Renais Gin

Renais Gin is a remarkable meeting of French winemaking heritage and contemporary English distilling, co-founded by Emma Watson and her brother Alex. Crafted using upcycled French wine grapes and inspired by their family's vineyards in Chablis, this beautifully refined gin combines fragrant botanicals, bright citrus and elegant minerality. Presented in an exquisite, perfume-inspired bottle, Renais is a celebration of craftsmanship, sustainability and understated luxury, making it an exceptional discovery for discerning gin lovers and memorable gifting.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Renais Gin opens with inviting aromas of ripe grapes, delicate acacia honey and fragrant linden blossom, lifted by a vibrant flourish of fresh citrus zest. Beautifully smooth and expressive on the palate, classic juniper provides an elegant foundation for gentle floral sweetness, subtle coriander and the warming, peppery character of cubeb. Its distinctive grape-derived spirit brings a wonderfully rounded texture, leading into a crisp, refined finish with delicate mineral impressions inspired by the limestone-rich vineyards of Chablis.

Key Details

• Producer: Renais Gin
• Founders: Alex Watson and Emma Watson
• Distilling Partner: Giraffe Distillers
• Type: Contemporary Dry Gin
• Region: England, United Kingdom • Inspired by Chablis, Burgundy, France
• ABV: 40%
• Volume: 700ml
• Spirit Base: Upcycled French Wine Grapes
• Botanicals & Ingredients: Juniper • Kimmeridgian Stone • Acacia Honey • Linden Blossom • Angelica Root • Coriander • Cubeb Pepper • Citrus
• Production: English Craft Distillation Using Reclaimed French Winemaking Ingredients
• Bottle Design: Bespoke Sculpted Glass with French-Inspired Decorative Detailing
• Signature Serve: Premium tonic over generous ice, garnished with fresh green grapes and a delicate lemon twist

Craftsmanship & Story

Renais Gin was born from a deeply personal connection to the vineyards of Chablis, where the Watson family has been involved in winemaking for more than three decades. Founded in 2023 by siblings Alex and Emma Watson, Renais takes its name from the French word for rebirth, reflecting a vision to give new purpose to ingredients traditionally left behind after winemaking. Inspired by their father's work in Burgundy and the distinctive character of the region's celebrated vineyards, the siblings set out to create a spirit that would unite French viticultural heritage with the artistry of English gin-making.

At the heart of Renais is a grape-derived spirit incorporating upcycled French wine grapes, transforming a by-product of winemaking into the foundation of an exceptionally refined gin. Working with English craft distillers, the brand combines this distinctive base with carefully selected botanicals, including juniper, fragrant linden blossom, acacia honey and Kimmeridgian stone associated with the limestone-rich soils of Chablis. The result is a gin that draws inspiration from the elegance and mineral character of the wines that first shaped the Watson family's appreciation of flavour and provenance.

Renais' commitment to craftsmanship extends beyond the spirit itself. Its distinctive bottle was developed with Studio One Eleven, the design and innovation division of Berlin Packaging, bringing together contemporary luxury and visual references to traditional French design. From the sculptural glass to its richly textured label and golden detailing, every element reflects the brand's ambition to celebrate the past while embracing a more considered future for premium spirits.

Special Features

What sets Renais Gin apart is its remarkable connection to the vineyards of Chablis. Rather than relying solely on a conventional grain-based spirit, Renais incorporates upcycled French wine grapes, bringing the heritage of Burgundy's celebrated winemaking region into a distinctly contemporary gin. This unusual foundation contributes to its beautifully rounded character, while juniper, fragrant linden blossom, acacia honey and warming spice create a delicate balance between traditional botanical structure and refined floral complexity. The inclusion of Kimmeridgian stone, associated with the ancient limestone-rich geology of Chablis, further reinforces the gin's distinctive sense of place and its elegant, mineral-inspired finish.

Equally remarkable is the bottle itself. Created in collaboration with Studio One Eleven, Renais is presented in bespoke sculpted glass with a graceful silhouette reminiscent of a vintage French perfume bottle. Its distinctive contours and delicate ridged detailing catch and reflect the light, while the warm yellow label, tactile paper finish and elegant metallic accents evoke the sophistication of French Art Nouveau design. The result is a beautifully considered object that feels equally at home on a stylish drinks trolley, an elegant dining table or within a carefully curated luxury gift collection.

Sustainability is another defining element of the Renais philosophy. By giving renewed purpose to grapes remaining from the winemaking process, the brand celebrates a more resource-conscious approach to spirit production. Its commitment to thoughtful presentation also extends to innovative mushroom-based protective packaging, offering an alternative to conventional packaging materials. Together, these details create a gin that brings French heritage, contemporary English craftsmanship and considered luxury into beautiful harmony.

Recognition & Accolades

Renais Gin has earned recognition for its distinctive approach to contemporary gin-making, combining French winemaking heritage with carefully selected botanicals and English distilling craftsmanship. Its reported achievements include multiple Gold medals at The Spirits Business Gin Masters and recognition from the Great Taste Awards.

• Gold – The Spirits Business Gin Masters (2026)
• Gold – The Spirits Business Gin Masters (2024)
• Gold – The Spirits Business Gin Masters (2023)
• Great Taste Award – Great Taste Awards (2026)
• Great Taste Award – Great Taste Awards (2024)
• 88/100 Points – USA Spirits Ratings (2024)

These distinctions celebrate a gin that offers something genuinely different, bringing the elegance of French vineyard provenance into a beautifully balanced contemporary spirit. Its combination of innovative ingredients, refined flavour and distinctive presentation continues to attract attention among discerning gin enthusiasts.

Cocktail Pairings

Renais Gin brings vineyard-inspired elegance to an exceptional collection of cocktails. A Terroir Martini reveals its refined mineral character, while a sparkling Chablis Spritz celebrates its French heritage. The Honeyed Blossom White Lady highlights delicate florals and citrus, and a French Garden Highball introduces refreshing green grape notes. For something more complex, try a Mineral Negroni Blanc, or enjoy a Vineyard Bee's Knees, where fresh lemon and honey complement the gin's beautifully rounded grape character.

Food Pairings

Renais Gin pairs beautifully with refined, fresh flavours that complement its delicate florals and mineral-inspired finish. Freshly shucked oysters or citrus-cured seabass ceviche echo its crisp, clean character, while creamy goat's cheese and delicate prosciutto bring an elegant contrast to its smooth, honeyed notes. For a beautifully composed grazing board, add fresh green grapes, toasted almonds and a little artisanal honey, allowing the gin's fragrant botanicals and subtle citrus to shine.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Renais Gin is an exceptional gift for discerning gin enthusiasts, lovers of French wine and anyone who appreciates beautifully considered design. Co-founded by Emma and Alex Watson, its story brings together generations of family winemaking heritage in Chablis with a contemporary vision for premium spirits. The use of upcycled French wine grapes, elegant botanicals and mineral-inspired character makes Renais a particularly memorable discovery for those seeking something beyond the familiar.

Its exquisite bottle adds another dimension to the gifting experience. Inspired by the elegance of vintage French perfume bottles, the sculptural glass, delicate ridged detailing and richly textured label create a striking presentation that feels as luxurious as the spirit within. Beautifully suited to milestone birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations and thoughtful corporate gifting, Renais makes an impression long before the first glass is poured.

For those who choose to enjoy it, Renais rewards a beautifully simple serve. Pour over generous ice with premium tonic, fresh green grapes and a delicate lemon twist to reveal its vibrant citrus, fragrant florals and smooth grape-derived character. Alternatively, savour it in an exceptionally chilled Martini, allowing its subtle mineral impressions and elegant botanical complexity to take centre stage.

Whether presented as a sophisticated gift or enjoyed as part of a memorable evening, Renais Gin celebrates the pleasure of discovering something extraordinary. Complete the experience with COVE 27's premium gift packaging and a personalised message for a beautifully considered finishing touch.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order Renais Gin online for fast, secure NZ-wide delivery. Every bottle is carefully packed, with premium gift packaging and a personalised message available from COVE 27.