Meet Our Wine Buyer
Monica Yu is our Wine Buyer and has been a part of Plume Ridge Bottle Shop since inception. She is responsible for sourcing wines from all regions and follows our philosophy of wine as a lifestyle and wine, like food, must be fastidiously chosen. Monica has traveled throughout France and Spain studying local wine and cuisine. She also has a WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine, an expert-level qualification covering all aspects of wine. Her favorite wine quotes are: "Life is too short to drink bad wine" and "There is never a bad time to drink Champagne".
Q & A with Monica Yu
What sparked your interest in wine?
My family was always into cooking, and eating home cooked meals made with good ingredients built my foundation for flavors and culinary curiosity. It was not until around college age that I discovered wine enhanced the food experience. At the time I was living in Los Angeles and the exposure to numerous restaurants broadened my palate. Before my introduction to the wine business, I would read about California wines and visit several other wine regions during my leisure. My first wine region that I visited was Edna Valley and Santa Ynez (pre "Sideways"). The experience left an impression and made me wonder about this amazing beverage.
Did you have to go through any training or certification?
I spent approximately 4-5 years going through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) program and received the highest level of certification which is the Diploma in Wine.
What is the best thing about buying wine? Other than wine tasting of course?
Wine is something that you continuously learn about. One of the best things is sharing that passion with others. Its like being that kid who is so excited about bringing something new to show and tell in class. In this case, I get to sip and share. There are new appellations, varietals and new producers popping up all the time. In the wine world, there is always something interesting happening. One of the best thing about wine is that it breaks barriers and connects people. You never stop learning, meeting people from all walks of life and immersing yourself in a new culture.
Also one of the best things about buying wine is travelling. You really learn about the wine while visiting that region. The terrior, the food, the people, the aromas and the light of a particular place stays with you through wine.
Do you have any advice or tips you want to share with wine lovers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get help from the experts. That is what we are here for. Try something different and experiment with food pairings. Reach out to new wines and learn something new. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. Wine should enhance, highlight your experience and make it fun and memorable.
What do you look for in a wine when shopping yourself?
Usually it is what am I eating and or with whom I am sharing the wine with. But I like to look for estate or winery produced wines, preferably organic or sustainably farmed. I also love to try wines from regions I am less familiar with.
Which wines do you enjoy drinking?
It changes with the season but usually they are wines that goes well with seafood, poultry or vegetables as those are the main items we typically cook at home. White Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc or crisp Greek White wine with great minerality and acidity are my go to wines in the warmer seasons. I'll stock up on Oregon Pinot Noir, Northern Rhone Syrah or Rioja Reserva during the colder months. Champagne is also another wine that is so versatile for pairing that I always have a few bottles around.
What is your favorite food and wine pairing?
This is a tough one as there are many to name. Shellfish with Barossa Valley Semillon, raw oysters and Champagne, Galician octopus with Albarino, Fino Sherry and green olives, Alsatian Riesling with sunchoke puree and Assyrtiko with grilled branzino.
What has been your favorite wine region to visit and where do you want to go next?
Again, too many to name and they are all amazing to visit but France is a must if you haven't been. Loire Valley is full of history and lovely wine. Spain is one of my favorite places to visit as I can't get enough of tapas. Wines from Spain are of great value and quality that over delivers.
Of course right here in California we have access to a range of places to visit. My favorite places are Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley.
I love to get a chance to visit New Zealand. Aside from producing world class Sauvignon Blanc, their Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are completely overlooked and amazing quality.
If you aren't sipping wine, what are you drinking?
Lots of H2O between tastings. A good locally brewed Saison or Bourbon.