Meet Joyce Lin

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joyce Lin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joyce below.

Hi Joyce , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

As a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan and a female sommelier, wine writer, and educator who transitioned from art to wine in my mid-30s, stepping into an industry dominated by males and Caucasians wasn’t easy. But it shaped my identity and my success in ways I never imagined.

While it’s true that I am part of a minority in an industry that doesn’t often look like me, I’ve always considered that an opportunity rather than a disadvantage. My heritage and perspective are unique, and I’ve learned to see this difference as my strength. I can bring a fresh voice, new ideas, and a distinct cultural lens—something that adds value rather than detracts from it.

Doubt is inevitable, especially when you are the only one in the room who looks like you. But I’ve learned that my most significant competition, my biggest challenge, isn’t the external environment—it’s myself. When those feelings of uncertainty surface, I remind myself I am worthy. I stop focusing on how others see me and start focusing on my growth. We all have purpose and value, and no one gets to define our worth but us.

So, how do you succeed in a room where you stand out? You show up prepared and armed with knowledge, skills, and experience. You earn your place through hard work, whether by gaining credentials or through hands-on learning. You step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself daily, and overcome each obstacle with strength and optimism. And most importantly, when opportunities arise, you seize them.

People will see your value when you consistently embody preparation, resilience, and confidence. You won’t need recognition; your work and character will speak for themselves, and you will shine naturally. In those moments, you’ll know that all the effort you’ve put in has brought you to where you truly deserve to be.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to New York in 2004 to pursue a master’s in Art Management. I worked in the art world for over a decade, but something unexpected happened—I discovered a passion for wine.

Soon after I received the certified sommelier certification of the Court of Master Sommeliers, I began to work in the wine retail and write for publications like Trink Magazine and Grape Collective. Before I knew it, my wine reviews, pairing ideas, and interviews started appearing in major outlets such as Wine Enthusiast, The Somm Journal, Wine Advisor, the New York Post, VinePair, SevenFifty Daily, NBC News, Modo di Bere, Delectable, and many more. My journey as a wine writer took off, and my love for wine grew deeper.

What truly excites me on this journey is the coming together of wine and food, especially the art of wine pairings. I’ve always loved cooking; combining this passion with wine has brought me incredible joy. I started sharing my wine pairings on social media, which led to an exciting realization during the pandemic: I wanted to do more with this passion. I envisioned creating a platform to promote the art of food and wine pairing—a concept deeply embedded in European culture but less widespread in the U.S. and beyond, especially when pairing wine with Asian cuisines.

And so, 酒意思SIP WITH JOYCE was born. It’s a multimedia platform dedicated to food and wine pairing, strongly focusing on Asian flavors. We also offer wine consulting services—everything from branding and marketing for the trade to organizing wine-tasting classes and pairing dinners and consulting for private clients.

I am incredibly fortunate to have discovered my passion and built a company that embodies my vision. My work is centered around the belief that pairing food and wine is more than just a culinary art—it’s a way to bring joy, bridge cultures, and unite people. While wine is essentially fermented grape juice and an agricultural product, when paired thoughtfully with food, it creates a shared experience that enhances the dining experience, elevates the sensation, and transcends boundaries. Whether it’s a creamy risotto with a crisp white wine or a hearty beef stew paired with a bold red, these moments offer connection.

My goal is to inspire others to see food and wine pairing as a way to elevate their meals and celebrate cultural diversity. Sharing a meal with the right bottle of wine can bring people together in a world where different backgrounds and traditions can sometimes seem far apart. Through 酒意思SIP WITH JOYCE, I strive to enrich dining experiences and foster unity, understanding, and joy across cultures.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on how I started my wine journey nine years ago, three essential qualities stand out: Purpose, Belief, and Resilience.

First and foremost, Purpose has been the driving force behind everything I’ve achieved. My journey began with a simple but powerful purpose: I deeply desired to understand wine, learn how to describe it, and distinguish quality wines. That curiosity and a sense of Purpose fueled my passion and carried me through the early stages of my career. Having a clear purpose gave me direction and kept me focused on my goal, even when the path wasn’t always easy.

Second is Belief—Belief in myself, my abilities, and my vision. Along the way, I faced countless setbacks and discouragements. Whether during challenging wine courses, facing disrespect in the workplace, or feeling overlooked, I always held onto my belief that I belonged in this industry. No one could define my worth or limit what I was capable of except me. That unwavering belief Beliefelf helped me push through the most challenging moments and stay committed to my path.

The third quality that has been critical to my success is Resilience. Over the past nine years, I’ve learned that perseverance is everything. Like any field, the wine industry has its share of challenges, but each setback has only strengthened my resolve. No obstacle has been too significant to stop me from earning my place at the table. I’m proud that my love for wine remains as passionate today as it was when I first started, and I know that Resilience will carry me forward.

My advice for anyone early in their journey is this: find your Purpose, believe in yourself, and stay resilient. Your Purpose will give you direction, your belief will provide strength, and your resilience will overcome the inevitable challenges. Most importantly, never stop learning. My curiosity about wine has only grown. I’m driven by a desire to share my knowledge with others, helping more people discover the beauty of wine without feeling intimidated by it.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet so many people who have lifted me up over the past nine years, provided opportunities, and offered invaluable encouragement along my wine journey. I want to express my deepest gratitude to those who have made a lasting impact on my career.

First, I want to thank Scott Carney, Dean of Wine Study at the Institute of Culinary Education, for being the first person to recognize my palate and giving me the confidence to pursue a career in wine.

Christopher Barnes, owner of Grape Collective, kindly offered me my first opportunity to work in the industry after receiving my sommelier certification.

Stephanie Teuwen, founder and former CEO of Teuwen Communications, encouraged me with personal feedback on an article I wrote for Grape Collective. Her words gave me the confidence to pursue wine writing.

Valerie Kathawala, co-founder and co-editor of Trink Magazine, allowed me to share my unique pairing ideas and cultural heritage with a broader audience, for which I am forever grateful.

I’m also indebted to Anna-Christina Cabrales, Tasting Director at Wine Enthusiast, who believed in my abilities during the pandemic and allowed me to work alongside talented sommeliers.

Wanda Mann, the East Coast Editor of The Somm Journal and The Tasting Panel Magazine, Bylines of Food and Wine Magazine, NYC ambassador of Star Wine List, and Past President of Les Dames d’Escoffier NYl, has been a consistent supporter, nominating me for Les Dames d’Escoffier NY and providing countless opportunities to showcase my wine pairings and reviews.

Marika Vida, former Wine Director of Ritz-Carlton NY and owner of Vida et Fils Wine Consulting, has been a guiding light, offering invaluable advice on life and work that I carry with me to this day.

Lastly, I want to thank my father and my husband—without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Countless others have offered me their support. My deepest hope is to one day pay it forward and honor the generosity that has shaped my journey. I am forever grateful to everyone who has been a part of my story, and their belief in me continues to inspire everything I do.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo #1 – by Bruce Kuo
Photo #2 – by Bruce Kuo
Photo #3 – by Bruce Kuo
Photo #4 – by Bruce Kuo
Photo #5 – by Joyce Lin
Photo #6 – by Joyce Lin
Photo #7 – Anya Rodnik
Photo #8 – by Joyve Lin
Photo #9 – The Somm Journal
Photo #10 – by Joyce Lin

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