I couldn't help myself. I mean, how American can you be? In fact, I do what I can when travelling to absorb culture and not compare to the American lifestyle. But I had to ask "Is the Chinese food in China the same as it is in the states?" The answer....listen to the podcast!

I was completely taken by Emilie...She brings warmth to her perspective but at the same time, taking a firm position that is rooted in vast experience and educated conjecture.

Emilie Steckenborn makes a living where most of us can only dream—at the intersection of wine, culture, and cutting-edge business in China’s ever-evolving market. But don’t let her youthful charm and “very strong Chinese accent” (as Paul jokes) fool you. Emilie is a polyglot insider who’s spent over a decade breaking barriers in Shanghai, consulting for both airlines and luxury giants like LVMH, and unraveling the intricacies of food, wine, and social connection in the world’s most populous country. You will come away from this episode with a front-row seat to Emilie’s striking journey from Toronto to Asia’s fine wine circles, and you’ll learn how Western and Chinese culinary myths feed both perceptions and markets. She’ll shed light on why most "Chinese food" in North America bears little resemblance to dishes in Beijing or Guangzhou, how social media platforms like Xiaohongshu change what’s in your glass and on your plate, and why the Chinese DTC (direct-to-consumer) model leaves American wine buyers in the dust. You’ll also get a candid look at the role of women in China’s wine scene, why brand is king (or queen) from Yellowtail to Lafite, how fake wine scams erupt and vanish, and what it really takes to build—and protect—a luxury wine label in one of the world’s most challenging markets. Emilie’s passion for connection glues it all together, whether she’s navigating bottles at 50-table banquets or forging authentic stories through her own "Bottled in China" podcast. Expect to leave with a new appreciation for the complexities of selling, sharing, and savoring wine across cultures—and the secrets behind the conversations that only a great glass can unlock.

✅ Ever wondered how wine, culture, and business blend together in China’s booming scene?
✅ Host Paul Kalemkiarian sits down with Emilie Steckenborn—wine industry leader, podcast host, and all-around trailblazer—for a globe-spanning conversation you won’t forget.
✅ From myth-busting Chinese cuisine to insider stories on luxury wine brands, social media’s impact, and the secret sauce behind wine’s magic, Wine Talks uncorks big ideas and bigger stories.
✅ Discover why wine isn’t just a drink, but a bridge for connection and innovation—and why the next “aha moment” in your own wine journey might be just one sip away. Listen now to Wine Talks with Paul K!

#WineTalks #WinePodcast #EmilieSteckenborn #PaulKalemkiarian #WineBusiness #BottledInChina #WineCulture

What I didn't expect when we first logged into Riverside.fm for the podcast...was his opening remarks.

"I am a bit bi-polar, dyslexic, a recovering alcoholic, and diagnosed with ADHD." and my response was "Is that it?"

Then that turned into what I expect to be a series of episodes because forty-five minutes just ain't enough time.

In this engaging episode of "Wine Talks," I sit with Tim Hanni, a Master of Wine, to delve into the fascinating world of wine. Tim reveals historical insights, such as the original negative meaning of "terroir," and explains how wine education often overlooks the diverse perceptions and preferences of consumers. Tim shares his unconventional path to becoming a Master of Wine, highlighting his personal challenges with dyslexia and alcoholism. The conversation shifts to address the wine industry's failure to adapt to modern consumers, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of sensory individualism and adaptive marketing strategies. Tim critiques the industry's elitism and disconnect from wine’s rich history, pointing out that even acclaimed wines like those from Bordeaux were traditionally sweet. This episode is a thought-provoking critique of the wine world, stressing the importance of embracing diversity in wine perceptions and learning.

1. The term "terroir" originally had a negative connotation, referring to "soiled wine" which was of poor quality, much like soiled diapers.

2. Tim Hanni, the guest of the podcast, is a Master of Wine who became one of the first two Americans to earn this prestigious title, despite having dyslexia, ADHD, and being a recovering alcoholic.

3. Master Sommelier and Master of Wine programs differ substantially, with the latter focusing more on the business and science aspects of wine rather than purely service.

4. Historically, French champagne was incredibly sweet, sometimes even sweeter than Coca Cola, challenging modern perceptions of what "fine" wine should be.

Have at it folks...this really is some crazy stuff.

I had to take the call. When a PR firm reached out to Wine Talks to ask if Gisela Kreplinger would be an appropriate guest...I jumped all over the opportunity. We all have questions about wine as it is discussed in the Bible. Is it hypocratic? DId Noah become drunk? How is wine to be viewed in today's culture? You will be impressed and inspired by the answers from Dr. Gisela Kreplinger.

Gisela Kreglinger might just convince you that wine is much more than a mere beverage; it's a divine conversation starter. Imagine taking a sip and feeling not just the intricate flavors but also a brush of the sacred, a whisper from God, as she puts it. In this episode of Wine Talks, Gisela unravels the profound tapestry of wine's role in theology and spirituality. You'll explore how this ancient drink transcends being a symbol to become a tangible blessing, richly woven into the fabric of biblical narratives—from Noah's resilient grape planting to Jesus' miracle at Cana. Gisela takes us on a fascinating journey through history, explaining how wine's spiritual dimension has been celebrated across civilizations yet diminished in modern consumerism. You'll discover the wisdom imbued in the Lord’s Supper and how wine functions as a social connector, a medium of storytelling and confession around the table. This episode challenges us to revive an organic kinship with wine, grounded in its ability to evoke memory and emotion—what Gisela calls "holy tipsiness." Join us for this enlightening dialogue, and you're bound to come away seeing that each glass of wine offers a deeper, divine connection waiting to be savored and cherished.

🍷 Lesson 1: Wine as God's Gift
Wine isn't just a tasty beverage; it’s God’s way of giving humanity a comfy hug. As Gisela Kreglinger says, wine is the divine way of planting a smooch on our cheek! It's deeply connected to our memories and emotions, capable of transporting us back to the time when mullets were cool and MTV played music videos.

🍷 Lesson 2: The Role of Wine in Spirituality and History
Who knew Noah started the first vineyard after surviving the flood? According to Gisela, this was a significant act of faith – waiting five years for grapes isn’t just patience, it’s divine patience. The evolution of wine in the church, from monks planting vineyards to it being used in rituals, shows its intense historical and spiritual significance.

🍷 Lesson 3: Wine as a Catalyst for Conversation
Our host, Paul K, muses on how wine weaves its way into profound discussions. It’s a magical social lubricant turning silent dinners into vibrant conversations about life, the universe, and why anyone still drinks White Claw. Wine’s complexities and stories transform mundane chats into soul-stirring dialogues, making even the quietest family member the life of the party.

In a nutshell, this episode is a toast to wine’s role in history, spirituality, and our taste buds – it’s like a TED Talk, but with better refreshments. Cheers! 🥂