The biggest event for me in 2021 was starting Bokumo Wine , an online shop specializing in New Zealand wine.
Around this time last year, I was having this conversation with Mr. Sato, who co-runs this website, NZ Wine Lovers.
Iwa: "The world has become a really troubled place."
Sa: "That's true. But I think it's times like these that we need to make our next move."
Iwa: That's something I've been thinking about for a while, but I think we should do something that's an extension of what we've done so far, rather than something new and different.
Sa: "That's definitely a good idea. We started this website with the desire to spread the word about New Zealand wine, so if there's anything that could come from that, then of course..."
Iwa: "I'll get a license and sell New Zealand wine!"
Sa: "Let's do it!!!"
Rock: "Okay, let's try it!"
So, we spent the first half of 2021 preparing to open (it took quite a while since we both had full-time jobs), created a new company, and opened Bokumo Wine on July 1st.
And now, six months since the opening.
Thanks to you, I feel like a lot of people have purchased New Zealand wine.
Up until now, we have been providing information about the appeal of New Zealand wines through our website, but now we are seeing the positive results of actually delivering delicious New Zealand wines to many dining tables. We also have many repeat customers, which we are very grateful for.
After all, once you try New Zealand wine, you realize how delicious it is. I thought I should have done this sooner, but in reality, I would not have done it if it weren't for the COVID-19 pandemic, so I think this was the only time I could have done it.
Now that we are approaching the end of the year, I am busy ordering and shipping products that were ordered during our Christmas sale, and writing this blog while looking back on the past year, which has led to a sudden thought.
What I mean is that up until now, I've mostly made the choice to "give it a try."
When I was a student and heard that a radio station was looking for part-time workers, I was very enthusiastic and thought, "I'd like to give it a try!", and that's how my life in radio began.
When Kobayashi Katsuya called me and asked, "Can you write a manuscript?" I was worried whether I could do it, but I thought, "Well, I'll give it a try," and I still submit about 10 manuscripts a month.
I wanted to open a restaurant, so I invited a chef to try it out and opened a restaurant. It's been 13 years now, and we've managed to keep going.
And then there's Bokumo Wine. "Let's try it with Mr. Sato!", so we gave it a go.
I think this might be due to my father's influence.
I once heard a story like this from my father.
"I've always been an office worker, but when I was younger, I had a friend who had an idea for a new machine, and there was a time when I was thinking about starting a business based on that idea. But in the end, it didn't come to fruition. Looking back now, I think it might have been better if I had done it."
It's like they say, "It's better to regret doing something than regret not doing it."
I'm sure my father mentioned this without any thought, but it left me with the strong impression that "regretting not doing something can really drag you down."
As a result, I feel like when I have to make a choice in life, I usually choose to "give it a try."
Wait a minute.
When I think about it, I realize that the words I say to my son without thinking can leave a strong impression on me. I need to be more careful about what I say.
Um, what conversation did we have recently? Ah, that's right.
"Which do you prefer, Peyoung or UFO?"
"UFO"
This isn't something that will affect my life yet.
This week's pairing
Bokumo's new winter menu item is "Baked ratatouille with sardines and six kinds of vegetables."
It looks almost like a gratin, but the inside is made up of three layers: a layer of sardines in oil, a layer of ratatouille with plenty of vegetables, and a layer of cream sauce. This is really delicious. Well done, chef.
This dish combines the savory flavor of sardines, the sourness of tomato sauce, and the richness of cream, all in one dish, so it is best to choose a wine with a broad range of flavors to go with it.
The perfect wine...
The answer is "dry rosé". He has a wide range of tastes, just like Hiroshima's Ryosuke Kikuchi. He can easily handle even slightly irregular menu items.
This is recommended.
Johanneshof Cellars Maven Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2018
