Monica Samuels

I’ve worked with Japanese beverage for over 15 years, although my grandfather worked at a sake brewery after being discharged from WWII, so if you ask my family, they’ll say I was born into the business.

I’ve had the opportunity to wear many hats in this industry, from sushi chef at a jazz club in California to Director of Sake & Spirits at Vine Connections, an importer who sells more sake than wine despite our name. In 2017 I received the recognition of “Sake Samurai” from the Japan Sake Brewer’s Association.

About Vine Connections: Vine Connections is a leading importer and distributor representing fine wines from family producers in Argentina, Chile, and California, and premium Sake from Japan.

Favorite Japanese Words: Shokunin: this translates into “craftsman” or “artisan” in English, but the deeper meaning is “the pursuit of perfection” Omotenashi: the Japanese culture of “elevated hospitality,” or the little touches that let the customer know that an establishment is truly putting their needs first to ensure the most enjoyable experience possible Yabai: this word can mean so many things depending on the context (Risky! Amazing! Extreme! Intoxicating!)	Favorite Sake Snacks: Beef jerky Cheez-its Pickled beets Lox and cream cheese	Favorite Movies For Japan Wanderlust: Mr. Baseball My Neighbor Totoro Tampopo Lost in Translation	Never Take My Advice On: TV shows Directions When to throw things out of the fridge
Favorite Places Outside Japan And NYC: Whitefish, MT Mallorca Chiang Mai, Thailand

Monica Samuels |

Industry Partner

Favorite Sake Snacks:

Favorite Movies For Japan Wanderlust:

Never Take My Advice On:

Favorite Places Outside Japan And NYC:

Sake

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