This Australian master of wine who lives in Tokyo swears by his linen scarves.
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Q How does a boy from Bondi end up being the brand ambassador for French champagne houses Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck?
A When I was an art student in Paris I discovered a connection between wine and art, in the way that each was an expression of its creator. I became infatuated with the ephemerality and beauty of it. Then I lived in New York as well as Paris and was a sommelier ... I'd spent time in Japan as a young person and knew the language. I was offered a job buying wine for a very large restaurant group , which brought me here. Four months ago Piper-[Heidsieck] and Charles Heidsieck offered me the job.
Q How often do you travel?
A I'm travelling for about 120 days a year. Before this job I was going to Europe and the US trying to find interesting new wines. Now the focus is very different - I travel far more according to the quality of the market. Australia is a big and bountiful market for champagne.
Q Apart from Champagne, do you have a favourite wine region?
A My favourite wines are from Burgundy, but I can't say the place is my favourite - it's rather dank and cold and the food is heavy. But in the south of France, the food is better and the weather is too.
Q How do you deal with jet lag?
A I'm a bit of a gym junkie, so I make sure I go to the gym. Even if I'm tired I try to do an hour of light cardio. And I definitely don't drink too much on my first night. I used to think that ordering room service was pathetic, but after big days of work I love going back to the hotel and staying in. It's a bit of a luxury.
Q How do you pack?
A Light. Take less and if necessary get it cleaned while there. It's expensive but far less hassle.
Q What are your travel essentials?
A Travel insurance; one smart pair of pants, one casual; two shirts and a very flexible jacket. I buy these long, linen scarves in Italy, which I can wrap around my head and neck and use to keep warm on the plane. I also have hand luggage - what Australians make fun of as a man bag [for] my scarf, iPad and newspaper.
Ned Goodwin is at the Vintage Cellars International Wine Fair in Sydney at the Overseas Passenger Terminal this weekend. See vintagecellars.com.au.
