People
The Failures Behind the Champion of Vietnam Best Sommelier in French Wines 2025
Behind the title of Vietnam Best Sommelier in French Wines 2025 lies a story of failures: Stefan Nguyễn — a colorblind sommelier who was once rejected from flight attendant exams and five-star hotel jobs.
A Firefighter “On Fire” with His Passion for Bartending
At Ngonista, we believe that the most meaningful stories do not always come from well-known names, but from those who work quietly, driven by a deep passion. I came across … Read more
From Impossible to Incredible: Ian Dai’s natural wine revolution
I never imagined that Chinese wines could make their way onto the global stage, let alone in countries often regarded as the “holy grail” of winemaking. Yet Ian Dai—a winemaker … Read more
Ex-Google Executive persues dream of taking “Rượu Làng” to the world
In nearly every Vietnamese village, there’s a family that distills “Rượu” rice liquor—an age-old practice passed down through generations. But for most, this traditional drink is still seen as rustic, … Read more
Vietnamese sommelier earns prestigious scholarship at age 63
Interview with Certified Sommelier Trần Văn Mẫn At 63, many would consider retirement and focusing on health, yet Mr. Trần Văn Mẫn continues to immerse himself in the world of … Read more
A Vietnamese woman’s journey: From PhD scientist to winery owner in Australia
What drives a Vietnamese woman, a PhD in environmental science with a successful career in Sydney, to leave it all behind and become a grape grower, ultimately winning the prestigious … Read more
How did a “freak” change the wine world? Meet James Erskine
Unlike the usual polished figures in the wine industry, who typically appear in elegant suits and carry themselves with a certain gravitas, James Erskine stood out as a true “freak”. … Read more
Ex-Google Executive Pursues Dream of Taking Vietnam’s “Rượu Làng” To The World
In nearly every Vietnamese village, there’s a family that distills “Rượu” rice liquor—an age-old practice passed down through generations. But for most, this traditional drink is still seen as rustic, … Read more