In the second season of the “Wine Buzz Podcast,” hosted by Dr. Clinton Lee, the opening episode features an enthralling conversation with Sarah Heller, a Master of Wine whose expertise and experiences transcend the conventional boundaries of the wine industry. Sarah, born and raised in Hong Kong and now residing in the Pacific Northwest, brings a unique perspective to wine education and appreciation, colored by her extensive global experiences and multicultural background.
One of the focal points of their dialogue is the concept of varietal adaptability and personal identity, cleverly paralleled with wine characteristics. Sarah discusses how certain grape varieties, like Nebbiolo, are distinctly tied to their traditional regions, whereas others thrive in multiple environments, mirroring her own global adaptability. “I think it would have to be a grape variety that has traveled a great deal of distance and probably doesn’t really know entirely where it is at home,” Sarah explains, providing a metaphor for her own life experiences across various continents.
Further into the podcast, Sarah delves into her philosophy towards wine tasting. She comments on the traditional 100-point wine scoring system, advocating for a more nuanced and descriptive approach that captures the stylistic diversity of wines. This method, she argues, not only caters to seasoned connoisseurs but also educates newcomers to the wine world. Sarah explains, “We started using shapes and colors to describe the wines…the shape that I’ve come up with is the idea of a lens, right so a wine that’s sort of tight to begin with, fills out in the middle, and then is sharp again to finish.”
Sarah Heller’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s heritage while exploring new territories, both geographically and professionally. Her story is an inspiring blend of tradition and innovation—a theme that resonates deeply within the wine industry.
Sarah shares her aspirations for the future, expressing a desire to continue blending her passions for wine, art, and cultural exploration. “The world is your canvas; your words, actions, art, tasting skills are your strokes,” Dr. Lee aptly summarizes, encapsulating the essence of Sarah’s multifaceted approach to wine and life.
