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Revered mentor shares
wealth of expertise

One of my greatest influences in the world of wine has been an English gentleman named Brian Julyan. Brian is chief executive of the Worldwide Court of Master Sommeliers. He was also part of the examining team that first brought the master sommelier examination to the United States.

Looking back on my early years studying with him still gives me chicken skin. Can you imagine the impact something so revered as the master sommelier program had on a young local boy from the islands? I was in awe.

I was especially impressed with Brian, his knowledge, experience, the class with which he conducted himself and his willingness and need to teach.

During my tenure as chairman of education for the U.S. Court of Masters, I worked side by side with Brian for many years. As an associate, I was even more impressed with his commitment to teaching than I was as a student.

Many years have passed. It was a great pleasure, therefore, for me to work with him again this weekend at the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival and to note that his commitment remains unchanged.

I am sure he greatly appreciated the warm sunshine and relaxing ambience of Maui, yet he gave up his last two days of vacation to fly here for a "talk story" session targeted at aspiring sommeliers and restaurant professionals on Oahu.

Being a master sommelier is not about being a magician who can identify any wine in a blind tasting -- it's about service excellence, a dedication to providing restaurant guests and retail customers with the best advice about the wines they select.

As a state dependent on tourism, such a commitment to customer satisfaction is essential. Bringing more of our professionals into the sommelier program ensures that we continue to offer the highest level of service.

I know that Brian's knowledge has inspired those he met on this trip. I hope that his heart and aloha do so even more.

I just hope I can be like him when I grow up.

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