Hiro Kawahara
Sommelier, Kikizakeshi, Director
Phone: +6421 120 7227
Email: hiro@sommcellars.co.nz
Date of Birth:

Flower day, September 3rd. Better than the previous year, but a shadow of the following year.

A Bit About Hiro

Into the fire

Hiro started his career over 20 years ago in a small pizzeria in Ginza, Tokyo. It was a busy restaurant cooking eight pastas, three oven dishes as well as meats in the salamander simultaneously. And Hiro had to work kitchen and front of house at the same time! Hiro was strictly trained and as you can imagine, learnt a lot.

Wine, not so much

Like many Japanese in their early twenties, Hiro felt wine tasted bitter. However, he discovered Frascati Cannellino from Fontana Candida, and Moscato d'Asti from Elvio Cogno, and found them sweet, floral and delicious. They peaked his curiosity and started his somm journey.

Learning from the best

While travelling as a hobby, he continued his studies in various restaurants, from casual pubs to Michelin star restaurants, and gradually entered the world of wine. Through the guidance of respected senior sommeliers, winemakers and working seasonally in vineyards, Hiro became a qualified sommelier and Kikizakeshi (Sake Sommelier).

New Zealand is home

Since arriving in Auckland with his wife Hiroko, Hiro has won numerous awards and held senior positions at Cocoro, The French Cafe and Sid at The French Cafe. He's also created wine lists for several other New Zealand restaurants.

Sharing his knowledge

Continuing his love of wine, and wanting to share his knowledge, Hiro started Somm Cellars to offer sommelier-curated monthly wine subscriptions, tasting parties, trade consulting and an amazing online wine shop to help navigate the endless choice. Delivering unique, affordable and quality wines, Hiro can even help with delicious wine for your wedding or special event.