Bottled in China: A Wine & Food Podcast

• 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 CatenaResearch 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 food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.chinaPodcast 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

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• 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 food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.chinaPodcast 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

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• 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 food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.chinaPodcast 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

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• 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 @curtismwMore 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 food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.chinaPodcast 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

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• 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 food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.chinaPodcast 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

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