Emma Watson, the beloved actress known for her role as Hermione Granger, has been making headlines not just for her time on screen but for her recent public appearances and ventures outside of acting. Recently, the 34-year-old star was spotted having the time of her life at a popular Alpine resort, where she brought holiday cheer to the slopes.
On December 28, 2023, Emma was seen enjoying the winter sun with friends, donning bright red reindeer antlers atop her ski helmet. Dressed warmly in a cream-colored high-neck outfit and black pants, Emma cut a festive figure as she navigated the snowy terrain. Eyewitnesses reported her skiing with confidence, with one bystander commenting to the Daily Mail, “Emma looks like she’s a bit of a wizard on the ski slopes and appeared very confident, relaxed, and happy.”
The actress was also spotted taking breaks at nearby cafes, basking in the sunshine and chatting with friends, clearly relishing her time away from the public eye. “She seemed to be having a great time sitting outdoors in the sunshine sipping coffee,” another observer noted, emphasizing her cheerful demeanor during this winter getaway.
Emma’s current hiatus from acting has been notable since her last project, the “Little Women” adaptation, was released back in 2019. These days, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in creative writing at Oxford University. There was no sign of her recent romantic interest, Kieran Brown, during her trip; they were previously seen together at local Oxford spots, reportedly enjoying their time as students.
But Emma isn’t just hitting the slopes; she is also making strides in the business world with the launch of Renais Gin, which she co-founded with her brother, Alex Watson. Initially launched in the United Kingdom in May 2023, Renais Gin has now made its debut in the United States, boasting natural botanicals from their family's vineyards.
Alex spoke with PEOPLE about the venture, sharing insights on how their father Chris Watson’s long-standing involvement in the wine industry inspired them. “Our dad has been in the wine business for a very long time, and we've both kind of grown up very much around this,” he stated, emphasizing their passion for honoring their family's legacy. Their gin is more than just another brand; it has sustainability at its core, with the duo upcycling grape skins from the winemaking process.
Emma has embraced her new role behind the camera as well, having directed promotional content for Renais Gin. “It has been so nice to see Emma blossom with Renais Gin,” Alex commented, highlighting her talent and drive to explore creative avenues outside of acting. He noted, “Ems has been in front of the camera since she was nine... it’s really important to step out and express yourself.”
Reflecting on their experiences as siblings working together, Alex described the joys and challenges of collaborating. He said, “Getting to spend time with my dad and my sister doing this is honestly so cool. I'll always be very grateful for this period of time.” While they may experience creative differences—Emma being the perfectionist and Alex the pragmatist—the overall sentiment remains positive.
To celebrate their gin’s new availability, Alex recently adventured through cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Miami to understand the U.S. drinking culture. “Because gin has a very different perception in the U.S., it's actually really fun to get stuck in and have a couple of drinks with people and show people what else gin can be,” he shared, emphasizing their mission to redefine gin cocktails across the nation.
With Renais Gin distilled from upcycled French wine grapes and reflecting their family’s heritage, Emma Watson is carving out her niche beyond the big screen. Her skiing escapades and burgeoning business endeavors paint the picture of someone who is not only talented but also pursuing happiness and expressing herself creatively.
Emma's recent activities signal her well-rounded approach to life as she balances study, travel, and entrepreneurship. With plans for more engagements and opportunities to share her story, fans and followers of the star eagerly await to see what she will accomplish next.