I AM:
Yu Kurosawa, Sommelier and Manager at Market Eating House in Bunbury (WA Committee)
I BECAME A COMMITTEE MEMBER TO:
To talk about it, learn about it and share experiences and stories that come with it because I love wine.
MY BACKGROUND IS:
I am from Japan and grew up in a family with a hospitality industry background. My father was a hotel manager and my mother was always helping at a small Ryokan (Japanese Bed and Breakfast) owned by my grandparents. As I grew up, I had many opportunities to explore tasty food and unique ingredients that would be used in the kitchens.After finishing school, I went to New Zealand to study English. That is where my wine journey began. I worked with an amazing team at a French restaurant in Christchurch. They introduced me to the whole wine world.Then I spent time in London, working for Claridge’s Hotel. I immersed myself in the numerous wines accessible at work.

I went back to NZ for a while, then to Melbourne for 10 years. It’s needless to mention the learning opportunities there, weekly master classes, trade tastings and classes you can attend. I completed WSET level 3 in 2016.

Now I’m at Bakkheia vineyard learning about viticulture first hand and working for Market Eating House, creating the wine list.

ONE THING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME IS…
I’m allergic to sulphur but I work in the vineyard anyway. It’s not very cool.

 

THE PERFECT MEAL WOULD BE:
Freshly shucked Oysters and Muscadet. I can eat and drink them together forever.

 

MY DREAM INDULGENCE WOULD BE:
To travel to a French Mediterranean coastal town and sit and sip the best rosé the area can offer. Then eat plate full of fresh seafood (preferably as raw as possible) and sip on the best white. I’m not fussed about vintage, vineyard and varieties – just something delicious.

 

WHAT I ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A PART OF THE WINE INDUSTRY IS …
You get to meet all kinds of people. Everyday is different. Most of the time, you are contributing something to their enjoyment. I think that is a pretty cool thing.

Also, this is ever involving industry, particularly wine. The market is always changing. It is fun to catch up with the trend and re-encounter the old as new, or something completely new.