I went to Tokyo for the first time in a long time.
The purpose is to attend a wine seminar.
The title of the seminar is "Cloudy Bay Master Class."
Cloudy Bay is the most well-known winery in New Zealand and the world. It is owned by the LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group and all of its wines are in the premium range.
Cloudy Bay held this master class this year for the first time, to help Japanese wine professionals learn more about the winery.
Apparently about 10 sommeliers were selected from across the country, and to my surprise, Iwasu was included on that list.
I wonder if word reached home that there is a guy in Nagoya who is habitually shouting "New Zealand, New Zealand" every time he opens his mouth.
Or perhaps God was watching over us, noting that we were doing our best even amid the coronavirus pandemic.
And so, after something lucky like this happens, does something unlucky happen?
I'd hate that. I'd rather have the bad luck of hitting my pinky finger on the corner of a dresser.
In reality, I think they were probably chosen not as the 10 best sommeliers in Japan, but as the 10 sommeliers in Japan who are likely to sell Cloudy Bay.
Since I was chosen, I made sure to take in all the information I learned and use it to my advantage in the future.
This seminar was divided into three parts: 1st: online, 2nd: face-to-face, 3rd: online, and the condition for participation was that you could attend all three sessions.
I see. So you're saying that you want to use the online seminar system, which has become popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also communicating effectively through face-to-face seminars. That's great.
The second time was this week in Tokyo, so I got up early and went.
The seminar room and restaurant where the event was held was on the 51st floor of a high-rise building, overlooking the Imperial Palace and offering a panoramic view of the Kanto region.
Some people might think, "Wow, what a beautiful view," but for me...
It was as if I, a country bumpkin who doesn't have a license to look down on things, was looking down on them (as I'm a country bumpkin who's afraid of heights).
Regardless of the scenery, what's important is the content of the seminar.
The border finally opened, and we were able to do some tasting whilst listening to an in-depth talk by Jim White, the mastermind behind Cloudy Bay, who had come all the way from New Zealand.
It was very interesting to compare the different vintages of the classic Sauvignon Blanc . Furthermore, Te Coco , which is barrel fermented and barrel aged with natural yeast, has a unique finish that makes it hard to believe it is made from the same grape variety in the same region, and I was able to confirm that they are pursuing a unique style.
And, although it's not something you'd normally get to do at a seminar hosted by a winery, we also had the opportunity to compare the wines with those of other wineries. As you'd expect from a champion. Other wineries are good, but our style is better than theirs, right? I felt that confidence.
At the social gathering following the seminar, Jim and I enjoyed a French lunch course with wine pairings.
I really enjoyed the fun of how a good pairing can transform wine from a drink into a seasoning. It was really good input. Thank you very much.
After that, I thought I'd wander around Tokyo's restaurants a bit, so I took a train to a place I haven't been to very often.
However, I got a call about work on the way there, so I got off at a nearby station and spent two hours typing on my computer at Starbucks. It was getting close to time to return to Nagoya, so I gave up on going around the restaurants.
Then, on the train to Tokyo Station, I suddenly realized that the feeling I was having today was a little similar to something.
That's right. They will pay for your Shinkansen ticket, and you will have a fantastic learning experience in a very luxurious location.
Something similar to this happened quite often when I was a radio director.
New artists would invite me to a live house in Tokyo to perform their debut live show, and I'd be treated to a meal after the show. Of course, they would cover my travel expenses, and sometimes even included accommodation. What an amazing time it was.
To be honest, I felt a sense of satisfaction that I was getting to do something a little special.
But at the same time, I wondered whether I was worthy of such generous hospitality.
Just because I happen to be in charge of selecting music, I'm starting to get the illusion that I'm somehow in a privileged position.
Ah, that feeling.
Just because you attended a seminar on high-end wines in a high-rise building doesn't make you a great sommelier. I just happened to be in that position, so I was asked to speak to you.
Yes, that's right. That's correct.
Also, I have a chef and staff to look after the restaurant, so I can get away for a little while.
Yes, indeed. I should be grateful.
Don't be complacent. Be thankful to those around you.
With this in mind, I bought a small souvenir at Tokyo Station and headed home.
