Summary
The similarities between Wine and Cashmere
A Tale of Wine, Luxury, and Craftsmanship
The first clue should have been that I met my husband in a wine bar … at that point, he was a professor, but one who clearly had a passion for wine. Fast forward 13 years, and we found ourselves contemplating a permanent move to our 17th century cognac distillery/ horse stables holiday home near Bordeaux. One evening, over a bottle of wine (naturally!), I asked my husband, “If you could do anything, what would it be?” His answer? Something related to wine.
Two years later, his wine business Man Vs Wine is thriving, and I couldn’t be prouder.
As we both became immersed in the world of wine, I started noticing striking similarities between cashmere and wine. Quite simply, they both are natural products synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and heritage.
Let me share a couple of insights:
Terroir, Terroir, Terroir: In the world of wine, “terroir” encompasses the complete natural environment, from soil to climate, that influences a wine’s character. My husband likens it to an orchestra, with each element playing its unique role. Similarly, cashmere can be seen in the same light – a harmonious blend of various elements that create something truly unique and special.
The Year Matters: Just as the weather in a particular year affects the grapes’ sugar content and taste in winemaking, the micron of cashmere fibers varies with the seasons. This dynamic leads to a blending of cashmere fibers across years, akin to the blending of wines, resulting in a consistent and high-quality product.
Timing is important: Just as knowing when to pull the cork on a bottle of wine matters, knowing when to deploy a trend or a detail is important. Sometimes a design can arrive too early and the market is not quite ready, sometimes it’s too late and the style doesn’t seem as fresh as it could be.
I love to use subtle, unexpected details that elevate a design in my work.
If you’re as intrigued as I am about the interplay of these worlds, I invite you to book a discovery call with me. Let’s explore how my expertise can benefit you and your brand or factory. I can help with tech packs, sketches, a range review of your collection or any number of other possibilities …
So as you’re wearing that perfect piece that puts a smile on your face every time you wear it, consider (if you enjoy a glass or two now and again!) pairing it with a favorite bottle and marveling at the interconnections between these two bespoke worlds …