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EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A Wine Podcast Exploring Wine Regions, Grapes & Education: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Janina Doyle
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. There’s a story, a tip, or a tasting for everyone.
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- Today56 min
Ep 277 - Why Are Some Wines Worth Millions? Inside Sotheby’s Wine Auctions with Nick Pegna
What makes a bottle of wine worth £10,000, £100,000 or even millions? Is it the vineyard, the vintage, the producer, its rarity or the extraordinary story behind it? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina steps inside the fascinating world of fine wine auctions with Nick Pegna, Global Head of Wine & Spirits at Sotheby’s. From multi-million-pound private collections and rare bottles to intense bidding wars, Nick reveals what really happens behind the scenes of the international wine auction market - and what makes a wine truly valuable. Whether you're a wine enthusiast wanting to deepen your wine knowledge, fascinated by the world's most prestigious wine regions, or simply curious about the people willing to pay extraordinary sums for a bottle, this conversation offers a rare insight into the world of fine wine collecting. We explore how provenance, condition, rarity and maturity influence wine prices, why collectors are increasingly seeking mature wines that are ready to drink, and how the relationship between a wine's history and its market value can be just as fascinating as the wine itself. Along the way, we travel through Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and Napa Valley, discover how a new generation of collectors is changing the market, and explore why wine auctions are becoming about far more than buying and selling bottles. From winery visits and wine tourism to unforgettable food pairings and the stories that connect us to a place, this is a conversation about the culture, people and experiences that make wine so compelling. And if you've ever wondered what happens when two determined bidders compete for a legendary bottle, or why someone might pay more than £2 million for a single whisky, you're in exactly the right place. 02:35 – A day in the life at Sotheby’s — Nick reveals what it means to oversee around 60 wine and spirits auctions a year across cities including London, New York, Hong Kong and Paris. 06:59 – How do you sell a $15 million wine collection? — why major private collections can be divided across multiple auctions, countries and even several years to find the right buyers. 08:23 – What makes a bottle valuable? — provenance, condition, rarity and maturity: the key factors Nick and his team consider when appraising fine wine for auction. 12:16 – When provenance becomes part of the story — the extraordinary history behind an 1870 Château Lafite magnum and why a bottle's journey can dramatically influence its desirability and value. 14:22 – From Berry Bros. & Rudd to Sotheby’s — how more than two decades working in fine wine, including years building relationships with collectors across Asia, prepared Nick for the auction world. 18:40 – What are serious collectors buying now? — why mature, ready-to-drink wines are increasingly appealing and why patience for buying young wines and waiting decades to drink them may be disappearing. 20:21 – Which wine regions dominate the auction market? — Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne remain central, but changing prices, younger producers and new collecting habits are creating opportunities within and beyond the classic regions. 26:05 – The wines that can still surprise at auction — why mature German Riesling and other niche fine wines can attract extraordinary interest from small but highly dedicated groups of collectors. 28:15 – A new generation of wine collectors — how younger buyers are looking beyond prestige and price towards experiences, winery visits and stories, with the Hospices de Beaune auction offering a powerful example of how place and tradition can build a deeper connection to wine. 33:21 – Connecting collectors with the wineries — how Sotheby’s uses its relationships with estates to create visits, educational experiences and deeper connections between collectors and producers. 35:13 – Primary vs secondary wine markets explained — Nick breaks down what happens when wine is first released and how bottles later enter the secondary market as they mature, change hands and become collectible. 41:11 – Understanding the two-speed fine wine market — why two wines of similar quality from the same producer can have dramatically different values simply because one is ready to drink and the other still needs time. 44:14 – Inside an unforgettable bidding war — Nick recalls the electric atmosphere of a Distillers One of One charity auction as two determined bidders battled for an extraordinary bottle. 46:07 – When a bottle exceeds all expectations — from emotionally driven bi
- 1 weeks ago55 min
Ep 276 - Ken Forrester: The King of Chenin Blanc & the Wild Side of South African Wine
Season 7 of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat begins in South Africa with one of the wine world's biggest personalities: Ken Forrester. Known as the “King of Chenin Blanc”, Ken joins Janina for a conversation filled with extraordinary stories, pioneering winemaking and plenty of laughter, while exploring what has made Stellenbosch one of the world's most exciting Wine Regions. Ken explains why this grape has thrived in South Africa and how decades of experimentation have produced wines ranging from vibrant traditional-method sparkling wine to the iconic FMC and the extraordinarily complex The Dirty Little Secret. For anyone looking to learn about wine through the stories of the people actually making it, this is wine education at its most entertaining. Ken also shares the story of planting Mourvèdre in South Africa, why he believes Pinotage should be celebrated as a fresh, juicy and even chillable red, and how Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre come together in his Three Halves blend. Along the way, Janina tastes several of his wines and explores just how diverse South African Wine Grapes can be. This Wine Podcast is also a reminder that wine doesn't need to be intimidating. From Sparklehorse and old-vine Chenin Blanc to Wagyu biltong and some truly outrageous stories, Ken's philosophy is ultimately about enjoyment, curiosity and sharing great bottles with good people. And if South Africa is on your Wine Travel list, expect to finish this episode wanting to head straight to Stellenbosch. Shownotes 03:15 – Ken's most outrageous wine story — a night out, a seventh-floor window and an extraordinarily lucky landing that Ken probably shouldn't have survived. 07:16 – The wild characters of South African wine — Ken remembers Charles Back of Fairview and other larger-than-life personalities who helped make the country's wine industry unforgettable. 08:35 – The people who shaped Ken's career — looking back at the pioneers and characters who influenced South African wine as the modern industry began to emerge. 13:24 – Why Chenin Blanc is so versatile — Ken explains how one grape can produce everything from crunchy sparkling wine to dry whites and intensely sweet dessert wines. 16:02 – What makes great Sauvignon Blanc? — why Ken believes truly exceptional sites need serious cooling influence and why only certain parts of South Africa deliver the right conditions. 17:32 – The accidental birth of Sparklehorse — how one troublesome patch of an old Chenin Blanc vineyard inspired Ken to create his traditional-method sparkling wine. £21(Mix 12) Great Wine Co 22:06 – Why wine should be fun — the philosophy behind Sparklehorse, Ken's team and his belief that enjoying what you do ultimately makes better wine. 25:30 – Affordable Chenin Blanc with serious personality — tasting Ken Forrester Petit Chenin and discovering why an everyday wine can still deliver freshness, clean fruit and real character. £9.90 (Mix 12) Great Wine Co 27:39 – The story behind FMC — how an old 1974 Chenin Blanc vineyard, ambitious winemaking and several failed attempts eventually created one of South Africa's most celebrated white wines. £38.70 (Mix 12) Great Wine Co 35:18 – When FMC became “Burgundy” — Ken recalls persuading a sceptical wine shopper to taste beyond price and reputation before revealing what was really in her glass. 37:26 – The Dirty Little Secret — how a remarkable high-altitude old-vine Chenin Blanc vineyard and a multi-vintage solera-style approach created one of Ken's most complex and unconventional wines. £81 (Mix 12) Great Wine Co 41:39 – Bringing Mourvèdre to South Africa — why Ken wanted this Mediterranean grape for his Rhône-style blends and how it adds earthiness, structure and power alongside Grenache and Syrah. 46:59 – Two South African reds to discover
- Aug 17, 20261h 5m
Ep 275 - Spanish Wine Beyond Rioja: Vino de Pago, New Jerez, Bobal & More with Sarah Jane Evans MW
What are the Spanish wine regions and grape varieties you need to know beyond Rioja and Ribera del Duero? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to Spain with Sarah Jane Evans MW, one of the world's leading experts on Spanish wine, to explore the regions, grapes and wine classifications that deserve far more attention - from Jerez and Castilla-La Mancha to Valencia, Madrid and Extremadura. At the heart of the conversation is Vino de Pago, one of Spain's most fascinating and misunderstood wine classifications. Sarah Jane explains what Vino de Pago actually means, how it differs from Spain's traditional regional classifications and why these individual estates have the freedom to explore distinctive terroirs, indigenous grape varieties and different winemaking styles. We also explore some of Spain's lesser-known grape varieties, including Merseguera, Albillo Real, Bobal and old-vine Monastrell, as well as the country's extraordinary heritage of old vineyards. Sarah Jane shares the Spanish wine regions she thinks could be the next big thing, from Jerez and Utiel-Requena to Madrid, Extremadura, the Canary Islands and Catalonia, plus her recommendations for Spanish wines under £20. If you're looking to discover Spanish wine beyond Rioja, learn more about Vino de Pago, explore lesser-known Spanish wine regions and find exciting Spanish grapes and great-value wines, this episode is a brilliant place to start. This episode was sponsored by Pago Finca Elez. Their Wines available in the UK through Fareham Wine Cellars as well as through importers in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Philippines, Japan and Hungary, with additional smaller importers across Europe. Shownotes 02:53 – What keeps surprising Sarah Jane about Spain — after decades of travelling through the country, why new generations, producers and wines mean there is always something new to discover. 03:58 – Jerez: The Spanish Wine Region Reinventing Itself Beyond Sherry — why Jerez is no longer just about traditional Sherry and how a new generation of unfortified wines is changing perceptions of the region. 06:30 – Jerez Beyond Sherry: Palomino, Albariza Soils & Unfortified Spanish Wine — how unfortified Palomino wines and the region's famous albariza soils could offer a new gateway into Sherry country. 10:05 – How to find the good stuff — Sarah Jane's advice for discovering exciting unfortified wines from Jerez through producers, specialist importers and independent wine merchants. 13:21 – What exactly is Vino de Pago? — understanding Spain's unique single-estate classification and why it was created for distinctive vineyards outside the country's famous denominations. 18:07 – Grandes Pagos de España vs Vino de Pago: What's the Difference? — how this private association brings together leading Spanish wine estates, and why it should not be confused with the official Vino de Pago classification. 20:29 – A Vino de Pago beside Ribera del Duero — how Abadía Retuerta used the classification to establish its own identity just outside one of Spain's most famous wine regions. 23:15 – Why every Vino de Pago is different — individual grape varieties, altitude, terroir and winemaking mean there is no single style connecting these unique estates. 24:16 – Has Vino de Pago been a success? — how the classification has evolved and why producers can use its independence to experiment beyond traditional regional rules. 27:00 – Discovering Merseguera — the little-known Spanish white grape offering citrus freshness, herbal character and exciting potential in the vineyards around Utiel-Requena. 29:13 – The rise of Albillo Real — another traditional Spanish white variety finding renewed relevance as producers and consumers increasingly look beyond the country's famous red wines. 31:38 – Why is Vino de Pago so difficult to explore? — the surprising lack of a complete online resource covering all of Spain's recognised Vino de Pago estates. 32:35 – Pago Finca Élez — discover one of Spain's pioneering Vino de Pago estates, recognised in 2002 alongside Marqués de Griñón, and its high-altitude vineyards in Castilla-La Mancha. 35:28 – How to discover Spain's Vino de Pago estates — Sarah Jane explains where to research them, including her own guide to the wines of Central and Southern Spain. 37:23 – <a href='https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/the-wines-of-central-and-southern-spain-from-catalunya-to-cadiz-sarah-jane-evans-mw?srs
- Aug 10, 20261h 2m
Ep 274 - What Does It Take to Become a Top Sommelier? Inside the UK Sommelier of the Year Competition with Emma Denney, 2026 Winner
What does it actually take to become the UK Sommelier of the Year? And how do the world's best sommeliers blind taste wine under pressure? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina sits down with Emma Denney, the newly crowned UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 and Director of Wine at Claridge's, to go behind the scenes of elite sommelier competition, blind tasting and fine wine service. Emma takes us inside the competition - from identifying grape varieties, regions and vintages in a blind tasting, to recognising wine faults by aroma alone, tackling food and wine pairing and serving Champagne under pressure. She also explains how professional sommeliers build their tasting knowledge, read the clues in a glass and develop the confidence to make decisions quickly. But this isn't just an episode about becoming a sommelier. Emma is a brilliant guide to some of the wine world's most fascinating regions and producers. We dive into Champagne and grower Champagne, Northern Rhône Syrah and Hermitage, Jumilla Monastrell, Ningxia Riesling, Margaret River and New Zealand Pinot Grigio, with plenty of bottles and wine travel ideas to add to your list. You'll also learn what RM and NM mean on Champagne labels, why Champagne's chalk soils matter, what Coteaux Champenois is, how lees ageing and late disgorgement affect Champagne, how to recognise common wine faults such as Brett, cork taint and oxidation, and why some of the world's most exciting wines are coming from places you might not expect. So whether you're already deep into wine, studying for a qualification, improving your blind tasting or simply looking for your next bottle, region or wine trip to explore, this episode is packed with things to taste, learn and investigate. Shownotes 02:30 – What does it take to become UK Sommelier of the Year? Emma reflects on winning the competition and the preparation behind it. 05:03 – The Champagne that started it all — how one bottle sparked Emma's passion for wine and hospitality. 07:06 – Best value wine at Claridge's — Emma's recommendation: Casa Castillo Monastrell from Jumilla. 08:41 – Why Jumilla deserves more attention — modern Monastrell, old vines and one of Spain's most exciting wine regions. 09:27 – Unexpected wines at Claridge's — why Emma champions Canaan Riesling from Ningxia, China. 12:42 – Worth every penny — Emma highlights Northern Rhône legends René Rostaing and Jean-Louis Chave, explaining why mature Syrah can rival the world's finest wines. 14:12 – If money were no object — why Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage remains Emma's dream bottle. 15:52 – A must-visit wine destination — why every wine lover should experience Hermitage and the Northern Rhône. 19:23 – The best part of being a sommelier — introducing guests to new wines and sharing unforgettable wine experiences. 20:54 – Inside the theory exam — the extraordinary breadth of knowledge required to become UK Sommelier of the Year. 22:45 – Lessons from Vincenzo Arnese — how one piece of advice about listening carefully became Emma's biggest competitive advantage during the competition. 23:36 – Blind tasting without tasting — identifying wine faults using aroma alone during the competition semi-final. 25:30 – Recognising common wine faults — Brett, cork taint, oxidation, volatile acidity and how sommeliers train their senses. 27:53 – Train your nose like a sommelier — Emma discusses common wine faults, while Janina recommends Le Nez du Vin aroma and fault kits for improving your tasting skills. 30:26 – Spotting mistakes on a wine list — how sommeliers identify incorrect vintages, appellations and producer details under pressure. 31:13 – How to start a blind tasting — Emma explains the first clues sommeliers look for. 32:03 – Reading the clues in the glass — alcohol, oak, climate and terroir cues that help identify grape varieties and wine origins. 34:34 – Food and wine pairing under pressure — how Emma approached one of the competition's toughest practical service challenges. 37:05 – The visual challenge — recognising legendary winemakers, vineyards and wine tools from a single image. 38:12 – Caroline Frey's Swiss wines — Emma discusses the acclaimed winemaker's latest project beyond Bordeaux and the Rhône. 40:31 – The Champagne pouring challenge — one Jeroboam, twenty-four glasses and one of the
- Aug 3, 202658 min
Ep 273 – Oregon Wine Beyond Pinot Noir: The Regions, Grapes & Wines You Need to Know with Samantha Cole-Johnson
Think Oregon is all about Pinot Noir? Think again. In this episode I'm joined by Samantha Cole-Johnson, Senior US Editor at JancisRobinson.com and the Master of Wine student who achieved the highest mark in the world in Stage One of the notoriously challenging MW programme, to uncover the side of Oregon that most people never discover. From cross-border wine regions that ignore state lines to savoury Syrah grown on basalt cobblestones, richer styles of Pinot Gris and a brand-new sparkling wine movement, this episode will completely change the way you think about Oregon. Along the way, we also discuss what the future of wine might look like - and why the biggest challenge facing the wine industry may have nothing to do with wine itself. You'll discover why the Rocks District produces some of America's most distinctive Syrah, why Oregon's Pinot Gris deserves far more attention, how Method Oregon is putting the state's sparkling wines on the map, and the producers and wine regions that should be firmly on your travel wishlist. So, if you're ready to look beyond Pinot Noir, pour yourself a glass, sit back, and enjoy this episode. Shownotes 03:05 – Learning how to communicate wine — how Samantha’s experience in cellars, formal study and wine journalism shaped the way she tastes, writes and speaks about wine today. 05:54 – Do state lines matter in wine? — why geographical boundaries rarely determine wine style, but can have important legal and commercial consequences for producers. 06:53 – Understanding the Columbia Gorge — how rainfall and temperature change dramatically from west to east across this cross-border Oregon and Washington AVA. 08:36 – Visiting the Columbia Gorge — why Portland makes an ideal starting point for exploring its wineries, cycling trails, breweries and famous windsurfing. 09:26 – Inside the Rocks District — what makes this tiny Oregon AVA’s basalt cobblestones and distinctive soils unlike almost anywhere else in the United States. 10:40 – The unmistakable Rocks District flavour — how low acidity, heat and saline soils can create Syrah with savoury, ferrous, rosemary and cured-meat characters. 11:22 – Why Grenache is thriving — the grape varieties performing particularly well in the Rocks District’s hot, dry and intensely sunny conditions. 13:41 – The problem with Rocks District labelling — why many wines grown inside the AVA must legally be labelled as Walla Walla when they are made across the border in Washington. For a deeper dive into Washington State wine, listen to Episode 271 with Chris Stone and Avril Mooney from the Washington State Wine Commission. 15:37 – Cayuse Vineyards and Christophe Baron — why one of the Rocks District’s most celebrated producers chooses not to place the AVA name on his labels. 17:49 – Christophe Baron and Cayuse — why one of the Rocks District's pioneering winemakers chooses not to feature the AVA name on his labels. 18:44 – How to identify wines from the Rocks — why a Walla Walla label does not guarantee Rocks District fruit and what wine lovers should investigate before buying. Producer to look out for who trained with Christophe Baron - Matt Reynvaan of Reynvaan Family Vineyards 20:40 – Oregon beyond the Willamette Valley — exploring the smaller wine regions and cross-border AVAs that exist beyond the state’s best-known centre of production. 21:25 – Why small producers rarely reach export markets — how direct-to-consumer sales in cities such as Seattle and Boise can leave little incentive for wineries to export. 23:23 – Oregon’s artisanal wine culture — how the state developed around small-scale wineries, hands-on farming and producers working with limited resources. 25:32 – Is Oregon wine becoming more commercial? — how new investment, vineyard management companies and larger businesses are changing the region’s traditional identity. 27:23 – Why American wine can be expensive — the impact of land prices, debt, staffing, healthcare, investors and corporate structures on the final cost of a bottle. 30:29 – Looking beyond the romance of winemaking — the economic reality behind owning vineyards, employing staff and running a sustainable family wine business. 31:18 – The authentic small-winery experience — why visiting working producers
- Jul 27, 202653 min
Ep 272 - Counterfeit Wine & Wine Fraud: Could Your Wine Be Fake? With Maureen Downey
What if that expensive bottle of wine you've just bought isn't what you think it is? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina explores the fascinating - and often shocking - world of counterfeit wine and wine fraud with Maureen Downey, one of the world's leading authorities on wine authentication, provenance and fraud. From fake bottles of Burgundy and First Growth Bordeaux to the infamous Rudy Kurniawan wine fraud scandal, Maureen reveals how counterfeit wine enters the market, which wines are most commonly faked, and how experts determine whether a bottle is genuine. You'll discover how wine experts authenticate suspicious bottles using forensic techniques including the examination of labels, paper, glass, UV light, invisible inks and microscopic analysis. We also explore why wine provenance - the documented history of a bottle's ownership, storage and journey through the market - is so important when buying fine wine. Maureen explains how organised crime has become involved in wine fraud, why even experienced collectors can be deceived, and how technology, blockchain and bottle registration could help protect the wine trade in the future. She also shares practical advice on how to buy fine wine with greater confidence and reduce the risk of purchasing a counterfeit bottle. Along the way, Maureen shares the wines and producers that inspire her today, including Burgundy, Champagne and Jura Chardonnay, reveals why the Côte Chalonnaise is one of the world's most underrated wine regions, and explains why every serious wine lover should experience the food and wine of Piedmont at least once. Whether you're a fine wine collector, an enthusiastic wine lover, planning a wine trip, or simply curious about how to tell if a bottle of wine is authentic, this episode may completely change the way you look at every bottle you buy. To know more, go to winefraud.com Maureen's educational platform dedicated to wine fraud, authentication and provenance. Shownotes 03:09 – How Maureen discovered wine — why she deliberately began studying wine at just 18 years old and the experiences that sparked a lifelong passion for wine. 05:00 – From hospitality to fine wine — how working in some of New York's greatest restaurants shaped Maureen's early wine career before an unexpected move into wine auctions. 06:44 – Why wine auctions are the ultimate classroom — how working with thousands of bottles from every producer, region and vintage became the ultimate way to learn about wine. 09:40 – Discovering counterfeit wine — the moment Maureen realised wine fraud was far more widespread than anyone in the industry openly discussed. 14:24 – How common is counterfeit wine? — why fake wines exist at every price point, from supermarket shelves to the world's most valuable fine wines. 16:28 – Which wines are most commonly faked? — exploring the different types of wine fraud, from commercial brands to First Growth Bordeaux, Burgundy and rare collectors' bottles. 21:50 – Fighting wine theft — how provenance, blockchain technology and bottle registration could help protect collectors and reduce wine crime. 28:43 – How experts authenticate wine — the forensic techniques used to identify counterfeit bottles, from paper, labels and glass to UV light, invisible inks and microscopic analysis. 32:05 – Bottles that almost fooled the experts — why authentication is a collaborative process and how experienced specialists work together to verify authenticity. 34:14 – The most sophisticated counterfeit wines — how modern counterfeiters have become increasingly advanced and why producers continue adapting their anti-fraud measures. 35:11 – The funniest counterfeit attempt — one of the most unbelievable fake wine cases Maureen has ever encountered and why it was impossible to take seriously. 36:32 – The truth about Rudy Kurniawan — separating myth from reality behind the world's most infamous wine fraudster and the network that supported him. 40:59 – Lessons from investigating wine fraud — what years spent exposing counterfeit wines taught Maureen about trust, psychology and human nature. 43:19 – Buying wine with confidence — practical advice on provenance, trusted merchants and why Maureen founded Chai Consulting to help collectors and consumers buy fine wine with confidence. 47:03 – The wines inspiring Maureen today — why Burgundy, Champagne and Jura Chardonnay remain favourites, plus standout producers including Krug, Domaine Hubert Lamy, Domaine J.F. Mugnier, and Arg
- Jul 20, 20261h 3m
Ep 271 - Washington State Wine: The Ultimate Wine Road Trip Through America's Hidden Gem
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
- Jul 13, 202658 min
Ep 270 - Bordeaux Beyond the First Growths: How to Find Great Value in Fine Wine
In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to Bordeaux, one of the world's most famous wine regions, to uncover a side of Bordeaux that many wine lovers overlook. Beyond the First Growths and headline names, where can you find great value today? How do you know if a fine wine has been stored properly? And why does provenance and traceability matter so much when buying mature Bordeaux? Joined by Michael Saunders, Group CEO of Coterie Holdings, this episode explores the world of Bordeaux fine wine, from First Growths and Cru Bourgeois to En Primeur, mature vintages and hidden gems across the Left and Right Bank. Whether you're looking to learn about wine, deepen your wine education, discover one of the world's greatest wine regions, plan Bordeaux wine travel, or understand how to buy fine wine with confidence, this wine podcast episode is packed with expert insights, practical advice and stories from inside the world of Bordeaux. Shownotes 04:18 – Château d'Yquem 1967 — the bottle that inspired Michael's lifelong passion for Bordeaux and fine wine. 06:24 – Wine is meant to be shared — the lesson Michael learned from legendary Bordeaux winemakers about enjoying wine rather than overthinking it. 10:58 – Breaking into the wine industry — why curiosity matters more than qualifications when building a career in wine. 13:16 – Bordeaux wine today — why this iconic wine region offers more value, accessibility and hidden gems than many wine lovers realise. 15:25 – The Cellar Series explained — how Hallgarten's fine wine programme selects mature Bordeaux with impeccable provenance and traceability. 18:07 – Peak drinking windows — how Robert Mathias MW identifies the perfect moment for mature Bordeaux to be enjoyed. 20:24 – Bordeaux classifications explained — understanding First Growths, Right Bank wines and why classifications still matter today. 22:39 – Where the real excitement is in Bordeaux — terroir expression, plot selection and why innovation is reshaping the region. 24:09 – Michael's Bordeaux recommendation for value: The brilliant Denis Durantou's wines on the right bank. 28:00 – Which Bordeaux vintages are drinking well now? — why 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017 and other overlooked vintages deserve another look. 29:38 – En Primeur explained — how Bordeaux's futures system works and why collectors still buy wine before it's bottled. 32:18 – Large-format bottles — why magnums and double magnums transform both wine aging and the experience of sharing great bottles. 35:55 – Bordeaux wine travel — the city's wine bars, restaurants and the best places to explore across the Left and Right Bank. 37:42 – Planning a Bordeaux road trip — from Saint-Émilion and Pauillac to Arcachon, Biarritz and San Sebastián. 40:05 – Château Margaux — one of Bordeaux's most breathtaking estates and a must-see destination for wine lovers. 41:13 – Why provenance matters — how perfect storage and traceability protect the quality of fine wine. 44:42 – Hallgarten The Cellar Series Fine Wine Tasting — where wine professionals can experience mature Bordeaux with exceptional provenance. Attendance for the 2027 event is by invitation only and exclusive for the wine, retail and hospitality trade. To register your interest, contact events@hnwines.co.uk 45:30 – Where to buy mature Bordeaux — Michael recommends trusted UK merchants including Lay & Wheeler and Tannin & Oak for wines with impeccable provenance and traceability. 48:28 – Cru Bourgeois explained — the fascinating history behind one of Bordeaux's most important quality classifications. 54:40 – Why Cru Bourgeois offers exceptional value — how today's classification helps wine lovers discover outstanding Bordeaux without First Growth prices. 📩 Email: 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.
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About EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A Wine Podcast Exploring Wine Regions, Grapes & Education
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. There’s a story, a tip, or a tasting for everyone.
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