Forbes author and wine enthusiast Yuri Shima shares the lessons she has learned from her 20-year journey into the world of wine.
Shima's passion for wine was ignited when she moved to California in the early 2000s, where living close to renowned wineries sparked her interest not only in the wines themselves but also in the stories behind these pioneering wineries that supported the early days of California wine.
As Shima delved deeper into her studies, she realized that understanding a wine's background was crucial to appreciating its unique characteristics. She notes that this "sense of place" expressed in wine can be attributed not only to the region where it is produced but also to the people whose hard work and experiences bring the wine to life.
Shima's journey took her from California back to Tokyo, where she took her first wine course at the AcadΓ©mie du Vin Tokyo. This experience broadened her palate beyond California, introducing her to wine regions globally. Years later, Shima became an educator at this school, a role that she never imagined when she first learned about wine.
One of the key takeaways from Shima's journey is the importance of visiting the region where the wine is produced and speaking directly with producers to learn their philosophy. This hands-on approach allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of wine and its story.
Shima also notes that learning about wine is an endless journey, and the more she learns, the more she realizes how much there is still to discover. She has met many inspiring people along the way, including producers and fellow enthusiasts who have enriched her life with their knowledge and experiences.
Perhaps most importantly, Shima believes that wine brings people together, regardless of background or origin. Sharing a special bottle over good conversation can enrich life and become a cherished lifetime memory.
Shima's passion for wine was ignited when she moved to California in the early 2000s, where living close to renowned wineries sparked her interest not only in the wines themselves but also in the stories behind these pioneering wineries that supported the early days of California wine.
As Shima delved deeper into her studies, she realized that understanding a wine's background was crucial to appreciating its unique characteristics. She notes that this "sense of place" expressed in wine can be attributed not only to the region where it is produced but also to the people whose hard work and experiences bring the wine to life.
Shima's journey took her from California back to Tokyo, where she took her first wine course at the AcadΓ©mie du Vin Tokyo. This experience broadened her palate beyond California, introducing her to wine regions globally. Years later, Shima became an educator at this school, a role that she never imagined when she first learned about wine.
One of the key takeaways from Shima's journey is the importance of visiting the region where the wine is produced and speaking directly with producers to learn their philosophy. This hands-on approach allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of wine and its story.
Shima also notes that learning about wine is an endless journey, and the more she learns, the more she realizes how much there is still to discover. She has met many inspiring people along the way, including producers and fellow enthusiasts who have enriched her life with their knowledge and experiences.
Perhaps most importantly, Shima believes that wine brings people together, regardless of background or origin. Sharing a special bottle over good conversation can enrich life and become a cherished lifetime memory.