“I really enjoy shaving”

Peter Bohn loves the bright sides of life. He was born in Rome. He says he grew up with Frascati, hence his great affinity for good food, good wine and, yes, also good grooming. Today, he is co-partner of Valckenberg, the renowned wine merchant business. It was founded in 1786 and is based in Worms.

Mr Bohn, it is 10 o’clock in the morning – what have you done for yourself already?

In my opinion, one should do all daily chores for oneself: cooking, eating, shaving – also cleaning your shoes! When these things turn into mere duties and one does not indulge in them, then one is forced to do things on a daily basis that are no fun. In this regard: I really like to shave – and that’s what I have done for myself today!

What is pleasant about shaving?

In general, I prefer wet shaving to dry shaving, because it is more thorough. When you do things mindfully you’ll find more peace and start your day differently. Everything that happened yesterday gets shaved off and today everything is fresh, renewed – that’s what I like about this ritual. 

After your studies, you straight got into the wine business. Excuse us, but we have to ask this question: Does wine make beautiful?

Oh yes of course! Wine makes everything more beautiful. The wine-mood is philosophical and you become very pretty when you philosophise. There are wines which are so good that you could cry. That’s no drivel! Kurt Tucholsky once said: It’s a pity that you can’t stroke wine. 

Can you remember your first shave?

Of course. It was an electric one, with a shaver from Braun. Around 1986 I think. The shaver was a gift from my parents. I thought that I needed this. 

Nowadays you are a wet shaver. How come?

Back in the 1980s I stopped using an electric shaver. I think this was because of Bud Spencer and Terence Hill – they were diehard wet shavers too. I was impressed.

Which grooming rituals do you have apart from shaving?

In 1985 I got my first hair gel from a friend who offered it to me. I found this really spectacular. Since then I have to put it on the few hair that’s left. What else? All that is necessary: hair washing, body soaping, always with organic soap. In the past, I had really bad neurodermatitis. That’s why there won’t be any soap in my bathroom anymore which is synthetically perfumed. 

Do you like perfume?

I have one. It’s called Chanel Le Bleu and I like it. I prefer no-knickknack perfumes. Unnatural perfumes are horrible. Strong perfumes are a taboo in the wine-scene anyways. Also hand lotions are not welcome. Everything has to stay odourless so that one can scent the world’s fine aromas.

Which products have to be your travel companions? 

In fact, I never travel without my travel shaver by MÜHLE. My wife gave it to me. I have to unpack it often though when I carry it in my hand luggage because it is frequently considered to be some sort of weapon. This one is a piece of home in the outland – like a teddy bear for adults. 

The most underestimated garment for men? 

Shoes! In general, I think we shouldn’t overestimate clothes. In America, you often see fellows wearing outworn shorts and shirts, even though they are the most important businessmen. When someone is willing to spend a lot of money on a high-quality suit and then he wears cheap worn out shoes with it, I think this is not authentic. I prefer it the other way around. Often, you can see that in front of vineyards: Real big cars are standing there. People are loading the really simple wines in these cars and the rusty Golf 2 gets loaded with the classy ones.

This interview has first been published in the printed edition of 30 Grad in autumn 2016.