EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast

• Ep 209: Celebrating becoming a Master of Wine, South America’s Inspiring Women in Wine, and the Best Value Bottles to Try with Amanda Barnes MW (Part 1)

  Hello wine friends and welcome back! In this special episode, we sit down with the incredible Amanda Barnes, award-winning wine journalist and newly minted Master of Wine—one of only 425 in the world! As the author of The South American Wine Guide, Amanda is an expert on the region’s vibrant wine scene.   You can buy here book HERE I'm excited to interview Amanda because passing the Master of Wine exams is an incredible achievement. These exams are famously tough, requiring deep knowledge, sharp tasting skills, and relentless dedication. This episode celebrates Amanda's success, starting with her journey—her challenges, discoveries, and advice for anyone pursuing their goals, whether in wine or another passion. The first 24 minutes focus on Amanda's story, including practical tips on blind tasting, refining your palate, and effective study methods. Since this episode aligns with International Women's Day on March 8th, we also spotlight trailblazing South American women winemakers. Starting at the 24-minute mark, Amanda, an expert in South American wines, highlights a few names you need to know—Susana Balbo, Agus Hanna (Bodega Ruca Malen), and Emily Faulkner (Viña Carmen). She also shares some great-value South American wines to try and explains how soil types shape their flavors. I hope this episode inspires you and offers a deeper look at the wine world and the people pushing its boundaries. Enjoy the stories and the learning. Cheers! I’m proud to be working with Drinklusive—the drink industry's first-ever inclusivity mentorship program founded by Aidy Smith, and The Three Drinkers, and supported by Jancis Robinson, the Gérard Basset Foundation, and WSET. It’s all about giving underrepresented voices a platform in the drinks world. If you're in the UK, applications are open now - CLICK HERE!   If you want to skip ahead: 03.12: The difficulty of the MW qualification 06.04: How the pandemic interrupted Amanda’s studies and preparation 07.18: The grueling MW exam process and the sacrifices required 08.07:  Breaking down the MW theory papers, covering viticulture, winemaking, and business 09.44: The blind tasting exam and analyzing structure over simple identification 10.28: The importance of writing detailed tasting notes during exams 12.07: Giving up alcohol and how that benefits sharpening your palette  14.23: Why acidity, tannins, and alcohol levels are more reliable indicators than fruit flavors 16.19: The differences between tasting for exams and tasting for enjoyment 17.08: Why classic regions like Burgundy were Amanda’s biggest challenge in the MW 19.27: Learning classic regions through conversations with winemakers and experts 22.38: The importance of making wine education enjoyable 24.04: How friendships and study groups helped the MW journey 27.53: How Susana Balbo broke barriers as Argentina’s first female winemaker 29.42: Susana’s contributions beyond winemaking, including her role in politics 31.10: Introducing rising star winemakers, including Agus Hanna (Bodega Ruca Malen) and Emily Faulkner (Viña Carmen) 32.58: Emily Faulkner’s impact on Chilean winemaking 34.36: The evolution of female leadership in South American wineries 36.14: How female MWs, including Jancis Robinson MW and Rosemary George MW, supported Amanda 38.42: Mentorship in the wine industry 41.52: Recommendations of great-value South American wines, including Criolla Grande from Bodega Niven 42.18: Bodega Crusat traditional method sparkling wines from Mendoza 43.20: Chilean Cinsault from Itata - an affordable, high-quality wine 43.35: A los Viñateros Bravos lead by soil geek Leo Erazo 45.21: How soil influences wine and how to identify the signature traits of granite soils in wine 46.37: Exploring soil types to improve your tasting skills   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] 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!   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- 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.  

  --------  

  47:38
• Ep 208: Wines of Turkey: Kalecik Karası, Red Grapes, and Visiting Turkey's Wine Regions with Sila Serim of Vinolus Winery and Bronwen Batey Editor of Turkish Wine, A Heritage Reborn (Part 2)

  Hello wine friends! Welcome to part 2 of our exploration of Turkish wines! In this episode, we're back with our special guests: Sila Serim of Vinolus Winery and Bronwen Batey, Editor of Turkish Wine, A Heritage Reborn. Today, we’re delving into one of Turkey's most iconic red grapes, Kalecik Karasu (or KK for short). This once near-extinct variety has made a stunning comeback, and we’ll discuss its fascinating history and unique characteristics. We’ll talk about other red indigenous grapes to know about. Sila takes us inside Vinolus Winery, where wine lovers can sip incredible wines while staying in their guest house: Sunolus. Plus, we tackle the challenges facing Turkish wine today, the countries old vines and what the future might hold. I’m proud to be working with Drinklusive—the drink industry's first-ever inclusivity mentorship program founded by Aidy Smith, and The Three Drinkers, and supported by Jancis Robinson, the Gérard Basset Foundation, and WSET. It’s all about giving underrepresented voices a platform in the drinks world. If you're in the UK, applications are open now - CLICK HERE! If you want to skip ahead: 03.20: Öküzgözü: Turkey’s most planted red grape variety 03.36: Kalecik Karası (KK) Introduction to the popular grape variety, its revival and history. 05.00: KK Clones & Quality - 23 clones identified for better quality production. 06.00: KK Tasting Profile 06.46: Beaujolais Comparison-KK compared to Beaujolais with earthy and wild characteristics. 09.00: St. Laurent Comparison-Austrian grape comparison with wild, earthy, and fruit-forward elements. 10.10: Volcanic Soil Influence 11.08: Personal Discoveries & Unique experiences tasting Turkish red wines. 12.00: Tasting Vinolus Kalecik Karasi &Tempranillo Blend 15.30: Travel logistics to the winery in Cappadocia 18.10: The sunny region of Cappadocia and wine tourism opportunities. 21.00: Focus on indigenous grape varieties in Turkey and their importance in local wine production. 21.30: Discussion about the indigenous grape varieties - “Throat Scratcher” (Boğazkere). 22.11: Most red indeginous grapes to look out for: Papazkarası and Foça Karasıı. 23.00: Importance of Ankara as a key region for certain grapes. 25.00: The role of international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Turkey. 26.00: Organic, sustainable winemaking in Turkey. 29.00: Turkey’s wine story and positioning in the global wine scene. 31.00: The approachability and commercial appeal of Turkish wines. 32.00: Challenges in Turkey's wine industry: taxation and advertising restrictions. 33.00: Low domestic wine consumption in Turkey compared to countries like France and Portugal. 35.00: The resilience and passion of Turkish wine producers. 37.00: Turkey’s old vines and the Heritage Vines Association 39.00: Wine routes emerging in Turkey, signaling the future of Turkish wine tourism. 40.40: The book "Turkish Wine, A Heritage Reborn" is available on Amazon To read more about the book you can go to their instagram page HERE   To purchase the book Turkish Wine: A Heritage reborn- go to AMAZON   Or you can purchase via the publisher in Austria HERE Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] 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!   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- 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.

  --------  

  44:22
• Ep 207: Wines of Turkey : Exploring Emir & Narince with Sila Serim of Vinolus Winery and Bronwen Batey Editor of Turkish Wine, A Heritage Reborn (Part 1)

  Welcome back Wine friends, today we explore Turkish wines! Turkey is one of the world's oldest wine regions, yet its incredible diversity remains largely undiscovered. With over 1,400 indigenous grape varieties and 8,000 years of winemaking history, this episode dives into Turkey’s deep-rooted wine culture. Join us as we explore the fascinating story of Turkish wine, inspired by the book Turkish Wine: A Heritage Reborn. We're joined by Sila, daughter of winemaker Olus from Vinolus Winery, and wine writer Bronwen Batey, who helped bring this story to an English-speaking audience. Today we very much spotlight two must-try Turkish white grapes: Narince and Emir, the Cappadocia region and it’s terroir and why it’s a must visit region to add to your list.   I’m excited to share that I’m partnered with WineMasters.tv! If you're passionate about wine, this premium streaming platform offers over 127 episodes exploring legendary wine regions, cutting-edge production techniques, and masterclasses with experts like Jamie Goode, Andreas Larsen, and Susie Barry, MW. By using my special affiliate link, you’ll not only dive deeper into the world of wine but also support the work I do here on the podcast. CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT!   If you want to skip ahead:   03.34: Sila shares her background as the daughter of Olus, Vinolus Winery’s founder in              Cappadocia and her journey to lead the winery's second generation 04.41: Bronwen discusses her WSET diploma, her role in translating a book on Turkish                  wine, and the diverse range of contributors involved 08.01: The Story of Vinolus Winery 11.00: Overcoming Challenges as a Female Winemaker 12.29: Organic Winemaking & Sustainability: Vinolus Winery’s holistic approach to winemaking              embraces eco-diversity and sustainability 13.07: The Deep History of Turkish Winemaking 16.00: Wine Production in the Ottoman Empire 18.30: Tasting Turkish Wines – Narince known for its versatility and mineral-driven flavors, is a             standout variety produced at Vinolus £18.10 Vino Turco 23.18: The growth of Narince in Cappadocia, and different style of Narince 27.51: The Meaning of Narince, reflecting the wine’s approachable complexity 28.05: Narince’s Flavor Profile 29.22: Emir - a fuller-bodied white wine made from 40-year-old bush vines in Cappadocia 30.11: Turkey’s most renowned indigenous white grape 33.02: Discussing Cappadocia’s Terroir-how the high altitude and volcanic soil contribute to its             wines’ mineral-driven character. 34.01: Turkish Wine Regions: Turkey's key wine regions, with Thrace as the largest, followed by             Anatolia, where Cappadocia is located. 37.30: Turkey’s Microclimates: Bronwen highlights how Turkey’s diverse             microclimates allow for the production of a wide variety of grape types and wine styles,             making it an exciting region for discovery. 39.08: Cappadocia’s Wine Culture - Cappadocia’s famous “Fairy Chimneys” and ancient             underground cities, once used for wine storage. 41.02: Wine Aging in Cappadocia - how Cappadocia’s underground caves provide ideal aging              conditions for wine, thanks to their stable temperature and humidity.   To read more about the book you can go to their instagram page HERE   To purchase the book Turkish Wine: A Heritage reborn- go to AMAZON   Or you can purchase via the publisher in Austria HERE Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] 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!   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- 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.

  --------  

  45:33
• Ep 206: Wines of Ukraine: Wine Regions, Innovations & Tourism with Sera Crow (Part 2)

  Welcome back, wine friends! This is Part Two of our deep dive into Ukrainian wine. In this episode, we continue the journey with Sera Crow, a doctor of chemistry turned wine communicator and WSET diploma holder. Born and raised in Ukraine, Sarah is a passionate ambassador for Ukrainian wine. We go beyond the grapes to explore Ukraine’s main wine regions, from the Black Sea coast to the Romanian and Hungarian borders. We also discuss the challenges winemakers face, the impact of recent conflicts, and their resilience through innovation—like infusing wines with botanicals (yes, I’ll be trying a wine-based mojito!). Finally, we look ahead to the future of Ukrainian wine tourism.  If you want to skip ahead:   03.30: The Crimea and Black sea wine regions and their history  06.00: Prince Troubetzkoy Winery, Ukraine's oldest winery, destroyed by Russians   07.30: Wineries such as Beyush Winery based on a sanctuary 09.09: The Transcarpathia Wine Region (the western most region of Ukraine) 10.00: Carpatian Sekt Rosé made from the Blaufränkisch grape by Chateau Chizay 11.16: Preference for sweeter styles in Ukraine due to Soviet Union times 14.00: Chateau Chizay’s infused wines, like Pinot Grigio with Lime and Mint Ukrainian Wine Company £14  16.30: Foraging culture in Ukraine for herbal teas and infused wines. 19.06: Developing wine regions around Kyiv 21.26: Traveling to Ukraine's Wineries - visiting Odessa, Lviv, and the Carpathians for unique wine experiences. 26.00: Resilience of Ukrainian Winemakers and continuing their work despite challenges. 27.30: Ukrainian Wine Export Efforts 29.15: Emphasis on Ukrainian wines that stand out for their quality and unique styles.   Please find link below to learn more about purchasing Ukrainian wine, depending on where you are in the world: UK Europe USA   And follow Sera in Instagram HERE   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] 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!   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- 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.

  --------  

  33:48
• Ep 205: The Wines of Ukraine: Indigenous Grapes & Modern Expressions with Sera Crow (Part 1)

  Hello and welcome back wine friends! In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Ukrainian wine with Sera Crow, a doctor of chemistry turned wine communicator and WSET Diploma holder. Born in Ukraine and now living in the UK, Sera shares her insights as a Ukrainian ambassador, highlighting the country’s unique grape varieties, winemaking traditions, and growing natural wine movement. We take a closer look at Odessa Black and Sukholimanskyi, two of Ukraine’s most famous grape crossings, as well as Telti-Kuruk, an ancient indigenous white grape with a history that spans thousands of years. Along the way, we also discuss unexpected varieties thriving in Ukraine, including Pinotage, Albariño, and Aligoté, and taste a biodynamic wine from an urban Ukrainian winery. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just curious about this emerging wine region, this episode is packed with discoveries you won’t want to miss. If you want to skip ahead:   00.00: Sera Crow shares her journey and passion for Ukrainian wines. 05.00: The Evolution of Ukrainian Wine – From Soviet-era perceptions to post-2014 growth 07.00: The Impact of Crimea’s Occupation 08.00: Journey in the UK Wine Scene 10.00: The Rise of Ukrainian Wine Exports 11.00: Expanding Ukrainian Wine Presence Internationally - reaching the UK, EU, US, and Japan. 13.00: What Makes Ukrainian Wines Unique? 16.00: Notable Ukrainian Wineries and Wines – Spotlight on Beykush, Kolonist, and the rise of experimental wines like Pet-Nats and amphora-aged blends 17.00: A bordeaux blend to try: Kolonist Cabernet Merlot “Haut de gamme” 2020 Ukranian Wine Company £29 19.00: Sukholimanskyi (A cross between Chardonnay and Plavai) - a unique white grape variety being explored alongside Odessa Black - Ukraines Flagship grape 22.00: Conclusion – The bright future of Ukrainian wines and where to find them worldwide (find info at the bottom) 27.00: Skin Contact and Natural Wines in Ukraine – The impact of Georgian traditions, rising demand, and Ukraine’s experimental winemaking scene. 28.00: Ukrainian Biologist Craft Winery’s biodynamic approach and success with Aligoté 30.00: Impact of Climate Change on Ukrainian Vineyards 32.00: Biologist Aligoté 2021 Wine Tasting Notes Ukrainian Wine Company £24.50 34.00: A limited-edition wine bottled post-invasion with a patriotic blue-and-yellow label from Biologist - see HERE 38.00: Telti-Kuruk: Ancient Ukrainian Grape – A rare variety dating back to the 5th century 41.00: Historical Importance of Wine in Ukraine 43.00: Citron Magaracha - a Muscat-related crossing known for producing fragrant, Muscat-style wines   Please find link below to learn more about purchasing Ukrainian wine, depending on where you are in the world: UK Europe USA   And follow Sera in Instagram HERE   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] 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!   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- 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.

  --------  

  45:43

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast