Tiếng Việt
If you are a wine enthusiast, you must be familiar with the legendary 1855 Grand Cru Classé ranking, a classification of the finest wines from the Bordeaux region established at the request of Emperor Napoleon III. Currently, the head of the Grands Crus Classés 1855 Association in Bordeaux is Philippe Casteja. I have had the fortune of meeting Mr. Casteja three times: twice in Saigon and once at an event in Hong Kong. These encounters left such a profound impression on me that I spent many days delving into the origins, biography, and genealogy of the wealthy Casteja family. However, what I want to share is not his career path, immense wealth, or the prestigious wine estates owned by the Casteja family, but rather my personal experiences with this extraordinary man.
Philippe Casteja, Chairman of the Borie Manoux Group—one of Bordeaux’s two largest wine groups—owns eight prestigious estates on both the left and right banks of Bordeaux, including Château TrotteVieille, Château Batailley, and Château Lynch-Moussas. He is not only listed among the 500 wealthiest people in France but is also a significant figure in the wine industry. Since 2007, he has held the position of President of the Grand Crus Classés 1855 Association and numerous other important roles in French wine associations. Additionally, he has been awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest order of merit, for his substantial contributions to the nation.
Despite being over 70 years old, Mr. Casteja remains exceedingly elegant, from his attire to his demeanor. He often dons a navy blue suit—a symbol of the aristocracy—with a meticulously folded silk handkerchief in his pocket, exuding sophistication. One memorable occasion was when he visited my former company’s office, DaLoc for a meeting with six people: three French and three Vietnamese. Everyone spoke both English and French except for me, and naturally, the conversation began in French. When he realized I didn’t speak French, he graciously switched to English so I could participate. This small gesture reflected his respect and finesse in communication, something I deeply admire.
Moreover, he behaves like a true gentleman, offering sincere compliments and readily assisting when needed. I recall an event we organized in Saigon; after the first masterclass, we walked to the second venue for a wine dinner, carrying quite a few items. He didn’t hesitate to offer, “I’d be happy to carry something for you.” So, he helped me with my things, and as we walked, he shared humorous stories. I never felt a hint of distance due to his status or wealth; instead, he was incredibly friendly and witty.
What I respect most about Mr. Casteja is his unwavering dedication to his work, even at 75. While many people his age would retire, he remains passionate, traveling for business and contributing to wine organizations. One of his employees once mentioned that his work pace intimidates even the younger staff, as he works intensely, often arriving at the office by 8 AM. Contrary to what some might think, he doesn’t rely on an entourage; he manages everything himself, from airport check-ins to attending business meetings. He remains actively engaged in events and initiates conversations with those he meets.
Despite his wealth and success, I have never felt any distance in our encounters; rather, I always enjoy the conversation with him because he makes me feel special. I realize this is a superpower of successful people—they always see the positive in others, celebrate their potential, and inspire them to achieve great things.
