Bottled in China: A Wine & Food Podcast

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!

In this jam-packed episode, we talk with Stefan about his journey through the Michelin-starred ranks like Le Manoir Aux Saison by Raymond Blanc and The Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, where he achieved his MS designation in 2017. We then discuss his new online course, tips on blind tasting, whether “supertasters” exist, which varietals or regions get easily mixed up during MS studying, and more. If you’re looking to become more knowledgeable about anything and everything wine, Stefan Neumann, MS, is a wonderful resource.

“Master Sommelier” is a moniker saved for the most expert wine tasters in the world. Training, studying, and blind-tasting are vital to achieving this goal. Luckily, Stefan Neumann, MS, is here to help wine students and professionals alike. Born in Austria and based in London, Stefan is a consultant for many wine brands, including Graham’s, LVMH, and Austrian Wine Marketing. And he’s just launched his online blind-tasting course, helping aspiring sommeliers pass their wine exams and qualifications.

Find out more: https://stefanneumann.co.uk

Connect with him online: @stefanthesommelier_ms

Find out more about his wine tasting course: https://stefanneumann.co.uk/blind-tasting/

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!

South Korea has a plethora of regional brews that are slowly finding their way internationally.

Today we speak with Carol Pak, Founder of Sool about her journey creating Makgeolli and Soju for the North American market .

A Columbia Business School MBA alum, Carol is a native New Yorker who wants to introduce the world to the magic of Korean spirits and elixirs. Previously part of ZX Ventures (owned by AB InBev), Carol developed a new beverage brand in China which opened her eyes to the possibility of introducing a new beverage category to the West. In 2017, she started Sool to globalize Korean alcoholic beverages.

In this podcast we will dive into the background and culture of the Korean alcohols Soju and Makgeolli, why she’s so passionate about this mission, the rise of K-pop and K-culture in general, and how she created Makku and Soku, the first American-crafted Makgeolli and Soju, respectively. An expert in the art of alcoholic product launches, Carol Pak is here to show that Korea should be top of mind the next time you’re looking to imbibe.

Find out more: www.drinksool.com

Connect with them on Instagram & Facebook

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!

In this inspiring and stirring episode, we invite food lovers and connoisseurs alike to explore what cooking is all about—insideandoutside a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant. So come along as we dive into the fascinating world of fine dining.

Join us in today’s podcast episode for a conversation about innovative fine dining with Stefan Stiller, three-star MICHELIN Chef. In his position as Chef-Owner at Taian Table in Shanghai and Guangzhou, Chef Stefan crafts and serves exquisite food for guests from around the world, yet he emphasizes innovation over perfection. To earn three MICHELIN stars, a restaurant must offer “exceptional cuisine worthy of a special journey.” What sets Stiller apart is his proclivity for groundbreaking ideas in both food and life. Today, we are thrilled to pick his brain about his philosophical musings about cooking and life, as well as his success as a Michelin chef.

Follow the journey on Instagram or visit their website for bookings!

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!

There is more than meets the eye regarding social media marketing in China.

In the second part of our interview with Chinese social media and marketing expert Olivia Plotnick, the Founder of Wai Social, we discuss how wine companies should adapt their messaging for Chinese consumers.

Olivia’s unparalleled insight into China marketing allows us to ask important questions about the culture surrounding Chinese social media. In today’s episode we discuss which social media channels make the most sense for F&B.

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!

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!

Thailand’s wine market is expected to grow annually by roughly 7% between 2023-2027.

Listen in as we examine Thailand's wine business through the eyes of an expert.

Today, we are joined by Fabien Gachet, National Sales Director in charge of HORECA and Marketing at Independent Wine & Spirits to discuss Thailand’s growing thirst for wine. Fabien is based in Thailand and has previously worked in Shanghai, China with some of the most dynamic wine brands.

In today’s podcast we will discuss the wine styles and trends that dominate the Thai market and the unexpected lessons that he’s learned along the way.

Independent Wine and Spirits (Thailand) is a world-class beverage distributor with a core focus on importing internationally renowned wine, spirits, and other beverages.

Find out more: https://www.iwsthailand.com

We have a new website! Visit us at https://www.thebottledshow.com

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!

From clothing to coffee, sustainable options are on the rise today. Although it is often difficult and expensive to produce sustainable products, that doesn’t stop Clean Coffee & Laundry. This Hong Kong-based café specializes in resource-friendly coffee items and low-waste laundry facilities. It was born from the desire to promote eco-friendly practices and is undoubtedly making a difference.

Tune in as we talk all things sustainable with Clean Coffee & Laundry Co-Founder Cynthia Lok. We will consider everyday ecological actions, alternative coffee options that are both affordable and waste-effective, and the company’s ultimate journey to sustainability. Clean Coffee & Laundry not only has the best oat milk latte in Hong Kong but provides a prime example of sustainability for people everywhere.

Follow the movement @youarecleanhk

Find out more: https://youareclean.com

We have a new website! Visit us at https://www.thebottledshow.com

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!