NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--South Korea’s first and only astronaut, Dr. Soyeon Yi, along with Cecil Park, Napa’s first Korean American female winemaker announced the release of the wine named “Soyeon” today to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Dr. Yi’s spaceflight on April 8, 2008, when she became the 475th astronaut in the world. The wine will be officially released on April 26, 2022, and is currently available for pre-order. A press conference and tasting session were held previously.
Dr. Yi inspired award-winning winemaker Cecil Park, founder of Winefornia, to create the 2018 Soyeon, Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa. A portion of the profits will be donated to Amelia’s Aero Club at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, a program dedicated to encouraging young girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Astronaut Dr. Yi and winemaker Cecil Park are sharing their inspirational stories as women-minority entrepreneurs in the traditionally male-dominated field of space, business, and winemaking.
“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,” said Dr. Soyeon Yi.
“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,” she continued.
“Wine not only brings people together but also tells a story,” said Cecil Park. “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. We are the first Korean astronaut and the first Korean American Napa winemaker, and we want to make sure we are not the last,” Park said.
Dr. Dana Riley Black, Vice President of Education at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, said, “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.”
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 and to purchase the Soyeon wine, please visit https://winefornia.com/soyeon.
Complete press kit can be accessed here.
