Why Wine Now?

Today, we live in an era of great material abundance. Stores are overflowing with products, and when it comes to food, simply being "delicious" is no longer enough to sell. In our daily lives, it has become commonplace for meat, fish, and vegetables to be processed in large factories, packaged conveniently, and displayed for sale. Unfortunately, our awareness that these meats and fish are living beings, from which we receive their precious lives, has diminished significantly. The same applies to plants.

The wines I present are made from grapes that are lovingly cultivated through extensive manual labor on small to medium-sized farms. It is often said that high-quality wine cannot be produced from low-quality grapes, and the quality of wine can be directly tied to the quality of the grapes. This is why grape farmers dedicate an entire year to diligently working in the fields. By learning about the invaluable work of these farmers, which we seldom see, through the lens of wine, let us reconsider our daily lives from a different perspective.

Moreover, our lifestyles have become more nuclear, granting us the freedom to spend time alone. Many tasks have been conveniently mechanized, modernizing our daily routines with high precision. While social media has enabled global communication, it seems that we have begun to place less emphasis on communicating with those close to us. Wine is often described as a companion to meals and a lubricant for human relationships. By sharing delicious food and wine during these precious moments with those we cherish, we can truly appreciate the importance of our relationships.

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 Étienne 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

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)

Values & Philosophy

Global mindset with a strong sense of authenticity
Integrity in relationships, fostering trust, kindness, and sincerity
Embracing challenges with a forward-thinking and positive attitude
Commitment to sustainability and an appreciation for aesthetics
Lifelong dedication to wine expertise, continuous learning, and innovation

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.