Bottled In China

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 featured conversation with Christelle Chene of Xige Estate and Martin Shen of Tiansai Vineyards to bring you an in-depth overview of two fascinating wine regions in China.Our first guest is Christelle Chene, International Affairs Director at Xige Estate. We discuss what makes the Ningxia Province of China a unique wine growing region.Xige Estate is one of the most exciting new wine projects in China’s Northwest wine region: Ningxia. After many years working as a Brand Ambassador and Sales Director for French wine producers in China, Christelle decided to join Xige Estate.Recently established in 2019, Xige Estate is a new and modern winery with over 1300 hectares of v

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 international business.Pillitteri Estates Winery is a family owned winery in the heart of Niagara, Ontario. They are the world’s largest estate producer of Icewine and the official wine supplier for Team Canada.Pillitteri Estates Winery has been working in the Chinese market since 1999, establishing itself as the world’s premier brand of Icewine.In this podcast we sit down with Richard Slingerland, VP of Sales, to discuss all there is to know about Canadian wines. We also discuss the impact of climate change on Icewine and wine production. Richard shares how the winery came about producing their Reserva Famiglia in a traditional Italian appassimento stye. To conclude, we

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 spendingMarcell 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 qualification in food engineering and winemaking operations, Marcell started his career as a food product developer before turning his hand to wine. He began working as a sommelier while undertaking a Master's degree in gastronomy. His curiosity for memorable wine experiences led to a PhD in food, wine and emotional pairing at the University of Adelaide in collaboration with Wine Australia and UC Davis.While working at Penfolds Magill Estate, Marcell curated one of the country's most extensive champagne lists and created memorable experiences with a twist of science. Just recently, Marcell has joined a new project showcasing Australian botanicals and native ingredients. As a b

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-defines the role of modern-day sommelier.  After obtaining a qualification in food engineering and winemaking operations, Marcell started his career as a food product developer before turning his hand to wine. He began working as a sommelier while undertaking a Master's degree in gastronomy. His curiosity for memorable wine experiences led to a PhD in food, wine and emotional pairing at the University of Adelaide in collaboration with Wine Australia and UC Davis. While working at Penfolds Magill Estate, Marcell curated one of the country's most extensive champagne lists and created memorable experiences with a twist of science. Just recently, Marcell has joined a new

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  have shifted hands to Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese investors.  In today’s podcast, we sit down with Howard Kwok to discuss his family’s vision for investing in wineries on the right bank of Bordeaux, and what drew them to Bordeaux in the first place.Howard Kwok is the co-owner of Vignobles K, a group of vineyards located in Bordeaux, France. Howard's family bought their first vineyard, Chateau Haut Brisson, in 1997, and is the first Chinese investor to acquire a vineyard in France. Today, their holding company Vignobles K manages 7 properties in the right bank of Bordeaux, including Chateau Bellefont Belcier, a Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé, and Chateau Tour Sa

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 in the region, Gerry and Dara invested in years of research to discover whether region-defining wines could be produced in the Gaspereau Valley.Over two short decades, Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself as Canada’s premier sparkling wine house.Gerry and Dara’s twin daughters, Ashley and Devon McConnell-Gordon, now lead the small family-like teamToday we are joined by Gillian Mainguy, Head of Sales at Benjamin Bridge Vineyards, to discuss what makes Nova Scotia unique and how there’s more in common with Champagne than you might think.Find out more: https://benjaminbridge.comConnect with Benjamin Bridge on Instagram @benjaminbridgeBottled in China brings you into

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 technology startup using scientific methods to create the world's first molecular wine and spirits - alcoholic beverages that are crafted 'note-by-note' using pure flavor and aroma molecules extracted from efficient sources in nature. A small, independent team of scientists, sommeliers, writers, chefs, and grad school dropouts, their mission is to use science to create food and drink of unparalleled quality, value, and heart. The company was founded in 2015 by Alec Lee and Mardonn Chua, and sommelier, Josh Decolongon. It is headquartered in San Francisco and has raised $30 million in total funding to date.Find out more: https://endlesswest.com/Want to try it out for yourself

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 the DBR (Lafite) team has on making fine wine in China. Check out part one of this interview, where we look at the wine producing Shandong province in China, here: https://bottledinchina.simplecast.com/episodes/shandong-province-chinas-largest-producing-wine-regionBottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening personalities. Hosted by Emilie Steckenborn, the show is your one spot for all things food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world.Follow us on Instagram @bottled.in.chinaPodcast available on iTunes, Spotify,online or wherever you listen to your episodes!

In this two part podcast series we’ll be diving into China’s largest wine producing region: Shandong.  Shandong is an eastern province of China, along the Yellow Sea. It represents up to 40% of China’s wine production and was also home to the first commercial winery.  Our guest today is Denise Cosentino. Denise is the Technical Manager of Chateau Lafite’s China project, Domaine de Long Dai, which is based in Shandong, China and is part of the Domaine Baron de Rothschild Estates.    Come sip with Denise and I while we discuss Shandong’s unique viticultural landscape and key grape varietals.   Find my exclusive interview for Alcohol Professor, where Denise and I discussed the importance of women winemakers, as well as the challenges and opportunities of making wine in China, here: https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/china-wineBottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening personalities. Hosted by Emilie Steckenborn, the show is your on

Ever wonder about the Philippine wine market?In this episode we’ll be discussing the layered and complex structure of the Philippine wine market.We’ll also take a look at consumer preferences towards wine styles, regions of origin and how young Filipino consumers are turning their interest towards “vegan” wine.Our guest today Michael William Reyes, a Filipino-American entrepreneur based in Manila, Philippines.He is the Founder and General Manager of Wine Club, a boutique importer and distributor of American wines in the Philippine.He is also the host of the 'Listen to Me Wine' a wine and culture podcast on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify.More information: https://wineclub.ph/Find my interview on ‘Listen to Me Wine’ about the Chinese wine market: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQcet7ArNq8Listen to Me Wine on Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-to-me-wine/id1562615831Bottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening personalities.

In response to mounting concern about single-use plastics, a range of sustainable straw alternatives are appearing on the market.Today we speak with Divya Mohan, Founder of Ooble Innovations, about a tasty new straw solution and what challenges and lessons she’s learnt as an entrepreneur.Divya Mohan is a biotechnologist with a graduate degree in Food Innovation & Product Design, and is building a bridge between innovation and sustainability within the food industry.She is the Founder of Ooble (http://www.weareooble.com/), where she is developing edible straws that are 100% plant-based, biodegradable, and cost-effective, while being functional. Divya also works as a Senior Creations Design and Development Manager at ADM.In April of 2021 she was recognized as a Forbes' World’s 50 Best Names The Future Of Gastronomy.Find out more: http://www.weareooble.comFollow the journey on Instagram @weareooble____________If you loved this podcast then you might want to check out:Recycled Paper Wine Bottles? Innovation i

Today we speak with one of Washington’s leading winemakers about the region’s unique landscapes and the importance leadership plays as winemaker.Today we’re joined by Juan Munoz-Oca, Head Winemaker at Columbia Crest winery based in Washington State. Since it first opened its doors in 1983, Columbia Crest winery produces wine in the acclaimed Horse Heaven Hills AVA. In fact, it’s the only Washington winery to be honored with the Wine Spectator award the “No. 1 Wine of the Year” . Originally from Mendoza, Argentina, Juan discusses the similarities of his hometown to that of Washington’s unique wine landscape. In the second half of the interview, we discuss the importance of leadership as a winemaker and the advice he’d share to those in the industry. Taste the wines: https://www.columbiacrest.comWatch his TED Talk on Youtube: The World of Washington WinesConnect with Juan on Instagram and follow the adventures: @munozocaIf you want to learn more about Washington wines, check out our other episode with Bob Betz:

From launching the nation’s first cannabis-infused nonalcoholic wine; to recently publishing her latest book: “Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home”. Author and industry expert Jamie Evans joins us to discuss the latest updates in the Cannabis-infused beverage market.Sales for Cannabis-infused beverages is said to have jumped 40% since 2019. A new beverage category fuelled by the legalization of Cannabis is spilling into wine, beer and even coffee!But what are large corporations getting wrong about CBD and THC wine beverages? While many have focused on the novelty of Cannabis in beverages, Jamie and her team at Herbacée are focused on taste.  Find out more: https://www.herbacee.comFollow Jamie on Instagram @theherbsomm

Walk into any Western grocery store and you’ll find various flavours of Kombucha lined up, but this is not the case in China.You might be surprised to learn that Kombucha’s roots lead back in China and Japan.In this podcast we speak with co-founders Sharon and Cindy about how they overcame challenges and their inspirational journey creating Zestea.  Zestea Kombucha is Shanghai-based Kombucha brand bringing you real, organic, raw and all natural beverage. Every bottle of Zestea Kombucha is crafted from the finest ingredients that are carefully local sourced to deliver a smooth, zesty taste from your first to the last.Find out more: https://www.zesteakombucha.comConnect on Instagram @Zesteakombucha 

German Riesling is certainly amongst a wine lovers favorite wine, yet unlike Pinot Noir from Burgundy, it has not had as recent price hikes. Today, we speak with Konstantin Baum, Master of Wine about all things Riesling. Konstantin Baum became a Master of Wine in 2015 and is the youngest German ever to pass the examination. Today Konstantin heads the innovative online trading company www.meinelese.de, which imports artisanal wines and sells them in Germany. He is the wine ambassador for online retailer BELViNi, heads the wine program of one of the best hotels in the world - the Brenners-Park Hotel in Baden-Baden - and is the ambassador of the California Wine Institute in Europe. In 2019, Konstantin received the WSET & IWSC Future 50 Award. It is his mission to ensure that “the world tastes better” - to shape the selection of wines in retail and gastronomy, and to improve people's ability to taste and appreciate wine.Discover Konstantin’s top picks: https://meinelese.deWatch his YouTube’s:  Konstantin Baum

Taisai Vineyards is nested in the Gobi desert in China’s Xinjiang Province. Farmed organically, it was twice named as China's Best Winery of the Year by RVF. In this podcast we sit down with Martin Shen, General Manager of Tiansai Vineyards about the brand’s story and unique viticultural practices. Located in the northwest of China, Xinjiang province is three times that of France.With its long sunshine hours, low rainfall and almost desert like conditions, wineries rely heavily on irrigation to produce grapes.  Learn more: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/01/uncorked-chen-lizhong-of-tiansai-vineyards/ Bottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening personalities. Hosted by Emilie Steckenborn, the show is your one spot for all things food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world. Follow us on Instagram @bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes!  

Today we dive into China’s up and coming wine region: Xinjiang with Martin Shen, GM of Tiansai Vineyards.Located in the northwest of China, Xinjiang province is three times that of France.With its long sunshine hours, low rainfall and almost desert like conditions, wineries rely heavily on irrigation to produce grapes.In this episode we dive into the wine region of Xinjiang and discuss climate, geography and key varietals being grown.Taisai Vineyards is nested in the Gobi desert where they farm organically. It was twice named as China's Best Winery of the Year by RVF.Learn more: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/01/uncorked-chen-lizhong-of-tiansai-vineyards/ Bottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening personalities. Hosted by Emilie Steckenborn, the show is your one spot for all things food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world. Follow us on Instagram @bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever

In this podcast I speak with Belinda Chang, James Beard award-winning Sommelier about how you can bring your virtual wine event to life! Belinda Chang has been dubbed THE “global virtual wine experience guru” by the Wall Street Journal. She specializes in making epic moments everyday occurrences and is a leader in powerful virtual engagement that connects, comforts, and amplifies. Founder of Studio 8h Productions and the Virtual Boozy Brunch, Belinda is a sought-after lifestyle expert, business mentor, and innovator. Before setting out as an entrepreneur, Belinda managed the legendary 26,000 bottle cellar at Charlie Trotter’s, the wine lists at Laurent Gras' The Fifth Floor, and Danny Meyer's The Modern. Along with a myriad of other accolades over her 20 year career, she is a James Beard award-winning Sommelier, and is the first and only BIPOC woman to win a drinks award to date. Find out more: https://www.belindachang.comFollow her on Instagram @belinda_chicago Bottled in China brings you into the food and d

COVID has forced many restaurants and bars to shut down, but for Chef, Cookbook Author and Entrepreneur Matt Dean Pettit, he’s found a way to pivot and grow his businesses.From his first job as a busboy at the young age of 13 to line cook at 14, Matt’s passion for the food industry started early. In 2011,  Chef Matt Dean Pettit founded Canada’s famed Rock Lobster Food Co Restaurants. The Rock Lobster brand has since grown into a hugely successful grocery retail line focusing on proudly Canadian, sustainable award winning seafood dishes under the name brand Matty's Seafood Co which is sold across all Canada & The USA and Asia. In 2014, Chef MDP launched his first award winning Best-Selling cookbook, The Great Lobster Cook Book published by Appetite by Random House. In spring of 2018, MDP he published his second book titled The Great Shellfish Cookbook.He co-stars in the Food Network Canada TV Show: Super Snack Bros, where he showcases iconic snack foods made with crazy culinary twists. You’ll also see him

With so much noise and content online, how does one find their “voice”?Today we speak with Natalie MacLean, one of the most influential wine personalities, about her tips on navigating the digital wine world and connecting with your audience.Natalie MacLean offers wildly popular online wine and food pairing courses at www.nataliemaclean.com. She’s offering ourlisteners a free copy of her Ultimate Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. where you can download it for free at nataliemaclean.com/china.  In addition, She's the host of Unreserved Wine Talk, selected as one of the best drinks podcasts by The New York Times.Natalie's first book Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass and her second book Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines were both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.She was named the World's Best Drinks Journalist at the World Food Media Awards, and has won four James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards.Learn more:  https://www.natali