Bottled in China: A Wine & Food Podcast

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.

What if everything you've been told about alcohol and health is incomplete? Dr. Laura Catena—Harvard and Stanford-educated physician and fourth-generation vintner behind Argentina's Catena Zapata—cuts through oversimplified headlines with peer-reviewed science on moderate alcohol consumption. Leading the 'In Defense of Wine' campaign, she examines landmark reports from the National Academy of Sciences and American Heart Association that challenge black-and-white narratives. We explore what moderation truly means and examine broader health issues: smoking, weight loss drugs, and processed foods. A science-grounded perspective beyond conflicting headlines.

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. For our listeners, we’ve partnered with Liv-ex to bring you exclusive insights typically reserved for members only. Watch the free VIDEO HERE to delve 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!

Baijiu is known as China's national spirit, and wine is becoming more popular, but yellow rice wine (Huangjiu) makes up less than 2% of the country's alcohol market. Still, it has a unique place in Chinese drinking culture. In this episode, we’ll look at Huangjiu, which has been enjoyed in imperial courts and with seasonal dishes, and is now appealing to modern drinkers. With a history of over 2,500 years, Huangjiu is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages, yet it's not well-known outside China. Simon Zhou, founder of Ruby Red Fine Wine, will share its story. Recognized by Forbes China as a leading figure in food and beverage, Simon started with a small team and grew to over 160 employees by 2024. Ruby Red Wine Group now has multiple offices in China and abroad, representing over 300 brands, including fine wines and premium sake, catering to top restaurants, specialty distributors, and wine collectors.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of non-alcoholic wines with Duncan Shouler, a renowned Director and Winemaking Consultant at Enobev Consulting. With a background in Marine Biology, Duncan's wine journey began in 2004, leading him to work with prestigious producers like Château Angelus and Giesen Wines, where he served as Chief Winemaker. Notably, Duncan was awarded Winemaker of the Year at the New Zealand International Wine Show in 2023 for his exceptional work with Giesen's wines. A pioneer in the non-alcoholic wine space, he played a key role in launching a best-selling collection of premium de-alcoholized wines in the USA and continues to advocate for innovation within this growing category. In our conversation, we'll explore his unique journey, the innovative techniques behind alcohol removal, and the grape varieties best suited for producing exceptional non-alcoholic wines. Duncan also addresses common misconceptions about this category and shares insights into the challenges and future trends that lie ahead.

"Don't be afraid to take risks, make decisions and solve problems,’ says Robert Foye, former CEO of Accolade Wines and previously Global Chief Operating Officer at Treasury Wine Estates. With over 22 years at The Coca-Cola Company and extensive experience across Asian, US, and European markets, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our conversation. From navigating market shifts to redefining company culture, his journey is filled with pivotal moments that shaped his leadership approach. We'll explore Robert's career milestones, key skills for thriving in wine, and advice for young professionals looking to stand out.

What if your daily glass of wine, previously celebrated for its health benefits, is now viewed through a critical lens that labels it a health risk and labelling it as cancerous? Today, we unpack the complexities of this narrative with Felicity Carter, exploring the science, media influence, and industry responses that shape our understanding of wine's place in a healthy lifestyle. Today, we are excited to welcome Felicity Carter, a distinguished journalist and editor based in Europe. As the Editorial Director of ARENI Global and co-founder of Business of Drinks, Felicity's expertise is unmatched. She formerly served as Editor-in-Chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International, transforming it into an essential resource for wine professionals worldwide. Felicity's insights have graced major media platforms, including CNN and The New York Times, positioning her at the forefront of key discussions within the wine industry. In today’s episode, we will dive into the changing narratives surrounding wine and health. We’ll examine how these perceptions are evolving and their implications for both consumers and the industry. We’ll tackle common myths about wine, including the contentious idea that "there's no safe level of alcohol," and scrutinize the French Paradox.

At just 24, Toru Takamatsu made history by becoming the youngest person to achieve the coveted Master Sommelier title — a distinction few can claim at any age. But his journey to this rarefied status was anything but easy. We explore what first ignited his passion for wine, the hurdles he faced along the way, and how his drive and determination propelled him to the top. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter at Domaine Takahiko, Toru is looking beyond the world of sommeliers and into the realm of winemaking. We discuss his work with Takahiko Soga, the philosophy behind the vineyard, and what kind of wine he hopes to produce in the future. Join us as we delve into the career of one of the wine industry’s most promising talents, and gain insight into what it takes to master a craft, break boundaries, and shape the future of wine.

In today’s episode, the second of our two-part series, we confront a pressing question: amid the current slowdown in the Chinese market, does Bordeaux still present an attractive opportunity for producers? Once viewed as a burgeoning frontier for wine, China now reveals a complex and shifting landscape. We are joined by Chloe Wu, Founder of Advinture Trading, to dissect this evolving market. Together, we will examine how Bordeaux can strategically engage younger consumers and women, endeavoring to reshape its image in the face of changing preferences and distribution channels. Chloe’s expertise is underscored by her 2014 postgraduate essay, "Internationalization Strategies - Ensuring the Sustainability of Bordeaux Wine Exports," later published as a book in France in 2016. This work provides practical insights into internationalization strategies, using Bordeaux as a case study for sustainable export practices. In this episode, we will explore the critical factors that will dictate Bordeaux's long-term viability in China. From harnessing data and digital marketing to innovative product offerings and sustainable value chains, the path ahead demands both agility and foresight. Join us as we navigate this multifaceted issue, seeking to understand how Bordeaux can not only adapt to current challenges but also leverage the opportunities that persist in one of the world’s most significant wine markets.

You might be surprised to learn that in the world of caviar, producing half of the global supply. In today’s episode, Reisa Jiang, the co- founder of Astrea Caviar takes us on a journey from the tranquil ponds of Yunnan, China to the delicate art of caviar processing. Together, we will uncover the story behind China's rise as a global caviar powerhouse and uncover the nuances of Chinese caviar, its diverse sturgeon varieties, and the techniques and location for production.

In this episode of the Bottled in China Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Andrew Jefford, an acclaimed journalist, poet, and writer whose expertise spans the diverse realms of wine, whisky, travel, and perfume. Jefford is a Contributing Editor and columnist for both Decanter and The World of Fine Wine, as well as the Academic Advisor to the Wine Scholar Guild and Co-Chair of Decanter World Wine Awards. He has also broadcast extensively on wine, tea, and other subjects for BBC Radio. With twelve books and guides to his name, including "The New France," "Whisky Island," and his latest work, "Drinking with the Valkyries," Jefford has firmly established himself as a leading voice in the drink and publishing industries. In this in-depth interview, we delve into the defining moments that propelled Jefford's rise to recognition, and he shares a candid perspective on the intensely competitive environment of the industry. Listeners will gain valuable insights and lessons from Jefford's storied career, which has spanned over three decades. Additionally, we explore the impact of artificial intelligence on wine writing, discussing whether it is perceived as a threat or a valuable tool for writers like Jefford. Join us as we gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of wine journalism and publishing.

In 1996, Don St Pierre Jr joined forces with his father, Don St Pierre Sr, to establish ASC Fine Wines. Over the years, their company has grown to become one of the largest importers of high-quality wine in China. Today, we delve into the formidable obstacles encountered while introducing fine wines to the Chinese market and the fascinating stories of navigating the intricacies of conducting business in China during the mid-nineties. We also dive into cherished memories of Don St Pierre Sr's remarkable character and enduring impact in the industry. Finally, we reflect on the dynamic evolution of the Chinese wine market and envision how ASC would reinvent itself in today's changing wine industry.

In our latest podcast episode, we embark on a journey to unravel the ever-evolving world of China's wine market. With an eye toward 2024, we explore the challenging landscape awaiting the wine industry. Joining us is Natalie Wang, Chief Editor of Vino Joy News ─ the ultimate source for insights into China's wine industry. Natalie's expertise will guide us through the intricate layers of this dynamic market that went from boom to slide. Today we sit down to examine China's current economic landscape and forecast the evolving transformations that lie ahead for the wine industry in the next decade. We navigate the challenges faced by importers, examine how Australia's eagerly anticipated return to the market will impact the beverage landscape, and shed light on the noteworthy shifts in taste preferences and wine styles among the discerning young Gen Z consumers. But our exploration doesn't stop there. As we consider the future, we also delve into the significance of Hong Kong amid the ever-shifting geopolitical landscape. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of China's wine market as we dissect trends, challenges, and opportunities. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve in the world of wine business.