We are pleased to bring you this “Passion & Luxury” profile of a French gentleman entrepreneur who had a vision for an alternative to the champagne bucket. Sebastien Woirin is the founder of Reverencieuse, spherical shaped champagne presentation cases. Sebastien is passionate about fine food and fine craftsmanship; the result of his ingenuity is a creation that exquisitely blends form, fashion and the all important but oft overlooked, function. The elegant, spherical, patented champagne presentation is a fine piece of art you can use for champagne, but it also that goes beyond in terms of what it can deliver versus the traditional methods for cooling champagne and serving other fine spirits and foods. Sebastien spoke to EAT LOVE SAVOR® about his passion for luxury and life. We bring to you that conversation. 

Sebastien Woirin

Tell us about your background, about the path that sparked your passion for creation and that brought your luxury business to life.

I am a 40-year-old Parisian, married and a father of two wonderful children. I studied literature and cinema before I decided to go to live and work abroad at the age of 20 years old, driven by the desire to discover other cultures and to become fully autonomous and independent. That is what drove me to London, Barcelona and New-York: cosmopolitan and fascinating cities for various reasons. I relocated to Paris after almost 10 years living abroad, considering that this city suited me the best, grown-up and developed by those life experiences. So I now live in Paris by choice, not only because I was born in this city. My experience in London was the most important; it is where I really became an adult. I had the chance to experience the transition to the year 2000 in this city, which gives a chance to those who want to seize it. I discovered it while working in the world of gastronomy, wines and spirits. My love for service was born during this time. Barcelona and its "buena vida", New York for its incredible energy, also remain good memories. Back in Paris, it is almost by coincidence that I discovered the world of craftsmen, by offering Art locksmithing. Magnificent pieces of style, intended for the most elegant places as well as historical places. Gastronomy, wines and spirits, craftsmanship, French art-de-vivre… without knowing it yet, all the ingredients of "Révérencieuse" were in place!

Sebastien opening a champagne sphere at the Bristol Bar

I have always had a thousand ideas per second in relation to creation. I love beauty, I love to create, I cannot stop imagining new objects or thinking of ways to unlocking existing constraints. One day (or one night to be more precise), I decided to try and improve the traditional serving tray. I was attacking a known, universal product. From reflections to reflections, I quickly arrived at a sphere, which has the ability to protect the contents and the containers. The Champagne sphere, which would later become a tasting sphere, was the result.

The constraints of a classical Champagne bucket no longer exist with this case. In the end, we are far from a serving tray: the creative process led me to imagine a completely different product!

Finally, came a very important decision: the mode of production. I had two options for making this patented piece; either producing at the other side of the world and go for a business driven volumes, or making local, hand-made, rare products. I didn’t have to think too long, the choice was natural to me.

Passion has ebb and flow. What drives your passion? How do you keep your creative forces and passions alive?

In every object I see or use I often ask myself this question: "Is it useful? Effective? Can we improve it?" Often, I notice that designers focus 100% on aesthetics. But for pieces intended to be used, such as a Champagne bucket, I sincerely think that it is necessary to also focus on the function it is made for. In everything I do, I constantly integrate the practical side and performance attributes. Some buckets are sublime, but without a plate and a napkin underneath, your furniture is soaked in minutes. And for the most beautiful bottles, which require years of work and constant attention from the winegrowers, the thermic shock inflicted to the wine by the direct contact of the ice cubes is damaging. If beauty is a real satisfaction and brings so much pleasure, my objective in terms of development lies above all in performance and utility.

 

What are the causes you support that you are passionate about?

Through the mode of production, I seek to highlight the fascinating work of craftsmen. Thanks to their talent and their knowledge, they are able to create magnificent pieces. The durability  and sustainability of these creations is essential. All these men and women, artisans or winegrowers are generally full of common sense. Being in contact with them on a daily basis is a real godsend.

Révérencieuse at Le Bristol Hotel

What other passions in your life drive you?

As I first studied cinema, this art is necessarily a passion. From Kubrick to Bunuel, from Deray to Palma. Music too, I can't imagine living without it! There, I would quote Bashung, Winehouse, Morricone ... You will see that unfortunately, those who inspire me are often already dead. So let's add Vitalic and Daft Punk, for the French Touch! I still remain as passionate about my city, Paris and will never tire of it. Crossing the Place de la Concorde at night in the rain… And of course, the most important: my family. My lovely wife and my children, who are my fuel.

 

If you had a message to pass on, what would it be?”

Take your time. Let us take this chance to live. At this moment, nature reminds us that the notion of "long time" (a commitment to the long term and sustainable) is vital. It's a good thing, everything is going too fast. Let's try to look far. And let's try to create timeless objects which resemble us and which will remain after our passage, as a legacy from generation to generation.

 

For more information visit https://www.reverencieuse.com

 
 

EAT LOVE SAVOR® editorial special feature “PASSION & LUXURY”  profiles select people in luxury and their passions. We are highlighting true luxury brands, ateliers and maisons small through large. The feature paints portraits of passionate people in luxury – the creators, designers and founders who inspire others with their passions in life not just in business. Without passion, there is no luxury. Passionate creators that are a source of inspiration, fueling the luxury industry and preserving its skills and essence, whose passionate energy is infectious and drives their creations and pursuit of excellence.