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...

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...

Introducing Mark Wong, a visionary entrepreneur who made a significant impact in the beverage industry. Within a short span of six months after creating Impossibrew, he found himself facing the ultimate test of his business acumen on the popular TV show "Dragons' Den." During our conversation, Mark uncovers the captivating science behind Impossibrew's alcohol-free beers, which provide the sensation of enjoying one or two pints. We delve into the incorporation of nootropic herbs used in...

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...

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...

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. In this...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this jam-packed episode, we talk with Stefan about his journey through the Michelin-starred ranks like Le Manoir aux Quat’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...

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...

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 grape growing. Today, this oenophile’s oasis holds approximately 4,000 acres of vineyards. In...

In this inspiring and stirring episode, we invite food lovers and connoisseurs alike to explore what cooking is all about—inside and outside 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The future of drinking is upon us, and we look to it with enthusiasm and curiosity! In recent years, more and more people have decided to ditch alcohol. This social shift sparked one woman’s vision of a beverage company focused on creating alcohol-free drinks that give people that same happy, buzzed feeling as your average cocktail—without the anxiety and stress of overdoing it or waking up hungover. So in 2020, she took the plunge and founded Bonbuz, a Los Angeles-based company that crafts...

“Who do I want to be in five years?” This is what Felix Cheung, AKA “Fat CheFelix” asked himself before he quit his successful career as a tech engineer to pursue his passion. With no professional experience, he moved to Melbourne where he started cooking and eventually gained a huge following both on and off-line. Felix continues his rise with sold-out pop-up dinners where he experiments with bold flavor combinations and locally sourced ingredients. There is no doubt that his next endeavor,...

As China is set to slowly open its borders, hopes are that citizens resume gathering in large groups and that there’s a bounce back in economic and social activities. At its current value of 42 billion U.S. dollars, China’s market is projected to double by 2026, peaking at around 72.2 billion U.S. dollars. Listen in as we examine the rebound of the Chinese wine market with Vinifield President and wine expert Jean-Charles Letellier. Our special guest provides firsthand insight into China’s...

Orange wine was once a staple among the public, but it lost popularity and only recently experienced an upswing among contemporary wine drinkers. Although this third option is neither red nor white, orange wine is an exciting combination of the two, as it is made from white wine that ferments like red. The world’s oldest and most distinct wine style has an immensely compelling history, and Amber Revolution: How the World Learned to Love Orange Wine explores its background in-depth. Our...

More goes into wine branding than the average person might assume. Many marketing strategies are selected to entice consumers through deliberate psychology and storytelling. In today’s episode, we examine the different methods used in wine marketing alongside Lawrence Francis, Wine Podcaster and Consultant, who was recognized in the 2020 Born Digital Awards Best Interview category. As we look at these branding strategies, we will also consider the pitfalls of wine marketing and the future...