Vinho

A word from

JIN HO KIM

"Krug is more than just champagne—it’s a medium for sharing memories and emotions. The thought that every glass I serve could become part of someone's unforgettable experience fills me with immense joy. These connections are the driving force that keeps my passion alive."

JIN HO KIM - Owner & Sommelier

About the Ambassade

Vinho is a Korean contemporary restaurant named after its co-owners, Chef Sungbin Jeon and Sommelier Jinho Kim, by combining their first names. Its location in the trendy neighborhood of Cheongdam-dong—home to various fine-dining restaurants—places it at the heart of Seoul’s gastronomic culture. Vinho reinterprets Korea’s rich ingredients and traditional culture from a new perspective to present unique and innovative dishes. It is not just a dining space but a special place where guests can discover new gastronomic delights through a great variety of food and drink combinations. The restaurant aims to be a 'space that breaks boundaries,' where guests, front-of-house staff, and kitchen teams freely communicate and share experiences. Its pursuit of sustainable values and the harmonisation of traditional and contemporary Korean concepts create a trendy yet profound culinary experience.

About the Krug Lover

Jinho Kim, sommelier and co-owner of Vinho, was born in Seoul and gained diverse experiences across Korea before moving to Melbourne to begin his career as a chef. Drawn to wine and hospitality, he pursued the CMS Advanced Sommelier certification. After training at Geranium in Copenhagen and Mingles in Seoul, he opened Vinho with Chef Sungbin Jeon. In just 18 months, it became the first sommelier-led restaurant to earn a Michelin star, and in 2024, he was named Sommelier of the Year by the Michelin Guide Seoul & Busan. Kim explores unique wines beyond traditional regions and values open dialogue with guests, crafting perfect pairings to enhance the dining experience. A longtime Krug Lover, he became the first Krug Ambassade sommelier in Korea.

What role does Music play in your life?

To me, music is indispensable. From waking up in the morning to going to bed at night, it is the backdrop of my life, allowing me to recall every moment with greater detail and clarity while holding the power to evoke emotions and narrate stories. It is an essential source of creative inspiration; from time to time, it also consoles my exhausted soul and reenergises me as a constant companion. More than just sound, music is a universal language that connects feelings, memories, and inspirations. The joy of sharing moments and creating connections with my guests through music has been my greatest motivation.

What qualities do you value most in another person?

For me, the most important qualities in others are goodwill, honesty, and the trust that stems from them. I believe goodwill arises from a mindset of care and sincerity toward others. It is the first step in demonstrating the authenticity of our words and actions, ultimately building trust. Honesty, in turn, is rooted in goodwill. Those who genuinely express their thoughts and take responsibility for their actions earn the trust of others. At the end of the day, trust is the foundation of all relationships, and I believe it is built upon goodwill and honesty.

What is the greatest lesson you have learnt in or outside the kitchen?

If I don’t do it, someone else will have to on my behalf.

What are your sources of inspiration?

The source of my inspiration lies in experience. It enables me to imagine and create something new. By drawing insights and lessons from the past, I blend imagination with knowledge to build fresh ideas, finding inspiration in the process of bringing them to life. Additionally, reinterpreting and combining what I already know to uncover new possibilities is another key source of creativity for me.

What was the most memorable meal you either cooked or ate?

A bowl of instant noodles during a military march - taking a moment to pause and savor the warm broth while exhausted and hungry - remains one of my most memorable experiences.

Can you describe your first sip of Krug?

It was a marvelous experience. I thought, 'Wow, this is incredible.' A vibrant sensation filled my mouth, like stars exploding on my palate. I was completely captivated by its elegant, fresh, and deep flavours. Once I learned the name of the wine, I knew I would never forget it.

When was your most recent sip of Krug?

Right now, as I write this, I am enjoying a glass of Krug.

Krug Ambassades