Popular model Oshikiri Moe (31) has passed the "Wine Expert" exam, and has now been certified as a sommelier by the Japan Sommelier Association.

Though the exam is open to anyone over 20 years old, regardless of their occupation and experience, the exam is quite difficult as the pass rate for last year was estimated to be around 30%. There is a written component as well as a "degustation" segment (or 'wine tasting').

Oshikiri started learning about wine after she was chosen as a "Mercian Wine�Ambassador" in 2009. She took the "Wine Expert" exam last year, but unfortunately failed the written test. This year, she took up the challenge to re-write the exam, and succeeded in her endeavor.

Oshikiri commented, "I finally passed the exam-! I'm really glad that I did not give up on it. I would like to send out the enjoyment of wine confidently to everybody from now on. I will do my best!"

Source & Image: Sanspo