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. His wine journey began as a migrant restaurant, spending winters in Palm Springs and summers in Lake Tahoe or Napa Valley from the ages of nineteen to twenty-nine. This period of his life became a catalyst for his passion for wine. In 1989 Charles decided to move to Denmark (for a lady friend he met in the states). While in Scandinavia, Charles spent the next nine years managing rock bands and concert tours throughout Europe, including the famed Danish duo, The Raveonettes. Wining, dining and hard partying while on the road ultimately triggered the career he has today.