Bottled in China: A Wine & Food Podcast

India consumes more whiskey than Scotland produces. It is a nation of 1.4 billion people, of spirits and celebration, where wine accounts for barely one percent of the alcohol market. And yet, something is shifting. A growing middle class, an expanding cohort of women entering the workforce, and a wave of new free trade agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia have pla...

What does it take to bridge two wine worlds?  Lenz Moser has made 75 trips to China over 21 years, transforming from curious visitor to pioneering winemaker at Chateau Changyu Moser XV in Ningxia. As the fifth generation of Austria's legendary Lenz Moser wine family, whose grandfather invented the revolutionary trellising system used across Europe. In this episode, we discuss how Lenz brought his...

What happens when China's wine market shrinks by 15% annually since 2019, yet some companies post their best year ever? In this landmark 200th episode of Bottled in China, we assembles an expert roundtable to decode 2025's contradictions and what they mean for 2026. Guests: Nick Marro , Principal Economist for Asia, Economist Intelligence Unit Ian Ford , Founding Partner at Nimbility, previously t...

What if everything you've been told about alcohol and health is wrong—or at least incomplete? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laura Catena, a Harvard and Stanford-educated physician and fourth-generation vintner behind Argentina's legendary Catena Zapata. As the driving force behind the 'In Defense of Wine' campaign, Dr. Catena is not here to tell you that wine is a miracle cure—she's here t...

Think you know how to pair wine with Asian cuisine? Think again. In this episode, we explore the intriguing insights of Master of Wine Richard Hemming, who challenges traditional pairing norms with his groundbreaking book, Wine & The Food of Asia . After two years of rigorous research, including the testing of 400 wines and 80 recipes from 13 countries, Richard invites us to rethink our approach a...

If you’re in the industry, you’re well aware that fine wine isn’t just about drinking—it’s a global asset class worth billions. But for a long time, trading this luxury was shrouded in mystery, plagued by inefficiencies. Enter Liv-ex, the game-changing platform that transformed fine wine into a modern, data-driven market. How did this revolution come to be, and what does the future hold for wine t...

Hong Kong was once the undisputed capital of fine wine auctions—a magnet for rare bottles, record prices, and global collectors. Now, the market is shifting. Tastes are changing, investment habits are evolving, and the city’s role in the world of wine is being redefined. What does that mean for collectors, investors, and anyone who cares about what’s in the glass? Our guest is Charles Curtis, Mast...

While baijiu is celebrated as China's national spirit and wine is steadily gaining popularity, yellow wine—known locally as Huangjiu—constitutes less than 2% of the country's total alcoholic beverage market. Nevertheless, it holds a distinctive place in Chinese drinking culture. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Huangjiu is among the world's oldest alcoholic drinks, yet it remains relative...

In this episode of Bottled in China , we explore Africa's remarkable demographic and economic growth with Dr. Christian Lindfeld, Managing Director of Africa Ventures Advisory. As the continent's population has surged to 1.5 billion in just 30 years, Dr. Lindfeld highlights how Africa's expanding middle class is transforming luxury consumption, especially in the wine industry. During our discussio...

As consumer preferences shift towards healthier lifestyles, the non-alcoholic wine sector is poised for unprecedented growth. With the no- and low-alcohol drinks market expected to expand by over $4 billion by 2028, join us as we explore how innovative winemaking techniques and strategic insights are reshaping this industry with winemaker Duncan Shouler. In this episode, we dive deep into the fasc...

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of the Chinese market with our guest, Robert Foye. As a seasoned leader in the beverage industry, Robert has an impressive background that includes roles at Coca-Cola, TWE, and Accolade. He has been a key player in the remarkable rise of brands like Penfolds in Asia. In Part 2 of our conversation, Robert shares his insights on navigating the compl...

"Don't be afraid to take risks, make decisions and solve problems,’ says Robert Foye, former CEO of Accolade Wines and previously Global Chief Operating Officer at Treasury Wine Estates. With over 22 years at The Coca-Cola Company and extensive experience across Asian, US, and European markets, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our conversation.   From navigating market shifts to...

Over the past few decades, the wine industry in China has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. From being a relatively new player in the global market, China has emerged as a significant and influential force in the industry. Today we’ll be exploring this dynamic wine region, which remains relatively unknown to most wine lovers. In this episode, we'll be diving into the world of Chine...

What if your daily glass of wine, previously celebrated for its health benefits, is now viewed through a critical lens that labels it a health risk and labelling it as cancerous? Today, we unpack the complexities of this narrative with Felicity Carter, exploring the science, media influence, and industry responses that shape our understanding of wine's place in a healthy lifestyle. Today, we are e...

What if the secret to your favorite cup of tea lies beneath the surface, in the soil?  Join us as we dive deep into the world of tea science with Dylan Rothenburg, a dedicated researcher and the founder of Wu Mountain Tea based in Guangzhou China, whose journey is helping us to understand how to appreciate tea and the science behind it.  After moving to Beijing at the age of 16, Dylan immersed him...

 At just 24, Toru Takamatsu made history by becoming the youngest person to achieve the coveted Master Sommelier title — a distinction few can claim at any age. But his journey to this rarefied status was anything but easy. We explore what first ignited his passion for wine, the hurdles he faced along the way, and how his drive and determination propelled him to the top. Now, as he embarks on a ne...

 What if the secret to a perfect cup of tea lies not just in the brewing, but in the centuries-old traditions that shape it? In this episode, we welcome Shunan Teng, the visionary founder of Tea Drunk in New York City.  In this episode, we delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese tea with Shunan Teng, founder and CEO of Tea Drunk, a renowned tea house in New York City. Shunan has become a pivotal f...

 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 Advinture Trading, to dissect this evolving market. Toge...

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 explore the critical role played by the Bordeaux Wi...

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 China's rise as a global caviar powerhouse and...

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's wine career began at the University of Cambridge...

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 Scholar Guild and Co-Chair of Decanter World 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 market. From its origins in London in 1766, Chr...

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 of navigating the intricacies of conducting busin...

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 Greek wines so unique and worth exploring. We also dis...