EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast

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:

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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? [email protected]
📸 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

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 120: Port & Madeira

Ep 129: Sparkling Wine Production

Ep 136: Champagne

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? [email protected]
📸 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

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? [email protected]
📸 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

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? [email protected]
📸 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

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? [email protected]
📸 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