Episode 40 - From Hedge Funds to Fine Wine: Building Liquid Icons and The Golden Vines Awards

In this episode of The Gage, we’re joined by Lewis Chester, hedge fund veteran turned fine wine entrepreneur and founder of Liquid Icons.

Lewis shares his journey from Oxford and Harvard Business School into the global wine and spirits industry, and reflects on how his late mentor Gérard Basset inspired the creation of the Golden Vines Awards. What began as a tribute has grown into one of the most prestigious events in the wine world, raising funds to support young people entering the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries.

We explore topics including:
 • Lewis’s transition from hedge funds into the fine wine trade
 • The story behind Liquid Icons and Gérard Basset’s lasting influence
 • How the Golden Vines Awards became known as the “Met Gala of the wine world”
 • The potential role of NFTs and tokenisation in wine trading and provenance
 • Why traditional systems like bonded warehouses still remain important
 • Creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups in wine and hospitality
 • The role of resilience, mentorship, and philanthropy in building lasting impact

An insightful conversation for anyone interested in fine wine, alternative assets, entrepreneurship, and how technology and philanthropy are shaping the future of the industry.

Listen to our other podcasts: https://www.greengage.co/our-thinking/podcasts/

About Liquid Icons:
Liquid Icons is a London-based fine wine research and content company founded by Lewis Chester and the late Gérard Basset that produces industry reports, events, and initiatives celebrating the world’s greatest wines and spirits. 

For more information, visit: https://liquidicons.com/

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to The Gage Podcast
00:00:34 - Guest Introduction: Lewis Chester
00:01:13 - Lewis's Journey from Finance to Wine
00:02:31 - The Birth of Liquid Icons
00:05:00 - The Golden Vines Initiative
00:06:57 - The Role of the Robb Report
00:09:01 - Creating Opportunities for Young Sommeliers
00:10:54 - Global Impact and Grassroots Support
00:12:03 - The Intersection of Wine and Digital Innovation
00:12:31 - NFTs and Provenance in the Wine Industry
00:15:00 - The Role of Bonded Warehouses
00:18:48 - The Golden Vines Awards: A Celebration
00:22:22 - The Four Pillars of the Golden Vines
00:23:46 - Lessons Learned and Advice for Success
00:24:44 - Closing Remarks