Tiếng ViệtOne of the most rewarding aspects of working in the wine industry is the opportunity to meet extraordinary people from all over the world. This story begins with a serendipitous encounter at a South Australian wine showcase event organized by the Vietnam-South Australia Trade Promotion Association (AVCC). This strategic event featured numerous diplomatic and political representatives from both nations, making it difficult to remember everyone in attendance. I arrived with my mind set on exploring wines and the stories behind wineries.
As I made my way through the event, tasting wines from various vineyards, I found myself at a booth with an elderly man, his hair a striking silver, standing ready to pour. I asked him, “Are you the owner of this winery?” He responded with a warm smile, “No, I’m just helping out a friend who couldn’t be here today.”
From that seemingly naive question, a conversation blossomed. He shared that he once owned a winery but now focused on helping family-run wineries in South Australia expand their markets. He enjoyed standing there, observing, learning, and talking to people. When he handed me his business card, I realized he was the Chairman of AVCC. I felt a twinge of embarrassment for not recognizing him earlier, especially since he had given a speech that morning.
Curious about his extensive background, I later researched his career and was amazed by his vast experience in marketing within the wine industry. I wrote to him, expressing my eagerness to learn more from him. To my delight, he replied. He explained that he had met many great people throughout his life and it would be selfish to keep his knowledge to himself. He saw my passion and was willing to share his insights.
Even after he returned to Australia, we continued our conversations online regularly. Each interaction with him revealed his intelligence and finesse, offering me invaluable lessons. Despite his many years of experience and vast knowledge, he remained humble and eager to learn from everyone around him, including younger individuals like myself. I was particularly impressed by his willingness to adapt to Vietnamese habits and culture, such as using popular local social media platforms.
The saying “ripe rice bows its head” aptly describes him. He is a living embodiment of humility and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, regardless of age or experience.
