Bottled in China: A Wine & Food Podcast

Hosted by Emilie Steckenborn

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201

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Since 2016, Bottled in China brings you into the world of wine, drink and food through insightful conversations with thought leaders who are at the forefront of the global wine and food scene. Hosted by Emilie Steckenborn, the show is your one spot for all things wine, food, beer and spirits from across the world.

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October 8, 202623 min

From Dom Pérignon to IWA Sake: Richard Geoffroy on Blending the Future

Richard Geoffroy was the eccentric driving force behind the world’s most famous Champagne, Dom Pérignon. But then, everything changed at 64. In this episode, Richard Geoffroy, the legendary former Cellar Master at Dom Pérignon, where he shaped the house’s style for 15 years, turns his craft to an unexpected frontier: IWA sake. Bringing Champagne rooted mastery to the art of blending, precision, and reinvention, Geoffroy begins rewriting the rules without losing what makes Japan feel unmistakably present. Crafted outside a traditional sake region in Toyama Prefecture, IWA gives Geoffroy room to innovate while staying deeply rooted in Japan. His flagship IWA 5 delivers a distinct expression each year, and his latest release, Assemblage 7, offers a new expression of his vision. It uses five different yeast strains, including experimental ones, with a rice polishing rate of just 35 percent, and it incorporates reserve sakes to add depth. We also explore a career that did not follow a straight line from one passion to the next. Geoffroy traces his path from medicine to Champagne and finally to Japan, where IWA comes to life. Along the way, he discusses what carries over across industries and how his drive for innovation travels across borders. Finally, we dig into a deeper question: innovation vs tradition. Both Champagne and sake are rooted in deep history, rituals, terroir, and craftsmanship, and ask which world truly leaves room for modern experimentation. The answer might be more surprising than you think. Find out more: Assemblage 7 — IWA Sake of Japan Visit their Instagram: IWA Sake of Japan (@iwa.sake) • Instagram photos and videos 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

June 25, 202618 min

India: The Next Great Wine Market with Sonal Holland, Master of Wine

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 placed India at the threshold of becoming one of the world's most consequential wine markets. In this episode, we speak with Sonal C Holland, India's first and only Master of Wine, about the decade-long journey that took her from a Fortune 500 corporate career to the highest credential in the global wine trade. We explore India's wine scene, the structural barriers of duties and state-by-state distribution, and the quiet revolution underway among a new generation of consumers. Connect with Sonal C Holland, Master of Wine , on Instagram and discover more about her remarkable journey in her new book, One In a Billion: Becoming India’s First Master of Wine . Special thanks to Rachel Mamane for putting this piece together and to Jeff for the audio editing. 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

April 14, 202620 min

Lenz Moser: From Austrian Legacy to Chateau Changyu Moser XV in Ningxia

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 vision and winemaking wisdom to China's emerging wine frontier. After managing Austria's pre-eminent winery and serving as General Manager for Robert Mondavi in Europe, he turned his attention east in 2005. In this episode, Lenz shares his journey from that first overwhelming moment in Beijing Airport to becoming the winemaker Chateau Changyu Moser XV in Ningxia. We discuss how he spent 10 years building trust before Changyu appointed him head winemaker, and why understanding China's contradictions: patience versus speed, became essential to his success. He reveals the secret behind Ningxia's world-class wines: the smallest Cabernet Sauvignon berries on earth, grown in a desert terroir that went from unknown to World Atlas of Wine recognition in just over a decade. 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

January 7, 202623 min

China’s Wine Landscape: Insights and 2026 Outlook

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 the Co-founder of Summergate Martin Shen , Managing Director, Tiansai Vineyards (Xinjiang) Richard King , Sommelier in Shanghai's fine dining scene From Beijing's anti-corruption crackdown that decimated government banqueting to the surprising surge in aromatic white wines, our panel reveals how "involution"—China's race-to-the-bottom pricing wars—is reshaping everything. Discover why post-2000 consumers spend fortunes on wine pairings but only Instagram the famous labels, how instant retail delivers chilled bottles in 30 minutes, and why Xinjiang is becoming China's hottest wine destination. The verdict? China remains Asia's largest bottled wine market with massive upside in a $300 billion² beverage alcohol sector—but only for those willing to adapt to the new normal. Insights: IWSR Wine Landscapes 2025 - China, ¹Wine market CAGR -14.9% 2019-2024. ²$266 billion TBA value 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

December 12, 202531 min

Vino Veritas: A Doctor's Dose of Reality with Dr. Laura Catena

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 to cut through the noise and present what peer-reviewed science actually says about moderate alcohol consumption. Dr. Catena believes the current conversation around alcohol and health has veered away from accurate science, reduced to oversimplified headlines that ignore nuance. She walks us through two landmark reports—one from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and another from the American Heart Association—that challenge the prevailing black-and-white narratives. These aren't studies cherry-picked to support the wine industry; they're comprehensive reviews that acknowledge both the potential benefits and real risks of alcohol consumption. In this episode we discover what moderation actually mean? We explore the breaking research on wine and health, but we also zoom out to examine the larger picture: the undeniable dangers of smoking, the rapid rise of weight loss drugs and cannabis, and how industrialization and processed foods have fundamentally reshaped both what we consume and our overall health. Dr. Catena argues that informed decision-making requires understanding the full spectrum of evidence—not just the parts that fit a particular narrative. Whether you're a wine lover, a health enthusiast, or simply someone trying to make sense of conflicting headlines, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective grounded in science, context, and honesty. To find out more about Dr Laura Catena's In Defense of Wine Campaign, you can visit her official website here: In Defense of Wine and watch her informative YouTube video here: Wine & Health by Dr. Laura Catena Research Papers and Insights Discussed: NASEM report and the American Heart Association 's review. Ozempic Curbs Drinking—So What Does That Mean for the Alcohol Industry? | SevenFifty Daily This episode was brought to life by the exceptional writing of the talented Rachael Mamane , a James Beard-nominated author and culinary researcher. 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

October 23, 202521 min

Beyond Riesling: A New Lens on Asian Cuisine with Master of Wine Richard Hemming

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 and discard the traditional rules. Today, we explore the misconceptions about Riesling being the go-to choice for spicy foods and uncover effective strategies for navigating complex pairings. We'll discuss how to pair wine with Chengdu and Chongqing's iconic mala spice, identify suitable white wines for vinegar-heavy dishes, and highlight Richard's unexpected wine and Asian food combinations. Richard's book, Wine & The Food of Asia , is available through the 67 Pall Mall website, with Amazon distribution on the way. 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

October 9, 202517 min

Wine, Wealth, and Data: Inside Liv-ex’s Asia Playbook

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 trading? In this episode, we’re joined by James Miles, the CEO and co-founder of Liv-ex. As the Chairman of Liv-ex and a director at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), James brings a wealth of knowledge and insight from his extensive background in investment banking and his journey in founding Liv-ex in 2000. Liv-ex serves wine businesses worldwide, providing them with the tools to understand market trends, access real-time pricing, and discover trading opportunities. Join us as James unpacks the fascinating story behind Liv-ex, shares his perspective on wine as an asset class, discusses the rising interest of Gen Z in wine, and explores Asia's importance in the fine wine market. EXCLUSIVE BONUS: For our listeners, we’ve partnered with Liv-ex to bring you exclusive insights typically reserved for members only. Register here for a free video that delves into whether the end is in sight for the challenges facing the fine wine market. While the first half of the year has been tough, there are signs that we may have weathered the worst of it. Tune in to discover what this means for the future of fine wine trading! Learn more about Liv-ex here: Liv-ex | The global marketplace for the fine wine trade 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

September 25, 202535 min

Charles Curtis MW on Everything Champagne and His Insider View of Hong Kong's Changing Fine Wine Landscape

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, Master of Wine Founder of WineAlpha, where he provides advice on varied topics of interest to wine collectors and the trade. As the former Head of Wine for Christie’s in both Asia and the Americas, he brings a rare, global perspective. From his path—from Moët Hennessy in the U.S. to Hong Kong in 2008—offers a front-row view of the region’s rise and recalibration. We’ll talk about how buying patterns have shifted in Hong Kong, and why Hong Kong’s resilience endures. Charles is also one of the foremost voices on Champagne and Burgundy. His first book, The Original Grand Crus of Burgundy, was released in 2014, and the second, Vintage Champagne 1899 – 2019 in 2020. In 2024 he authored the chapter ‘Appraising Fine Wine and Spirits’ in the book Appraising: The Definitive Guide’ from the Appraisers Association of America, and his forthcoming book, An Atlas of the Côte des Blancs (with cartographer Steve De Long), will appear later this year. He is a board member of the Appraiser’s Association of America, and since 2020 has been the Burgundy correspondent for Decanter magazine and a contributor to other publications. And stay with us for a quick lightning round: Charles’s favorite Champagne vintage, his take on decanting, and the one Asian dish he can’t resist pairing with a great bottle. Follow the journey on Instagram @curtismw More information on Charles and his latest books: https://curtismw.com/index.html 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

August 30, 202533 min

Huangjiu: Rediscovering China's Ancient Craft for a Modern Palate

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 relatively obscure outside of China. Today, Simon Zhou, founder of Ruby Red Fine Wine, is here to share the story of Huangjiu. Recognized as one of Forbes China’s most admired figures in the food and beverage sector, Simon started with a two-person operation, which has since expanded to a team of over 160 by 2024. Ruby Red Wine Group now operates multiple offices both in China and internationally, representing more than 300 global brands, from fine wines to premium sake. Its clientele includes leading hospitality venues, specialty distributors, and passionate wine collectors. In 2022, Simon launched Vintry France, a négociant business in Beaune, France. The following year, he invested in a boutique winery in northeast China and co-founded a rice wine production base in Shaoxing. By 2024, he had also overseen the launch of Domaine 41, a modern wine retail venture in Shanghai. Beyond his business endeavors, Simon actively educates others about wine, engaging over 60,000 followers across various social media platforms. He is now focusing some of his efforts on Huangjiu, and in this episode, we'll explore this intriguing beverage that has graced imperial courts, complemented seasonal delicacies, and is now resonating with contemporary consumers. Connect with Simon Zhou at www.rubyred.com.cn 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

July 31, 202538 min

The Next Billion: Capturing Africa’s Rising Wine Market

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 discussion, he explains why Africa's wine import market is increasingly appealing to global producers. With rising disposable incomes in urban areas and a burgeoning middle class, consumption trends are evolving. The continent's youthful population and thriving economic hubs are particularly open to international wine culture. However, Dr. Lindfeld also discusses the challenges of navigating these markets and the complexities of diverse regulatory environments. With a PhD in International Business and sixteen years in global management consulting, Dr Lindfeld has brought a data-driven approach to an industry often steeped in tradition. As the Founder of Africa Ventures Advisory and board member of 4G Wines AG, Dr Christian Lindfeld has been instrumental in bridging the gap between European vineyards and Africa's growing middle class. Find out more: www.africa-ventures.net Connect on LinkedIn: Dr Christian Lindfeld 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 wine, food and beverages from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @ bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes , Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey! Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com