My Selection: Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Daisuke Kawai: I am the co-founder and Chief Sommelier at La Terre. I have been in the industry for more than twenty years. Before La Terre’s inception, I held the position of Chief Sommelier with Les Amis group for three years and was awarded Best Sommelier of the Year at the Singapore World Gourmet Series Awards of Excellence for 2013. Between my responsibilities at La Terre, I am also involved in the judging of wine competitions in the region. Recently with my work at La Terre, I am grateful to have been awarded Sommelier of the Year at the World Gourmet Summit this year.

MS: What does your job entail exactly?

DK: My day to day responsibilities include the managing of La Terre Wine & Whisky bar and I curate the wine selections at La Terre. I also lead wine workshops and seminars if requested for by my guests.

MS: How long have you been living in Singapore and what brought you here?

DK: I have been in Singapore for 7 years. I think Singapore has a global reach and allows me to extend my work and service towards an international audience.

MS: With work done, how do you like spending your free time in the Lion City (Do you have any favorites areas or places where you spend your free time)?

DK: I frequent Le Pin, another wine bar at Orchard during my downtime.

MS: Singapore is famously a melting pot of cultures and, as a
result, also of multiple cuisines. What are your favorites?

DK: I actually still prefer Japanese cuisine.

MS: Where do you like to have dinner in Singapore? Could you name your Top 3 picks among restaurants, bars & cafes in Singapore?

DK: My favourite places are:
Ushidoki
Jimoto-ya
Sabu-Roku

Styled and shot by Ushidoki

MS: Selecting wine depends very much on the occasion. When do you like to drink wine? On its own / with a meal / alone / with company?

DK: I actually enjoy drinking wine at most time, perhaps due to my work. But I usually like drinking with company instead of alone.

MS: Are there any wines that you particularly like and would recommend to our readers? Or maybe you have your favorite pairings with the food you mentioned before?

DK: I recommend Sena 2013 from Chile, Aconcagua valley. It’s Chile’s first iconic wine, and is a unique Chilean Bordeaux blend, with a Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere base. With its refreshing Cassis and Cedar tree aroma, full body and smoky flavour, it is best paired with charcoal grilled beef.