Lifestyle

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

Published

5 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 Originally made famous for its popularity with kings, nowadays, Bordeaux and its chateaus are popular tourist attractions.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

Documentary Alert: Derik Fay – A Hidden Architect in Plain Sight

Published

1 week ago

October 26, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneur, investor, and founder of 3F Management, Derik Fay has built a business empire with discreet precision. Now, his story is set to reach a broader stage with a documentary scheduled for release in early 2024, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the man behind the moves.

From Small‑Town Roots to Private Equity Power

Born November 19, 1978, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Fay’s trajectory defies conventional entrepreneur narratives. He began with limited resources but an expansive vision. After the success of his early fitness venture, he shifted to the private equity and operational model through 3F Management, quietly holding or controlling stakes in companies across fintech, media, health, construction and more.

The Documentary’s Focus: Strategy, Legacy, Quiet Influence

The upcoming film dives into Fay’s behind‑the‑scenes methodology. Rather than spotlight‑chasing, the narrative shows how Fay executes in boardrooms most never see, scales companies most never hear of, and converts digital authority into foundational power. It highlights how his Instagram following of over 1.4 million and billions of digital impressions are not the goal—they are the byproduct of systematic growth and influence.

Why This Story Matters Now

In an era of flash exits, viral entrepreneurs and boom‑and‑bust startups, Fay represents a different archetype: the silent architect building for endurance. The documentary frames his model as an antidote to hype—emphasizing infrastructure, sustainable growth and strategic compounding. Viewers will follow his journey from his earliest days in Rhode Island to boardroom negotiations, legacy exit strategies and personal transformation.

What You’ll Discover

The founding and expansion of his early fitness business, and how that created the blueprint for modern deal‑making.
The evolution of 3F Management and its broader holdings, showing how Fay’s operational involvement distinguishes him from traditional investors.
Personal chapters rarely told: his reflections on family, fatherhood (including daughters Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay), and how his values inform his business.
Digital influence redefined: how millions of followers and global content served not as showmanship, but as a platform for entrepreneurs, giving back and platform building.
A net worth estimate derived from exits, real‑estate holdings and equity positions—though Fay chooses discretion, analysts place his worth comfortably into the $100 million‑plus range, with some valuations exceeding $250 million.

Anticipated Release & Impact

According to early reports, the documentary is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2024. While the exact distribution vehicle is unconfirmed, the subject’s reach, story and timing suggest a high‑profile streaming launch is possible. For those tracking “Derik Fay documentary” or “Derik Fay Netflix,” this will be a key watch.

Final Word

The documentary isn’t merely about success. It’s about how success is built—behind closed doors, sometimes unseen, yet undeniably powerful. Derik Fay’s story reminds us that influence isn’t measured only in noise—it is often measured by the legacy quietly assembled.