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
Feb 23, 2026
Feb 23, 2026
50 min
After diving deep into Nebbiolo in Episode 248, Janina knew it was time to go further into Piemonte - but this time beyond Barolo and Barbaresco.
In this episode, she’s joined by Baltic wine expert and educator Agnese Gintere to explore the lesser-known indigenous grapes of the Langhe. From the so-called “white Barolo” Nascetta to Pelaverga, Freisa, Dolcetto, Barbera, Arneis and Favorita, this is a love letter to the region’s unsung heroes.
Expect producer recommendations, travel tips, value alternatives to Barolo - and yes, a little Nebbiolo obsession too.
04:04 Why Langhe? The recent rise of Barolo & Barbaresco and why the region feels magical.
06:04 Falling in love with Langhe - the wines first, then the fog, hills and landscape.
08:33 If not Nebbiolo, then what? The real unsung hero grapes of Langhe.
10:31 Nascetta explained - the so-called “white Barolo” and its revival from near extinction.
12:45 What Agnese learned about Nascetta’s history and ageing potential.
15:05 Pelaverga - the sommelier’s insider grape with earthy, herbal character.
17:17 Pelaverga experimentation - sparkling styles and white versions.
18:53 Freisa - Nebbiolo’s close relative and its quiet revival.
23:27 Dolcetto - “little sweet one” or gentle hills? Style, structure and best areas to explore.
26:45 Dogliani DOCG, ageing potential and value bottles.
28:47 Barbera - plush fruit, high alcohol and the future of north-facing slopes.
31:49 Link to Janina’s previous podcast episode (Ep 166) featuring Braida (Barbera specialists).
33:12 Respecting terroir - why Barbera and Nebbiolo shouldn’t compete for the same vineyard sites.
33:46 White grapes of Langhe - Arneis vs Favorita (aka Vermentino).
37:05 Agnese’s must-visit place - Serralunga d’Alba and the magic of the hills.
39:51 Best-value Nebbiolo outside Barolo & Barbaresco - Roero, Gattinara and Ghemme.
41:08 A magical winery visit - Enrico Rivetto and other iconic estates.
41:33 Estates mentioned - Rivetto, Gaja and Aldo Conterno.
44:06 Best time to visit Langhe - truffle season vs early autumn.
46:17 If you could only drink one non-Nebbiolo Langhe wine - Grignolino (“baby Nebbiolo”).
49:42 Next week - Switzerland, Chasselas, Petit Arvine and DNA expert José Vouillamoz.
Watch Agnese's YouTube Channel No Sediment HERE.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
Feb 16, 2026
Feb 16, 2026
52 min
Fresh back from Barcelona Wine Week, Janina is joined by Spanish wine expert and UK Sherry Ambassador Ellie Scott to unpack what’s really happening in Spain right now.
From the Garnacha revival and the evolution of premium Cava to forgotten grape varieties like Bobal and Airén, this episode explores the exciting diversity of modern Spanish wine. And if you stay until the end, you’ll get a brilliant crash course in how to understand (and truly enjoy) Sherry.
Shownotes
02:48 What it’s really like attending Barcelona Wine Week - 90 DOs and 1,300+ wineries.
03:44 90 Spanish DOs represented - how do you even approach tasting at that scale?
06:26 Rosé masterclass - modern Spanish rosado styles beyond the stereotype.
11:07 Garnacha’s revival - altitude, drought resistance and shedding its rustic past.
12:08 Garnacha plantings then vs now - why Tempranillo took over and why Garnacha is rising again.
16:08 Cava’s image problem - how premium categories (Cava de Guarda Superior) are reshaping perceptions.
18:26 Cava with food - why acidity, salt and texture make it a perfect pairing partner.
22:33 What is “Paraje Calificado”? Understanding Cava’s highest quality tier.
23:58 The shift toward quality - organic focus and long lees ageing.
24:41 Standout Cava producers - bottles that truly impressed.
27:02 Discovering DO Alella - Spain’s smallest DO and the grape Pansa Blanca.
29:19 ESWR early Pansa Blanca tasting video.
31:10 Xarel·lo beyond Cava - texture, skin contact and alternative winemaking styles.
33:04 Bodegas Cerrón & rediscovering Airén - from workhorse grape to serious wine.
36:40 Bobal explained - rustic reputation vs premium potential.
38:01 The use of tinajas (clay amphorae) in Utiel-Requena.
38:57 How to visit Utiel-Requena - flying into Valencia and heading inland.
40:02 Tasting Sherry at Barcelona Wine Week - including Diatomists.
40:36 ESWR previous episode featuring Diatomists.
42:11 Five facts about Sherry - dry styles, ageing under flor, food pairing power.
43:48 Cream Sherry vs Pedro Ximénez - sweetness, texture and gateway styles.
46:58 Fino vs Manzanilla - coastal ageing, flor and flavour differences.
48:51 Why Spain offers incredible stylistic diversity - sparkling, fortified, fresh reds and more.
49:14 ESWR episode on Palomino as a still wine.
49:51 Choosing your next Spanish wine - explore beyond Rioja and Albariño.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you! 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
56 min
In this wonderfully geeky and genuinely fascinating episode, Janina is joined by Ian D’Agata, one of the world’s leading authorities on Italian wine, to unpack the real differences between Barolo and Barbaresco — far beyond the usual shortcuts.
From Nebbiolo’s biotypes and soil types to climate, communes, MGAs and practical tasting tips, this is a deep yet accessible guide for anyone who wants to better understand why Nebbiolo remains one of the most compelling and misunderstood grapes in the world.
Stay until the end for a special giveaway courtesy of Ian himself.
Shownotes
02:32 What first drew Ian to Barolo and Barbaresco.
04:52 What is Nebbiolo? Aromas, structure and what makes it so unique.
07:15 How geography, soils and place shape Nebbiolo wines.
08:16 Finding new angles after decades of writing about Italian wine.
09:48 Ian’s favourite lesser-known native grape from Northern Italy.
11:14 A favourite lesser-known native grape from Southern Italy.
13:21 The most beautiful wine region in Italy — purely for its landscape.
14:32 Traditional vs modern Barolo — does the distinction still make sense?
17:36 Barbaresco explained — not a “softer Barolo”, but a different wine entirely.
23:05 Climate and soil differences — how the same grape creates very different wines.
24:14 Nebbiolo biotypes — what they are and why they matter.
30:23 Why so few people talk about biotypes in famous grape varieties.
34:44 What surprised Ian most while researching Barbaresco Terroir, following his earlier work on Barolo Terroir.
36:31 Is there a different attitude to Nebbiolo in Barbaresco compared to Barolo?
37:58 Practical tasting exercises to help students understand Nebbiolo.
41:47 The 181 MGAs — communes, crus and how to approach them without fear.
45:49 Real-world examples of communes and MGA differences.
46:52 Which recent vintages are best to buy and store.
48:02 Older vintages to grab and open today.
49:40 Where to find great-value Nebbiolo without buying a 20-year-old Barolo.
54:36 Two tickets giveaway — how to enter and what’s included.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you! 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
Feb 2, 2026
Feb 2, 2026
54 min
In this episode, Janina travels to Croatia, a country best known for its coastline, history and food - but still widely misunderstood when it comes to wine. She is joined by Miquel Hudin, American-Croatian wine writer and founder of the Vinologue book series, to explore Croatia’s regions, indigenous grape varieties, travel tips, and the wines that best represent this diverse and historic wine country.
From Dalmatia to Istria, coastal vineyards to continental regions, this is a deep yet accessible guide to Croatian wine for curious drinkers and travellers alike.
A quick shout out to this episode’s lovely sponsor Viavinum. I’ve got a special discount code that could earn up 5 or even 8% off your wine tour. Find details at the bottom.*
Shownotes
01:50 Fun fact: Zinfandel is Croatian - the genetic link to Crljenak Kaštelanski.
02:25 Via Vinum Wine Tours and bespoke wine travel experiences.
03:48 What makes Croatian wines special - why they’re worth exploring and travelling for.
05:12 Which region best represents Croatia today?
05:59 The impact of tourism on Dubrovnik and Dalmatia after Game of Thrones.
08:00 A three-day wine itinerary in Croatia - where to go and why.
10:00 The wine or region that first sparked Miquel’s passion for wine.
11:49 Is Plavac Mali the most widely planted indigenous red grape?
13:12 Miquel’s personal connection to Plavac Mali and its link to Zinfandel.
13:38 Plavac Mali explained - style, structure, alcohol and flavour profile.
15:41 Why Miquel chose to write the books he did – Dalmatia, Herzegovina and beyond.
18:38 Tasting Pošip – introducing the Stina project.
21:06 Janina’s tasting notes on Pošip – texture, minerality and freshness.
22:22 What makes the Stina project unique - limestone, design and terroir focus.
23:46 Buying the wine in the UK - Stina Pošip (£29 at Strictly Wine).
25:30 The new era of Croatian winemaking after independence.
31:46 What to expect from entry-level vs premium Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana).
34:13 Comparing Pošip and Malvazija Istarska – savoury vs aromatic styles.
35:06 Teran explained – what should people expect from this red grape?
38:20 Teran described in simple terms – “Maybe if Malbec was crossed with Sangiovese?”.
40:26 How far back does winemaking in Croatia really go?
41:47 The most magical winery or vineyard experiences in Croatia.
44:22 How climate change is reshaping Croatian vineyards and regions.
46:36 One bottle to represent Croatian wine – Miquel’s pick.
48:08 Other Croatian grape varieties worth knowing.
51:57 The standout wine of the last year. Visit Hudin’s Top 100 2025.
* VIAVINUM WINE TOURS:
If you’re dreaming of a wine-filled escape to Italy, I’ve got something special for you.
Book a customized wine tour of more than 6 days / 5 nights through my trusted travel partners and use my code EATSLEEPWINE to unlock an exclusive discount:
- 5% off for private groups of 2 to 5 people
- 8% off for groups of 6 or more
Right now, the full range of private tours isn’t live on the website as they’re being refreshed for the new season — but if you're ready to plan something unforgettable, this is the perfect time to design your own bespoke wine adventure.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you! 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
Jan 26, 2026
Jan 26, 2026
45 min
In this flashcard-style WSET Diploma D3 “Wines of the World” episode, Janina dives deep into the sun-drenched vineyards of Languedoc and Roussillon, exploring the climate, terroir, grape varieties, and AOCs that define these huge and diverse regions. Perfect for students preparing for the WSET Diploma theory exam, this episode covers key facts, yields, blending rules, and appellation regulations — but it’s also for wine lovers who want to geek out on French wine or be inspired by some of the most exciting wines coming out of southern France today.
A detailed, geeky, and highly structured exploration of geography, grapes, regulations, and the stories behind the wines of Languedoc and Roussillon.
💡 Want more flashcard-style episodes? Previously, Janina has produced episodes to help with Fortified Wine and Sparkling Wine exams. You can find them here:
Ep 113: Shery, VdNs, Rutherglen Muscat
Ep 129: Sparkling Wine Production
Ep 142: All other sparkling wines
🍷 This episode is sponsored by Zeno: Alcohol Liberated Wines (Non-Alcoholic Producer of the Year 2025 with the International London Wine Competition). The wine mentioned is the Zeno Alcohol-Liberated Red, an alcohol-free red crafted from Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, available from Waitrose and Waitrose Cellar.
Follow Zeno on Instagram @drinkzeno.
Shownotes
00:30 Why Languedoc-Roussillon is such a fascinating and large wine region – 224,000 ha under vine, more than South Africa, Chile, Argentina or Australia.
02:00 Climate overview – Mediterranean sunshine, low rainfall (~600 mm), and the Tramontane wind, reducing disease pressure and supporting organic viticulture.
03:15 Water stress, drought years, and impacts on yields – historical low yields in 2005 & 2015.
04:30 French wine classifications – AOC vs IGP, and what they mean for rules, grape selection, yields, and freedom.
05:30 Production breakdown – only 15% of Languedoc production is AOC, IGP dominates (~70%), cooperatives historically significant (~60%).
06:15 IGP Pays d’Oc – top red, white, and rosé percentages, 10–15% of all French wine, permitted 58 grape varieties, max yields, and affordability.
07:45 Principal grape varieties – Syrah, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay.
08:30 AOC rules – minimum two grape varieties, at least one principal, blending rules for red wines.
09:15 Languedoc key AOCs (west → east) – Malepère & Cabardès (Atlantic-influenced), blending percentages, minimum principal grape percentages.
11:00 Limoux – sparkling wine history (first in 1531), key grapes, relevance to Diploma sparkling wine studies.
12:00 Corbières – fourth largest in France, hilly, up to 450 m, key red blends, sub-AOC Corbières-Boutenac with Carignan dominance.
13:15 Fitou – coastal vs inland differences, soil impact on concentration, blending rules.
14:00 La Clape – red and white, warm and arid, Grenache Blanc/Bourboulenc minimums for whites.
14:45 Minervois – typical red blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault), max 80% for any one variety, altitude impact on acidity and freshness.
15:30 Minervois-La Livinière – higher altitude, structured, fresher wines.
16:00 Faugères – schist soils, 250–400 m altitude, average yields 33 hl/ha, 40% organic, minimum 1 year ageing.
16:45 Terrasses du Larzac – AOC since 2014, reds only, high diurnal range (20°C), ripe fruit and acidity.
17:30 Pic Saint-Loup – most easterly, continental influence, Syrah ≥50%, red & rosé only, rainfall ~1,000 mm.
18:15 Picpoul de Pinet – white only, Picpoul Blanc, coastal vineyards, dry, medium-bodied, medium+ acidity, lemon and floral notes.
19:15 Roussillon overview – 21,000 ha, Pyrenees influence, 70% AOC, 25% Vin Doux Naturel, climate Mediterranean, rainfall 500–600 mm.
20:00 Key grape varieties – Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Muscat (fortified & whites).
20:45 Roussillon AOCs – Côtes du Roussillon (largest, red/white/rosé), Côtes du Roussillon Villages (red, max yields, carbonic maceration), Collioure (coastal terraces, red & white, low yields), IGP Côtes Catalanes (premium reds and whites).
22:30 Max yields & blending rules for red, white, and rosé – practical numbers for Diploma revision.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
Jan 19, 2026
Jan 19, 2026
54 min
In the first episode of 2026, Janina is joined by Jane Masters MW and Andrew Neather, co-authors of Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine. Together, they explore what sustainability truly means in today’s wine world — looking beyond buzzwords to examine climate change, vineyard practices, winery operations, packaging, and the often-overlooked human side of wine production.
An insightful, honest and thought-provoking conversation about the future of wine and the choices shaping it.
You can buy the book at Académie du Vin Library for £20 - but use the code EATSLEEP15 for 15% off any of the books on the site.
This episode is sponsored by Zeno: Alcohol Liberated Wines (Non Alcoholic Producer of the Year 2025 with the International London Wine Competition) The wine mentioned is the Zeno Alcohol-Liberated Sparkling £12.50 from Waitrose and Waitrose Cellar.
Follow Zeno on Instagram @drinkzeno.
Shownotes
02:15 Fun fact of the episode: why some grapes do better in heat that others
06:25 Andrew Neathers introduces himself discussing his background as a wine critic and an environmentalist
08:44 Jane Masters’ background and her long-standing focus on sustainability in the wine industry.
13:00 Synthetic fertilisers and agrochemicals - why they became widespread and their long-term impact on vineyards and ecosystems.
20:50 Organic farming and its limitations - the use of copper and sulphur in humid climates.
26:41 Predator insects in vineyards - replacing chemical treatments with natural solutions.
27:44 The use of drones in viticulture and precision farming.
28:26 Are new technologies accessible to small and medium-sized producers?
29:44 Inside the winery: water, electricity and energy use as major sustainability challenges.
34:46 Sustainability across the wider drinks industry - what meaningful progress really looks like.
36:59 The environmental cost of traditional glass wine bottles.
43:26 Bottle colour, recyclability and consumer perception.
45:30 The human side of sustainability - vineyard and winery workers.
50:59 What Jane Masters and Andrew Neather hope readers will take away from Rooted in Change.
52:51 Use code EATSLEEP15 for 15% of the book Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you! 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
Dec 22, 2025
Dec 22, 2025
1hr 8 sec
In the final episode of the year, Janina is joined by Laura Oskwarek, Director of Winemaking at Silver Oak, to explore one of the most fascinating (and often overlooked) elements of winemaking: oak. Together they taste and compare Silver Oak’s Napa Valley and Alexander Valley Cabernets, dive deep into Silver Oak’s unique in-house cooperage, and unpack everything from tree selection and seasoning to toast levels, sustainability and style.
A rich, geeky and festive deep dive into Cabernet, craftsmanship and the people behind one of California’s most iconic wineries.
Shownotes
03:32 Laura’s scientific background - from microbiology and Yale to winemaking.
04:52 Choosing wine as a career: the moment wine replaced medicine.
06:32 Early lessons from Schramsberg and Nickel & Nickel - teamwork, terroir and patience.
11:55 How Silver Oak has evolved over the years - sustainability, innovation and precision.
14:18 Precision viticulture explained: data, technology and giving each vine exactly what it needs.
15:45 Water management at Silver Oak - recycling systems and the famous purple hoses.
17:55 Owning their own cooperage - why it’s so rare and why it matters.
18:56 How a tree is chosen to become a wine barrel - straight trunks, diameter and quality.
20:56 Missouri oak vs French oak - grain, flavour profile and why Missouri stands out.
24:39 Seasoning vs toasting - what they really mean and why they’re not the same thing.
28:16 Choosing oak for flavour and texture - matching seasoning and toast to the wine style.
32:24 How far can you push oak? Experimentation, blind tastings and finding the limit.
33:43 Janina’s tasting notes: Alexander Valley vs Napa Valley Cabernets.
35:04 Tasting comparison: Silver Oak Alexander Valley vs Napa Valley Cabernet - fruit profile, structure, oak and power.
38:19 Inside Silver Oak’s toasting area - fire pits, slow toasting and craftsmanship.
40:02 Roasted marshmallow and caramel - the aromas of toasted barrels.
42:30 How much does a barrel cost and how long does it take to make one?
45:13 Another key difference between American and French oak - sustainability and efficiency.
46:20 Climatic differences between Alexander Valley and Napa Valley.
49:01 Where to buy the wines in the UK current vintages and pricing at The Wine Treasury £132 Alexander Valley Cabernet 2020 and £240 Napa Valley Cabernet 2020
50:28 Being a woman in wine - leadership, mentorship and cultural change.
52:44 A joyful harvest memory - costumes, sparkles and a true “glitter moment.”
54:39 American oak in one sentence.
55:16 Napa or Alexander Valley - where is the magic right now?
56:03 Toast levels: light, medium or heavy?
56:19 Cabernet pairing - steak or dark chocolate?
56:53 One wine region everyone should visit next.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next year – cheers to you! 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
Dec 15, 2025
Dec 15, 2025
1hr 1 min
In this episode, Janina welcomes Tom Hewson, champagne correspondent for Decanter and creator of Six Atmospheres, to explore one of her favourite topics: the evolving worlds of Champagne and English sparkling wine. They dive into climate shifts, grape varieties, lost cépages, yields, soil diversity, younger producers, pruning rules, and what the future might look like for both regions.
A deep, insightful and truly geeky conversation for sparkling wine lovers.
Shownotes
02:19 From jazz musician to sparkling wine specialist - Tom’s unexpected journey.
03:55 Is another English Wine Report coming? Janina asks about future editions.
04:34 Behind the scenes of tasting and writing large regional reports - workload, scale and logistics.
05:57 Comparing vineyard size: hectares planted in England vs Champagne.
07:20 “How big is Champagne?” — breaking down vineyard numbers and grower totals.
09:40 Janina asks whether England is close to defining its own “grand cru” sites; Tom responds on regional potential.
12:42 Comparing English regions: southeast vs southwest, the north, and Wales - how climate shapes categories.
15:41 How climate change is affecting Champagne and England differently - and why “warmer” doesn’t always mean “easier.”
18:29 Maritime vs continental climates - should England and Champagne really be compared?
24:09 Janina asks about Voltis, the first hybrid grape permitted in a French appellation.
25:48 Tom’s experience with lost or forgotten Champagne varieties (Arbanne, Petit Meslier).
31:33 Land prices: cost of vineyard land in Champagne vs England - and why experimentation is easier in the UK.
34:19 Younger Champagne producers embracing Meunier and the rise of single-varietal Meunier wines.
38:27 How much chalk does Champagne actually have? And why England’s soil diversity could be an advantage.
41:26 Is soil diversity a benefit or a complication for England’s future?
44:04 Yields: England vs Champagne - narrowing gaps and the impact of controlled limits.
45:02 What yields Champagne would have without regulatory controls.
47:33 England’s upward trend in yields and how hobby vineyards distort averages.
49:27 Pruning systems: Champagne’s strict rules vs England’s flexibility - should England adopt more structure?
51:37 Sustainability and biodynamics: how both regions are adapting under environmental pressure.
55:34 Agro-tourism in England and Champagne
57:58 Tom’s final recommendations and key takeaways for sparkling wine lovers.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you! 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and listed among the top UK wine podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Listed #22 on Drinks Retailing’s 2025 Most Influential People in Drinks
Dec 8, 2025
Dec 8, 2025
48 min
In this episode, Janina sits down with Cristina Torres, fifth generation of the iconic Torres family and the new voice leading Marimar Estate in Sonoma. They explore the family’s Catalan roots, Marimar’s groundbreaking journey as a woman building a winery in California, the rise of Albariño and Godello in Russian River Valley, sustainability, Pinot Noir clones, and what the future looks like as Christina steps into leadership. Janina also tastes the Christina Pinot Noir and explains why she finds it one of the most romantic Pinots she has ever tried.
Shownotes
02:19 Marimar’s cookbooks and why they’re perfect for Christmas gifting.
02:55 Torres’ ancestral grape recovery project — 139 sites, micro-vinifications and standout varieties like Forcada.
04:52 Christina’s first harvest at DeLoach - the shock, the workload, and what she learned.
05:30 Childhood memories of wanting to join the family winery.
06:55 Five generations of Torres winemaking since 1870.
08:14 How Christina and Marimar work together and manage the mother-daughter dynamic.
11:00 Marimar’s pioneering story: emigrating from Franco-era Spain and founding a winery in California.
13:22 What makes Russian River Valley unique: fog, Pacific influence, cool climate.
15:12 Whether Green Valley is the coolest AVA in Sonoma.
16:41 Christina’s years in the UK at John E. Fells and how they shaped her career.
19:40 Differences in leadership style between mother and daughter.
21:26 Early plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Marimar Estate.
23:04 Albariño in Sonoma - similarities and differences compared to Galicia.
24:27 Godello in Russian River: aromatics, texture, concrete eggs and fan favourite status.
27:04 The first (too cold) Albariño attempt in Sonoma Coast.
28:18 Why Pinot Noir remains their flagship grape.
29:43 The Christina Pinot Noir: barrel selection, extra ageing, structure and depth.
31:19 Janina’s tasting notes - a romantic, perfumed, seductive Pinot.
33:12 Where to buy the wines in the UK (Vinum £2019 £65.20).
34:00 The estate dogs and their enthusiastic greetings.
35:09 Winery vs. house - the masía architecture and events at Marimar’s home.
36:03 The Torres legacy: sustainability and ancestral grape recovery.
37:58 The suitcase-cuttings story and the visit from the inspector.
38:28 Janina reflects on why Marimar is such an inspirational figure.
41:11 Pinot Noir clones: 115, 667, 777 and Pommard.
42:17 What makes Pommard so balanced and expressive.
43:52 A vineyard surprise: the tiny Mencía trial block.
45:17 Fun story - six-year-old Christina baking cookies for the future King of Spain.
To follow Marimar Estate on Instagram CLICK HERE and Christina Torres CLICK HERE
📩 Questions or feedback? Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next week – cheers to you! 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list
Dec 1, 2025
Dec 1, 2025
59 min
In this festive episode, Janina sits down with Duncan Gammie, founder of The Wee Vinoteca, to build the ultimate Christmas Wine Box. Together they explore pairings for classic holiday dishes, taste through six standout bottles, and unpack why English fizz, Greek Assyrtiko and South African Chenin Blanc belong at your Christmas table this year.
Shownotes
[01:37] The Christmas Pairing Game begins - smoked salmon, prawn cocktail, Stilton, roast turkey, roast beef, nut roast, mince pies, sticky toffee pudding and panettone - what are the perfect wine pairings?
[21:45] Duncan shares his background, how The Wee Vinoteca started, which recently won Wine Club of the Year from IWC.
[24:26] Introducing the Christmas Wine Box - six wines designed to cover the entire holiday table with versatility and balance.
[24:48] Black Chalk Classic Cuvée – English Sparkling Wine (Hampshire, UK)
Duncan explains chalk soils, vintage differences, and why English sparkling has become a staple for holiday starters, seafood and celebrations.
[29:04] Visiting English vineyards - where to go.
[31:35] Muses Estates, Assyrtiko (mainland Greece)
A structured, saline white that handles seafood, richer starters and vegetable dishes. Duncan compares mainland Assyrtiko with Santorini, discussing old vines, wild ferments and gastronomy pairings.
[37:45] The conversation widens to Greek grapes and styles – Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Savatiano, Roditis and today’s fresher, high-quality Retsina – with advice on discovering them by the glass or in tastings.
[39:20] Brookdale, Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Paarl, South Africa)
Why Chenin shines at Christmas: texture, generosity, acidity and ageing potential. References to producers like Lismore and stylistic comparisons to white Burgundy.
[43:40] Roccafiore, Sangiovese (Umbria, Italy)
Fresh Italian red ideal for antipasti, turkey and Boxing Day dishes. Duncan highlights its balance and easy versatility and contrasts Sangiovese from this inland region with Chianti and explaining how Umbrian Sangiovese offers softer tannins and great value. And discussing Sagrantino grape.
[47:51] Hey Diddle, Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon (Claire Valley, Australia)
Discussing the Claire Valley, and what is happening in this region, alongside practical tips on opening bottles sealed with wax.
[51:54] Diatominist, Pedro Ximénez (Jerez, Spain)
Explaining how PX sits within the broader (and sometimes confusing) Sherry styles and why this luscious, nutty, treacle-like dessert wine blows people’s minds at Christmas fairs.
[57:17] Duncan and Janina note that PX is usually perfect in small pours, talk about visiting Montilla-Moriles near Córdoba, and tempt listeners with the idea of tapas-hopping through a city that boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
[57:46] Asked which wine he always opens at Christmas that isn’t necessarily in the box, Duncan admits it’s English fizz – a sparkling wine he and his wife love and a non-negotiable part of their celebrations.
[58:26] To visit The Wee Vinoteca, visit their site HERE and you can purchase The Staff Christmas Picks Case CLICK HERE.
📩 Questions or feedback? Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next week – cheers to you! 🥂
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.
RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list