*Portion of the Sale of Wine Will Benefit Girls Studying STEM
12 April – NEWPORT BEACH/SAN FRANCISCO – South Korea’s first and only astronaut, Dr. Soyeon Yi (이소연), along with Cecil Park, Napa’s first Korean American female winemaker, held a press conference and tasting session to announce the launch of the wine named “Soyeon” to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Dr. Yi’s spaceflight on April 8, 2008, when she became the 475th astronaut in the world. Dr. Yi has inspired award-winning winemaker Park to create the 2018 Soyeon, Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa. A portion of the profits will be donated to Amelia’s Aero Club at the Museum of Flight (Seattle, Washington), a program dedicated to encouraging young girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Astronaut Dr. Yi and Founder of Winefornia Park will be sharing their inspirational stories as women-minority entrepreneurs in the traditionally male-dominated field of space, business, and winemaking.
“I am proud that each sip of this wine will go towards a fund to help future generations take a step closer to studying STEM,” stated Dr. Soyeon Yi.
WHO:
Soyeon Yi – South Korea’s first and only astronaut, 475th astronaut in the world to reach space
Cecil Park – Napa’s first Korean American female winemaker, Founder of Winefornia, Winemaker of INNOVATUS
Jeannie Kim – Bay Area veteran restaurateur, Partner/CEO of Winefornia
WHAT:
The first press conference for astronaut Dr. Soyeon Yi to announce the launch of Dr. Yi’s wine. Commemorating Dr. Yi’s spaceflight anniversary as the 475th astronaut while supporting future generations in STEM. For more information, please visit https://winefornia.com/soyeon.
Members of the press were encouraged to attend for an opportunity to taste the 2018 Soyeon Cabernet Sauvignon following the press conference.
ABOUT WINEFORNIA:
Winefornia, a Napa Valley company, was founded by viticulturist and winemaker Cecil Park in 2007. Award-winning winemaker Park has produced numerous highly rated wines, manages over 80 vineyards throughout Napa and Sonoma counties, and provides Private Winemaking Services, Winery Design, and Vineyard Management. For more information, please visit www.winefornia.com.
STATEMENTS:
Dr. Soyeon Yi: “The launch of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon not only commemorates my 2008 spaceflight but also signifies the endless goals and achievements one can accomplish with persistence. Wine has the ability to share stories and bring communities together. Through the launch of this wine, I hope to share my story as a Korean astronaut and invite the next generation to explore different fields.”
“As a female minority in the field of STEM, I believe that inspiring and encouraging the youth to achieve their dreams is important. I am honored for the opportunity to help raise money for Amelia’s Aero Club so that we can help support the future generation to continue their studies in STEM and reach for the stars.”
Cecil Park: “Wine not only brings people together but also tells a story. Through Winefornia, I hope to inspire others and share the love of winemaking with the world. Rather than the commonly seen elite mass-produced wines, I hope to create balanced yet sophisticated wines through an authentic, small-lot approach. My wines are the product of real trials that I learned in measured ways. While I am scientific in my approach, I respect – and never stray far from – the traditions that make wine the guilty pleasure it has always been.”
“Dr. Yi’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon embodies her bright personality and elegant character. The refreshing yet sturdy and bold taste represents our shared mission of supporting young girls in STEM. As the first Korean women in the world of space and wine, our goal is to encourage future generations and bring diversity to the field of space, science, wine, and business.”
Jeannie Kim: “A lifelong mission of mine has always been to provide children and adults with a safe space where they can receive acceptance, compassion, and love. Similar to the sense of community that I make an effort to create at my restaurants, wine has the ability to connect people and build communities. Winefornia is honored to take this new step in the next journey with Dr. Yi as she furthers her mission in life as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist.”
Museum of Flight – Dr. Dana Riley Black, Vice President of Education
“We at The Museum of Flight deeply appreciate the continued work and support by Dr. Soyeon Yi for the last eight years. Dr. Yi has helped inspire and encourage a new generation of children to continue their education in the STEM fields. We are grateful to Dr. Yi, not only for her time but also for the money raised by the sale of the Soyeon Wine. The Museum of Flight gratefully accepts the funds on behalf of Amelia’s Aero Club, which is designed to inspire and nurture middle school girls from across Washington State in the exploration of science, technology, engineering, aviation, art, and mathematics.”
