Feeding & Pouring

Feeding AND POURING

Bainbridge Island is quickly becoming a wine lover’s paradise, evidenced by the thriving wine bars dotting downtown Winslow and the increasingly acclaimed wineries across the island, Yet, many islanders might not know that we share our home with a world-renowned master sommelier.

BY ADAM FOLEY AND ALLI SCHUCHMAN

In his ascent through the world of wine, Shayn Bjornholm earned the coveted title of Master Sommelier on his first attempt—a feat accomplished by fewer than 1 percent of aspirants. Gaining that pinnacle placed him in rarified company. Only 273 other professionals around the world have received the title since it was established in 1969. The achievement is something Bjornholm credits to his background and experiences, especially his time at Seattle’s landmark fine-dining destination, Canlis. “I was inspired daily by Canlis’ pursuit of hospitality and the delicious beverages I got to try regularly,” he said.

Bjornholm experienced a transformative moment in 2009, when one of his

protégés accomplished the same feat. He explained that witnessing someone else’s journey towards mastery profoundly altered his perception of true expertise and helped him appreciate the essential role of the mentors who facilitate the transfer of knowledge and tradition., Today, as the examination director for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, Bjornholm faces the challenge of ensuring that the examination remains rigorous, relevant and a true reflection of the ever-evolving wine industry. He noted the

importance of aspiring sommeliers finding a balance between stringent standards and their personal guiding principles.

Bjornholm said that his journey has not been solely about professional milestones, but also personal evolution. His metrics for growth are both simple and profound.

“If I feel full, vibrant, hopeful, expectant and invigorated by the role I play, I am evolving,” he said. His insights on mastery extend beyond the boundaries of wine.

“Do I inspire myself and those around me? Are my skills fostering creation?”

The answer to both questions is a resounding yes.

Family friend Adam Foley (also a lifelong islander) was so inspired by Bjornholm that he decided to make a pairing of his own, combining his friend’s mastery of wine with the island’s need for affordable housing. Bjornholm was all in.

Bjornholm and Foley are co-hosting Let it Pour: A Northwest Winter Soiree, a fundraiser to support Housing Resources Bainbridge, a nonprofit community land trust which conserves and develops land for affordable housing.

Bjornholm will provide 24 wine lovers the opportunity to taste top-notch wines under the guidance of one of the world’s foremost experts and enjoy accompanying charcuterie and hand-selected cheeses, all while supporting inclusive housing on the island.

HRB, which currently has 44 homes in its portfolio, helps prospective homebuyers find affordable housing, works with current residents to help keep their homes and provides rental assistance to qualified households.

Foley, a real estate broker for Sotheby’s International, believes strongly in HRB’s mission. “I’ve witnessed many of my generation priced out of our beloved island,” he said. “An economically diverse community is a stronger community. This means that we have artists, teachers, waiters and waitresses, and grocery clerks, to name a few—essential members who make a community not just work but thrive. This also means age. If we do not support young families, we may forgo a dynamic expanding culture.”

As for Bjornholm, he’s just happy that his rare skills, which he boils down to the “simple act of feeding and pouring,” can help make our island more hospitable to all.

Let it Pour wine tasting with Master Sommelier Shayn Bjornholm will be held on the evening of December 7 at Sotheby’s in downtown Winslow.

Tickets are $185 and all proceeds will benefit HRB. More information at adamfoleyrealestate.com