Sichuan Peppers: Asia’s Most Misunderstood Berry

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. 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 

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 wine styles that will captivate even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.Yiannis Karakasis MW is not only a Master of Wine, but also a prolific writer, consultant, and wine educator. He is the creator of the influential blog www.karakasis.mw, which has been instrumental in promoting Greek wines to a global audience. In 2019, he founded both the 50 Great Greek Wines initiative and the First Growth Wine School in Cyprus. Yiannis serves as a consultant for various businesses in Greece and abroad, and his is also the author of “The Wines of Santorini”, a book that was long listed for the Andre Simon Awards.  Recently, he published a digital report on Greek wine titled “Greek Wine Explained 2024”. Connect with Yiannis on Instagram @yianniskarasismwDownload his new e-book: Greek Wine Explained 2024Visit his website: https://www.karakasis.mwLearn more about 50 Great Greek Wines hereSince 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   

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.Read the latest developments on the wine industry: https://vino-joy.comConnect with Natalie Wang on LinkedIn or InstagramSince 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 

Introducing Mark Wong: Mark Wong is a visionary entrepreneur who took the beverage industry by storm. Less than 6 months after creating Impossibrew, he found himself on the hit TV show "Dragons' Den," where he faced the ultimate test of his business acumen. In this episode, Mark takes us through that experience and shares the valuable lessons he learned along the way.During our conversation, Mark reveals the fascinating science behind Impossibrew's beers, which offer a one or two-pint feeling without the presence of alcohol. We explore the nootropic herbs used in their products for relaxation and cognitive enhancement and how Mark collaborated with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Paul Chazot to develop these unique formulations.We also delve into the transformative role that a trip to Hong Kong played in Mark's life, where he discovered the power of Chinese and Eastern medicine. Looking to the future, we discuss the potential of the non-alcoholic nootropics industry and the challenges it currently faces. Mark shares his insights on the pain points and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for this emerging category.Find out more: https://impossibrew.co.ukFollow their journey on Instagram @impossibrewbeerSince 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  

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.comFollow the journey on Instagram @50hertzfoodsSince 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! 

In today’s podcast we’ll be uncorking the secrets of unconventional pairings with Vanessa Price,  resident sommelier for The TODAY Show, and the brilliant mind behind the best-selling book, "Big Macs and Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World." Vanessa has spent nearly two decades honing her craft and immersing herself in the wine industry. Her expertise has been recognized by prestigious publications like New York Magazine and Vogue, where she has written and been featured.But Vanessa's passion extends beyond the written word and into the realm of fine dining. As the Wine Director of Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Resort Hotel, she curates an unmatched wine selection to perfectly complement the modern twist on the traditional steakhouse at Mavericks, her latest culinary venture in Montauk. In this captivating episode, Vanessa sits down with us to delve into the inspiration behind "Big Macs and Burgundy," revealing the art of wine pairings for the real world. Discover the pairings to avoid, and which wines to pair with everything from Xiaolongbao, Sichuan hotpot or my favourite, a burrito! Get your hands on Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World here! Connect and follow Vanessa on Instagram @vanessalenorepriceFind out more about Vinum, her lifestyle platform and Mavericks, her latest culinary venture in Montauk. Cheers!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! 

Can we taste terroir?In today’s podcast, we unravel this very question with geologist Brenna Quigley to explore how soil influences a wine’s style.Based in Napa, CA, Brenna conducts vineyard investigations and educates other about the influence of soil on wine style.With a Master’s degree in Geology, she has had the opportunity to study the terroirs of France while working with Te Source Imports and Becky Wasserman & Co.Her current projects take her to various locations around the world, from Spain, Austria, Germany, to Italy. Follow on Instagram: @brennaquigleyListen to the podcast: https://www.roadsideterroir.comMore about Brenna: https://www.brennaquigley.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!

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.nzConnect with Dr Rana on LinkedinSince 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.orgFollow the journey on Instagram @rootsfundSince 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!