Tina Termsomket is a food and wine specialist, a film enthusiast, a philanthropist, a marathon runner, an avid cook and a really good-natured woman. She is also the winner of 2013 Wine Spectator Video Contest, catching the attention of judges with her quirky giant Godzilla doll she calls “G-Zee”.
Tina Termsomket, winner of the 2013 Wine Spectator Video Contest.
The Dawn Of Wine is a feel-good short film, telling the story of winemaking intern G-Zee as he learns the ropes of oenology in a stop-motion movie set in Napa Valley, US. The short film has garnered G-Zee quite a following on his Facebook page.
“I really love wine, food and film, so entering this competition brings those three passions together in one crazy mix,” said Tina, who made the film with winemaker and owner of J Doran Vineyards Chris Doran.
Winning Wine Spectator’s seventh annual video contest was beyond her wildest dreams. She entered the contest because she liked wine and film. Whatever she does, Tina said, it has to be fun — it’s her motto. In 2012, she also submitted Winemaking In Thailand to the same contest, and it was awarded second place.
Using a Godzilla doll in the film was a whimsical idea. Tina stumbled upon G-Zee when walking around Kwan-Riam market in Min Buri, and said it was love at first sight. Since then, G-Zee and Tina have travelled the world together, and in Tina’s opinion, he has become an ambassador representing a strong primal passion for hard work across all generations and cultures.
The filming process itself was also spontaneous. She asked Doran, out of the blue, if he was on board. When he agreed, they pitched the concept to their director. The submission process was also something to remember. She had to rush back from the filming site — earning herself a speeding ticket on the way — to edit the film in Los Angeles, where she’s based, submitting the video at the very last minute.
What she means to convey through her film is that wine is fun for everyone, and it helps connect people. About 100 videos were submitted that year, so needless to say, Tina felt as though she had won the World Cup when she was presented with the award at the Wine Spectator Experience in New York.
“All these wine connoisseurs were cheering and laughing and wanted to have their picture taken with G-Zee. I’m just so proud of the idea and it’s beyond description. People get it, they really get it,” she said, beaming.
Tina was born and raised in Thailand, but found her true calling in California. She began exploring the art and science of wine in 2005.
“I love everything about wine, from farm to table. I studied the soil, the wind, the climate and everything. There’s more to wine than its flavour — I can appreciate it better when I know the culture and the geography behind it,” she said.
Her passion for wine also goes hand-in-hand with her cooking skills, which she picked up from her grandmother. She feels that cooking brings people together and creates happiness.
“I am a very family-oriented person, and to me, family means nobody gets left behind. That’s sort of what food does — it touches everyone because we all have to eat.”
She particularly enjoys food and wine pairing, as she believes they go together like body and soul. “I love my Peking duck with Pinot Noir. I like pomelo salad with rosé. The only dish I cannot find the right wine to go with is mango and sticky rice because it’s already so perfect on its own.”
While she is deeply rooted in her passion for food and wine, she branches out to lend a helping hand where she can. Recently, through a fundraising event, Tina successfully helped raise enough money to build Asia’s first turtle hospital.
She is also involved in Bring It Back Thailand, a project dedicated to showcasing Thailand’s emerging talents and how they “bring it back” to their family, culture and country.
Despite having moved to the US, she still feels very connected to Thailand, and always speaks positively about the country.
Therefore, she is very proud to represent Thai people, particularly Thai women, in a positive light.
“My father has always taught me to love my home country, and to look at the bright side. I wish foreigners could see what I see. I think no matter how complicated things are, together we always thrive. I love our motherland so much and always see beautiful and great things for our Thailand. This concept is the solid pillar in every project I create and will become involved in the future.”
