Oroya -  Tierra de Castilla, Spain

Winemaker

Yoko Sato: A Winemaker with a Japanese Heart and an International Palate

“An encounter between East and West, Oroya celebrates both cultures.” – Yoko Sato

Defined as a basket used to transport goods from one side of the river to the other, the Spanish name Oroya symbolizes winemaker Yoko Sato’s personal and professional journey—carrying her Japanese heritage to Spanish shores. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Sato lived in the United States and Mexico before moving to Spain in 1998 eager to learn and absorb all she could of the country’s traditions and culture.

Confident that an appreciation of other cultures fosters respect for other people, Sato dreamed of creating a wine that would harmonize the essence of her two treasured worlds. A complex cuisine with few or no rules for pairing with wine, Sato passionately studied the familiar and varied flavors of sushi to create the ultimate synthesis.

Following the example of master chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa—hailed as the father of “New-Style Japanese”— Sato’s own vision falls nothing short of securing her wine a place at the table and in the hearts and minds of sushi enthusiasts around the globe.