Japanese-native Nori Nakamura was first introduced to fine wine at an early age while working at his uncle’s Italian restaurant in Tokyo. He graduated from the prestigious Keio University with bachelor’s degree in Economics and started his career in hotel management with Nikko Hotels International. During a graduation trip to Italy, Nori tasted a phenomenal 1981 Barbaresco. It was a defining moment in his young life, and set him on a path towards a career in winemaking. He earned a Japan Sommelier Certification, before transferring from Tokyo to California to assume the role of catering manager at the luxurious Hotel Nikko San Francisco. His subsequent experiences in wine country further fueled his passion, leading to cellar positions at Koves-Newlan and Pine Ridge Vineyards, and a degree in winemaking from the renowned program at the University of California, Davis. Most notably, he held the position of Assistant Winemaker at Artesa Vineyards & Winery, where he honed his skills at producing expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then was the Head Winemaker at Jamieson Ranch Vineyard where he scored 90 points for his 2011 & 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2012 Pinot Noir. He is currently the head winemaker at Larson Family Winery in Sonoma and makes his own award winning wines at Silenus.
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