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 Originally made famous for its popularity with kings, nowadays, Bordeaux and its chateaus are popular tourist attractions.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

K-Beauty Meets Sustainability: Why SoloVegan Is the Brand to Watch

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: SoloVegan

By: Gerome Alvarez

SoloVegan is carving its path in a beauty industry dominated by aesthetics and fleeting trends. This Korean-inspired skincare brand aims to make high-performance, sustainable, and affordable products accessible to all. With a unique blend of advanced K-beauty innovation and ethical responsibility, SoloVegan is quickly becoming a name that beauty enthusiasts and conscious consumers alike cannot ignore.

The brand’s growth is impressive. With products now available in over 500 retail locations across North America, SoloVegan is living proof that skincare can be effective, ethical, and affordable. At a time when consumers demand more from the brands they support, SoloVegan delivers solutions that truly resonate.

The Glow-Up of K-Beauty and Clean Beauty

Korean Beauty, or K-beauty, has built a reputation for its innovative formulas, layered skincare routines, and effective results. SoloVegan combines these principles with the rising demand for clean beauty, offering plant-based, cruelty-free products free of harmful additives. Sustainability is a feature at the heart of SoloVegan’s mission.

Its product lineup reflects this commitment. The Glow & Dew You Brightening Serum, a fan favorite, is formulated with kojic acid and niacinamide to brighten skin and improve uneven tone. The Don’t Pop to Me Pimple Patches are another standout, offering quick and effective solutions for acne-prone skin. SoloVegan’s Guava Lip Duo adds a nourishing touch to daily routines.

“Skincare does not have to be a compromise between performance and ethics,” says the SoloVegan team. “We are proud to offer products that work while staying true to our commitment to sustainability.”

The brand’s eco-friendly packaging is yet another way it aligns with today’s consumers’ values. From concept to creation, SoloVegan ensures its products support skin health and the planet’s well-being.

More Than Skincare: A Brand with Heart

SoloVegan is not just a skincare brand but a brand with a bigger purpose. Beyond delivering high-quality products, the company empowers individuals and communities. Its partnership with CareerVillage.org, a platform that connects young people with professionals for career advice, is a testament to its commitment to making a difference.

“Partnering with CareerVillage.org allows us to contribute to something larger than ourselves,” says the team at SoloVegan. “It is about equipping the next generation with tools and advice to build their future.”

This initiative reflects the brand’s belief that beauty extends beyond skin deep. SoloVegan is changing what it means to be a socially responsible brand in the beauty industry by engaging with communities and fostering meaningful connections.

From Store Shelves to Shopping Carts

SoloVegan’s journey to becoming a retail staple is nothing short of impressive. The brand’s products are now available in over 500 stores across North America, including major retailers like Walmart Canada, Meijer, and King Soopers. Its online store, gosolovegan.com, further expands its reach, offering convenience for customers who prefer to shop digitally.

This growth is backed by strong financial performance. SoloVegan generates $20 million in annual revenue and has achieved a 12 percent year-over-year growth rate. Such numbers underscore the brand’s ability to connect with consumers and meet the demand for affordable, high-quality skincare.

Competing in a crowded market is no small feat, but SoloVegan stands tall against rivals like Bubble Skincare, Naturium, and Byoma. Its distinct combination of K-beauty origins, clean formulations, and community-driven initiatives gives it an undeniable edge.

“People want more than products, they want to believe in a brand’s story,” says the SoloVegan team. “We aim to be a brand that consumers trust and feel good about supporting.”

Where SoloVegan Is Headed

As SoloVegan looks into the future, it is clear that the brand is not slowing down. Its short-term goals include expanding its geographic presence and focusing on strengthening its position in Mexico and other untapped North American markets. It also invests in digital strategies to increase visibility and build trust through search engines and social media.

In the long term, SoloVegan envisions itself as a leader in the clean beauty movement, leveraging the industry’s projected growth to make an even bigger impact. The brand’s ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to its core values positions it for continued success.

SoloVegan’s journey involves blending science, sustainability, and heart. It proves that beauty is not just about what you put on your skin, it is about the values you support and the impact you make.

Why SoloVegan Is the One to Watch

Consumers are inundated with options but SoloVegan’s authenticity and commitment stand out. It delivers on its promise to provide skincare that works while supporting a sustainable future. For those seeking skincare that is as ethical as it is effective, SoloVegan is the answer. The brand is not just changing beauty but making it better.