Bottled In China

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 anxiety and stress of overdoing it or waking up hungover. So in 2020, she took the plunge and founded Bonbuz, a Los Angeles-based company that crafts function-forward, non-alcoholic options for those who prefer to steer clear of booze. Join us in today’s episode as we explore the relatively new frontier of alcohol alternatives with Bonbuz CEO and President Fay Behbehani. Together, we will examine the inspiration behind Bonbuz, active agents that mimic the buzz of alcohol, up-and-coming ingredients in the drinking industry, and the reasons behind this trend toward non-alcoholic products. Follow Bonbuz on Instagram @bonbuzTaste it: https://bonbuz.com We have a new website!

“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 sold-out pop-up dinners where he experiments with bold flavor combinations and locally sourced ingredients. There is no doubt that his next endeavor, a solo restaurant project in Melbourne, will be a hit. The restaurant is slated to open later this year and feature all the best of Felix’s former menus. I sat down with Felix to ask him about his inspiration for cooking, his thoughts on local ingredients, and his advice for upcoming chefs. Our conversation ended up covering a lot more, including his decision-making process for taking risks and his outlook on life. Besides being an award-winning chef, Felix is the perfect example of what happens when you ignore the doubts

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 Chinese wine market with Vinifield President and wine expert Jean-Charles Letellier. Our special guest provides firsthand insight into China’s wine market by discussing post-pandemic trends, prime sale opportunities, brand success despite closed borders, and Letellier’s latest e-book, which emphasizes the importance of negotiation in China. People are coming together again, which means good things for China’s wine industry.Connect with Jean-Charles on LinkedinSubscribe for Jean-Charles’s China related newsletter Since 2016, Bottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening personalities. Hosted by

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 style has an immensely compelling history, and Amber Revolution: How the World Learned to Love Orange Wine explores its background in-depth.  Our latest episode focuses on Amber Revolution with the author himself, award-winning wine and drinks writer Simon J. Woolf. We will discuss orange wine’s social history, defining aspects, and reintroduction to the mainstream market. Orange wine is making a comeback, and we are here for it.  Buy the book & support Simon directlyMore info: https://amber-revolution.comFollow Simon on Insta @amber_revlutionSince 2016, Bottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happeni

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 Digital Awards Best Interview category. As we look at these branding strategies, we will also discuss the pitfalls of wine marketing and the future of wine communication.  Find out more: Follow his podcast: Interpreting Wine on Itunes, lybsnFollow the journey on LinkedIn or Instagram @interpretatingwineSince 2016, 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. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or

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 acclaimed wine critic and expert Jasper Morris. We'll dissect winemaking and production as well as potential wine system adaptations. Most significantly, however, we will explore the reasons behind Burgundy's escalation in demand and the subsequent repercussions on the wine market.Find out more: https://www.insideburgundy.comAre you a Burgundy lover? Get the Inside Burgundy - The Second Edition now to find all the best wine reviews!Connect with Jasper on instagram @jaspermorris.insideburgundyListen to the podcast on Itunes or watch on  YoutubeSince 2016, Bottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening

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 episode, we discuss the sober social movement that inspired Founder Vaughan Yates to open The Virgin Mary Bar. In the second part of the interview, we discuss his target consumers and which global markets Yates believes are primed to embrace alcohol-free beverages.Find more information: https://thevirginmarybar.comConnect on Instagram @thevirginmarybarConnect on Facebook or TwitterSince 2016, 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. Connect with us on Linke

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 his own, award-winning website, timatkin.com. Tim has contributed to a number of books on wine, including the New World of Wine, as well as writing two of his own - Chardonnay and Vins de Pays d’Oc. He was also the co-author with Anthony Rose of five editions of the annual consumer guide, Grapevine.He has judged wines in the UK, France, Italy, the United States, Argentina, Spain, South Africa, Chile and Australia and is co-chairman of the London-based International Wine Challenge, the world’s biggest and most rigorously judged blind tasting competition.He is also the chairman of the Wines from Spain Awards and the Languedoc-Roussillon Top 100. In 2010 he was the inter

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.Fungtn. saves you from hangover hell and positively contributes to mind and body brewed with superfood mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Chaga.Zoey Henderson, Founder of Fungtn., joins us on the podcast to discuss functional mushrooms and the trend towards lower or no-alcohol products.Zoey has been in the Hospitality industry for over 15 years, across bars, restaurants, events and as a venue and business owner. Her past role as a mindful drinking consultant opened up the world of no and low and this is where she saw the functional gap in the category. An entrepreneur with a passion for health and wellness, her brand Fungtn. aims to bring functional drinking into t

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 Chaga. Zoey founded the Fungtional Brew Company with a desire to bring more functional herbs and fungi into the mainstream. Creating more mindful options for conscious consumers looking to reduce their alcohol consumption and empower their health. Zoey has been in the Hospitality industry for over 15 years, across bars, restaurants, events and as a venue and business owner. Her past role as a mindful drinking consultant opened up the world of no and low and this is where she saw the functional gap in the category. An entrepreneur with a passion for health and wellness, her brand Fungtn. aims to bring functional drinking into the low alcohol, craft beer space. Want to tast

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 decade prior. He then worked at Bien Nacido Vineyard and learned from some of the county's most talented winemakers sourcing fruit from the legendary vineyards of Santa Barbara.He co-founded and was the winemaker for Scar of the Sea. In 2019, he sold his portion of Scar of the Sea back to Guigni to launch his own consultancy.Brughelli is also the winemaker at Folded Hills Winery, Ranch and HomesteadMichael Brughelli founded his eponymous wine brand in 2018. He crafts high-end, allocated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Santa Maria Valley currently selling at $200 a bottle. Find out more: https://brvghelli.wineRead about Brughelli’s latest release here Since 2016, Bottled

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 thoughts on how the world of wine has changed, and where it’s headed.Angela is a respected wine, food, and culinary expert, influencer, host, and hospitality maven. She loves to taste, talk, and teach and is the regular on-air expert for CTV Your Morning, CHCH Morning Live, and various radio shows. She also has her own show called 'The Juice'. Known as Super Wine Girl, Angela brings adventure, fascination and excitement to the world of wine. She loves the spark of a one-of-a-kind experience and has spent over 20 years in the wine industry trailblazing, event planning and studying. Her recent adventures include going coast to coast around Canada, teaching what she knows ab

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, expressing it through jewelry, art, perfume, and entertainment.Jean-Charles Boisset was born into the world of wine in the village of Vougeot (Burgundy), France—the heart and birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. His lifelong passion for wine began early, having grown up on the family’s estate winery, Domaine de la Vougeraie, located within view of the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos de Vougeot.Jean-Charles’ passion for California and California wineries endowed with history, heritage and a pioneering spirit led him to Sonoma County in 2003, where he purchased DeLoach Vineyards, an early producer of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel in the esteemed Russia

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 Aubert & Mathieu.Aubert & Mathieu is the project of two friends who aim to move the lines in the very codified world of French wine. Sourcing wines from the Languedoc Roussillon, Aubert & Mathieu is changing the way wine is produced and sold.Since 2016, 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. Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes!   

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 runs the Winery Solutions practice.  In this podcast we speak about how a trip abroad to Bhutan lead Michael to speak with the local government about investing in vineyards and winemaking. While wine has yet to be produced, in this podcast we discuss how this high altitude region holds high hopes of becoming a quality wine region.   Since 2016, 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. Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to

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 this podcast I’ve summed up the key takeaways of that event. In the first part of the podcast, we’ll discuss how COVID has changed the current wine landscape in China.We’ll also hear the thoughts of top New York producers on which grape varietals should be crowned as the flagship white and red varietals.In the end we touch upon what makes NY unique from other wine producing regions in USA.Joining as guest panelists are: Oskar Bynke and Frederick Merwarth of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards, Master Sommelier Christopher Bates of Element Winery, Ifan Wang, Co-Founder of Shanghai Pietra Rossa and Sales Director at LIBER, and Hannah Williams, Beverage Director at Blue Hill a

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 category in Asia, and his thoughts on how to position your wine brand for success in the Chinese market. That and so much more in today’s episode.Eddie McDougall is the founder of The Flying Winemaker. He is an award-winning winemaker, wine judge, commentator, and TV personality.Eddie McDougall has 20 years of experience in the areas of beverage distribution, winemaking, and brand building.With a longstanding commitment to making award-winning wines, Eddie spearheaded an acquisition of Gladstone Vineyard, an established premium producer of Pinot Noir from New Zealand.Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on inst @bottled.in.china and mak

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