Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Worn Out Wednesday – Charles Smith

Today we speak to rock n’ roll wine maker Charles Smith:

Growing up just outside of Sacramento, California, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Charles Smith began craving worldly travel at a young age due to his Welsh mother and French father. As soon as he had the chance, Charles decided to move to Denmark (for a “hot piece of ass” as he likes to explain it i.e. a lady friend he met in the States).

Recommended Videos

While in Scandinavia, Charles spent the next nine years managing rock bands and concert tours throughout Europe, including the famed Danish duo, The Ravonettes. Wining and dining while on the road became a catalyst for his passion of wine, which ultimately triggered the career he has today. In 1999, he moved back to the United States, specifically to the Pacific Northwest, opening a wine shop on Bainbridge Island, just across the Puget Sound from downtown Seattle. On a road trip in late 1999, he passed through the small town of Walla Walla and met a young Frenchman and winemaker. The two found their common passion for great Syrah and Charles decided to move to Walla Walla and make his own juice. In 2001, Charles released 330 cases of his first wine, the 1999 K Syrah. Fast forward 15 years, Charles is now the largest independent and winemaker-owned winery in the state of Washington, producing over 500,000 cases for his family of brands, which includes K Vintners, Charles Smith Wines, ViNO, Secco Italian Bubbles, SIXTO and Wines of Substance.

A self-taught winemaker, Charles is a true artisan and a pioneer in the wine world. In 2008, K Vintners was recognized by Wine & Spirits magazine as one of the “Best New Wineries of the Last Ten Years,” and as “Winery of the Year” in their annual buying guide. In 2009, Food & Wine magazine awarded Charles “Winemaker of the Year” and in 2010 Seattle Magazine recognized Charles as their “Winemaker of the Year.”

Charles has received a total of 65 scores of 95 points and above, and 297 scores of 90 points above, from the leading wine publications (Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits). Recently featured on Bloomberg Television, Heritage Radio Network and Huffington Post, Charles Smith Wines is the largest independent and winemaker-owned winery in Washington State with wines sold in all fifty states and eighteen countries worldwide.

As for Charles’ personal style:

Jeans: I wear both 1947 Levi 501s and Rikke Korff’s brand, SkarGorn “The Chief” jeans.

Shirts: Black 100% cotton Gap shirts with pockets or Calvin Klein without pockets.

Pants: I don’t wear pants.

Suits: Tom Ford is my go-to for suits.

Shoes: Vans or Paul Smith.

Accessories: One of my favorite accessories is my vintage

Longines pocket watch from the early 1900s – and of course, my pre-1960 Persol sunglasses.

Outerwear: Filson, baby.

Favorite Cologne: As a winemaker, I go with my own scent which is very clean, with Dr. Bronners Lavender soap.

Your favorite App: My Pandora app.

Favorite piece of technology: A wine opener.

Next tech purchase:  I just bought the new iPad Air for the music system at my new house.

Cator Sparks
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
5 watch brands that prove sustainability never goes out of style
How five watch brands are putting the planet first
Oris Divers Sixty Five 60th Anniversary Edition

Luxury watch creation always focuses on endurance. Clocks have been made with the intention of care and endurance, which is, of course, a sustainable practice. Even with this built-in endurance, the business sometimes lacked proper environmental tactics, and waste has been an unnecessary by-product of the industry.
Because buyers demand responsibility in product making these days, visionary watch companies now address their environmental impact. They do so with long-term plans that are more than just an advertising gimmick. These firms rethink everything from materials and production to packaging and brand ethos.
Below are five watch brands leading the charge with real environmental promise in 2025. This proves that luxury watchmaking can exist without compromising sustainability.

Oris: Ocean conservation through purpose-driven timepieces

Read more
Try out the viral Dubai chocolate trend with these pistachio tequila cocktails
Tequila Cazadores

Pistachio is everywhere this season, from its soft green color to the inescapable viral Dubai chocolate trend that has been all over TikTok and Instagram. With the combination of pistachio, chocolate, and tahini being a smash hit, bartenders have taken note and have been working on their own pistachio-inspired drinks, often including the use of coffee as a natural complement to the sweet and bitter flavors.

Tequila brand Cazadores has come out with its own take on the trend, making use of its Cazadores Café liqueur which blends tequila and coffee flavors. These two cocktails are not only bang on trend but also look gorgeous, showing off the textures of pistachio as well as its flavors.

Read more
Paul Smith and Lee reach back to their roots in new collection
Lee x Paul Smith is one of the more important collabs in jeans
Lee x Paul Smith Deneille Robert Percival and Emil Sands

Lee Jeans has been a staple in the denim industry for 50 years, with some of the best workwear on the market. Paul Smith has been a mainstay in England thanks to his dedication to creativity, positivity, and curiosity. The two came together in the 70s to launch Paul Smith's iconic Painters Jeans, distributed in the States by Lee. Five and a half decades later, the two are collaborating again to release a 14-piece limited edition collection that includes jeans, denim jackets, western-style shirts, and T-shirts. The Lee x Paul Smith collection takes the Lee 101 jeans and 101 Stormrider jacket, Lee chore jacket, western shirt, and carpenter pant to reimagine them in distinct Paul Smith patterns like his classic pinstripes and a playful washed jacquard.

“Paul Smith is renowned for its ‘classic with a twist’ aesthetic which fits authentically with Lee’s timeless style. Fans around the world have been waiting for this capsule since June’s initial announcement. At Lee, we can’t wait to see the momentum and excitement the launch generates for both brands.” - Jenni Broyles, Executive Vice-President & Global Brands President, Lee.

Read more