Sibling rivalry is not an issue where Alex and Emma Watson are concerned. The model and his Harry Potter actress sister are “very close” – so tight-knit, in fact, that they are running a successful company together.
Alex, 31, and Emma, 33, set up Renais gin last year, using upcycled grape skins from the family’s French vineyards, and it appears it has made their relationship even stronger.
“Ems and I are very close,” Alex tells hello! in our exclusive chat. “She’s always been a big source of inspiration for me. Everything she’s accomplished and how she’s gone about it – I have a huge admiration for her.
“We’re hugely supportive of each other. Mostly I try to give her reasons to laugh. We were both looking for a new challenge and thought we’d make a great team, and here we are.”
Working with a sibling brings about “deep level of trust and understanding”, he says. “With that comes a level of stability, which is great.
“We’re still brother and sister, and more than capable of pushing each other’s buttons. But Emma is a fantastic partner. She brings so much creativity, support and enthusiasm and is a great balance to my personality type.”
Last month, approaching the brand’s first anniversary, the duo gained financial backing to expand Renais into markets including the US, securing investment from industry experts including the former European chief executive of drinks giant Diageo.
They set up the company after Alex decided he wanted to start his own firm, building on the family’s history of winemaking. Their father Chris began planting vineyards and producing wine in Chablis while working as a barrister in Paris more than 30 years ago.
“I love waking up every day with a clear sense of purpose, working on this thing that has a huge amount of significance to me, and feel hugely privileged to get to do what I’m doing,” Alex says.
GOING DOWN WELL
Renais is already being served in London bars and restaurants including Soho House, Gaucho, Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood hotel, Kwant, M and Hawksmoor, while Alex says his “happiest single memory” is receiving warm responses from critics.
“When you do something like this, you put a pi
