What Do These Two Have in Common?
What Do These Two Have in Common?
The answer lies in the same family. Many visitors to France—whether they are wine lovers or not, may come across the skincare brand Caudalie. It’s widely available in pharmacies across the country. Their products often carry names like Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Vinotherapy, and Vinoperfect—all of which are inspired by the world of wine. They offer everything from serums and lotions to luxury spa treatments. For this circumstance, I like their sunscreen stick.
Interestingly, “Caudalié” is an old French term used to measure how long a wine’s flavor lingers on the palate. One caudalié equals one second. In modern wine tasting, this is called the “finish.” A longer finish generally means better quality. Everyday table wines usually last around three to five seconds. Some can linger for nine seconds, while exceptional wines, like those from Burgundy, can last nine to thirteen seconds or even longer.
The idea for Caudalie was born at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé, one of the oldest wineries in the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux. This historic château even welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their 2023 state visit. It is currently owned by the Cathiard family, who are known for their commitment and pioneer to sustainable and organic agriculture.
While working in the vineyard, Mathilde Thomas, daughter of the Cathiard family, discovered the therapeutic potential of grape seeds, vines, and grape must. Together with the University of Bordeaux’s Faculty of Pharmacy, she and her husband, Bertrand, developed the first Caudalie products and launched the brand in 1995 to great success.
The family later expanded the idea into spa and hospitality. Another Cathiard daughter, Alice Thourbier Cathiard, and her husband Jérôme Thourbier manage two luxury spa hotels: Les Sources de Caudalie, located within the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, and Les Sources de Cheverny in the Loire Valley.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte shows how a historic winery can use its heritage in creative ways, diversifying into skincare, wellness, and hospitality. One more fascinating detail: an ancient natural spring lies beneath the vineyard, providing pristine water that enhances their spa and skincare products.
This remarkable journey shows how passion, heritage, and innovation can intertwine to create something truly unique. What began as centuries-old vines in Bordeaux has blossomed into a world-renowned skincare brand, luxurious spa retreats, and a model of sustainable living. Caudalie is not just a name on a bottle—it’s a story rooted in the heart of wine country, where beauty and tradition grow side by side.
What Do These Two Have in Common?
The answer lies in the same family. Many visitors to France—whether they are wine lovers or not, may come across the skincare brand Caudalie. It’s widely available in pharmacies across the country. Their products often carry names like Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Vinotherapy, and Vinoperfect—all of which are inspired by the world of wine. They offer everything from serums and lotions to luxury spa treatments. For this circumstance, I like their sunscreen stick.
Interestingly, “Caudalié” is an old French term used to measure how long a wine’s flavor lingers on the palate. One caudalié equals one second. In modern wine tasting, this is called the “finish.” A longer finish generally means better quality. Everyday table wines usually last around three to five seconds. Some can linger for nine seconds, while exceptional wines, like those from Burgundy, can last nine to thirteen seconds or even longer.
The idea for Caudalie was born at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé, one of the oldest wineries in the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux. This historic château even welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their 2023 state visit. It is currently owned by the Cathiard family, who are known for their commitment and pioneer to sustainable and organic agriculture.
While working in the vineyard, Mathilde Thomas, daughter of the Cathiard family, discovered the therapeutic potential of grape seeds, vines, and grape must. Together with the University of Bordeaux’s Faculty of Pharmacy, she and her husband, Bertrand, developed the first Caudalie products and launched the brand in 1995 to great success.
The family later expanded the idea into spa and hospitality. Another Cathiard daughter, Alice Thourbier Cathiard, and her husband Jérôme Thourbier manage two luxury spa hotels: Les Sources de Caudalie, located within the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard, and Les Sources de Cheverny in the Loire Valley.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte shows how a historic winery can use its heritage in creative ways, diversifying into skincare, wellness, and hospitality. One more fascinating detail: an ancient natural spring lies beneath the vineyard, providing pristine water that enhances their spa and skincare products.
This remarkable journey shows how passion, heritage, and innovation can intertwine to create something truly unique. What began as centuries-old vines in Bordeaux has blossomed into a world-renowned skincare brand, luxurious spa retreats, and a model of sustainable living. Caudalie is not just a name on a bottle—it’s a story rooted in the heart of wine country, where beauty and tradition grow side by side.
