Luxury has always been defined by heritage, but in the 21st century, it’s being redefined by visionaries. At the forefront of this transformation is Zaya Younan, a man who turned castles into palaces, vineyards into icons, and cigars into a global phenomenon. Now, he’s setting his sights on fashion and jewelry. Zaya Younan didn’t inherit a legacy. He built one.
Ten years ago, Zaya Younan had a vision—one that would stretch across borders, industries, and imagination. In 2016, he began acquiring historic castles in France. These weren’t just buildings. They were forgotten palaces, rich in heritage, waiting for resurrection. And he brought them back to life—restoring them, reimagining them, and transforming them into the most elegant five and Six-star hotels in Europe.
That was only the beginning.
By 2017, Younan had entered the world of winemaking—establishing Younan Wine Estates in Bordeaux’s secret Sanon Grand Cru region. He created wines with depth, power, and elegance—names like Château Zaya, Château La Croix Younan, and Château Ascimbas, now poured in Michelin-star restaurants from Paris to Los Angeles.
And from the vineyard, he moved into the distillery—crafting vodka and cognac in the heart of France, blending tradition and innovation to create ultra-premium spirits that are now gaining international acclaim.
Then came the boldest move yet.
In 2020, Younan acquired a small boutique cigar company named El Septimo, founded in 2005. It was niche. Respected. But limited. In just four years, he transformed it into the fastest-growing luxury cigar brand in the world, serving 990 cities across more than 50 countries. El Septimo today is not just a cigar brand. It’s a movement. With over 55 unique blends, each cigar is aged, crafted, and perfected using science-backed techniques inspired by Bordeaux winemaking.
And in 2025, to mark the company’s 20th anniversary, El Septimo unveiled its crown jewel—Doble Gran Reserva —an ultra-premium cigar and the world’s first perfect cigar. This is a commemorative cigar that stands as a symbol of what happens when tradition meets vision.
Zaya Younan: The Visionary Redefining The Luxury Industry Across Continents. The Unstoppable Rise of Zaya Younan
But Zaya Younan didn’t stop at cigars.
He introduced an entire world of luxury accessories—from Swiss-made lighters with gold and gemstone details, to exotic precious humidors, to custom ashtrays that double as sculptures. These are not just tools for smokers. They are objects of art—designed to elevate every moment and nourish your soul.
His empire—spanning France, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United States—is more than a collection of products. It’s an experience. A lifestyle. A unified vision of elegance, built to touch every aspect of how we live, travel, taste, and express.
From the châteaux of the Loire Valley, like Château de Beauvois, Château Le Prieuré, Domaine de Vaugouard, and Château de la Perrière, to the sun-drenched shores of Malibu Foz in Portugal, his hotels offer guests the experience of royal living—complete with fine dining, golf courses, cigar lounges, wine cellars, and timeless European charm.
And now, Zaya Younan is preparing for his next move. Fashion, Jewelry and Personal luxury. Because no empire is complete until it dresses the world.
Younan’s luxury fashion house will soon deliver couture concept products and services. This is not just another product line, but it’s the continuation of his dream. A dream that started with a castle and is becoming the most comprehensive luxury company in the world.
Zaya Younan’s background in science, engineering, finance, and global real estate makes him one of the rare leaders who can execute with creativity and precision. He’s not just building a brand. He’s building a kingdom.
And the world is watching.
