A wine podcast bringing the joys of wine to wherever you are in the world. This is the place for fun, casual wine conversations, with tips, wine facts and wine tasting to inspire your next bottle of wine or vineyard visit. Listen to Winemakers, Sommeliers and Master of Wines who share their extensive knowledge, talking about wine regions and their terroir, their favourite wine pairings and winemaking techniques. This podcast is ideal for anyone starting their wine journey and studying WSET level 1 and 2 or just some great revision for those of you going even further. So grab that wine glass and lets get stuck in!
Episodes
20 hours ago
20 hours ago
In this episode, we head to Oregon’s Willamette Valley to meet Remy Drabkin — winemaker, civic leader, innovator, and unapologetic champion for LGBTQ+ visibility in wine.
Remy is the force behind Remy Wines and the founder of Queer Wine Fest, and in this conversation, we explore how equity, intention, and creative problem-solving are not just buzzwords, but daily practices in her winery and beyond.
We get into everything from the power of thoughtful hiring and building inclusive spaces (yes, even bathrooms!) to the unexpected intersection of winemaking and carbon-sequestering concrete. You'll hear how Remy uses wine as a platform for change — whether it’s advocating for sustainable water solutions, supporting the ACLU through sparkling wine, or redefining what leadership in wine can look like.
We also dig into the volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills, explore her love affair with the Italian grape Lagrein, and learn why she’s aging wine in chestnut barrels — and what all of this has to do with place, purpose, and legacy.
Whether you're here for the terroir or the truth bombs, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a reminder that wine, at its best, is about people, progress, and pouring with purpose.
Episode Guide (Chapters)
2.45 - How intention shapes everything in the winery
5:38 – Creating Inclusive Wine Spaces
7:19 – The simplicity of building a thoughtful restroom and how this impacts the team
8.30 - Being thoughtful where job adverts go out
9.30 - Inventing Carbon Sequestration structural concrete called Solid Carbon
11.00 - Creative solutions to water challenges
13.24 - The importance of team meetings
17.20 - Creating Queer Wine Fest
22.30 - Winning the Governor's Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
26:34 – Why Willamette Valley Matters
26:15 – The Importance of Speaking Out. Finding your voice
28:50 – Locating Remy’s Vineyards in the South Dundee Hills
28:56 – Soil and Terroir in the Red Hills (volcanic Jory soil)
29:49 – Describing the Local Climate and landscape in Willamette Valley
32:49 – Planting Italian variety Lagrein, what it offers, and why it works here
38:09 – Using Chestnut Barrels and extended aging
42.28: Black Heart Méthode Champenoise wine that supports ACLU
47:15 – What’s next
50.00 - What is one action that someone running a small winery can take this year to create a more inclusive business model?
📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time – cheers to you!
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Welcome back, wine friends!
This episode is all about the rebels — the wild ones — the winemakers who’ve ripped up the rulebook and gone their own way. We’re diving deep into the world of declassified cult wines: the bottles that said "no thanks" to tradition-bound wine laws, and yet, somehow became some of the most expensive, most desired, and most obsessively followed wines on the planet.
But before we get to the juicy stuff, let’s set the scene.
You know those cryptic acronyms on European wine labels — AOC, DOCG, and even Qualitätswein? They’re steeped in history, tradition, and legal frameworks that protect the where, the what, and the how of a wine. They're there to ensure quality, consistency, and authenticity.
And yet, to some, those same laws can feel more like shackles than structure. Want to plant Syrah in Bordeaux? Or fancy making an orange wine in Chianti? You can't under AOC or DOCG rules. Even if your wine is mind-blowingly good, if it doesn’t fit the mould, it gets dumped in the “Vin de France” or “Vino da Tavola” pile.
So in this episode, we raise a glass to the misfits, the rule-breakers, and the game-changers — winemakers who said, “Forget the label, let the wine speak for itself.”
We’ll travel from the storied vineyards of Bordeaux to the wild Loire, up through Tuscany, and back again — featuring the most expensive wine in the world, a Brunello scandal, and some unicorn bottles you’ve probably seen worshipped on Instagram.
Throughout this episode, whilst telling the tales of some of the most iconic and rebellious wines, you’ll also learn more about: vine density plantings in Bordeaux, the impact of phylloxera, the historic grape varieties of Bordeaux, what Bordeaux might have tasted like before the 1855 classification, the scandal of Brunellogate, the difference between Sangiovese in Montalcino vs Chianti, Chianti’s rigid and outdated regulations, and a few legends of the natural wine movement.
Get ready for trailblazing tales, creative freedom in a bottle, and a reminder that some of the best wines in the world never needed permission to be great.
Episode Chapters:
3.30: Introducing Liber Pater – the most expensive wine in the world
10.00: Introducing Louis-Benjamin - Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fume Asteroide – the holy grail of Sauvignon Blanc
15.30: Introducing Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera Toscana Sangiovese – The wine making the most dramatic exit from Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
23.00: Introducing Le Pergole Torte from Montevertine – a 100% Sangiovese from the Chianti Classico region
26.10: Introducing the wines from Domaine des Miroirs in the Jura region – a Japanese winemaker producing ‘unicorn wines’.
32.30: Introducing a declassified super affordable wine for contrast: Gran Cerdo from Gonzalo Grijalba
📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time – cheers to you!
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
In this episode, we are talking to Harry Crowther, founder of Tiny Wine, to explore how technology, sustainability, and storytelling are reshaping the wine world. In this episode, we unpack how Tiny Wine is using innovative tech from Coravin Vinitas to bring iconic bottles to curious palates in small, perfectly preserved 100ml tubes.
We'll talk Super Tuscans, Bordeaux, and about Harry's time in the Douro, fermenting separately the big five black grape varieties.
So get ready to learn the difference between Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cão, and how each contributes to the blend. You'll also hear some of Harry’s stories working with Jean-Claude Berrouet, the long-time winemaker and technical director at Pétrus.
So whether you’re a seasoned collector or just wine-curious, there’s plenty of name-dropping in this episode—and a few bottles you’ll definitely want to track down.
Episode Guide (Chapters)
6:08 – Launching Tiny Wine in partnership with Coravin and their Vinitas technology.
7:10 – How the Vinatas works: ‘The smallest bottling line in the world’.
7:56 – 100ml wine tubes as samples for the on-trade.
9:44 – How long do these Tiny Wine tubes last? Testing through a triangulated tasting with wine professionals.
16:03 – Harry’s Perspective on Fine Wine
17:50 – The criteria for wines chosen for Tiny Wine’s Tasting Boxes
19:55 – The Prize draw with a Magnum of Petrus
21:01 – Wine to try from the Super Tuscan Select box: Monte Antico 2020
22:04 – Wine to try from the Super Tuscan Explorer box: Coste del Vivo Rosso No.1 MV
23:30 – San Polino Brunello di Montalcino
23:55 – Wine to try from the Super Tuscan Somm box including Sassicaia, Tignanello and Caiarossa Toscana IGT
24:49 – Tignanello: The wine that created Super Tuscan Wine
25:24 – What is a Super Tuscan? (You can listen to dedicated Episode 169: Everything you need to know about Super Tuscans)
27:09 – Merlot planted in Chianti Vs The famous wine made from Merlot: Masseto
29:44 – Discussing Rocca di Frassinello’s amazing wine cellar and their Merlot wine: Baffonero
32:24 – Reflection on Portugal and influences from the Douro.
33:17 – A run down on what each of the 5 main black grapes of Douro offer to the blend
38:10 – Working with legendary winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet at Quinta da Boavista
40:21 – Blending trials in the winery of Ventisquero Wine Estates
43:57 – The rarest bottle in Harry’s Cellar: Familia Silva Branco 500l barrel of Tawny circa mid 1800s
45:31 – Best Value wine: South Africa
46:45 – Upcoming wine region: Attica, Greece
47:14 – What’s coming next for Tiny Wine
48:33 – Most memorable wine experience: A winemaking stint on Waiheke Island, New Zealand
49:33 – Winemaker shoutout: Kardenakhi 7 for their Fortified Rkatsiteli
51:33 – Prize draws for fine wines in large formats
To connect with Harry: Linked In and Tiny Wine Website
📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time – cheers to you!
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
In this episode, we return to the high Andes of Argentina with winemaker Thibaut Delmotte of Bodega Colomé to uncover the evolution of Malbec at extreme altitudes. Discover how altitude, climate, and vineyard practices shape Colomé’s flagship wines, and learn about Thibaut’s exciting personal project: Familia Delmotte.
We also dive into Bonarda, explore the stylistic transformation of Argentine wine over the past two decades, and learn how Colomé became not only one of the most celebrated wineries in the world (5 times included in The Worlds 50 Best Vineyards), but also one of the most remote.
Plus, find out what it takes to get there and why it’s worth the journey, especially for a visit to the breathtaking James Turrell light museum.
This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about South American wine, high-altitude terroir, and off-the-beaten-path wine travel.
Episode Guide (Chapters)
02:25 – The evolution of the Estate Malbec over 23 vintages
04:12 – Differences between low-altitude and high-altitude Malbecs
06:45 – Shifts in winemaking: lighter oak, earlier picking, softer extraction
08:12 – Influence of El Arenal (2,600m) and Altura Máxima (3,111m) terroirs
09.05 - Tasting the Colome Estate Malbec 2022 £24.95 Hay Wines
09:48 – Post-2018 philosophy shift: fresher style and climate adaptation
11:21 – How altitude impacts acidity, tannins, and fruit expression
13:05 – Mendoza vs. Calchaquí Valley vs. Patagonia Malbecs
14:52 – Malbec vs Pinot Noir: a grape of terroir?
16:11 – Why Argentina’s diverse Malbec styles need better communication
17:30 – Natural winemaking, carbonic maceration and stem use with Malbec
18:50 – Thibaut’s side project: Familia Delmotte begins
20:14 – Growing Garnacha, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Marsanne in Salta
21:30 – Sauvignon Blanc + Marsanne: blending freshness with honeyed texture
22:10 – Bonarda in Argentina: styles, history and best expressions
23:47 – Recommended Bonarda wines: Emma (Zuccardi), Altos Las Hormigas ‘Colonia Las Liebres’
26:25 – Meeting Donald Hess and the founding vision of Colomé
28:00 – Building a winery with no electricity or paved roads
29:25 – Blind tasting honesty: the birth of Colomé’s drinkability focus
30:38 – From 4–5 years to 20: Thibaut’s lasting legacy in Salta
31:50 – Being named Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards (x5)
33:10 – Keys to Colomé’s success: team longevity and shared philosophy
34:30 – The James Turrell Museum at Colomé: light, perception, magic
41:00 – How to visit Bodega Colomé: logistics from Salta to Cafayate
42:20 – Planning a wine trip: from paved roads to moonlike landscapes
43:30 – Day visit or boutique hotel stay? Best way to experience Colomé
45:50 – Salta wine travel loop: Cafayate – Colomé – Cachi – Cuesta del Obispo
47:05 – Why wine travel in Salta is an unforgettable sensory journey
48:12 – Final reflections: landscape, altitude, authenticity and people
50:14 – A glass of Torrontés by the pool at Colomé: pure magic
📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time – cheers to you!
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
Welcome back, wine friends! Today we’re heading high into the Andes – literally – to explore one of the most breathtaking wine regions on Earth: the Calchaquí Valley in Salta, Argentina, home to Bodega Colomé, the oldest continuously operating winery in the country, with roots dating back to 1831.
Joining us is Thibaut Delmotte, winemaker at Colomé, to talk about crafting wines at extreme altitudes – some vineyards reaching over 3,000 meters above sea level! We explore how altitude affects grape growing, the unique challenges and benefits of Salta’s high desert terroir, and how Colomé balances tradition with innovation.
From Malbec and Torrontés to the remarkable Altura Máxima Vineyard at 3,111 meters, this episode is a deep dive into high-altitude winemaking, biodynamic farming, and what it means to make expressive wines in one of the world’s most remote regions.
This is a must-listen for anyone curious about South American wine, sustainable viticulture, and the magic of mountain-grown grapes.
Episode Guide (Chapters)
01:02 – Meet Thibaut Delmotte, winemaker at Colomé
02:48 – Colomé’s founding in 1831 and its early vineyard history
05:34 – Commitment to ancestral and sustainable winemaking practices
06.31 - 170 year old old vines
08:18 – Fighting phylloxera and vineyard management in the region
10:50 – Rootstock decisions and adapting to terroir
13:25 – Harvesting: selecting plants one by one
15:48 – Distinct terroirs: different altitudes and soils
18:16 – Short-cycle varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Malbec
21:01 – Bird protection in Pinot vineyards
23:37 – Achieving balance between ripeness and typicity
26:13 – The role of recording and analysis in the vineyard
28:55 – Challenges of low rainfall in the region
31:32 – The uniqueness of the Calchaquí terroir
32.45 - The Queen grape of Salta: Torrontes
33.13 - Discussing Criolla Varieties, which you can listen to deeper in Ep 210 with Master or wine Amanda Barnes
34:25 – Saline soils of the region and Torrontes’ resistance
36:25 – Sunlight and temperature balance to preserve aromas
39:09 – Torontés characteristics: persistence and great acidity
41:25 – Evolution of acidity in the wines
43:55 – Vineyard block management and planning
41:36 – Tasting the Bodega Colomé Estate Torrontés £14.60-£16.50 Vinvm, Hik Wine Merchants
44.32 - Perfect food pairings for this wine
48:12 – The three different varieties of Torrontes
📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time – cheers to you!
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
Hello wine friends, and welcome back! This week we dive into Part Two of my conversation with Ernst Loosen of Dr.Loosen. If Part One was all about Riesling royalty, this one is for the Pinot aficionados. While Ernie is globally known for his Riesling, he’s also been quietly and passionately cultivating a deep connection with Pinot Noir from Germany’s rolling hills of the Pfalz with Villa Wolf, to the expressive soils of Oregon’s Willamette Valley at Appassionata Estate, and now into the sacred vineyards of Burgundy itself with Perron de Mypont.
In this episode, Ernie shares why Pinot Noir captured his heart, the styles he’s chasing, and what makes Pinot from the Pfalz, Oregon, and Burgundy so distinct.
Stick around until the end, Ernie doesn’t hold back when it comes to sharing his truth.
If you want to skip ahead:
02.24: Origins of Villa Wolf – Established in 1996 to focus on Pinot varieties in Pfalz
03.30: Pinot varieties have centuries of tradition in the Rhine and Pfalz regions
04.30: Aged Pinot Noir and Riesling share similar aromas – “sous bois” character
05.00: Use of “Pinot Noir” vs. “Spätburgunder” depending on export market
07.00: Tasting and discussing the Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2022 £12.95 Cheers Wine Merchants
11.30: Comparing German clones with French
14.00: Comparing the terroir Pfalz vs. Mosel
17.00: Why Pfalz is nicknamed “Tuscany of Germany”
20.00: Introducing Loosen's Oregon project: Appassionata Estate
22.00: Appassionata named after Beethoven’s passionate composition
22.30: Wines aged longer before release, unlike typical U.S. practice
24.00: Volcanic soils require longer aging before release
26.30: Longest-aged wines come from basalt-rich plots
28.00: Ernst acquisition of the Vieux Château de Puligny-Montrachet in 2019 and it’s history in Burgundy
30.32: The style of Pinot Noir that Ernst is crafting
32.30: Whole bunch fermentation vs destemming
34.43: Stem use in winemaking: positives and negatives
36.30: Ernst’s oak philosophy with Pinot Noir
39.30: Ernst favors 2019 Burgundy vintage and 2014 in Oregon
41.30: Winemaking focus to avoid high alcohol styles
42.30: Ernst speaks his truth: Low yields in this current climate does not just mean a better wine
46.24: Where is the world Ernst would want to plant next
47.45: Most memorable Pinot: Domaine Armand Rousseau 1969 Chambertin
49.00: Ernst’s advice for the next generation of winemakers
Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat
If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time, Cheers to you!
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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
Hello wine friends, and welcome back! Today’s guest is none other than Ernst Loosen - widely regarded as Riesling royalty and the visionary behind Germany’s legendary Dr. Loosen estate in the Mosel Valley.
In this episode, we dive into Ernst’s bold reimagining of Mosel Riesling, including an extraordinary 27-year lees-aged wine experiment that continues to evolve and amaze. We explore what makes Riesling so uniquely expressive in the Mosel’s slate soils, cool climate, and dramatic river bends, and how Ernst has helped shift global perceptions of the grape - from sweet to serious.
From reviving his grandfather’s dry wine traditions to employing lees aging, oak fermentation, and extended maturation, Ernst shares how he crafts age-worthy, structured wines. With a global perspective shaped by work in Washington State (Chateau Ste. Michelle), Australia’s Clare Valley (Jim Barry), and beyond, he compares Riesling styles across continents and spotlights an unexpected collaboration with Spain’s Telmo Rodríguez, a skin-fermented dry Riesling you won’t see coming.
This is a rare, in-depth conversation with one of Riesling’s greatest modern champions. A journey through time, terroir, tradition, and transformation.
If you want to skip ahead:
03.00: Ernie’s accolades and biography
04.00: Taking over the family wine business in 1987
06.00: Vision for business: improve wine quality with indigenous yeast, better selection.
08.00: Tough decisions managing old estates, including employee retention in 1987 harvest.
09.30: Focus on leftover grapes during the harvest as an innovative solution.
10.00: 1987 vintage turned out well despite early challenges.
16.00: Discussing the 1981 Wehlener Sonnenuhr ‘Indutiomarus’ Riesling left on lees for 27 years.
18.00: History influences winemaking practices, referencing Mosel's 1800s Rieslings. (some of the most expensive wines of the world a that time)
20.00: Historical winemaking methods, like barrel aging and long ageing and this influence on wine style now.
23.00: Discussing and tasting the 2021 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Grosses Gewächs Riesling made from 100+ years old vines. £33 Lay & Wheeler
30.00: Wine label confusion is a global issue, not just German or French labels.
33.00: “Dry” label helps consumers unfamiliar with terms like GG: Grosses Gewächs.
34.00: Dr. L label’s success lies in simplifying for consumers, especially the UK market.
38.00: Riesling excels in single vineyards, highlighting terroir differences.
41.00: Mosel’s unique terroir, steep slopes, and river create ideal Riesling conditions.
45.30: Slate warms the soil, conserving heat during cool nights.
49.00: Dr Loosen GG Reserve style: at least two years in barrel for broader mouthfeel and riper fruit.
49.30: Rieslings from different regions maintain unique characteristics. Meet EROICA from Washington and LOOSENBARRY from Claire Valley.
52.30: Washington Riesling maintains moderate alcohol despite high sugar ripeness.
54.30: Pushing boundaries with Telmo Rodríguez, producing an Orange skin contact Riesling in Rioja barrels: Ernst Loosen & Telmo Rodriguez Graacher Himmelreich Riesling
56.00: Riesling’s global future holds potential with numerous ongoing projects.
Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat
If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time, Cheers to you!
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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
Welcome back, wine friends! In Part 2 of our journey through Chile’s Maule Valley, we’re staying put in the rugged, dry-farmed interior to uncover even more of its rich viticultural story. Returning guest Derek Mossman Knapp—co-founder of Garage Wine Co. and 2024 Old Vine Hero award winner—joins us again to spotlight Carignan (or “Cariñena”), a grape once overlooked in Chile that’s now at the heart of a heritage-driven revival.
In this episode, we dive into VIGNO, the groundbreaking collective Derek helped found, uniting passionate producers committed to old vine, dry-farmed Carignan. We explore how this movement is preserving tradition, terroir, and time through strict practices and deep respect for the land—and how it’s putting some of Chile’s most soulful wines on the global map.
It’s a rich, thoughtful conversation about legacy, collaboration, and the power of working with nature, not against it.
If you want to skip ahead:
02.40: Discussion of Carignan (Cariñena) and its role in the blend
04.27: Talking about and tasting the Cru Truquilemu 2019 - Vin Coqnito £58 (2018)
06.00: Vineyards' inheritance history helps trace vineyard origins
07.30: Small batch fermentation methods and neutral barrels
09.30: The value of separating lots and testing over vintages
11.00: Growing interest in Cru wine due to critical acclaim
14.25: Discussion of the Empedrado DO; coastal freshness
16.01: Clarifying Maule’s geography; part of Southern Chile
16.48: Climate differences in Maule vs. Santiago (seasonal shifts)
18.00: Alcohol and balance - challenging the UK’s fixation on lower ABV and bottle weight
19.00: Regenerative viticulture - using compost teas, no-till methods, and soil health trials
21.00: Myth of poor soils - overstressed vineyards are being replanted before reaching full maturity
23.30: Vineyard revival - greener canopies, improved shading, and resistance to heat
24.07: Certification challenges - paperwork burden limits organic certification for small producers
25.00: Verification vs. certification; Allan Savory’s philosophy on soil testing and real change
28.44: Is Carignan a “complete grape”, like Cabernet Sauvignon? Questioning completeness and relation to alcohol
29.00: Carignan initiative, collaborative DO for identity and quality; unique in Chile
30.33: Chile's bulk wine success created a consumer price ceiling
31.13: VIGNO labeling rules: VIGNO must be prominent on the bottle
32.11: VIGNO evolution: from 65% Carignan minimum to 85%
33.13: Vineyard collaboration: producers share technical knowledge
34.00: Baron Philippe de Rothschild joins VIGNO, signaling broader acceptance
35.55: Carignan vs País — where would Derek place his bet for the future?
Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat
If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time, Cheers to you!
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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Hello wine friends, and welcome back to another episode! Today, we’re taking a journey to Chile — but not just any part of it — to the Maule Valley's Secano Interior, a region that feels like a living history book. Here, it's less about polished, commercial wines and more about soulful, authentic expressions. There’s a strong movement to preserve heritage grape varieties and protect ancient vines, and I’m thrilled to be joined by someone who knows this better than anyone: Derek Mossman Knapp of Garage Wine Co.
Derek was recently honored with the prestigious Old Vine Hero Special Award for Overall Impact in 2024, recognizing his incredible contributions to old vine preservation, viticulture, and winemaking. As a founding member of VIGNO (Vignadores de Carignan) and MOVI (Movimiento de Viñateros Independientes), Derek is deeply committed to tradition, terroir, and artisanal winemaking. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of País — the very first grape to arrive in Chile in the 1500s — and explore what makes the Maule Valley such a special and historic place for wine.
If you want to skip ahead:
02.30: How Toronto native Derek Mossman Knapp ended up in Chile.
03.30: From hobby winemaker to starting an export wine business.
05.00: Partnering with small growers to make authentic wines.
08.00: Coastal Range terroir: granite soils and old vines.
10.00: Preserving rural food traditions like wheat milling.
11.30: Maule’s slower lifestyle rooted in agriculture.
12.00: Derek wins Old Vine Hero award.
14.00: Building a community around old vine viticulture.
15.00: Honoring Spanish heritage with grape naming.
16.30: Reviving País as Chile’s historic grape.
19.10: Tasting and discussing the Garage Wine Co. Revival Old Vine País 2021 (£17.95 - Currently £12.95 Slurp)
20.00: Praise for País as a fascinating wine with great interest despite its light style.
22.52: The difference between Maule Valley and the Secano Interior
23.51: Cauquenes known for concentration of old-vine País
25.00: Use of old País rootstocks for grafting new varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.
26.30: Challenges of working with old, non-mechanized bush vines; need for focus and intention in the wine.
28.00: Plowing methods and regenerative farming; complex issues regarding irrigation and water management.
29.16: Mention of the low annual rainfall in Maule, with poor water retention in certain vineyards.
32.00: Fair compensation for workers and building a business around smaller, more focused projects.
33.00: Building a dedicated team to handle pruning, plowing, and harvesting; ability to pick on flexible schedules.
35.40: Hard work and passion required for wine production; a labor of love in the winemaking process.
36.00: Discussion of the future of Maule wine production on the global stage; challenges in the wine trade.
37.00: Wines that have differentiated themselves are faring better than those following trends; focus on quality over scale.
Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat
If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time, Cheers to you!
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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Hello and Welcome back Wine friends! In this insightful episode, we dive into the vibrant wine scene of Lisbon with the brilliant Libby Brodie — wine consultant, journalist, and presenter based in London. Founder of Bacchus and Brodie wine consultancy and wine columnist for City A.M., Libby brings her expertise and creative flair to the world of wine after a successful career as a theatre producer.
We chat about her recent mini-series The Lisboa Wine Tour, created in partnership with Vinhos de Lisboa, and available now on YouTube. Libby shares her fresh perspective, stories, and deep appreciation for Lisbon’s dynamic wine culture — from regional highlights to hidden gems.
Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just curious about Portuguese wines, this episode is packed with inspiration and discovery.
If you want to skip ahead:
03.35: How a wine tasting sparked her passion in her twenties
05.45: Shifting from a theater career to wine during the pandemic
06.30: Lisbon’s charm and its welcoming, vibrant culture
07.00: Introduction to the Lisboa wine region and its Atlantic influence
09.10: The uniqueness and underappreciation of the Colaris DO.
13:30: The native grape variety Arinto and tasting of the Quinta de Sant’Ana Arinto 2020 (Caviste £35)
16:30: Quinta de Sant’Ana estate introduced — a 30 minute drive from Lisbon
19:45: Ideal food pairings for Arinto, including a perfect portuguese salted cod dish and an Arroz de Marisco
23:00: Quinta de Sant’Ana’s history and focus on family
25:30: Wines of Lisbon include 9 DOs — many close to the capital including Bucelas (famous region for Arinto)
28:00: Many wines labeled as Vinho Regional Lisboa for broader recognition.
28.30: Talking about and tasting the Arenae Ramisco 2015 (50cl) from Adega Regional de Colares (Hedonism £50)
30:21: The native red grape variety Ramisco from Colares DO
33.58: Perfect pairings with Ramisco including a traditional Portuguese stew
35:21: Adega Regional de Colares are the oldest co-op in Portugal
38:00: Introducing the smallest wine region in Portugal, the Carcavelos DO
39.30: Talking about and tasting the Villa Oeiras 7 years fortified (Stroud Wine £29 375ml)
40:30: The work that Villa Oeiras have done for this region that has almost disappeared
43:24: Pairing this wine with Pastel de Nata (Good in Bread)
46.30: Other native varieties such as Galego Dourado and Ratinho
50.57: A big push for the Vinhos de Lisboa to focus on native varieties
52.17: Leve wines: a low alcohol white wine
Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat
If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time, Cheers to you!
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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.