Terroir (South Korean TV series)

Terroir is a South Korean television drama series that aired on SBS from December 1, 2008, to February 17, 2009. The series is notable for being the first South Korean drama to focus primarily on the subject of wine. The title refers to the environmental factors, including soil and climate, that influence the characteristics of wine.

Promotional image for the drama Terroir — Promotional poster for the 2008 drama Terroir.

Plot

The story follows Lee Woo-ju (Han Hye-jin), an expert in traditional Korean liquor who aspires to elevate native spirits to an international standard. Her path crosses with Kang Tae-min (Kim Ju-hyuk), a wine expert with a complicated past. After Tae-min purchases the shop where Woo-ju works, their professional and personal lives become intertwined as they navigate their differing perspectives on spirits and wine.

Production

The production of Terroir involved a budget of approximately 6 billion won (estimated at $4–$6 million USD at the time of production). To maintain authenticity regarding its central theme, the production team filmed on location in Bordeaux, France. The series occupied the Monday and Tuesday 21:55 time slot on SBS, succeeding the drama Tazza.

Cast

Kim Ju-hyuk as Kang Tae-min
Han Hye-jin as Lee Woo-ju
Lee Tae-seong
Song Seung-hwan
Yoo-sun
Ki Tae-young
Yoon Ki-won
Park Tae-kyung
Ryoo Hyoun-kyoung
Ahn Seo-hyun as young Lee Woo-ju
Yu Hyun-su
Min Joon-hyun
Park Byung-ho as President Kang
Jang Hyo-jin as Deputy Section Chief Shin
Jung Yi-do
Song Bo-eun
Rina Takagi as Ms. Takagi