china podcast

Professor Charles Spence is a world-renowned experimental psychologist specializing in neuroscience-inspired multisensory design. Spence has published over 1,000 academic articles and authored various best-sellers, including “The Perfect Meal” and “Gastrophysics: The New Science of Eating.” Sensehacking, his newest book, was published in 2021.

In addition to being an award-winning author, Spence established and runs the Crossmodal Research Laboratory (CRL) at the Oxford University Department of Experimental Psychology.

Professor Spence collaborates with baristas, mixologists, chocolatiers, chefs, and perfumiers to design enhanced multisensory food and drink experiences.

Professor Spence has worked extensively in multisensory experiential wine and coffee. Today, he wants to know how new technology will change our dining/drinking experiences.

In today’s podcast, Professor Spence joins us from London to offer his intriguing insight into gastrophysics, the power of expectation, how packaging might be tricking your senses, and much more!

Want to dive into the world of gastrophysics? Find his books The Perfect Meal or Gastrophysics.

Watch his captivating TED talk here.

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. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china 

Subscribe to Bottled in China now and join us on an unforgettable journey through the world of wine, spirits, and culinary wonders. Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! 

Find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

On today’s episode we embark on a journey that sheds light on Asia’s most misunderstood berry and discuss how it’s making a hot comeback. 

We sit down with Yao Zhao, Founder of 50 Hertz Tingly Foods to discuss all things Sichuan peppers.

In this interview, we delve into the scientific intricacies behind Sichuan pepper’s iconic mala (麻辣) or numbing flavour. 

Together, we’ll uncover the fascinating history of Sichuan peppers, tracing their origins in ancient medicinal practices and their epic odyssey along the legendary Silk Road. 

But that's not all—our exploration extends to the nuances between the green and red varieties, exploring how these tiny berries have sparked a fervent "mala craze" across Asia. From the innovative Mala milk tea to delectable culinary concoctions, witness the evolution of a culinary revolution that leaves taste buds tingling and palates yearning for more. 

Find out more about 50 Hertz Tingly Foods: https://50hertzfoods.com

Follow the journey on Instagram @50hertzfoods

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. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china 

Subscribe to Bottled in China now and join us on an unforgettable journey through the world of wine, spirits, and culinary wonders. Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! 

Today we discuss the advancements of nanotechnology in the wine industry with Dr Sachinadri Rana. 

Nanotechnology is a branch of technology that focuses on producing, designing, and using objects or systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale.

In today’s podcast episode, we are thrilled to provide more insight into the wine production process with Dr Sachinadri Rana, Ph.D., an expert Wine Researcher at the Bragato Research Institute. With ten years of experience in the wine industry and a doctorate in biotechnology, Dr Sachi’s acute understanding of nanotechnology in grape growing and winemaking is a thrilling treat for today’s viticulture discussion.

Ultimately, the use of nanotechnology in winemaking contributes to the reduction of environmental impact and improved agricultural sustainability in grapevine growth and harvest. Join us in this exclusive episode as we explore how the study of nanotechnology serves winemakers around the world with Dr Sachi.  

More about Bragato Research Institute and their latest research: https://bri.co.nz

Connect with Dr Rana on Linkedin

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. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china 

Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes!

The story of wine is a colorful one. 

Today, more funds and nonprofits are cropping up to promote the inclusivity of marginalized groups in the wine culture at large. One of those efforts, The Roots Fund, is looking to secure a pathway for the future of wine for those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. 

Today, we talk with the founder of The Roots Fund, Ikimi Dubose about the importance of mentorship and leadership. 

When we sat down with Ikimi, we asked her what prompted her to start the fund, what “inclusivity” really means, and what the Roots Fund membership program entails. She dives deep into why mentorship means so much to her, as well as why it’s vital to have passionate, respectful, inclusive mentors in the wine industry. Plus, Ms. Dubose lets us in on her steps to leverage a mentor for wine career progression. Finally, she gives us the top three tips she’d tell younger Ikimi about getting into the food and business industry. 

The future of wine starts here with The Roots Fund and everything Ikimi Dubose stands for.

Find out more: https://www.therootsfund.org

Follow the journey on Instagram @rootsfund

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. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china 

Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes!

In 2023, Raimonds Tomsons was crowned The Best Sommelier of the World and also Best Sommelier of Europe 2017 by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (A.S.I).

Throughout this fascinating conversation, we go deep into Raimonds story, including his origins at the renowned Vincents restaurant, his journey in wine as well as the trial and tribulations to reach the pinnacle of his profession.

Today, this very special guest details the many powerful lessons he has learned during his unforgettable journey of passion, triumph, and dedication.

We further discuss the world’s leading Sommelier competition and how it covers everything from vegan pairings to non-alcoholic recommendations, and how to accurately price a wine menu.

As the director of Barents Wine Collectors, a Decanter Wine World Awards judge, and a Star Wine Lists jury member, Raimonds is simply a wealth of wine wisdom.

Find out more: https://raimondstomsons.lv/en/index.html

Connect on Insagram @Raimonds.tomsons to follow the journey!

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. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china 

Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes!

Join us as we explore the story behind Texas’s emerging wine industry in today’s episode.

Although California and Washington are often considered the main attractions for exquisite vineyards and wine production in the United States, the Lone Star State is an underdog of sorts in the world of wine. As one of the oldest vine-growing states in America, the long, hot Texas summers are perfect for grapevine development. Today, this oenophile’s oasis holds approximately 4,000 acres of vineyards. In addition, about 443 wine producers reside in Texas, making the state a hot topic for wine connoisseurs.

In today’s episode, we will hear from Clay Roup, the Director of Education and a Curator at Texas Wine Club, as he delves into the details of winemaking in Texas. We are covering everything from the best grape types for wine production to topical viticultural issues to the various wine styles sought after by many a wine-lover today. With professional intel about Texas boutique winemakers and general viticulture, Clay is well-equipped to educate us about wine production and distribution in the next big wine region.

Connect Clay at Texas Wine Club here

Find out more: https://guide.michelin.com/sg/en/shanghai-municipality/shanghai/restaurant/taian-table

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. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china 

Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes!

Why do we fight? It’s a seemingly simple question, but it turns out the answers are surprising, deep and crucial to understanding our world. Considering how costly any conflict is in lives and money, why do wars happen at all? This is one of those episodes that will change how you view some of our most important issues, from the war in Ukraine, to understanding gang fights, and even a possible conflict with China.

We’re taking the week off to work on some truly special episodes coming out in the next few weeks, but thought this was a perfect opportunity to re-share one of our episodes that we think is an absolutely must listen. So please enjoy, and we’ll see you next week for an all new Big Brains.

There is a notable distinction between Western and Chinese social media, and this difference is worth studying for companies wanting to ensure brand success. In China specifically, brands wishing to successfully market their products to the general public need to expertly navigate the complex, ever-evolving Chinese social media landscape. This is where this episode’s special guest comes in!

Join us in our conversation about Chinese social media and marketing with Olivia Plotnick, the Founder of Wai Social, a company responsible for curating and executing intentional social media strategies for clients.

Olivia’s unparalleled insight into China marketing allows us to ask important questions about the culture surrounding Chinese social media. For instance, how companies speak about their wine brands online sends a message to Chinese consumers—so, with which values should they align their captions and comments to guarantee optimal engagement and revenue?

In addition, what apps are most popular in China as opposed to other countries? And what social and cultural guidelines should wine companies follow online?

Sign up for their newsletter here

More about Wai Social: www.waisocial.com

Follow Olivia on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-plotnick/

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. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china 

Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes!

When citizens directly appeal to their government, are their concerns ignored or taken seriously? It’s an important question for understanding norms around accountability, especially in authoritarian regimes. 

To find some answers, University of Chicago Professor of Public Policy Shaoda Wang helped develop a clever field experiment evaluating how Chinese regulators respond to citizen appeals about companies violating pollution standards. 

The experiment is fascinating on its own, but it also provides a wealth of data about the effectiveness of citizen appeals, how corporations respond when complaints are public or private, and even the incentives companies follow when it comes to adhering to pollution standards. 

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.

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! 

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.com

Connect 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.de

Watch his YouTube’s:  Konstantin Baum - Master of Wine 

Connect with Konstantin on Instagram: konstantinbaum_mw

Find out more: https://www.mastersofwine.org/konstantin-baum-mw

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! 

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 you listen to your episodes! 

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 make regular guest expert appearances, lending his love of food, wine and sports on Global TV, CTV, CBC television and radio, The Social, CTV Your Morning Canada and Cityline TV all across Canada and The USA.  

Matt & his partners have recently launched COAST By MDP,  a fast causal seafood dining brand which now has 4 and growing! 

If you’re in the area, stop over at COAST: https://www.coastbymdp.com 

Follow him on Instagram @mattdeadpettit

If you loved this podcast then you’ll also want to check out our other fascinating  conversations below:

All About Dinner with Cookbook Author Molly Stevens

China’s Growing Oyster Obsession with Rudy Guo, Executive Director of Oysterliscious

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! 

Champagne is a growing category around the world, but do we see the same trend in China? In this episode we explore the current situation of Champagne with Edouard Duval, CEO of East Meets West Fine Wines. Part of the Duval-Leroy Champagne House, Edouard shares some of his experiences and thoughts about the Champagne industry and the ever-changing role of the importer/distributor model in China.

After 15 years of running a successful beverage distribution business in China, Edouard joins us to discuss how it all got started. EMW is one of the leading fine wine distributors in China focused on family owned wineries. They represent over 80 brands with some of the world's top producers such as Vietti, Silver Oak, Emilio Moro, Paul Jaboulet Aine and so many more. With years of experience developing top brands in China, we look forward to sharing Edouard's insights with you in today's podcast!

Visit their website: https://www.emw-wines.com/

About the host:
Emilie Steckenborn is passionate about food, wine, spirits and beer. So much, that she holds certificates from Cordon Bleu, CMS, WSET and UCD. Based in Shanghai, China for the last seven-plus years. She is currently the Head of Education for Asia & MEIA at Treasury Wine Estates. Apart from hosting Bottled in China podcast, Emilie is a certified Wine Educator and the Official Wine Consultant for China Eastern Airlines.

Read the stories and listen to the podcast: https://www.bottledinchina.com/

If you don't already know, China is a foodie nation. With so many various local cuisines and now, international restaurants opening up in tier one cities, there's enough selection to keep us constantly busy. But how can we navigate the thousands of restaurants in Shanghai alone? Today, we speak to Stone Shi, Founder & CEO of Bon APP!, an APP that helps you discover great restaurants with dining suggestions to over 13 cities in China.

With nearly 1 million downloads and an active foodie community of restaurant reviewers, we sit down to discuss how Stone created Bon App!, the dynamics of the food delivery systems in China and their new strategy moving forward.

You can find out more on their website: www.bonapp.net/

About the host: Emilie Steckenborn is based in Shanghai, China for the last six-plus years. She is currently the Head of Education for Asia & MEA at Treasury Wine Estates. Apart from hosting this foodie podcast, Emilie is a wine educator and the official Wine Consultant for China Eastern Airlines. Her background includes a degree in Gastronomy from Cordon Bleu & Universite de Reims in France, a Wine Business Degree from NC in Canada.
Contact us: emilie.steck@bottledinchina.com

The World Bank reported that China is set to produce twice as much waste as the US by 2030, and we ask ourselves: where will that all end up?
Today, I'm joined with Jonathan Cruysberghs, Co-Founder of Feibao to discuss waste recycling in China and what we can do to help out. Feibao is a passion project that he co-founded in Shanghai in 2016 with Clement Saint Ellier. It links the waste we want to recycle with someone in the city who picks it up and will dispose or reuse it. It offers bins and containers for waste storage to offices, schools and compounds. Feibao has gained traction in Shanghai as it serves a dual purpose, while it is environmentally friendly, it also connects local collectors to a new income stream. In this episode, we discuss how Feibao is actively helping the F&B community in Shanghai and changing the waste management landscape one step at a time.

If you're interested in learning more visit their website: http://www.feibaowaste.com/

Be part of the change by recommending F&B outlets to their WeChat: FeibaoWaste

About the host:
Emilie Steckenborn is based in Shanghai, China for the last six-plus years.
She is currently the Head of Education for Asia at Treasury Wine Estates.
Apart from hosting this foodie podcast, Emilie is a wine educator and the official Wine Consultant for China Eastern Airlines. Her background includes a degree in Gastronomy from Cordon Bleu & Universite de Reims in France, a Wine Business Degree from NC in Canada and she is currently a Master of Wine Candidate.
Contact us: emilie.steck@bottledinchina.com

Thank you to our Producer, Ryan Shuken, our Editor Jeff and our Production Editor David Xu.
Finally, thank you for listening!