Hello, wine friends! Get ready for a fun-filled episode featuring the one and only Olly Smith—aka Jolly Olly! Known for his contagious enthusiasm on wine TV, Olly joins us for an exciting look into Greek wines. We’ll explore unique grape varieties, up-and-coming wine regions in Greece, and even discover Ollie’s top island to visit.

But that’s not all! We’ll also chat about his time on Saturday Kitchen, his surprising food and wine pairings, and his experience hosting his own podcast A Glass With, where he’s interviewed stars like Kylie Minogue and Pink, who both make their own wines.

And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!

If you want to skip ahead:

03.39: Olly’s most crazy wine stories whilst travelling - Santorini hangover cures and Llama attacks

06.58: Olly’s first wine experience

09.06: A love for Greek wine and why

11.28: Greek white wine varieties - Moschofilero and Malagousia

10.42: Vidiano from Oenops Winery in Crete

13.09: DIscussion of greek rosé varieties - Read Olly’s article on Greek Rosé HERE

13.20: Xinomavro Rosé by Thymiopoulos

14.22: Clio by Muses Estate

15.32: Greece’s terroir and the role of its altitude and climate

16.52: The greek wines from Crete

18.06: Vidiano and Liatico wines by Iliana Malihin

19.26: Lyrarkis winery

21.05: The first Retsina to get 97 points and platinum with Decanter World Wine Awards: Tears of the Pine

23.04: Savatiano from Domaine Papagiannikos

24.03: Malagousia from Gerovassiliou

26.02: The almost extinct Kidonitsa grape variety and winery Monemvasia

28.24: Another recommended winery: Domaine Skouras

30.09: Recommendations on greek islands to visit

33.26: Greek food and wine pairing - Moussaka and Xinomavro 36.12: Pairing with Sage and with Nero di Troia

39.01: Olly’s Podcast journey - Listen HERE

40.54: Celebrity guest Dawn French

41.52: Kylie Minogue’s wine range

43.18: Celebrity wines: Inglenook featured on Ep 61 of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Podcast

44.36: Britpop by Alex James

46:57: Pink’s winery Two Wolves

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.

Hello, wine friends, and welcome back to part two of our conversation with Jason Haas from Tablas Creek. If you missed last week's episode, be sure to catch up, where Jason enlightened us on some rare Rhône varieties like Counoise and Terret Noir.

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's close to many of our listeners' hearts: sustainability and responsible farming. Tablas Creek became the world's first Regenerative Organic Certified winery in 2020, so Jason is the ideal guest to walk us through soil health, biodiversity in vineyards, and how even sheep and insects play a positive role in the ecosystem. We’ll also explore how to manage pests without synthetic chemicals and the advantages of cover crops.

Plus, we’ll be tasting their fantastic 2023 Patelin de Tablas Rosé, now available not just in bottles but also in an eco-friendly bag-in-box format. We’ll chat about the environmental impact of packaging and whether premium wines in boxes could be the future.

And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!

If you want to skip ahead:

03.34: The inspiration behind Jason committing to sustainable and regenerative farming practices at Tablas Creek

05.38: Examples of how to create an ecosystem that is in in balance on the farm

07.19: Converting a block to biodynamic farming and the results

10.27: The Regenerative Organic Alliance Group and joining the program

13.28: Best techniques in the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere

16.13: Benefit of sheep and other animals positioned around the vineyard

19.11: DIscussing the use of certain insects and their effectiveness

22.27: Premium wine in a box, and the 2020 Greenhouse gas self-audit

29.52: Benefits of wine in in sustainably sourced packaging, and pros vs cons in comparison to glass bottles

32.27: What each Chateauneuf du pape varietal adds to the Rosé blend

35.08: Tasting notes and flavour profile of the Patelin de Tablas Rosé 2023 The Wine Society £69 3L Bag in Box

38.45: The ripple effect this packaging alternative may bring to the industry

41.36: The convenience of wine in a box when traveling

42.37: Consumers understanding of sustainability in wine and regenerative farming practices

47.31: The Tablas Creek Blog

48.43: Jason Haas nominatee of the Wine Star Award 2024 for person of the year!

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Haas, proprietor of the renowned Tablas Creek Vineyard, a leader in California’s Rhône varietal revolution. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Tablas Creek, founded in partnership with the iconic Château de Beaucastel from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France. Jason shares his deep knowledge of the unique characteristics of Rhône varietals that thrive in California’s terroir. Whether you’re a Rhône enthusiast or new to these varietals, this episode offers insights into the grapes behind one of the world’s most revered wine styles.

And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!

Cheers!

If you want to skip ahead:

02.23: How the relationship started between Tablas Creek and Château de Beaucastel

07.15: Why choose Paso Robles wine region for planting Rhône Varietals

10.55: Terroir differences further inland in Paso Robles where more Bordeaux, Spanish varietals and Zinfandel are being planted

13.09: How does the Adelaide AVA region where Tablas Creek is, compare to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

15.17: The best advice recieved from The Perrin Family of Château de Beaucastel

18.00: The Challenges of importing cuttings from Château de Beaucastel and the complications of them passing their quarantine

23.32: Muscardin - the final grape to be imported and soon to be released as a single varietal

25.12: Tasting the flagship red - Espirit de Tablas Rouge 2020 and what each varietal adds to the blend (Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, Counoise, Vaccarese, Cinsaut) Vinvm (2017 vintage) £50.30

30.12: The benefits of Mouvedre being the lead in the wine

31.31: Vintage differences, the fires of 2020, and five year drought

36.04: Tasting the flagship white- Espirit de Tablas Blanc 2020 and what each varietal adds to the blend (Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Picardan) Vinvm (2019 vintage) £44.05

40.22: Comparing the 2019 vintage to 2020

41.50: Discussing the single grape varietal wines

45.48: Growth of Rhône Rangers in California and the Tablas Creek Nursery supplying them

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.

Welcome back, wine friends! In this episode, we continue our fascinating conversation with the brilliant Beth Willard, a highly respected wine writer and co-chair Judge at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Beth's deep knowledge of Spanish wines, combined with her background as a former wine buyer for Laithwaites and her role in the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, makes her the perfect guide for our exploration of some of Spain's hidden wine gems.

Join us as we journey through the lesser-known wine regions of Castilla y León, uncover indigenous grape varieties that deserve the spotlight, and hear some of Beth’s most humorous and adventurous stories from her travels through Spain’s vineyards. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or new to the world of Spanish wines, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!

Cheers!

If you want to skip ahead:

02.16: Driving through Spain, car dramas and small villages

04.52: Interesting conversations with locals and travel advice for visiting Spanish wine regions

07.06: Castilla y León & the 13 DO’s, starting with Ribera del Duero & Rueda

09.18: Rueda (you can buy Beth’s report HERE) - Traditional wines aged in Tinaja, The Dorado Style and terroir

10.10: Arlanza, and it’s old vines Tempranillo

12.09: Heading towards the Portuguese border: Salamanca, Zamora, Arribes & their traditional reds

12.42: Sierra de Gredos and their fresh Garnacha

13.05: The Clarete of Cigales

14.36: Tempranillo in Cigales, Toro & Ribera del Duero

17.43: The Telling Room by Michael Paterniti - a must read about the worlds best cheese from Castilla y León

20.46: What exciting things are happening in the lesser known DOs

25.10: Rufete grape variety of Salamanca

27.28: Recommended indigenous grape varieties of note

30.17: Ossian Winery in Rueda and their old vines

30.30: Manade Winery: Organic and sustainable winemakers

32.42: Madrid’s wine bars and shops to visit

34.52: Tasting 600 wines of Spain for the Discover Spain report, co-writen by Beth and Tim Atkin

37.08: The 100 point wine of the Discover Report, an old vine Airén from Bodegas Cerrón

41.40: Next stage in Beths Journey continuing through Spain

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.

Welcome back, wine friends! We're kicking off Season 5 of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast with an exciting episode for all wine lovers and travelers. Join me as I sit down with Beth Willard, a true authority on Spanish wine and one of the co-chairs of the Decanter World Wine Awards. If you're a fan of Decanter Magazine, you'll recognize her work on Spanish wine regions. And today we focus on one of Spain’s slightly lesser know region of Bierzo.

Beth takes us through the fascinating world of Mencía grapes, the terroir of Bierzo, and the latest trends shaping this vibrant wine region. But that’s not all—we’ll also dive into the delicious wines from San Sebastián, one of the best regions for foodies, where we discuss the Txakoli wines (often poured from a height).

And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!

Cheers!

If you want to skip ahead:

03.00: The defining moment for Beths‘ wine adventures and her backstory

06.00: Beth’s first encounter with Spanish wine - San Sebastian

08.00: Must visit sherry bar in Madrid: La Venecia

10.30: Txakoli: What is it and how does it taste?

12.00: The three regions of Txakoli and the different styles

13.00: The annual coastline swim from Getaria to Zarautz

18.00: Hondarrabi Zuri - the grape variety of Txakoli

21.00 The Biezo wine region

25.30: Climatic Influences from Castilla y León V over the border in Galicia affecting the style of Mencia

26.30: The 2017 classification system in Bierzo, to highlight terroir

30.30: Producers to look out for: Alvaro Palacios, Raul Perez, Verónica Ortega, Gregory Perez, Banzao, Michelini i Mufatto

33.30: Mencia is not always 100% Mencia due to field blends/old vines

38.00: The Mencia Grape - profile, tasting notes

44.30: The agebility of Mencia and Godello

47.00: The white grapes of Bierzo

48.00: Beths’ Bierzo wine report published on Tim Atkin’s website

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.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE

In this episode, I have just returned from an incredible long weekend in the Languedoc wine region, and I'm thrilled to share all the highlights with you. Whether you're a wine aficionado, a foodie, a nature enthusiast, a hiker, or simply someone seeking peace and tranquility, the Languedoc region has something special to offer.

Join me as I recount my adventures across the three captivating sub-regions of Limoux, Corbières, and Minervois. With countless activities and accommodations to choose from, I've done the research and gathered insights from locals to make it super easy for you to plan your own trip.

For those who can't make it to the south of France just yet, I’ll be offering valuable tips on which Languedoc wines to look for and why they deserve a spot on your wine rack. We'll delve into the history and significance of the Mauzac grape, explore the world's first-ever sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux, and introduce you to two remarkable crus: La Livinière and Boutenac.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

1.55: The bulk history of the Languedoc

3.01: Location of the Languedoc

4.10: What to expect on your visit

6.25: Bush Vines V Goblet Vines: The difference

8.39: Visiting Carcassone

9.33: Visiting Domaine Gayda

12.11: AOC Malpere

12.58: The first Cru of the Languedoc: La Livinière

13.53: The wines: Villa Mon Reve, La Petite Villa, Chemin de Moscou, Altre Cami, Figure Libre Rouge & Blanc

17.45: Visting Mirepoix

18.18: Visiting Saint Hilaire Abbey: The birthplace of Sparkling wine

19.57: Blanquette de Limoux Methode Ancestral

20.32: Blanquette de Limoux

21.08: Crement de Limoux

22.12: Visiting Chateau Ollieux Romanis

25.36: The Cru Boutenac

28.48: The wines: Atal Sia, Cuvee OR, White Prestigue

32.28: Visiting Lagrasse

34.17: Visiting Chateau Maris

35.19: Deeper understanding of environmental sustainability

37.41: The wines: Brama, Les Anciens, La Touge, Les Planels

40:55: Visiting Minerve

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.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE

Hello, wine friends! Welcome back to part two with the incredible wine presenter, Tom Surgey. If you caught part one, you already know why he’s a master at talking about wine. In our previous episode, we delved into the Bairrada wine region, but today, we're shifting our focus just east to the Dão region.

Dão, with its higher altitudes and elevations, produces wines that are elegant, perfumed, and full of finesse—perfect for gastronomy. We’ll explore how beautifully Touriga Nacional and the white grape variety Encruzado thrive in this region.

Get ready to dive deeper into the Dão wine region and join us as Tom walks us through his new wine book, “How to Drink Wine” (due out 29th August). We’ll focus on the food pairing section, where Tom will share his insights on pairing Dão wines with various dishes.

You can pre order it now HERE

However, Tom’s book isn’t just about pairings or wine history. It also covers practical topics like restaurant markups, wine shop pricing, and tips for buying the right wine. One intriguing topic we’ll cover is light strike - a wine fault that can significantly affect flavor. We’ll discuss what it is, how it happens, and how to avoid it.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

03.01: Toms’ trip to Dão in Portugal and his experience in the region

04.36: Francesinha - the portuguese must try sandwich

10.45: The main white grape: Encruzado

13.44: The main red grape: Touriga Nacional

16.42: The red grape variety Alfrocheiro - tannin profile, fruit yields and harvesting

18.00: Mencia (known here as Jaen) - flavour and aroma profiles

18.28: Winemakers thoughts on Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo)

22.15: Top producers like Carlos Lucas: Quinta do Ribero Santo

25.05: Wines from Quinta dos Roques

26.37: Portugal’s industry is still big on blends

30.04: Toms’’s new book “How To Drink Wine” and how he would pair Dão wines with food

38.18: Discussing the cost of wine, duty, and markups (all mentioned in detail in the book)

43.08: How UV light affects wines in direct sunlight - “Light strike”

46.15: Researching Light strike and performing experiments in different settings/environments

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.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE

Welcome back friends! Today, I'm delighted to host one of the UK's most dynamic and energetic wine presenters, Tom Surgey. You might recognize Tom from his work with the Three Wine Men, his regular appearances on ITV's Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, or even ITV's This Morning.

Tom has just returned from an incredible trip to Portugal, and in this episode, we're diving into all things Bairrada. We'll explore the region's sparkling wines, the unique Baga grape, and the standout wineries that make Bairrada so special.

But that's not all! Tom will give us a sneak peek into his soon-to-be-released wine book (due out 29th August)

You can pre order it now HERE

We'll also discuss the annual vine cycle, focusing on the flowering stage currently happening in the Northern Hemisphere. Plus, Tom will share insights on some famous biodynamic wineries you might not know are practicing biodynamics. Stick around until the end as we reveal the correct way to open your sparkling wines and engage in a lively debate on the art of sabrage.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

02.51: Tom’s journey into wine

08.17: Working in English Wine

11.01: Tom’s travels to the Bairrada wine region, Portugal

18.38: Maria Gomes/Fernão Pires - “The Portuguese Riesling”

19.55: The Maria Gomes in Bairrada - profile, acidity, freshness

27.11: Discussing the winemaking approaches of Filipa Pato and Luis Pato

29.44: Bairrada and the use of early-picked fruit to grow natural yeast for wild ferments

33.14: Mario at Quinta das Bageiras - tasting Sparkling wines

36.15: The inspiration behind Tom’s upcoming book

40.12: Hermaphroditic vines that self-pollinate; flowering is affected by wind and rain

43.08: Highlighting biodynamic producers globally, avoiding specific wine recommendations

47.12: How to open a bottle of sparkling - the traditional method

49.25: Precautions and considerations for opening up sparkling wines

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.