In today’s episode, the second of our two-part series, we confront a pressing question: amid the current slowdown in the Chinese market, does Bordeaux still present an attractive opportunity for producers? Once viewed as a burgeoning frontier for wine, China now reveals a complex and shifting landscape. We are joined by Chloe Wu, Founder of Advintu…

In this two part episode, we discuss Bordeaux’s remarkable growth in China, highlighting the key figures and success stories that underscore its impact in this dynamic market. Chloe explains the innovative marketing and branding strategies employed by Bordeaux producers, emphasizing their shift from a luxury image to one of accessibility. We also e…

You might be surprised to learn that in the world of caviar, China has emerged as a dominant force, producing half of the global supply. In today’s episode, Reisa Jiang, the co- founder of Astrea Caviar takes us on a journey from the tranquil ponds of Yunnan, China to the delicate art of caviar processing. Together, we will uncover the story behind…

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Jackson, Master of Wine and author of the acclaimed book "Beyond Flavour: The Indispensable Handbook to Blind Wine Tasting." Nick shares his personal journey to becoming a Master of Wine and the pivotal moment when he realized the importance of focusing on a wine's structure rather than just its flavors. Nick'…

In this episode of the Bottled in China Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Andrew Jefford, an acclaimed journalist, poet, and writer whose expertise spans the diverse realms of wine, whisky, travel, and perfume. Jefford is a Contributing Editor and columnist for both Decanter and The World of Fine Wine, as well as the Academic Advisor to the Wine …

In this episode, we delve into the world of wine auctions and the flourishing fine wine scene in Asia. Today we are joined by Adam Bilbey, Christie's Global Head of Wine and Spirits. Drawing from his wealth of experience in Asia, we explore the notable shifts in fine wine collecting across the regions and the emerging trends that shape this dynamic…

In 1996, Don St Pierre Jr joined forces with his father, Don St Pierre Sr, to establish ASC Fine Wines. Over the years, their company has grown to become one of the largest importers of high-quality wine in China. Today, we delve into the formidable obstacles encountered while introducing fine wines to the Chinese market and the fascinating stories…

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Yiannis Karakasis, a renowned Master of Wine based in Athens, Greece. With his expertise and passion for Greek wines, Yiannis has been instrumental in introducing the world to the hidden treasures of this ancient winemaking region. In our conversation, we delve into his journey and what makes Gree…

In our latest podcast episode, we embark on a journey to unravel the ever-evolving world of China's wine market. With an eye toward 2024, we explore the challenging landscape awaiting the wine industry. Joining us is Natalie Wang, Chief Editor of Vino Joy News ─ the ultimate source for insights into China's wine industry. Natalie's expertise will g…

Introducing Mark Wong: Mark Wong is a visionary entrepreneur who took the beverage industry by storm. Less than 6 months after creating Impossibrew, he found himself on the hit TV show "Dragons' Den," where he faced the ultimate test of his business acumen. In this episode, Mark takes us through that experience and shares the valuable lessons he le…

Professor Charles Spence is a world-renowned experimental psychologist specializing in neuroscience-inspired multisensory design. Spence has published over 1,000 academic articles and authored various best-sellers, including “The Perfect Meal” and “Gastrophysics: The New Science of Eating.” Sensehacking, his newest book, was published in 2021. In a…

On today’s episode we embark on a journey that sheds light on Asia’s most misunderstood berry and discuss how it’s making a hot comeback. We sit down with Yao Zhao, Founder of 50 Hertz Tingly Foods to discuss all things Sichuan peppers. In this interview, we delve into the scientific intricacies behind Sichuan pepper’s iconic mala (麻辣) or numbing f…

In today’s podcast we’ll be uncorking the secrets of unconventional pairings with Vanessa Price, resident sommelier for The TODAY Show, and the brilliant mind behind the best-selling book, "Big Macs and Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World." Vanessa has spent nearly two decades honing her craft and immersing herself in the wine industry. Her …

Can we taste terroir? In today’s podcast, we unravel this very question with geologist Brenna Quigley to explore how soil influences a wine’s style. Based in Napa, CA, Brenna conducts vineyard investigations and educates other about the influence of soil on wine style. With a Master’s degree in Geology, she has had the opportunity to study the terr…

Today we discuss the advancements of nanotechnology in the wine industry with Dr Sachinadri Rana. Nanotechnology is a branch of technology that focuses on producing, designing, and using objects or systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale. In today’s podcast episode, we are thrilled to provide more insight into the wine production p…

The story of wine is a colorful one. Today, more funds and nonprofits are cropping up to promote the inclusivity of marginalized groups in the wine culture at large. One of those efforts, The Roots Fund, is looking to secure a pathway for the future of wine for those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Today, we talk with the founder of …

In 2023, Raimonds Tomsons was crowned The Best Sommelier of the World and also Best Sommelier of Europe 2017 by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (A.S.I). Throughout this fascinating conversation, we go deep into Raimonds story, including his origins at the renowned Vincents restaurant, his journey in wine as well as the trial and tr…

In this jam-packed episode, we talk with Stefan about his journey through the Michelin-starred ranks like Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison by Raymond Blanc and The Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, where he achieved his MS designation in 2017. We then discuss his new online course, tips on blind tasting, whether “supertasters” exist, which varieta…

South Korea has a plethora of regional brews that are slowly finding their way internationally. Today we speak with Carol Pak, Founder of Sool about her journey creating Makgeolli and Soju for the North American market . A Columbia Business School MBA alum, Carol is a native New Yorker who wants to introduce the world to the magic of Korean spirits…

Join us as we explore the story behind Texas’s emerging wine industry in today’s episode. Although California and Washington are often considered the main attractions for exquisite vineyards and wine production in the United States, the Lone Star State is an underdog of sorts in the world of wine. As one of the oldest vine-growing states in America…

In this inspiring and stirring episode, we invite food lovers and connoisseurs alike to explore what cooking is all about—inside and outside a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant. So come along as we dive into the fascinating world of fine dining. Join us in today’s podcast episode for a conversation about innovative fine dining with Stefan Stiller, three-st…

There is more than meets the eye regarding social media marketing in China. In the second part of our interview with Chinese social media and marketing expert Olivia Plotnick, the Founder of Wai Social, we discuss how wine companies should adapt their messaging for Chinese consumers. Olivia’s unparalleled insight into China marketing allows us to a…

There is a notable distinction between Western and Chinese social media, and this difference is worth studying for companies wanting to ensure brand success. In China specifically, brands wishing to successfully market their products to the general public need to expertly navigate the complex, ever-evolving Chinese social media landscape. This is w…

Thailand’s wine market is expected to grow annually by roughly 7% between 2023-2027. Listen in as we examine Thailand's wine business through the eyes of an expert. Today, we are joined by Fabien Gachet, National Sales Director in charge of HORECA and Marketing at Independent Wine & Spirits to discuss Thailand’s growing thirst for wine. Fabien is b…

From clothing to coffee, sustainable options are on the rise today. Although it is often difficult and expensive to produce sustainable products, that doesn’t stop Clean Coffee & Laundry. This Hong Kong-based café specializes in resource-friendly coffee items and low-waste laundry facilities. It was born from the desire to promote eco-friendly prac…

The future of drinking is upon us, and we look to it with enthusiasm and curiosity! In recent years, more and more people have decided to ditch alcohol. This social shift sparked one woman’s vision of a beverage company focused on creating alcohol-free drinks that give people that same happy, buzzed feeling as your average cocktail—without the anxi…

“Who do I want to be in five years?” This is what Felix Cheung, AKA “Fat CheFelix” asked himself before he quit his successful career as a tech engineer to pursue his passion. With no professional experience, he moved to Melbourne where he started cooking and eventually gained a huge following both on and off-line. Felix continues his rise with sol…

As China is set to slowly open its borders, hopes are that citizens resume gathering in large groups and that there’s a bounce back in economic and social activities. At its current value of 42 billion U.S. dollars, China’s market is projected to double by 2026, peaking at around 72.2 billion U.S. dollars. Listen in as we examine the rebound of the…

Orange wine was once a staple among the public, but it lost popularity and only recently experienced an upswing among contemporary wine drinkers. Although this third option is neither red nor white, orange wine is an exciting combination of the two, as it is made from white wine that ferments like red. The world’s oldest and most distinct wine styl…

More goes into wine branding than the average person might assume. Many marketing strategies are selected to entice consumers through deliberate psychology and storytelling. In today’s episode, we examine the different methods used in wine marketing alongside Lawrence Francis, Wine Podcaster and Consultant, who was recognized in the 2020 Born Digit…

For the first time, the latest annual Power 100 list features Burgundy more than Bordeaux among its ranking of the most powerful wines. This change indicates the increased popularity of Burgundy and implores us to assess its effects on the world of wine. Join us in today’s podcast episode as we dive into Burgundy's past, present, and future with ac…

The Virgin Mary Bar is the world’s first luxury wellbeing bar group dedicated to inspiring people to ‘drink different.’ First opening its doors in 2019, the Virgin Mary Bar offers a variety of alcohol-free selections spanning cocktails, beers and other beverages—all in an atmosphere you’d expect from an elevated local Irish pub. In today’s podcast …

Tim Atkin Master of Wine, is one the most influential wine critics. Today, he joins us on Bottled in China to discuss up and coming wine regions and how climate change is shaping the future of fine wine regions. Tim Atkin MW is a UK wine journalist with an international following. He writes for Harpers, Decanter and Gourmet Traveller Wine and has h…

Medicinal mushrooms have long been an integral part of East Asian countries. In today’s health-conscious world, functional mushrooms are used as superfoods to boost wellness and enhance immunity. Zoey Henderson, Founder of Fungtn., joins us on the podcast to discuss functional mushrooms and the rising trend towards lower or no-alcohol products. Fun…

Finally, a healthy beer is here! In this podcast we speak with Zoey Henderson, Founder of Fungtn. about her award winning alcohol free craft beer harnessing the ancient wisdom of functional mushrooms. Fungtn. saves you from hangover hell and positively contributes to mind and body brewed with superfood mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Chag…

In this podcast we discuss fine wine production, demystify sulfites and the importance of grape quality in winemaking. Our guest today is Santa Barbara based winemaker Michael Brughelli. A California native, Brughelli has worked with some of the biggest names and vineyards in Santa Barbara. He was the general manager and winemaker for Ken Volk a de…

Recent reports indicate that younger consumers are less likely to embrace wine. So what can we do to engage them? In this episode we speak with wine communicator and influencer Angela Aiello about ways the industry can become more approachable to new consumers. With her experience as a wine communicator and influencer, I wanted to hear Angela's tho…

Today’s podcast is about finding creativity and inspiration through wine. In this episode we sit down with Jean-Charles Boisset to discuss his vision of wine through art, and how we might be closer than ever to the vineyards through the Metaverse. I consider Jean-Charles Boisset to be an artist who embraces so many facets of the wine industry, expr…

Aubert & Mathieu has become the first French wine brand to embrace cryptocurrency and sell digital assets via blockchain. But first off, what are NFTs? In today’s podcast we explore the fascinating world of NFTs and find out what opportunities and possibilities there are within the wine industry. Today we are joined by Anthony Aubert, cofounder of …

Today we speak with Michael Juergens, the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, who is leading the development of the wine industry in the kingdom of Bhutan. Sharing a border with China and India, Bhutan is known for its remarkable landscape characterized by steep mountains. Michael is also a senior partner with a Big Four consulting firm, where he r…

How are NY wines received in China? What can distributors gain from working with NY products? What are some challenges and opportunities at home and in Asia's most dynamic wine market? In November last year, I had the chance to lead an online seminar for New York Wines titled “Boldly, Evolving: New York Wines & their place in Mainland China”. In th…

With the growing popularity of the Rosé category abroad, wineries are now turning to China anticipating a similar trend to take place. But in a market where bold red wines dominate, does Rosé wine have what it takes to capture the market? Today we speak with award-winning winemaker Eddie McDougall about how he’s betting on Rosé as an emerging wine …

Throughout November and December 2021, Bottled in China was featured on Air Canada Airlines inflight entertainment systems. As we start the new year, we wanted to share these episodes to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Join us as we explore China’s unique wine regions through the lens of local producers. In today’s podcast we’ve combined our…

Throughout November and December 2021, Bottled in China was featured on Air Canada Airlines inflight entertainment systems. As we start the new year, we wanted to share our two featured episodes to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Richard Slingerland of Pillitteri Estates joins us to discuss Canadian wines, climate change and building an inte…

Today we’ll be speaking with Marcell Kustos PHD, about how the consumer experience, and the overall enjoyment of a wine product and pairing, might influence consumer spending Marcell is a beverage director, wine educator, and consultant. With a cross-functional background, he re-defines the role of modern-day sommelier. After obtaining a qualificat…

Ever wonder how our emotions impact our perception of a wines' taste and profile? Or the science behind the iconic pairing of rose and steak tartar? Today we’ll be speaking with Marcell Kustos PHD, about what he unearthed during his research. Marcell is a beverage director, wine educator, and consultant. With a cross-functional background, he re-de…

The Bordeaux wine region of France has always attracted international investment. As the Asian economy developed, individuals and beverage companies looked abroad to diversify their portfolios. In the mid 1980’s, Japanese investors like Suntory started to buy Estates in Bordeaux. Over the past decade, it’s estimated that close to 160 Chateaux’s hav…

In today’s podcast we discuss how Benjamin Bridge Winery is inspiring a nation to think about producing high quality sparkling wine in the most unlikely places! In 1999, the Benjamin Bridge Winery started as a labour of love with Nova Scotian entrepreneurs Gerry McConnell and the late Dara Gordon. Inspired by the early grape growers and winemakers …

Back on Episode 111, we spoke with Endless West about creating the worlds first molecular wine and spirits. We had so many questions come in after our first episode with Alec, that we scheduled a follow up to address these. In today’s episode, we are joined for a second time by Alec Lee, co-founder and CEO of Endless West. Endless West is a technol…

After 10 years in the making, Domaines Barons de Rothschild, famous for producing Chateaux Lafite in Bordeaux, is now producing a Chinese wine. In today’s episode we are joined for a second time by Denise Cosentino, Technical Manager at Domaine de Long Dai. We dive into the story of Domaine de LongDai, their winemaking style, and the influence that…