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
4 days ago
4 days ago
Hello, wine friends! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of sake—what it is, how it's made, and why we often drink it like wine. Get ready for a deep dive into fermentation science like never before!
Joining us is Maxim Kassir, Head Sommelier at The Aubrey in the world-renowned Mandarin Oriental and ambassador for Drink Japan. With his expertise, we’ll explore the complexities of sake, from brewing techniques to flavor profiles.
This episode gets super involved —but if you love learning about the science behind what’s in your glass, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it!
If you want to skip ahead:
02.00: Wine was always part of Maxim’s culture and daily meals.
02.30: Moving to London in 2016 led him to pursue hospitality.
03.38: Expanding into Sake, completing WSET Level 3.
04.11: Working with Natsuki Kikuya, a "Sake samurai".
07.00: Enrolled in a pilot WSET Level 3 sake course.
07.30: How sake production differs from wine.
08.30: Sake dates back 3,000 years, developed through Japanese monasteries.
10.00: Early sake production involved monks chewing rice to start fermentation.
10.30: Koji mold plays a crucial role in modern sake-making.
11.00: Water is essential, and Japan’s soft water impacts sake quality.
12.00: Japan’s geography and water softness contribute to sake’s texture.
14.00: Japanese water affects yeast activity, impacting aroma development.
14.30: Sake and ambient yeast for fermentation
17.00: Importance of acidity in sake fermentation
19.00: Factors influencing sake styles
20:00: The role of rice in sake production
22:30: Traditional brewing process in Japan
24:30: Umami and sake
26:30: Advances in rice polishing and sake refinement
29:00: Pride and precision in sake brewing
30:30: Sake polishing and competitions
31:00: Guinness record for polishing rice
32:00: The controversy of 0% polished sake
32:30: High-polish sake’s expensive process
32:58: Question on necessity of ultra-polished sake
33:00: Duration of sake fermentation
33:30: Technical nature of sake brewing
34:00: Comparison between sake and wine fermentation
34:30: Sparkling sake introduction
35:00: History behind sparkling sake’s creation
36:00: Champagne’s influence on sake production
37:00: Sake carbonation methods
37:30: Sparkling sake prices and techniques
38:45: Champagne makers turning to sake
39:00: Japan’s declining sake consumption
40:00: Government’s role in sake promotion
45.22: The different style of sake
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 Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
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 passionate self-taught wine lover who has made wine education fun, fresh, and approachable. Now, he’s taken on a bold challenge: mastering everything there is to know about Chenin Blanc.
To put his knowledge to the test, I quiz Liam on the flavors, styles, and top regions for Chenin Blanc, from its spiritual home in the Loire Valley to the powerhouse vineyards of South Africa. We explore the difference between Vouvray and Savennières, the role of noble rot in sweet wines, and the surprising history of Chenin in California. But the challenge doesn’t stop there—I throw him into a rapid-fire round of global wine labeling terms to see if he can decipher everything from “Trocken” to “Feinherb.”
Before diving in, I have some exciting news! I have been nominated for the Wine Travel Awards in the Influencer category for expert opinion. The awards celebrate the best in wine tourism and education, and your support could make a big difference. Your support would mean the world to me as I continue sharing my passion for wine with fellow enthusiasts. It takes one click to vote. So please VOTE HERE.
If you want to skip ahead:
04.30: Liam shares his earliest memories of drinking wine.
06.25: Being ranked seventh in England as a hammer thrower.
08.30: Running a recruitment business outside of wine.
09.30: Blogging and documenting his wine learning journey.
11.30: The goal to create content for wine beginners.
12.30: Blind tasting wines helps identify quality differences.
13.30: Liam’s three criterias to analyze wine: price perception, flavor intensity, and surprise.
15.30: Sharing the most embarrassing wine misunderstanding: Bubbles in a dusty wine glass
17.30: Sticky toffee pudding pairing with sparkling Viognier.
19.30: The Chenin Blanc quiz and flavor profiles.
20.30: Chenin Blanc is highly versatile in style and winemaking.
22.00: Warmer climates result in riper, more tropical fruit flavors.
24.00: Loire Valley is the historic home of Chenin Blanc.
27.00: California once had the most Chenin Blanc plantings in the world.
29.00: Key Loire regions for Chenin Blanc include Vouvray and Savennières.
31.00: Vouvray produces dry, off-dry, and sparkling Chenin Blanc.
32.30: Savennières is exclusively dry with high acidity and tension.
34.00: Vintage variation in Loire affects sweetness levels in Vouvray.
35.30: Noble rot enhances sweetness in Loire’s Coteaux du Layon wines.
38.00: South Africa's Swartland region produces high-quality Chenin Blanc.
40.00: Discovering premium South African producers like Ken Forrester.
44.00: Quickfire round on global wine labeling terms begins.
54.00: Final tip: Experiment by buying pricier versions of favorite wines.
And a reminder to vote for me for the Wine Travel Awards. It will only take a second:
https://winetravelawards.com/nominee/janina-doyle/
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 Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Welcome back wine friends! In this exciting episode we return with part two of our conversation with Amanda Barnes, a newly crowned Master of Wine and an authority on South American wine. Amanda shares her deep knowledge of Criolla grape varieties, the history and culture of South American winemaking, and the unique techniques that are helping preserve ancient vines.
You can buy Amandas book HERE!
Before diving into the world of South American wine, I have some exciting news! I have been nominated for the Wine Travel Awards in the Influencer category for expert opinion. The awards celebrate the best in wine tourism and education, and your support could make a big difference. Your support would mean the world to me as I continue sharing my passion for wine with fellow enthusiasts. It takes one click to vote. So please VOTE HERE.
And to listen to my previous episode (Ep 143) on Criolla Varieties - you can listen HERE.
If you want to skip ahead:
03.30: Amanda Barnes MW explains the origin of Criolla grapes and their genetic identification.
05.48: Discussion on the historical background of Listán Prieto and its impact on South American wines.
07.31: Amanda shares her fascination with old vines in Chile and the overlooked potential of Criolla varieties.
09.00: Challenges in gaining recognition for Criolla wines and the push to preserve old vines.
11.32: Highlighting the distinctive character of Pais in Chile and Criolla Chica in Argentina.
14.00: Quality potential of Criolla Grande and Ceresa for lighter red wines and rosés.
15.30: Exploring the different Torrontés varieties and their unique profiles.
18.00: Genetic confusion surrounding Torontel and the challenge of identifying new Criolla varieties.
20.30: Ancestral winemaking techniques in Chile, such as the use of the Zaranda de-stemmer and amphora aging.
23.00: The role of Criolla varieties in shaping South American wine culture.
25.00: Bolivia’s unique vine cultivation with trees and the distinctive flavors from Moscatel de Alejandría
29.00: Extreme winemaking in South America through high altitudes, southern latitudes, and coastal regions.
35.30: Mendoza highlighted as the epicenter of South American wine with diverse terroirs and excellent tourism.
41.00: One of the most beautiful vineyards: Laberinto in Maule, Chile.
44.00: Where to find and connect with Amanda Barnes:
Instagram @amanda_wine and @southamericawineguide
And a reminder to vote for me for the Wine Travel Awards. It will only take a second:
https://winetravelawards.com/nominee/janina-doyle/
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 Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Hello wine friends and welcome back! In this special episode, we sit down with the incredible Amanda Barnes, award-winning wine journalist and newly minted Master of Wine—one of only 425 in the world! As the author of The South American Wine Guide, Amanda is an expert on the region’s vibrant wine scene.
You can buy here book HERE
I'm excited to interview Amanda because passing the Master of Wine exams is an incredible achievement. These exams are famously tough, requiring deep knowledge, sharp tasting skills, and relentless dedication. This episode celebrates Amanda's success, starting with her journey—her challenges, discoveries, and advice for anyone pursuing their goals, whether in wine or another passion.
The first 24 minutes focus on Amanda's story, including practical tips on blind tasting, refining your palate, and effective study methods.
Since this episode aligns with International Women's Day on March 8th, we also spotlight trailblazing South American women winemakers. Starting at the 24-minute mark, Amanda, an expert in South American wines, highlights a few names you need to know—Susana Balbo, Agus Hanna (Bodega Ruca Malen), and Emily Faulkner (Viña Carmen). She also shares some great-value South American wines to try and explains how soil types shape their flavors.
I hope this episode inspires you and offers a deeper look at the wine world and the people pushing its boundaries. Enjoy the stories and the learning. Cheers!
I’m proud to be working with Drinklusive—the drink industry's first-ever inclusivity mentorship program founded by Aidy Smith, and The Three Drinkers, and supported by Jancis Robinson, the Gérard Basset Foundation, and WSET. It’s all about giving underrepresented voices a platform in the drinks world. If you're in the UK, applications are open now - CLICK HERE!
If you want to skip ahead:
03.12: The difficulty of the MW qualification
06.04: How the pandemic interrupted Amanda’s studies and preparation
07.18: The grueling MW exam process and the sacrifices required
08.07: Breaking down the MW theory papers, covering viticulture, winemaking, and business
09.44: The blind tasting exam and analyzing structure over simple identification
10.28: The importance of writing detailed tasting notes during exams
12.07: Giving up alcohol and how that benefits sharpening your palette
14.23: Why acidity, tannins, and alcohol levels are more reliable indicators than fruit flavors
16.19: The differences between tasting for exams and tasting for enjoyment
17.08: Why classic regions like Burgundy were Amanda’s biggest challenge in the MW
19.27: Learning classic regions through conversations with winemakers and experts
22.38: The importance of making wine education enjoyable
24.04: How friendships and study groups helped the MW journey
27.53: How Susana Balbo broke barriers as Argentina’s first female winemaker
29.42: Susana’s contributions beyond winemaking, including her role in politics
31.10: Introducing rising star winemakers, including Agus Hanna (Bodega Ruca Malen) and Emily Faulkner (Viña Carmen)
32.58: Emily Faulkner’s impact on Chilean winemaking
34.36: The evolution of female leadership in South American wineries
36.14: How female MWs, including Jancis Robinson MW and Rosemary George MW, supported Amanda
38.42: Mentorship in the wine industry
41.52: Recommendations of great-value South American wines, including Criolla Grande from Bodega Niven
42.18: Bodega Crusat traditional method sparkling wines from Mendoza
43.20: Chilean Cinsault from Itata - an affordable, high-quality wine
43.35: A los Viñateros Bravos lead by soil geek Leo Erazo
45.21: How soil influences wine and how to identify the signature traits of granite soils in wine
46.37: Exploring soil types to improve your tasting skills
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 Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Hello wine friends! Welcome to part 2 of our exploration of Turkish wines! In this episode, we're back with our special guests: Sila Serim of Vinolus Winery and Bronwen Batey, Editor of Turkish Wine, A Heritage Reborn. Today, we’re delving into one of Turkey's most iconic red grapes, Kalecik Karasu (or KK for short). This once near-extinct variety has made a stunning comeback, and we’ll discuss its fascinating history and unique characteristics. We’ll talk about other red indigenous grapes to know about. Sila takes us inside Vinolus Winery, where wine lovers can sip incredible wines while staying in their guest house: Sunolus. Plus, we tackle the challenges facing Turkish wine today, the countries old vines and what the future might hold.
I’m proud to be working with Drinklusive—the drink industry's first-ever inclusivity mentorship program founded by Aidy Smith, and The Three Drinkers, and supported by Jancis Robinson, the Gérard Basset Foundation, and WSET. It’s all about giving underrepresented voices a platform in the drinks world. If you're in the UK, applications are open now - CLICK HERE!
If you want to skip ahead:
03.20: Öküzgözü: Turkey’s most planted red grape variety
03.36: Kalecik Karası (KK) Introduction to the popular grape variety, its revival and history.
05.00: KK Clones & Quality - 23 clones identified for better quality production.
06.00: KK Tasting Profile
06.46: Beaujolais Comparison-KK compared to Beaujolais with earthy and wild characteristics.
09.00: St. Laurent Comparison-Austrian grape comparison with wild, earthy, and fruit-forward elements.
10.10: Volcanic Soil Influence
11.08: Personal Discoveries & Unique experiences tasting Turkish red wines.
12.00: Tasting Vinolus Kalecik Karasi &Tempranillo Blend
15.30: Travel logistics to the winery in Cappadocia
18.10: The sunny region of Cappadocia and wine tourism opportunities.
21.00: Focus on indigenous grape varieties in Turkey and their importance in local wine production.
21.30: Discussion about the indigenous grape varieties - “Throat Scratcher” (Boğazkere).
22.11: Most red indeginous grapes to look out for: Papazkarası and Foça Karasıı.
23.00: Importance of Ankara as a key region for certain grapes.
25.00: The role of international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Turkey.
26.00: Organic, sustainable winemaking in Turkey.
29.00: Turkey’s wine story and positioning in the global wine scene.
31.00: The approachability and commercial appeal of Turkish wines.
32.00: Challenges in Turkey's wine industry: taxation and advertising restrictions.
33.00: Low domestic wine consumption in Turkey compared to countries like France and Portugal.
35.00: The resilience and passion of Turkish wine producers.
37.00: Turkey’s old vines and the Heritage Vines Association
39.00: Wine routes emerging in Turkey, signaling the future of Turkish wine tourism.
40.40: The book "Turkish Wine, A Heritage Reborn" is available on Amazon
To read more about the book you can go to their instagram page HERE
To purchase the book Turkish Wine: A Heritage reborn- go to AMAZON
Or you can purchase via the publisher in Austria HERE
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 Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Welcome back Wine friends, today we explore Turkish wines! Turkey is one of the world's oldest wine regions, yet its incredible diversity remains largely undiscovered. With over 1,400 indigenous grape varieties and 8,000 years of winemaking history, this episode dives into Turkey’s deep-rooted wine culture.
Join us as we explore the fascinating story of Turkish wine, inspired by the book Turkish Wine: A Heritage Reborn. We're joined by Sila, daughter of winemaker Olus from Vinolus Winery, and wine writer Bronwen Batey, who helped bring this story to an English-speaking audience.
Today we very much spotlight two must-try Turkish white grapes: Narince and Emir, the Cappadocia region and it’s terroir and why it’s a must visit region to add to your list.
I’m excited to share that I’m partnered with WineMasters.tv! If you're passionate about wine, this premium streaming platform offers over 127 episodes exploring legendary wine regions, cutting-edge production techniques, and masterclasses with experts like Jamie Goode, Andreas Larsen, and Susie Barry, MW. By using my special affiliate link, you’ll not only dive deeper into the world of wine but also support the work I do here on the podcast. CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT!
If you want to skip ahead:
03.34: Sila shares her background as the daughter of Olus, Vinolus Winery’s founder in
Cappadocia and her journey to lead the winery's second generation
04.41: Bronwen discusses her WSET diploma, her role in translating a book on Turkish
wine, and the diverse range of contributors involved
08.01: The Story of Vinolus Winery
11.00: Overcoming Challenges as a Female Winemaker
12.29: Organic Winemaking & Sustainability: Vinolus Winery’s holistic approach to winemaking
embraces eco-diversity and sustainability
13.07: The Deep History of Turkish Winemaking
16.00: Wine Production in the Ottoman Empire
18.30: Tasting Turkish Wines – Narince known for its versatility and mineral-driven flavors, is a
standout variety produced at Vinolus £18.10 Vino Turco
23.18: The growth of Narince in Cappadocia, and different style of Narince
27.51: The Meaning of Narince, reflecting the wine’s approachable complexity
28.05: Narince’s Flavor Profile
29.22: Emir - a fuller-bodied white wine made from 40-year-old bush vines in Cappadocia
30.11: Turkey’s most renowned indigenous white grape
33.02: Discussing Cappadocia’s Terroir-how the high altitude and volcanic soil contribute to its
wines’ mineral-driven character.
34.01: Turkish Wine Regions: Turkey's key wine regions, with Thrace as the largest, followed by
Anatolia, where Cappadocia is located.
37.30: Turkey’s Microclimates: Bronwen highlights how Turkey’s diverse
microclimates allow for the production of a wide variety of grape types and wine styles,
making it an exciting region for discovery.
39.08: Cappadocia’s Wine Culture - Cappadocia’s famous “Fairy Chimneys” and ancient
underground cities, once used for wine storage.
41.02: Wine Aging in Cappadocia - how Cappadocia’s underground caves provide ideal aging
conditions for wine, thanks to their stable temperature and humidity.
To read more about the book you can go to their instagram page HERE
To purchase the book Turkish Wine: A Heritage reborn- go to AMAZON
Or you can purchase via the publisher in Austria HERE
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 Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Welcome back, wine friends! This is Part Two of our deep dive into Ukrainian wine. In this episode, we continue the journey with Sera Crow, a doctor of chemistry turned wine communicator and WSET diploma holder. Born and raised in Ukraine, Sarah is a passionate ambassador for Ukrainian wine.
We go beyond the grapes to explore Ukraine’s main wine regions, from the Black Sea coast to the Romanian and Hungarian borders. We also discuss the challenges winemakers face, the impact of recent conflicts, and their resilience through innovation—like infusing wines with botanicals (yes, I’ll be trying a wine-based mojito!). Finally, we look ahead to the future of Ukrainian wine tourism.
If you want to skip ahead:
03.30: The Crimea and Black sea wine regions and their history
06.00: Prince Troubetzkoy Winery, Ukraine's oldest winery, destroyed by Russians
07.30: Wineries such as Beyush Winery based on a sanctuary
09.09: The Transcarpathia Wine Region (the western most region of Ukraine)
10.00: Carpatian Sekt Rosé made from the Blaufränkisch grape by Chateau Chizay
11.16: Preference for sweeter styles in Ukraine due to Soviet Union times
14.00: Chateau Chizay’s infused wines, like Pinot Grigio with Lime and Mint Ukrainian Wine Company £14
16.30: Foraging culture in Ukraine for herbal teas and infused wines.
19.06: Developing wine regions around Kyiv
21.26: Traveling to Ukraine's Wineries - visiting Odessa, Lviv, and the Carpathians for unique wine experiences.
26.00: Resilience of Ukrainian Winemakers and continuing their work despite challenges.
27.30: Ukrainian Wine Export Efforts
29.15: Emphasis on Ukrainian wines that stand out for their quality and unique styles.
Please find link below to learn more about purchasing Ukrainian wine, depending on where you are in the world:
And follow Sera in Instagram HERE
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 Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Hello and welcome back wine friends! In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Ukrainian wine with Sera Crow, a doctor of chemistry turned wine communicator and WSET Diploma holder. Born in Ukraine and now living in the UK, Sera shares her insights as a Ukrainian ambassador, highlighting the country’s unique grape varieties, winemaking traditions, and growing natural wine movement. We take a closer look at Odessa Black and Sukholimanskyi, two of Ukraine’s most famous grape crossings, as well as Telti-Kuruk, an ancient indigenous white grape with a history that spans thousands of years. Along the way, we also discuss unexpected varieties thriving in Ukraine, including Pinotage, Albariño, and Aligoté, and taste a biodynamic wine from an urban Ukrainian winery. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just curious about this emerging wine region, this episode is packed with discoveries you won’t want to miss.
If you want to skip ahead:
00.00: Sera Crow shares her journey and passion for Ukrainian wines.
05.00: The Evolution of Ukrainian Wine – From Soviet-era perceptions to post-2014 growth
07.00: The Impact of Crimea’s Occupation
08.00: Journey in the UK Wine Scene
10.00: The Rise of Ukrainian Wine Exports
11.00: Expanding Ukrainian Wine Presence Internationally - reaching the UK, EU, US, and Japan.
13.00: What Makes Ukrainian Wines Unique?
16.00: Notable Ukrainian Wineries and Wines – Spotlight on Beykush, Kolonist, and the rise of experimental wines like Pet-Nats and amphora-aged blends
17.00: A bordeaux blend to try: Kolonist Cabernet Merlot “Haut de gamme” 2020 Ukranian Wine Company £29
19.00: Sukholimanskyi (A cross between Chardonnay and Plavai) - a unique white grape variety being explored alongside Odessa Black - Ukraines Flagship grape
22.00: Conclusion – The bright future of Ukrainian wines and where to find them worldwide (find info at the bottom)
27.00: Skin Contact and Natural Wines in Ukraine – The impact of Georgian traditions, rising demand, and Ukraine’s experimental winemaking scene.
28.00: Ukrainian Biologist Craft Winery’s biodynamic approach and success with Aligoté
30.00: Impact of Climate Change on Ukrainian Vineyards
32.00: Biologist Aligoté 2021 Wine Tasting Notes Ukrainian Wine Company £24.50
34.00: A limited-edition wine bottled post-invasion with a patriotic blue-and-yellow label from Biologist - see HERE
38.00: Telti-Kuruk: Ancient Ukrainian Grape – A rare variety dating back to the 5th century
41.00: Historical Importance of Wine in Ukraine
43.00: Citron Magaracha - a Muscat-related crossing known for producing fragrant, Muscat-style wines
Please find link below to learn more about purchasing Ukrainian wine, depending on where you are in the world:
And follow Sera in Instagram HERE
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 Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
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 evolution of wine styles, winemaking techniques, and unique wines you may have never heard of!
This week, we’re diving into a truly fascinating topic: Why Bhutan might just become one of the world’s next great wine regions and how vineyards at high altitudes are cleverly evading the challenges of climate change. Kathleen shares incredible insights on how elevation impacts grape quality, the role of antioxidants in wine, and how canopy management is evolving to adapt to warmer temperatures. Plus, we explore the future of high-altitude viticulture and whether it could become more accessible beyond premium producers.
If you want to skip ahead:
04.00: Bhutan’s first commercial vineyards and why it’s an exciting new wine region.
06.00: Bhutan’s carbon-negative status and sustainable wine potential.
07.00: Bhutan Wine Company – how it started and who’s behind it.
10.00: The unique terroir of Bhutan and its winemaking potential.
12.00: Experimenting with 17 grape varieties to find the best fit.
14.00: Wine tourism in Bhutan – could it become a destination?
16.00: How elevation impacts grape quality and wine balance
18.00: Antioxidants in high-altitude wines
22.00: High-altitude viticulture worldwide
24.00: "California Sprawl" technique for shading grapes in Napa
26.00: Challenges of high-altitude viticulture - Labor-intensive farming vs. machine harvesting
This conversation was inspired by Kathleen’s article: Will Bhutan be the worlds next great wine region and How vineyards closer to the sun are evading climate change
You can also follow her on Instagram to be able to read more of her articles HERE
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 Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
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 Petit Manseng, non-vintage wines made using solera systems, unconventional methods like soaking grapes in seawater and using green tea tannins, and even wines blending grapes from around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to wine, this conversation will open your mind to bold techniques and inspiring stories shaping the future of winemaking.
A big thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Wild Idol! If you're embracing Dry January or simply seeking a sophisticated, alcohol-free option, Wild Idol is the perfect choice. Their handcrafted sparkling drinks use carefully selected grapes for exceptional flavor and aromatics. But it’s not just about great taste—Wild Idol’s dedication to sustainability is truly inspiring. From upcycled corks and recycled glass bottles to eco-friendly packaging printed with natural soy, they go above and beyond. As a proud 1% for the Planet member, they donate 1% of annual sales to support environmental causes. Whether you're celebrating, hosting, or treating yourself, Wild Idol has you covered. Find them at Harrods, the Dorchester, or your favorite online retailers. Cheers to a brighter, greener future with Wild Idol!
If you want to skip ahead:
7.00: Loveblock WInery Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) - They use green tea tannins as a natural antioxidant in place of sulphur
8.02: L.A.S Vino Vermentino (Margeret River, Australia) - They are soaking their grapes in sea water
16.53: Ochota Barrels Botanicals of the Basket Range (Adelaide Hills, Australia) - A winery focused on biodynamic and organic farming practices are infusing botanicals with their wines
18.59: Pangeaa Estate - The unique concept of blending grape varieties sourced from different terroirs across the world to create a global Bordeaux-inspired wine
24.00: Penfolds II (South Australia) - blending Cabernet Sauvignon from bordeaux with Syrah from Australia
27.00: Alois Lageder Comets Range Assyrtiko NV (Alto Adige, Italy) - recognized for planting in high elevations and experimenting and innovating through their Comets range
33.00: Early Mountain Vineyards Petit Manseng NV (Virginia, USA) - Creating a perpetual lees system with Petit Manseng
39.40: Litchen Estate Pinot Noir MV (Anderson Valley, USA) - producing a Pinot Noir using a solera system
40.47: Sean Thackrey Pleiades NV (California, USA) - The creator of eccentric crazy blended wines
42.00: Valdivieso Caballo Loco NV (Maipo,Chile) - A Solera system Bordeaux blend wine first started 20 years ago
This conversation was inspired by Kathleen’s article: Wine Drinkers Thirsty for Change featured on Wine Searcher
You can also follow her on Instagram to be able to read more of her articles HERE
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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