have been purged from the vine (and therefore, the resulting wine). Only then are the grapes ready for harvest. For Copper Cane’s founder, Joseph Wagner, this patience is essential. While most growers pick their grapes as sugar content hits a certain mark, Wagner waits for physiological maturity to ensure consistency year to year. The result is a wine full of rich, ripe fruit flavors – a style Wagner and his family have always loved. Representative brands include Belle Glos, Böen, Elouan, Napa Valley Quilt, and Threadcount. For more information, visit www.CopperCane.com.
