Hey there! If you love wine, are curious about the world’s wine regions, or just want to geek out a little on grapes, terroir, and winemaking, you’re in the right place. This is a fun, educational wine podcast made for serious enthusiasts, wine students, and anyone who wants to fall in love with wine all over again.
I chat with winemakers, sommeliers, and Masters of Wine who share their stories, tips, and insider knowledge - from their favourite regions and grapes to food pairings and the techniques that make each bottle special. Sometimes we open a bottle as we talk, sometimes I take you along on a 4-day itinerary I’ve mapped out from my travels, and sometimes we do quick-fire flashcard-style deep dives to test your wine knowledge - all in a way that’s engaging, uplifting, and never boring.
Whether you’re working towards your WSET or MW exams, or just want to explore the world of wine with a glass in hand, this podcast is a place to laugh, learn, and celebrate the joy of wine. Come join our inclusive wine-loving community - there’s a story, a tip, or a tasting for everyone.
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
1hr 3 min
In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina explores Washington State wine - discovering the best wine regions, wineries and grapes that make this one of America's most exciting wine destinations. Joined by Chris Stone and Avril Mooney from the Washington State Wine Commission, they uncover what makes Washington wine unique, from the famous Columbia Valley and Walla Walla wine regions to ancient flood soils, volcanic landscapes, dramatic climate contrasts and the diverse AVAs producing exceptional wines.
Discover why Washington State has become one of the world's most dynamic wine destinations, how its geography shapes the style and quality of its wines, and why a Washington wine road trip belongs on every wine lover's bucket list. From the Cascade Mountains and the rain shadow effect to high-desert vineyards and remarkable terroir, this episode is packed with insights for anyone wanting to learn about wine, deepen their wine education, or plan an unforgettable wine travel adventure.
Along the way, Janina tastes some of Washington's most exciting wines, including Riesling, Gamay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, while exploring the producers shaping the future of Washington wine. From iconic wineries to emerging voices, discover the stories, regions and people behind one of America's most fascinating wine destinations.
Whether you're discovering Washington wine for the first time or already love American wine, this episode is your guide to the wine regions, grapes, wineries and landscapes that make Washington State one of the world's most exciting wine destinations.
Shownotes
02:34 – Your first stop in Washington State — why Woodinville Wine Country is the perfect introduction to Washington wine before heading into the vineyards.
05:25 – Château Ste. Michelle's legacy — how Washington's pioneering winery helped build the modern wine industry and inspired hundreds of producers.
08:09 – Why Seattle is so green — the Cascade Mountains, rainfall and the dramatic climate contrast that defines Washington State.
09:54 – The Cascade Mountains explained — how the rain shadow creates ideal conditions for growing world-class wine grapes across Eastern Washington.
11:32 – Crossing the state — driving from lush forests into high-desert landscapes and why Washington is one of the world's most visually diverse wine regions.
13:23 – Washington's signature wine grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay and the incredible diversity of more than 90 grape varieties.
15:33 – Understanding Washington's AVAs — why each American Viticultural Area offers its own unique terroir, climate and wine styles.
17:46 – Eroica Riesling — from Château Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen — Janina tastes the 2022 vintage of this iconic Washington State Riesling collaboration. (NY Wines - £20.95)
For more on Dr Loosen listen to Episode 218 with guest Ernst Loosen.
19:29 – Ancient Lakes AVA — dramatic canyon landscapes, glacial flood history and why this cool-climate region produces exceptional Riesling.
21:16 – Dry or off-dry Riesling? — producer style, natural acidity and why Washington Riesling continues to evolve.
22:29 – Washington's dramatic diurnal shift — how warm days and cool nights preserve freshness, balance and aromatics.
24:24 – The Missoula Floods explained — the geological events that shaped Washington's famous vineyard soils.
28:32 – Columbia Gorge AVA — where maritime influence meets desert conditions to create one of Washington's most distinctive wine regions.
30:47 – Beyond Columbia Valley — Puget Sound, Lake Chelan and Rocky Reach AVAs showcase Washington's remarkable diversity.
33:01 – Syncline Gamay 2022 — Janina discovers a vibrant expression of Gamay from Columbia Gorge and why it's worth seeking out. $45 from Syncline Winery
35:31 – Washington's remarkable growth — from just a handful of wineries to more than 1,000 producers driven by collaboration and innovation.
39:01 – Why Washington's future is so exciting — affordable land, experimentation and endless opportunities for new wine styles.
39:59 – Dineen Vineyards Syrah 2021— Janina explores Yakima Valley Syrah and how site influences style and expression. $47 from Dineen Vineyards (2023)
41:43 – Kiona Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — one of Washington's pioneering wineries and the AVA famous for powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. $36 from Kiona (2022)
44:52 – Outstanding value wines — why Washington consistently delivers world-class quality across every price point.
46:50 – Walla Walla wine travel — restaurants, tasting rooms, history and why this should be on every wine lover's itinerary.
49:08 – Grosgrain Grenache GrosgrainVineyard 2022 — a new generation of minimal-intervention winemaking bringing fresh energy to Washington wine. £32 for Columbia Valley Grenache 2023 from Grosgrain Vineyards.
50:36 – Grosgrain's story — how Matt and Kelly Austin left previous careers to create one of Washington's most exciting boutique wineries.
53:37 – L'Ecole No. 41 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyards 2020 — iconic Bordeaux blends including Perigee, Apogee and the internationally acclaimed Ferguson. £64.99 Simply Wines Direct
56:42 – Beyond the vineyards — national parks, mountain hikes, breweries, ferries, wildlife and why Washington is a complete wine travel destination.
57:53 – Picardan in Washington — one of America's rarest wine grapes and the Rhône-inspired wines of Cairdeas Winery.
59:15 – Rattlesnake Hills AVA — an emerging wine region leading the way in sustainability and deserving far more attention.
📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
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🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
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RECOGNITION:
- Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
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