Yao talked about what it is like being a vintner.

“Tom Hinde and the team are the real vintners. I am still learning about winemaking. I know what I like, and I want the best wines possible, but the winemaking is in the hands of our expert team. I enjoy the process. I love walking the vineyards. And, of course, I enjoy the blending and tasting. I don’t know that I would yet call myself a vintner, at least not an expert. But I am a proud proprietor.”

Yao is involved in the business. He said the team makes important decisions together, such as what kind of wines to make.

“With each vintage, Tom and I taste together and discuss the direction we want to go,” he said. “But I trust him and his team to execute. I do love our wines. But the market has responded very well, too. We have earned some excellent scores, and people seem to like our wines. That’s what is most important. We are making wines that we hope people will enjoy with family and friends.”

Yao played five years in the Chinese Basketball Association and in three Olympics with China.