Japanese Relationships Convert to Sales At The Wine Train

Online, February 27, 2013 (Newswire.com) - What do Trains and Tokyo have in common? Lots of Napa Valley wine travels between them. So much so, that the little wine shop in the Wine Train station has become the highest volume shipper for many businesses who send Napa wine to the land of The Rising Sun.

The Wine Train currently has three Japanese speaking personnel available to book reservations, sell wine, and assist with Napa-related questions.

Yuri Soshizaki works in the Marketing Department and is responsible for helping with Japanese press visits, travel guides, and tour/travel groups. Yuri was born in Gunma, Japan. After traveling to over 40 countries, she fell in love with Napa Valley and its famous wines. Her passion for wine has lead her to her current studies of The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Once completed, she will have a level 3 (advanced) certification that will place her in the upper level of wine sales service in the United States.

Hisakatsu (Kats) Mori writes a Japanese customer newsletter, pours wine at the tasting bar, and helps customers with decisions in the wine shop. Born in Nagoya, Hisakatsu Mori was educated in Japan and the U.S. With his bilingual and bicultural ability, he cultivated 25 years of international customer service skills. With his extensive wine training, Kats has established a strong position as wine educator, wine merchant, writer, translator and international guest services provider for the Napa Valley Wine Train.

In 1989, Miyuki Fukumoto and her future husband visited Inglenook Winery and their passion for wine was awakened. They traveled the world sampling wine at every opportunity. Miyuki is originally from Yakushima and feels very fortunate to have found her "dream job" as wine educator at the Napa Valley Wine Train. She assists guests with general inquiries as well as pouring wine, and helping with purchases.

"We started our relationship with the Napa Valley Wine Train Wine Shop just four years ago, and the shop quickly became our largest volume wine shipper to Japan from Napa Valley and the Bay Area. We continually hear about their great service, knowledgeable Japanese speaking wine educators, fantastic prices, wide variety of selections, and ease of ordering." Says Kosei Oyama (John) of Yamato Transport USA.

Recently, the Wine Train had the honor to host a small sister city delegation from Japan. The visitors came from Iwanuma, one of the hardest hit locations during the 2011 tsunami and earthquake. Japanese Wine Train ambassadors made the delegation feel right at home. It is this type of relationship building and personalized approach to international business that helps communities and businesses build ties and profits.

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