Lifestyle

Charles Winn gives the Lowdown on the World’s ‘Fine Wine’ Capital

Published

4 years ago

November 3, 2020

The majority of the world might remain in lockdown amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but for some industries life must continue as normal, such as for ‘fine wine’. Whilst the rest of the world locks down, in Bordeaux – the fine wine capital of the world – producers are hard at work preparing their crops for the next season.

Geography

A port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France, Bordeaux is renowned globally for its famous wine-growing regions. A river runs directly through the region, and on the West side sits Gironde and Garonne. Typically, these regions are known for wines such as Sauvignon. On the East side of the river nestles Dordogne, known primarily for Merlot.

In total, Bordeaux has 57 grape-growing regions making it the biggest wine producer in France. Originally made famous for its popularity with kings, nowadays, Bordeaux and its chateaus are popular tourist attractions.

The Wines

As one of the biggest wine-makers in the world, you might expect Bordeaux to produce a diverse range of different type of wines. However, more than 90% of the wine produced here is actually red, with the region specifically producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère.

Having said this, in 2019 Bordeaux’s regulatory body approved four additional dark grape varieties to add to the list: Marselan, Touriga Nacional, Castets, and Arinarnoa.

Bordeaux’s First Growth wines (the term for a wine made specifically made in Bordeaux) are made by blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot. In contrast, the White Bordeaux is made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

The History

Bordeaux’s wine-making history stretches back over many centuries. In 1855, the Association of Bordeaux Wine Merchants established official classification and certification of the wines after Emperor Napoleon III requested that they do so.

Ranking the wines from First Growths to Fifth Growths, the merchants evaluated market prices based on an evaluation of the previous years. They noticed that red wines which made the list came from the Médoc region, except for one: Château Haut-Brion from Graves.

Since this original classification in 1855, there have only been two changes. In 1856, Château Cantemerle was added as a Fifth Growth and in 1973, Château Mouton Rothschild was promoted from Second Growth to the elite First Growth classification. The latter change is a wine much loved and highly ranked by Charles Winn and its customers.

Château Margaux

Global flavour

It didn’t take long for the popularity of Bordeaux wine to grow all over the world. After King Henry II’s marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152, an interest in wine from the Bordeaux region was prompted in England.

The marriage established the province of Aquitaine within France and England, and a new dark rosé wine was created, called ‘Claret’. This wine soon became the most common wine to be exported to Britain.

After the battle of Castillion in 1453, the Aquitaine region returned to the French. Since then, the word ‘Claret’ became anglicised and is still widely used today, due to the global popularity of the wine.

The exterior of the château

Lifestyle

Kristien Surya Jewelry: A New Standard in Affordable Luxury Jewelry

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Kristien Surya Jewelry

Byline: Sarah Kingston-Powell

Kristien Surya Jewelry combines cultural heritage with contemporary design from its Newport Beach headquarters. Launched in November 2023, the brand draws from Western, Indian, Chinese, and Islamic design elements. The signature pieces include the Hamsa hands collection with natural gemstones and the organically shaped Sunyata series, both crafted in sterling silver, solid 14K, and 18K gold.

“Each piece tells a story of cultural connection through carefully selected materials and meaningful symbolism,” says founder Kristien, who bootstrapped the company as its sole angel investor.

Social Impact Through Accessible Pricing

Despite its recent launch, the brand experienced significant early success, reflecting strong consumer interest. With global shipping and plans to expand its reach, Kristien Surya Jewelry is poised to attract an international audience that values culturally meaningful and socially responsible luxury.

While fine jewelry typically commands premium prices, Kristien Surya offers installment payment options and competitive pricing without compromising materials or craftsmanship.

A portion of sales supports the National Pediatric Cancer Association’s Sunshine Project, which develops non-toxic cancer treatments for children. Proceeds also help fund education and fair wage initiatives for women and children facing economic hardships.

Sustainability and Customization Focus

The brand’s ECO-LOVE Program incorporates lab-grown gems alongside natural stones, addressing growing consumer interest in sustainable luxury goods. Market research from McKinsey indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable brands.

“We select natural gemstones and crystals not just for aesthetics, but for their unique properties that promote emotional and spiritual well-being,” Sun explains. Customers can personalize their amulets by choosing specific gemstones, creating individual meaning for each piece.

Market Strategy and Growth

Currently serving North America through its e-commerce platform, Kristien Surya plans to expand to additional online marketplaces. “Our goal is more than about selling jewelry—we’re building a brand that celebrates diverse cultural heritage while making fine jewelry accessible to more people,” says Kristien. The company maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to engage with customers and showcase its cultural influences.

Kristien Surya Jewelry sets itself apart with its focus on cultural inspiration, sustainability, and social impact. Leveraging digital platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the brand aims to foster a vibrant online community. Special promotions, such as Blind Box Gifts for early followers, enhance its engagement strategy.

Design Philosophy and Production

Each collection draws inspiration from specific cultural elements: Western philosophical traditions, Indian spirituality, Chinese harmony concepts, and Islamic artistic patterns. The manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to maintain quality while achieving competitive pricing.

The Hamsa hands collection features double gemstone settings—an innovation within its price category. Production standards match luxury specifications: all pieces undergo multiple quality control checks and come with authentication certificates.

Future Developments

Kristien Surya plans to introduce new collections quarterly while maintaining its core design philosophy. The company’s near-term objectives include expanding its online presence and developing additional customization options for customers.

The brand recently began developing partnerships with retail locations in major U.S. cities, though specific details remain private. Current data suggests strong market potential for culturally-inspired fine jewelry at accessible price points, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize meaning and value in their purchases.