I realized through the memories feature on Facebook that I was in New Zealand exactly this time seven years ago.
At the time, I was visiting wineries in the Central Otago region with my cousin who lived in Queenstown. I saw a lot of photos and thought, "Oh, this place was great," and I was looking at them with a grin on my face in front of my computer, and before I knew it, an hour had passed (lol).
However, I was surprised to learn that seven years have already passed. I had the image that it was about five years ago, but I guess that's because there was a period of +2 where I couldn't take action, so that's how it feels.
Looking back, I was quick to act once I had the idea in mind.
"I want to make New Zealand wine the main focus of my store from now on, so the experience of visiting a New Zealand winery is absolutely essential."
The moment I thought this, I searched for AIR NEW ZEALAND tickets online. Then, thinking that this date seemed like it would work, I immediately pressed the purchase button.
As a result, the trip that I impulsively clicked and made happen back then is what continues to this day.
Hey, Iwasu from seven years ago. You're going to open a wine shop that specializes in New Zealand wines in a little while, so make sure you look around carefully. That's what I want to say.
My cousin Akira and his wife Yoko, who took care of me while I was there, were incredibly proactive and showed great hospitality.
"We have a sommelier visiting from Japan right now. Is there any way we can get him a tour inside the premises?" he asked directly over the phone to the prestigious winery, Felton Road .
Felton Road Fields
Of course, it is usually closed to the public. But after a few phone calls, we managed to pry open the door to the inside of the winery. What brilliant negotiation skills!
Thus, I was very fortunate to witness, with explanations from the staff, the making of some of the world's finest Pinot Noir.
He took me to a place where special fermentation tanks were installed and told me, "In these tanks, we make good use of gravity to ferment the wine without putting any extra strain on the grapes."
I was constantly amazed. After the explanation, I tried a pinot that was absolutely irresistible. It melted so well that maybe my weight was lifted.
Other wineries we visited in Central Otago included Amisfield, Carrick, Akarua, Mount Difficulty, Wild Earth, and Mischa's Vineyard .
A sommelier I met in Japan was working at Misha's Vineyards on a working holiday visa (and she's incredibly proactive), so I asked her to help me tour the vineyards. I also had the luxury of being able to sample the wines with explanations at the owner Misha's home. I was so grateful.
The other day, while looking at my notes from that time, I was writing down the information for the sales page for Misha's wines on Bokumo Wine, and it brought back memories of how I felt at the time.
Also, there is a Japanese man living in New Zealand named Toshi who I have been interacting with a lot on social media recently, and it turns out he works at Akarua , one of the wineries I visited that time!
There are over 60 wineries in the Central Otago region, and I have visited seven of them. It was quite a coincidence that someone I am currently interacting with on social media works at one of them. I was only able to go to the cellar door (a tasting and direct sales shop), but next time I would like to visit Toshi and go to the fields.
Afterwards, we visited the Marlborough region, where we saw dazzlingly vast vineyards. The wind was strong, and I could really feel that this must be what keeps the humidity down and makes the grapes less susceptible to disease.
And the massive wine industry system with its huge wineries was truly spectacular.
I learned that even within the same country, winemaking methods vary greatly from region to region.
I'm glad I went and saw it. I'm glad I got to meet all the different people who are involved in winemaking in that natural environment.
It all started with, "Oh, I have to go."
I suddenly decided I had to go, and when I did, I met new people there. I felt grateful. I made many discoveries. And those experiences have led me to where I am now.
But for the past two years, even when I have an idea, I have not been able to act immediately. It feels like I have even lost the spontaneous ability to take action.
That's not good.
When you have an idea, that's the time to act. That action will change your life. Don't forget that.
I felt this strongly as I looked at an album from seven years ago.
This week's pairing
It's getting quite warm.
At times like this, I want to drink rosé wine.
Bitter spring vegetables with rosé.
Rosé and sandwiches on a picnic.
Enjoy a bite of cheese and rosé while cherry blossom viewing.
Of course, rosé goes well with meat dishes too.
His defensive range is as wide as that of Chunichi's shortstop Kyoda (completely unrelated, but I wonder if Shuhei will be okay at second base this year).
This is the rosé I recommend.
→ A slightly unusual rosé made with Sangiovese. It's dark in color and has a strong fruity flavor.
It has a gorgeous strawberry-like flavor, but the aftertaste is dry. It is a rich rosé wine that goes well with meals.
From March 15th to March 31st, we are offering 15% off all rosé wines, so please come along if you'd like.
▶ 15% off all rosé wines, perfect for spring
By the way, in my case, I tried matching it with something like this.
An appetizer of burrata, kiwi and prosciutto. It goes really well with wine. I'll try it! Lol
