logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2023
36m 15s

The Trials and Tribulations of A.S.I’s 2...

Emilie Steckenborn
About this episode

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!

 

Up next
Today
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 f ... Show More
17m 29s
Sep 25
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 doe ... Show More
35m 24s
Aug 30
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.W ... Show More
33m 15s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
Ep 196: From England to Yarra Valley: Wines & Experiences Worth Traveling For with Olly Smith (Part 2)
Join us for part two of our chat with the brilliant Olly Smith! You may know him from Saturday Kitchen or the Three Wine Men shows, where he’s won over audiences with his passion for wine and engaging storytelling. In this episode, Olly shares his insights on English wine’s rise ... Show More
54m 54s
Mar 2025
Ep 211: The Ultimate Chenin Blanc Quiz with Liam D'Arcy aka The Wine Wally - Will They Pass or Fail?
Welcome back Wine friends! In this episode, I’m joined by Liam D’Arcy, better known as The Wine Wally on Instagram, a wine enthusiast who has built a thriving online community of over 104,000 followers. Unlike my usual guests—winemakers, sommeliers, or Masters of Wine—Liam is a p ... Show More
58m 42s
Jan 2025
Episode 203: Waves of Change in the Wine World with Wine Journalist Kathleen Willcox (Part 1)
Welcome Back Wine friends, and a happy new year! In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Willcox, a renowned wine journalist featured in Wine Enthusiast, Wine Searcher, and more. Together, we explore exciting innovations in the wine world: Virginia wineries experimenting with P ... Show More
47m 11s
Jul 2024
Ep 188: Exploring Bairrada: Wine Region Insights & the New Wine Book 'How to Drink Wine' with Author and Presenter Tom Surgey (Part 1)
To download the transcript CLICK HERE Welcome back friends! Today, I'm delighted to host one of the UK's most dynamic and energetic wine presenters, Tom Surgey. You might recognize Tom from his work with the Three Wine Men, his regular appearances on ITV's Love Your Weekend with ... Show More
54m 51s
Jul 2024
The inside word on French wine and Paris wine bars
Meet Tanisha Townsend, a Chicago native who became a wine expert in Paris. She gives us a general info to wine and Paris wine bars, plus her take on wine tastings in the French capital.  Find more about Tanisha (aka Girl Meets Glass) via her website here and her Instagram page he ... Show More
32m 14s
Feb 2025
Ep 204: Why Bhutan Could Be the World’s Next Great Wine Region & High-Altitude Vineyards with Wine Journalist Kathleen Willcox (Part 2)
Welcome back, wine friends! This is part two with the brilliant wine journalist Kathleen Willcox, whose work you can find in Wine Searcher, The Drinks Business, Full Pour, and Wine Enthusiast. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go back and check it out—we covered the evolut ... Show More
30m 27s
Nov 2023
Ep 156: Wines of Brazil with Wine Communicator Luma Monteiro (Part 1)
To download the transcript CLICK HERE Today's episode I am taking you on a journey through the sun-kissed landscapes and burgeoning vineyards of Brazil. My guest, wine communicator Luma Monteiro, is a Brazilian native, so we are in safe hands as she tells us her stories and takes ... Show More
44m 32s
Feb 2025
Jean-Charles Boisset
Jean-Charles Boisset is a French-American entrepreneur, winemaker, and the owner of Boisset Collection, a family-owned wine business that spans multiple generations and produces wines from 24 wineries located in some of the most prestigious regions in France and California. Born ... Show More
56m 42s
Jul 2024
Episode 267-YouTube To Attract Wine Drinkers, Restaurant Wine Price Updates
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 267 In this episode, hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Here are the topics they cover: Engaging Millennials with Wine using YouTube Power & Restaurant Wine Pricing Updates Tapping into the Millennial Market ... Show More
34m 43s
Sep 2021
Épisode 1 : les Audacieux du Vin
Dans le monde du vin, il y a ceux qui font les vins de manière classique et puis il y a les autres, ceux qui veulent changer le game et donner un de coup de pied dans la fourmilière du vin dit conventionnel. C’est en faisant preuve d’audace sur des thématiques très différentes qu ... Show More
28m 54s