Bottled In China

Today we speak with Rumiko Obata, from Obata Sake Brewery and producer of famed Sake brand: MANOTSURU.Rumiko is the fifth generation of sake brewing family located on Sado Island, Niigata, Japan. Niigata region is recognized for its  “micro-brewed” sakes and considered one of the top Sake producing regions in the Japan thanks to its cooler climate and access to pure mountain water. Niigata is recognized for its  “micro-brewed” sakes and considered one of the top Sake producing regions in the Japan thanks to its cooler climate and access to pure mountain water. Founded by Yososaku Obata in 1892, OBATA Sake Brewery prides itself for using the traditional hand-made methods used by her family for over a hundred years.   In this podcast, we discuss  Rumiko's family heritage and what makes Sake from Sado Island unique. We also learn how Rumiko is re-energizing Sado Island and reviving its Sake culture through a Sake School or locally known as "Gakkogura",  where you can learn the basics of sake brewing techniques. 

Did you know that women only represent 10% of winemakers in California?Today, we'll be stirring up the conversation about women in wine.Katie Canfield and Rebecca Johnson  join us today to discuss the upcoming Batonnage Forum taking place on June 16th 2020. What used to be an  annual one-day event originally scheduled to take place in Sonoma, California, is now online for all to join! This is a unique chance to learn, connect and feel inspired with women in the trade. Sessions include ways to support vineyard workers, sessions about color, wine and feminism. Even if you're not in wine or in the F&B space, the conversation still matters, they'll be hosting seminars about finance and discussing ways to move ahead in your career.  In this podcast we’ll be discussing the inspiration behind the Batonnage Forum and this year’s theme: perspective.  Visit them for more information: https://www.batonnageforum.com/ Get your tickets now! 

When wineries receive customers at their cellar door, they go out of their way to provide a tailored customer experience. With the rise of e-commerce, how can wineries deliver this same experience to customers shopping online?Today we speak with Zach Kamphuis, General Manager of Commerce 7 about improving your customers e-commerce experience.Commerce 7 offers a range of tools such as point of sale system, ecommerce, reservation systems, CRM and even a wine club management system to help wineries create a flawless shopping experience. Want to find out more? Visit their website: https://commerce7.com/Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on insta @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify! 

Today, leading Sake expert Timothy Sullivan joins us to discuss the fascinating world of Sake.Timothy is a Sake Samurai, an educator with the Sake School of America, and an SSI International Sake Sommelier. He also founded UrbanSake.com and is the founding president of the American Sake Association.  As well as being the Global Brand Ambassador for Haikkaisan I Brewery, he also shares his knowledge for the beverage through his Sake Revolution podcast. In this episode we’ll be discussing his journey becoming a Sake Samurai and his experience making Sake in Japan. Learn about Sake https://www.urbansake.com More about Haikkaisan Brevery 

Alaya Tea is a women-owned tea company that sources organic and biodynamic loose-leaf teas directly from people and planet friendly farms in India.Their tea is picked fresh and sent in small batches without preservatives and packaged using biodegradable materials.  Today, we’ll be speaking with co-founders Esha Chhabra and Smita Satiani about the world of tea and what got them started on this journey.Find out more: https://www.alayatea.co/Follow them on Insta @alayateaAbout the host 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. Find us on Insta @bottledinchina and subscribe on iTunes or Spotify to listen to the newest podcasts!  

We’re taking a leap forward today and discussing crickets and insects as an alternative and sustainable food solutionWe’ve got to ask ourselves: can our current food system successfully carry the weight of an increasing hungry population?Are we limiting ourselves with sourcing protein from only meat and is the what other sustainable protein solutions available?Today we speak with Kate Stoddard, the inspiration behind Orchestra Provisions. With a Master of Science in Nutrition, she created a line of protein-packed seasoning spices made from crickets called Orchestra Provisions . Today, we discuss how entomophagy has the capacity to feed billions sustainably. Find out more: https://www.orchestraprovisions.com/Follow them on Insta @orchestraprovisionsAbout the host 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 worl

In today's podcast we'll be discussing data and the importance of measuring what matters.  Paul Mabray, the CEO of Emetry joins us to discuss how wineries can leverage data analytics to better answer questions and understand their consumer.Emetry is analytic software for the wine industry that provides unique insights aimed to drive business revenue and more informed decision making.In this podcast, we discuss what type of data is outdated and which ones are needed to compete in today’s highly fragmented market. Guest Profile:Paul Mabray has been on the forefront of technology innovation for the wine industry for two decades including Wine.com, WineDirect, and VinTank which was acquired by the W2O Group. Vintank has been a continuation of his desire to help revolutionize the wine industry by bridging the gap between wine and the digital world. Paul has been in the wine and spirits industry for over twenty years. He has worked for Napa Ale Works, Niebaum~Coppola, WineShopper/Wine.com and also was the North Ame

Today we speak with Randy Ullom and Maggie Curry from the Kendall Jackson-Winery team about how COVID-19 is shifting the way we engage with our customers online.Randy Ullom is the Winemaster at Kendall-Jackson Winery and shares his best practices on how to bring the winery experience to your doorstep.We also speak with Maggie Curry, Director of Marketing at Kendall-Jackson Winery about the various online initiatives they’ve implemented during quarantine and her take on current market trends. Find out more: www.jacksonfamilywines.comFollow them on Insta @KJwines   

Laiba is China’s first handcrafted bottled cocktail brand.In today’s podcast, we speak with Alexander Petersen, Co-Founder and CEO of LAIBA Beverages about the untapped potential of bottled cocktails.  We also discuss how COVID-19 has created unimaginable growth and demand across Asia.  Check them out on Instagram @laibabeverages Find out more: https://laibabeverages.com Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on insta @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify! 

Have you ever wondered what are the shifting consumer behaviors towards alternative protein in Asia? Today we speak with industry leader and expert Sonalie Figueiras about  plant-based, cultivated and whole food meat, seafood and dairy alternatives in Asia.Sonalie Figueiras is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Green Queen, Hong Kong's largest eco wellness media platform. She is also the Founder and CEO Ekowarehouse, the global sourcing platform for  certified organic products. Find out more at https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/ Or visit their Instagram @greenqueenhkDownload their report The Asia Alternative to Protein Industry Report 2020 -  here Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on insta @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify!

Peter Marks MW is one of America's leading wine educators. He is currently a Partner and Vice President of Education for the Napa Valley Wine Academy.Today, he joins us to discuss his journey becoming a Master of Wine and his tips on what skill sets are needed to become a top wine educator. We also discuss how COVID-19 is fueling  the rise of online wine education. The pandemic has impacted every business and person around the world, yet amidst uncertainty, Napa Valley Wine Academy has committed to support learners through providing a range of online wine programs.  We find out what online programs and support the Napa Valley Wine Academy has on offer during COVID-19.Find out more about Napa Valley Wine Academy by clicking here.Click here to read Peter Marks full bio and contact details.In this podcast I discussed using a useful study APP called Anki.

With nearly half a billion people over the legal drinking age of 25, India most certainly seems like an attractive market for wine brands. However, with its high wine taxes and its complicated and fragmented regulatory landscape, India remains a difficult market to enter.Today, Ruma Singh, Wine Writer and Founder of Between the Vines, gives us a glimpse into the Indian market.We discuss the current landscape of wine in India from what styles are popular to what is being made locally. Show Notes:(6:00) Wine taxes & wine prices in India(14:00) Categories of consumers(17:00) Indian Wine: India's domestic productionFollow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on instagram @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify! 

Globally, we buy millions of plastic bottles per minute, yet 91% of plastic bottles are not recycled. Today, we speak with Cassia Patel, Program Director at Oceanic Global Foundation about cost effective options to support a plastic free hospitality.Oceanic Global launched The Oceanic Standard, an easy step-by-step guide for restaurants, event spaces, hotels, bars, nightlife venues and more to adopt sustainable practices that empower consumers to make conscious choices while meeting both business and environmental needs.Find out more: https://oceanic.global/who-we-are/ Want to make to make a difference? Download the hospitality report here. Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on insta @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify! 

New Zealand is leader in sustainability, low alcohol wines and expressive Sauvignon Blanc, but that's not all! In today's podcast we speak with Charlotte Read, GM of Marketing, and Natalie Potts, Market Manager for Asia at New Zealand Winegrowers about the countries latest innovations. Show notes05:50 -- NZ & Sustainability07:50 -- Low alcohol wines15:00 --  What are China's consumer view on sustainability17:00 -- NZ white wine's performance in China21:00 -- What are NZ Winegrowers doing in China to grow awareness in China and during COVID-19  Learn more about NZ Winegrowers through their website: https://www.nzwine.com/ Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on insta @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify! 

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 also shares how the winery came about producing their Reserva Famiglia in a traditional Italian appassimento stye. To conclude, we discuss how to grow you brand abroad and in the Chinese market. Facebook: pillitteriestateswineryTwitter: @pillitteriwinesInstagram: pillitteriwinesTrip Advisor: Pillitteri Estates Winery Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on inst @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify! 

Today we speak to industry expert Jamie L. Evans about the world of cannabis in F&B.In this podcast we break down Jamie’s journey from wine to cannabis and what are the similarities between the two. We also discuss her latest book: The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore The World of Cannabidiol. Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm, a cannabis blog and lifestyle brand that is focused on the gourmet side of the cannabis industry. She is an educator, event host and producer, and writer specializing in cannabis, CBD, food, recipes, wine, and the canna-culinary world. Get your hands on her book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-CBD-Explore-Cannabidiol/dp/1592339263Follow her blog: https://www.theherbsomm.com  Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on instagram @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify! 

Hannah Williams is the Beverage Director at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a two star Michelin establishment. As a Certified Sommelier and named one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s Best New Sommeliers of 2019, Hannah shares her thoughts on what skill sets are needed to become a great Sommelier. With the recent global pandemic of COVID-19, there’s no doubt that hospitality and all businesses are getting hit hard.  In this podcast, we share our tips on how you can use this period of isolation to better your wine knowledge and learn a new skill set. Finally, we discuss emerging trends in the beverage category. Could it be Sake? Georgian Wines? Gluten free beer?Recommended courses to keep busy!-Free online courses from Harvard, MIT and more-Court of Master Sommeliers: Online Deductive Tasting Courses-Virtual WSET & wine courses by Napa Valley Wine Academy  -Leadership & Management Courses via CourseraFollow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on instagram @bottled.in.china and make su

Molly Troupe, America’s youngest female master distiller discusses how she found her passion for creating small batch gin and whiskey at Freeland Spirits. Based in Portland, Oregon, Freeland Spirits is one of the very few woman owned and operated distilleries in the US.In this podcast we discuss what steps you can take to find your passion and what it takes to become a Master Distiller. Molly also opens up on how set backs in life, make you stronger and wiser throughout your career. In the final part of the podcast, we find out her view on what might be the next craft spirit to shake up the market. Find out more: https://www.freelandspirits.com Follow Molly’s journey on instagram @whiskey.biscuit  Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on instagram @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and subscribe on iTunes and Spotify!

Wine bottles are heavy, spatially inefficient, and generally not made from recycled materials. In fact, the biggest portion of a wine bottle’s carbon footprint is a result of its packaging, not its production or transport. If we are to build a sustainable industry, the vast majority of wine packaging needs to innovate. In this episode we speak with Santiago Navarro, CEO & Co-Founder of Garçon Wines on how they are creating 21st century wine packaging.Garçon Wines is leading a way with a unique flat bottle appearance.The design still retains the traditional features and beauty of a standard wine bottle (a round shape from one angle and a long neck) but are 40% spatially smarter than glass bottles.They are made from recycled PET material which is more lightweight and eco-friendly than glass, and is 100% recyclable after use. Virgin PET bottles generate 77% lower GHG emissions than glass throughout their lifecycle. In fact, CO2 emissions of recycled PET (rPET) were found to be 79% lower than for virgin PET m

As a dynamic and growing segment of the overall alcoholic beverage market, the wine industry attracts a range of talented people yet appears to struggle in cultivating top female talent in middle management and executive positions. Deborah Brenner wants to change that.In this podcast we speak with Deborah Brenner, Founder and CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits. WOTVS is an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the wine industry. We discuss how Brenner has assembled a powerhouse array of educational tools, events, and even scholarships to help women advance their careers in the fast-paced and ever-changing field of global wine sales, marketing, and consumption. Visit their website to find out more: https://www.womenofthevine.com/cpages/homeScholarships are now open! Apply here: https://www.womenofthevine.com/foundationFollow them on Instagram @womenofthevineandspirits Follow the latest stories at www.bottledinchina.com or check us out on instagram @bottled.in.china and make sure to like and