Jamie Paquin is a man who likes a challenge. Three years ago, the 42-year-old Ontario native opened Heavenly Vines, the world's very first all-Canadian wine store, in the leafy backstreets of Ebisu. Day in day out, he's a tireless champion for what Matt Kramer of U.S. magazine Wine Spectator has called "the world's least-known great wine zone."
But often, the challenge begins right at the door.
"It's quite common for my customers to approach the store, and then, after they see my face, politely read the signs and walk away," he says.