This round’s on The Straits Wine Company’s Kathy Lim-Sheehy

SINGAPORE — Wife and mother of three Kathy Lim-Sheehy likes breaking the rules. Especially when it comes to making great wines.

“We are currently working with lots of artisanal wine makers who are not sticking to the particular regional style or tradition where they located,” shared The Straits Wine Company CEO. “This new breed of cult wine makers is experimenting with ideas and the wine-making process to create a segment of unique cult wines which, I feel, complement rather than displace traditional wines. One example is Lucy M, who does Burgundy-style wines in Adelaide Hills with a twist.”

The 41-year-old is also educating people about wine through her brain child: The Singapore Wine Fiesta, which starts today and features 300 wines from around the world.

“The main objective is to get people to try wines in a fun and non-judgmental way,” she said. “We also want people to be adventurous in their wine journey and attempt wines they may not otherwise not get to taste. We want our customers to be fascinated by all kinds of wine from all over the world, challenge and titillate their wine palate without worrying about the price.”

Q:In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a good bottle of wine?

A: It’s all very subjective and there’s no right or wrong in wine tasting. For me, a good wine is one with a pronounced and distinct character and a lingering taste. It brings back memories or puts me in a lovely mood that makes me want more of it - it’s that simple! I don’t over analyze what it should be; I taste it for what it is and if I like it, it is a great bottle of wine. Having said that, my palate has evolved over the years and what I used to like three years ago may not be what I like today. But that’s the beauty of wine - the more you taste, the more you learn and your tastes will necessarily evolve.

Q:Which is your all time go-to favourite bottle of wine and why?

A: I love champagne and one of my all-time favourites is the Gosset Grande Reserve. I am always grateful that my job allows me a reason to drink champagne regularly. It is a drink that always makes me happy.

Q:Of all the wines in your store, what is the one that you are most proud of and why?

A: This is a tough question. Our team handpicks all the wine brands in our portfolio so am proud of all the wines we have in the store. I am also proud of the fact that 95% of all the wines in our store is exclusive to The Straits Wine Company.

Q:What is the first drink you ever tried?

A: Babycham! We always had it as children over Christmas. I only found out much later that it is an alcoholic pear cider and not a children’s drink! I don’t think my parents ever knew.

Q:The drink you reach for when life throws you lemons?

A: I am partial to Burgundy because it is a wine with so much personality and a life of its own. This makes it unpredictable at times so that when it is good, it is sublimely divine; but when it’s not at its peak, it can be quite a let-down. But it is precisely this surprise element which I relish.

Q:Most memorable food and drink pairing?

A: Sashimi with Grace Koshu Wine from Japan

Q:A bar you’d cross oceans for, just because…

A: The Redwood Room at the Cliff in San Francisco – it is just ideal after a trip to Napa.

Q:Your favourite neighbourhood bar, speakeasy and spiffy watering hole?

A: Our Straits Wine Company store at Sixth Avenue. I love that it is tucked away, very low-key and unassuming. There, I can do my mummy duty by feeding my kids and nobody will mind. I can also tuck into local food, accompanied with a very yummy bottle of wine that does not break the bank. Of course, at Straits Wine, I am always assured that I will drink something nice.

Q:Smartest or sexiest line you’ve heard from a bartender?

A: “Let me make you something you cannot refuse.” That’s what I call taking charge!

The Singapore Wine Fiesta runs until Oct 26. Tickets at S$55 from SISTIC.