Why Wine Now?

We live in a time of unprecedented material abundance. Shops are filled with products, and when it comes to food, simply being “delicious” is no longer enough to convey real value. Much of what we eat is processed in large factories and sold in convenient packaging, often distancing us from the people and nature behind it.

The wines I introduce are made from grapes carefully grown by small family producers. The quality of wine begins in the vineyard, and growers devote their entire year to nurturing their vines with dedication and care. Wine is an agricultural product shaped by land, nature, and human craftsmanship.

In France’s wine regions, this connection between nature, culture, and the work of the grower remains very much alive. Based in Burgundy, I work to connect these producers with the Japanese market while sharing the cultural background and values behind their wines.

In today’s world, where many people spend more time alone and communication continues to evolve, wine still has the power to bring people together. Sharing a good meal and a bottle of wine with others can remind us of the importance of human connection.

Representative: Kaori Ishiguro

Profile

Bridging the Global Wine Business

With 15 years of experience as an international flight attendant at Japan Airlines, I developed a global perspective and deep cultural insights while traveling across the world. My passion for wine grew through my role in in-flight wine service, leading me to study at the Faculty of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux in my 10th year of service. This pivotal experience marked the beginning of my journey into the wine industry.

Since 2003, I have been based in Burgundy, France, where I have been deeply involved in viticulture and winemaking. Through this hands-on experience, I have gained a profound understanding of sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation, embracing wine production not just as a business but as a valuable industry intertwined with culture and nature.

Key Achievements

Winery Management & Branding in Burgundy

Organizing and hosting wine tastings and visitor experiences
Conducting business negotiations and tasting sessions with global buyers
Promoting and selling wines at international wine fairs and exhibitions
Overseeing wine shipments, export management, and French customs procedures
Developing label designs and marketing strategies
Participating in prestigious wine auctions such as the Hospices de Beaune

International Wine Project Management

In 2018, I joined a groundbreaking project led by renowned Burgundian winemaker Etienne de Montille to establish a wine production venture in Hokkaido, Japan. This initiative aimed to bridge Japanese and French wine cultures and contribute to the global expansion of Japan’s wine industry.

Launching and managing an international wine project
Handling financial management, human resources, and subsidy administration
Negotiating and coordinating with Japanese government agencies and the French Embassy in Japan
Developing wine branding strategies and sales planning

Wine Consultant & Business Leadership

Since 2022, I have been actively engaged as a wine researcher and business consultant while serving as the CEO of the French company Bellevue France and leading "WINE no KAORI." My mission is to connect the French and Japanese wine markets, fostering the growth of the international wine business.

Qualifications & Skills

Bachelor’s Degree in Law (1994)
Certified Sommelier, Japan Sommelier Association (1997)
Senior Sommelier, Japan Sommelier Association (2001)
Completed Wine Oenology & Tasting Studies, University of Bordeaux (2000)
Professional License in Wine Commerce, University of Burgundy (2006)
Knight of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, Burgundy (2009)

Philosophy

“With integrity, grace, and elegance.”
I believe in the power of wine to connect people, bridge cultures, and link the land to the future.
Embracing change with a strong sense of aesthetics and responsibility, I strive to deliver each drop with meaning and value to the world.

With over 30 years of experience in the wine industry, I continue to make an impact on the global market, connecting people through wine and contributing to a sustainable future.