Bottled in China: A Wine & Food Podcast

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 @sonalholland_masterofwine 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.

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 assemble 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.

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.

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 wine world 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 MW, founder of WineAlpha, advising collectors and the trade. As the former Head of Wine for Christie’s in Asia and the Americas, he brings a rare global perspective. 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 explore how buying patterns have shifted—and why Hong Kong’s resilience endures. Charles is a leading voice on Champagne and Burgundy. He wrote The Original Grand Crus of Burgundy (2014) and Vintage Champagne 1899–2019 (2020). In 2024, he contributed “Appraising Fine Wine and Spirits” to Appraising: The Definitive Guide, and his forthcoming An Atlas of the Côte des Blancs (with cartographer Steve De Long) arrives later this year. He sits on the board of the Appraisers Association of America and serves as Decanter’s Burgundy correspondent.

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.

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of the Chinese market with our guest, Robert Foye. As a seasoned leader in the beverage industry, Robert has an impressive background that includes roles at Coca-Cola, TWE, and Accolade. He has been a key player in the remarkable rise of brands like Penfolds in Asia. In Part 2 of our conversation, Robert shares his insights on navigating the complexities of the Chinese wine market and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. We'll explore the key factors that contributed to Penfolds' success in China, effective strategies for growing market share, and what the future holds for the Chinese wine industry.

Over the past few decades, the wine industry in China has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. From being a relatively new player in the global market, China has emerged as a significant and influential force in the industry. Today we’ll be exploring this dynamic wine region, which remains relatively unknown to most wine lovers. In this episode, we'll be diving into the world of Chinese wine—exploring key regions, the curated selection on Cathay Pacific’s wine list, and how you can create a first-class experience at home. Joining us is Ronald Khoo, Wine & Spirit Assistant Manager at Cathay Pacific Would like to sip the Chinese wine served in Cathay Pacific First Class and Business from the comfort of your home? Visit Cathay Shop and enjoy up to HKD5=1 Asia miles with your wine purchase!

What if the secret to your favorite cup of tea lies beneath the surface, in the soil? Join us as we dive deep into the world of tea science with Dylan Rothenburg, a dedicated researcher and the Founder of Wu Mountain based in Guangzhou China, whose journey is helping us to understand how to appreciate tea and the science behind it. In today’s podcast, Dylan shares insights from his journey and research, highlighting the intriguing effects of green tea on brain health. We’ll also delve into China’s organic certification and examine the fascinating relationship between tea plant roots and their soil microbiome.

What if the secret to a perfect cup of tea lies not just in the brewing, but in the centuries-old traditions that shape it? In this episode, we welcome Shunan Teng, the visionary founder of Tea Drunk in New York City. In this episode, we delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese tea with Shunan Teng, founder and CEO of Tea Drunk, a renowned tea house in New York City. Shunan has become a pivotal figure in the tea community, dedicated to preserving the ancient traditions of Chinese tea while educating a new generation of enthusiasts. Each year, she travels to historic tea mountains in China, collaborating with heritage farmers to harvest and craft teas that honor centuries-old practices. Join us as we explore the history of tea in China, from its ancient origins to its modern-day significance. We will examine the three most popular types of Chinese tea and the unique characteristics that define them. Additionally, we’ll discuss the concept of terroir and its impact on flavor profiles, as well as the intriguing market dynamics of Puer Tea. As we navigate this complex world, Shunan will also address common misconceptions about Chinese tea in the West, providing clarity and insight. Prepare to be immersed in the art and science of tea, where tradition and modernity converge in a steaming cup.

In this two part episode, we discuss Bordeaux’s remarkable growth in China, highlighting the key figures and success stories that underscore its impact in this dynamic market. Joined by Chloe Wu, Founder of Advinture Trading, we dive into the innovative marketing and branding strategies employed by Bordeaux producers, emphasizing their shift from a luxury image to one of accessibility. We also explore the critical role played by the Bordeaux Wine Council in supporting this transition. As we delve deeper, Chloe addresses the challenges currently faced by Bordeaux merchants. She outlines the competitive landscape, particularly the pressure from other wine-producing regions, as well as the economic challenges, including overstock issues and the persistent threat of counterfeit products. Additionally, we discuss the implications of trade tensions on export strategies. Our guest today is Chloe Wu, the founder of Advinture Trading, a liquor agency specializing in fine wines. Chloe shares her inspiring journey from Sichuan, China, to France, where she developed her expertise in the wine industry. With a background that includes significant roles in the beverage sector, Chloe launched Advinture in 2023, driven by her passion for exceptional wines.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Jackson, Master of Wine and author of the acclaimed book "Beyond Flavour: The Indispensable Handbook to Blind Wine Tasting." Nick shares his personal journey to becoming a Master of Wine and the pivotal moment when he realized the importance of focusing on a wine's structure rather than just its flavors. Nick's wine career began at the University of Cambridge, where he was a member of the successful Cambridge University blind wine tasting team. After earning a PhD in Theology, he worked as an auction specialist at Sotheby's in London and later as a buyer for Sotheby's Wine retail store in New York. In 2018, Nick left Sotheby's to start his own fine wine advisory business, Vintage Variation LLC, where he advises private clients, retailers, and other wine businesses. In "Beyond Flavour," Nick delves into the concept of tasting wines based on their structure and texture, rather than relying solely on flavors. He argues that assessing a wine's acid structure for whites and tannin structure for reds is a more reliable indicator of a wine's identity, especially as producers and regions continue to push the boundaries of traditional winemaking. Nick shares insights on how to navigate the nuances of tannin profiles in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, as well as the challenges of distinguishing Chardonnay and Riesling from specific regions. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the art of blind wine tasting and how they can embark on this tasting journey with Nick's guidance and his book "Beyond Flavour."

In this episode, we delve into the world of wine auctions and the flourishing fine wine scene in Asia. Today we are joined by Adam Bilbey, Christie's Global Head of Wine and Spirits. Drawing from his wealth of experience in Asia, we explore the notable shifts in fine wine collecting across the regions and the emerging trends that shape this dynamic market. From its origins in London in 1766, Christie's Auctions has made a lasting impact on the global wine market. Today, we uncover the secrets behind this prestigious institution's successful foray into the Asian market and examine its navigation of this vibrant landscape. Before joining Christie's, Adam Bilbey held the position of head of Wine and Spirits at Sotheby's Asia, orchestrating remarkable sales that included Transcendent Wines, The Philanthropist's Cellar, and the groundbreaking Wines from the Cellar of Joseph Lau. Our conversation takes us to the heart of fine wine consumption in Asia, where we shed light on Asia's evolving collecting habits. Adam Bilbey goes beyond the surface to reveal exciting opportunities for collectors beyond the realm of the most famous wine names and uncovering hidden gems. Finally, authenticity is a paramount concern in the world of fine wine, and we address this important topic in our discussion. Adam Bilbey imparts straightforward tips and advice on how aspiring wine enthusiasts can embark on their own cellar journey, ensuring that their collection reflects their personal taste and preferences.

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Yiannis Karakasis, a renowned Master of Wine based in Athens, Greece. With his expertise and passion for Greek wines, Yiannis has been instrumental in introducing the world to the hidden treasures of this ancient winemaking region. In our conversation, we delve into his journey and what makes Greek wines so unique and worth exploring. We also discuss his latest ebook, "Greek Wine Explained," and the valuable insights it offers to readers. Yiannis takes us behind the scenes of the 50 Great Greek Wines Awards and shares a sneak peek of some exceptional wines that will captivate even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.