EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A Wine Podcast Exploring Wine Regions, Grapes & Education

In this wine podcast episode, Janina takes you on a deep dive through the Loire Valley - one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating wine regions - using the WSET Diploma textbook as a guide. Whether you're studying for the D3 Wines of the World exam, planning future wine travel, or simply want to learn about wine in a more structured way, this flashcard-style episode explores the Loire Valley from the Atlantic coast to Sancerre in the east. Discover the region’s climate, soils, wine grapes and winemaking styles, including Muscadet, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, while building a deeper understanding of French wine and wine education along the way.

 

Timestamps

2:18 – Introduction to the Loire Valley - history, the river, and how regions are divided

3:22 – Overview of the regions and key grape varieties - Melon, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc

4:13 – Pays Nantais: Region & Grapes - Melon de Bourgogne, Muscadet, and Folle Blanche

4:54 – Pays Nantais: Climate & Challenges - maritime climate, spring frost, and rainfall risks

6:00 – The Melon Grape - why it thrives here, its viticultural traits, and disease vulnerabilities

7:06 – Muscadet Wine Style -fresh, light, high acid; vineyard management and winemaking

9:21 – Sur Lie - what it means, why it matters, and how it adds texture

10:00 – Muscadet Appellations & Wine Laws - AOCs, yields, sur lie rules, and labelling

11:31 – Muscadet Cru Communaux - Clisson, Gorges, Le Pallet, and how they differ 12:30 – Muscadet Commercially - the 1991 frost, the decline, and repositioning

13:34 – Middle Loire: Anjou-Saumur & Touraine – Introduction

13:44 – Key Grape Varieties - Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc 14:25 – Climate Across the Middle Loire - Atlantic to continental, rainfall timing risks 15:54 – Sweet Wine Conditions in Anjou - the River Layon, mist, and noble rot

16:26 – Soils of Anjou-Saumur & Touraine - schist, limestone, tuff, and chlorosis risk 17:23 – Chenin Blanc in Detail - viticulture challenges, styles from dry to botrytized sweet

18:59 – Cabernet Franc - viticultural traits, flavour profile, and uses in red and rosé 20:28 – Other Red Grapes - Grolleau Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Sauvignon

21:43 – Winemaking in the Middle Loire - Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and rosé techniques

22:51 – Appellations & Wine Law: Overview - how the Middle Loire is structured 23:25 – Anjou AOC - yields, blends, Anjou Villages, and producers labelling as Vin de France

24:55 – Coteaux du Layon - sweet botrytized Chenin Blanc, sub-appellations, yield/alcohol hierarchy

28:48 – Savennières AOC - dry Chenin Blanc, schist soils, La Roche-aux-Moines, Coulée de Serrant

30:42 – Rosé Appellations - Rosé de Loire, Rosé d'Anjou, and Cabernet d'Anjou

32:22 – Saumur AOC - white, red, rosé, and sparkling styles; yields and appellations 33:23 – Saumur-Champigny AOC - Cabernet Franc, soils, style, and commercial history

34:41 – Touraine AOC - styles, grapes, subzones, Vouvray, Montlouis, Bourgueil, and Chinon

39:05 – Central Vineyards: Introduction -  the eight AOCs of the far east Loire

40:08 – Central Vineyards: Climate - continental conditions, frost, hail, and long daylight hours

41:09 – Sauvignon Blanc - viticulture, flavour profiles, and the effect of canopy and picking date

43:28 – Winemaking in the Central Vineyards - fermentation, MLF, and oak use

44:41 – Sancerre AOC - grapes, yields, history, style, and top producers

46:16 – Sancerre Soils - caillote, terre blanche, and silex, and how each shapes the wine

47:11 – Pouilly-Fumé AOC - style differences from Sancerre, frost risk, and bottle age 47:54 – Other Central Vineyard AOCs - Reuilly, Quincy, Menetou-Salon, and bonus appellations

50:04 – The Loire Today: Trade & Commerce -  family estates, négociants, exports, and market structure

51:00 – Négociants -  their role, consolidation, and the blurring line with estates 52:00 – Organic, Biodynamic & Natural Wine - the Loire as a hub, Nicolas Joly, and Vin de France

 

📩 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.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina is joined by Natalie Christensen, Chief Winemaker at Yealands, to explore one of the world's most recognised wine regions: Marlborough in New Zealand. Together they dive into the differences between the Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley, uncovering how climate, soils and geography create remarkably different expressions of Sauvignon Blanc.

From aroma compounds and winemaking decisions to sustainability, sub-regionality and the future of New Zealand wine, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to learn about wine, deepen their wine education, understand wine grapes and discover why Marlborough deserves to be considered alongside the great wine regions of the world. There is also plenty of inspiration for wine travel, with Natalie sharing what visitors can expect when exploring the stunning Yealands vineyards on New Zealand's South Island.

Shownotes
03:12 – Discovering Marlborough — Natalie introduces New Zealand's most famous wine region and explains what makes the Awatere Valley so unique.

04:15 – Vineyard location matters — how close Yealands' vines sit to the dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

07:17 – Awatere vs Wairau Valley — temperature differences, diurnal shifts and how climate shapes wine styles.

08:20 – Why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is so intense — sunlight, climate and natural vineyard conditions behind its famous aromatic profile.

09:47 – Thiols and methoxypyrazines explained — the aroma compounds that define Sauvignon Blanc and how winemakers influence them.

11:40 – Can Sauvignon Blanc age? Exploring the surprising ageability of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and how its character evolves over time.

14:26 – Understanding the Yealands range — from the flagship Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to Reserve, Single Vineyard and the iconic L5 Block.

16:04 – Tasting Yealands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025 — Janina's tasting notes and what makes this classic New Zealand wine style so appealing. (Retails around £10: Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Ocado)

17:10 – What makes the Reserve different? Natalie explains the vineyard selection and winemaking decisions behind the Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Retails around £12.50: Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado, Morrisons, Waitrose)

20:44 – Expression of grape or expression of place? Why Sauvignon Blanc may be one of the best wine grapes for showcasing terroir.

22:07 - Tasting Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Retailer: ND Johns - £15.50)

25:41 – Tasting Yealands Estate L5 Block 2024 — Yealands' most coastal vineyard site and a Sauvignon Blanc that truly captures a sense of place. (Retailer: ND Johns - £19.45)

33:09 – Yeast selection and fermentation — how different yeast strains influence flavour, texture and aromatic expression.

33:21 – X5 and Delta yeasts — the strains most commonly associated with enhancing Sauvignon Blanc's signature aromatic profile.

37:07 – Babydoll sheep and sustainability — the famous miniature sheep helping manage the vineyards naturally.

38:39 – Sustainability beyond the sheep — cover crops, biodiversity and vineyard practices that improve both wine quality and environmental outcomes.

39:49 – Carbon-positive ambitions — how Yealands is reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy, lightweight bottles and innovative logistics.

41:55 – Sauvignon New Zealand 2027 — Natalie shares details of the upcoming international celebration of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

42:56 – The future of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — sub-regions, site-specific wines and the rise of boutique producers.

43:50 – Wine travel in New Zealand — what visitors should experience when exploring Yealands and the Awatere Valley.

44:53 – The White Road Tour — scenic viewpoints, wildlife, vineyards and one of New Zealand's most memorable winery experiences.

45:52 – Why visiting vineyards changes everything — how standing among the vines transforms your understanding of Sauvignon Blanc.

46 :37 – One final takeaway — why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is far more diverse than many wine lovers realise.

 

📩 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.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina is joined by nomadic winemaker Darren Smith, founder of The Finest Wines Available to Humanity. Having worked harvests across Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Portugal, Spain and the Canary Islands, Darren shares stories from some of the world's most overlooked wine regions and explains why old vines, heritage wine grapes and local traditions continue to inspire his winemaking philosophy.

Together, they explore País, Negra Criolla, Quebranta and Palomino, discovering how these historic wine grapes travelled across continents and evolved into unique regional identities. Along the way, they discuss minimal intervention winemaking, tree-trained vineyards, volcanic terroir and flor-aged wines, while uncovering extraordinary wine travel destinations that rarely make the spotlight.

Whether you want to learn about wine, deepen your wine education, discover lesser-known wine regions, understand heritage grape varieties or plan your next wine travel adventure, this wine podcast episode is packed with fascinating stories, expert insight and remarkable wines.

 

Shownotes
02:45 – Darren Smith's journey into wine — from journalism and wine writing to becoming a nomadic winemaker.

04:13 – Working with Dirk Niepoort — lessons learned from one of the world's most influential winemakers.

06:35 – How Dirk Niepoort's philosophy of infusion over extraction helped shape Darren's own approach to winemaking.

07:34 – The story behind The Finest Wines Available to Humanity and the inspiration for Darren's unconventional wine brand.

08:44 – Why Chile became a defining chapter in Darren's nomadic winemaking journey.

10:59 – The biggest challenge of constantly moving between wine regions, grape varieties and winemaking cultures.

12:46 – País explained — working with Chile's historic heritage grape and why it's perfect for modern chillable red wine styles.

17:21 – Life in Bío Bío, Chile — old vines, traditional farming and one of South America's most exciting wine regions.

19:21 – Minimal intervention wines in southern Chile — preserving purity, freshness and vineyard character.

21:07 – Tasting a País from Ignacio Pino in Itata — 150-year-old vines, granite soils and remarkable precision.

21:51 – Janina's tasting notes — lavender, herbs, freshness and the delicate character of old-vine País.

24:21 – Darren Smith and Ignacio Pino Roman’s 2022 Itata País £32 TFWATH.COM 

25:08 – Negra Criolla explained — the Bolivian expression of Listán Prieto and its fascinating history across the Americas.

29:14 – Bolivia's tree-trained vineyards — why the Cinti Valley looks more like a jungle than a vineyard.

31:13 – País / Negra Criolla — how the same grape variety is nuanced in different regions and how terroir shapes this grapee.

32:07 – Jardín Oculto and the rise of Bolivia's most talked-about winery.

33:59 – Bolivia's extreme vineyards — some of the highest wine-growing sites in South America.

35:11 – Viñas Viejas Negra Criolla 2024  from Bolivia's Cinti Valley (Not currently available in UK)

35:35 – Ica, Peru — discovering one of South America's oldest and most important wine regions.

37:24 – Quebranta explained — Peru's signature grape variety and its connection to Listán Prieto.

38:39 – Peru's desert vineyards — Pacific influence, sandy soils and the geography that shapes these wines.

39:59 – Working with Raúl Moreno — Palomino, Jerez and the revival of unfortified expressions of the grape.

42.58 - Darren Smith and Raul Moreno’s Palomino 2022 £36 TFWATH.COM

43:31 – Jerez and albariza soils — flor ageing, terroir and Darren's experience making Palomino in southern Spain.

47:30 – Further Palomino recommendations — producers to explore including Luis Pérez, Ramiro Ibáñez and Raúl Moreno.

49:04 – What Darren learned from Victoria Torres Pecis and why La Palma remains one of the most inspiring wine travel destinations in the world.

53:08 – Trás-os-Montes explained — one of Portugal's least-known wine regions and its historic field blends.

53.42 - Darren Smith and Arribas Wine Company Palhete 2024 £32 TFWATH.COM

54:51 – Tinta Gorda (Juan García) — a little-known grape variety helping define the wines of Trás-os-Montes.

57:52 – The most misunderstood wine region Darren has worked in — and why Jerez deserves far more attention than just Sherry.

📩 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.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list

Romania is home to some of Europe's most exciting indigenous grape varieties, yet remains one of the continent's most overlooked wine destinations. In this episode, Janina sits down with Winemaking duo and Husband and Wife, Nora Iriarte and Hartley Smithers of Cramele Recaș to explore Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală and Fetească Albă, uncovering why Romanian wine deserves far more attention from wine lovers around the world. 

Along the way, they debate cork versus screwcap, discuss natural fermentation and minimal intervention winemaking, explain how climate change is affecting Romanian vineyards, and reveal the realities of producing quality wine at scale. 

You'll also discover Romania's key wine regions, get wine travel recommendations for Timișoara, learn why Fetească Neagră is one of Europe's most exciting red grapes, and hear firsthand what modern Romanian winemaking looks like today. 

Shownotes
 

1:45 – Introduction to Cramele Recas and their sustainability credentials

 

3:49 – An overview of the wine regions in Romania

06:19 – Nora's unforgettable introduction to the wine world and the hilarious misunderstanding that filled her car with wine samples.

09:13 – Hartley's biggest lesson after decades in wine: why not everything in wine education should be accepted without question.

13:03 – Cork versus screwcap: a candid discussion about wine closures and preserving wine quality.

14:35 – The winemaking tasks they secretly love most, from lees stirring to hand plunging.

17:24 – Nora's passion for blending logistics, mathematics and winery efficiency.

18:53 – Romania's key indigenous wine grapes explained: Fetească Regală, Fetească Albă and Fetească Neagră.

21:34 – Tasting M&S Fetească Albă (£8 Ocado): flavour profile, food pairing suggestions and why Romanian whites deserve more attention.

24:10 – Why Romanian wines deliver exceptional value and how Cramele Recaș maintains quality at every price point.

26:18 – The hidden challenges of producing wine in million-litre fermentation tanks.

29:19 – Minimal intervention winemaking and preserving the true expression of the grapes.

30:54 – Tasting Selene Fetească Neagră 2023 (£19.14 Firth & Co): Romania's flagship red grape and its distinctive silky tannins.

32:51 – Other native Romanian varieties and the growing international interest in indigenous wines.

35:02 – Exploring Romania's wine regions: Banat, Transylvania, Moldova and the influence of climate and geography.

36:50 – Expanding beyond Banat: the story behind Cramele Recaș's second winery near Moldova.

37:33 – Higher altitude vineyards, sparkling wine production and where Romania's coolest wine regions are found.

38:46 – Climate change, vineyard resilience and adapting to increasingly unpredictable vintages.

39:50 – The biggest challenges facing Romanian wine over the next twenty years.

44:54 – What Nora and Hartley brought back from Australia to improve modern Romanian winemaking.

45:38 – Which wine grape is the hardest to get right every vintage? The challenge of Fetească Neagră.

48:12 – A perfect wine travel itinerary for Timișoara, one of Europe's most underrated cultural destinations.

51:29 – ROVINHUD: the Romanian wine festival every wine lover should know about.

52:52 – What visitors should pay attention to when touring Cramele Recaș.

 

📩 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.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina sits down with Max Riedel of Riedel Glassware to explore one of the most debated topics in wine education and wine tasting: does the shape of a wine glass really change the way wine tastes?

From the science behind bowl size, rim diameter and aroma delivery to grape-specific wine glasses, decanters and the evolution of modern wine styles, Max shares insights from the Riedel family's glassmaking tradition dating back to 1756. Together, they discuss how different wine regions, wine grapes and winemaking approaches influence glass design, why varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay require different shapes, and how wine lovers can improve their wine appreciation through simple tasting experiments.

The conversation also explores decanting wine, collecting fine wine, memorable bottles, and the changing landscape of global wine culture. Whether you're passionate about wine education, curious about the impact of glassware on sensory perception, or simply looking to learn about wine and deepen your understanding of wine, this wine podcast episode is packed with practical insights, expert advice and fascinating stories from one of the most influential names in the wine world.

03:06 – Demystifying wine glasses — why aesthetics and weight matter less than functionality and sensory performance.

05:07 – The science behind glass shape — bowl size, rim diameter and how they influence aroma and flavour perception.

08:53 – Developing glasses for different wine regions — how feedback from winemakers shapes future designs.

10:56 – Why the right glass matters — Max explains the famous Riedel tasting experience comparing wines in different Riedel Veloce glasses.

13:31 – Chardonnay vs Pinot Noir glasses — why one Burgundy glass is not enough for two very different wine grapes.

16:38 – Growing up in the Riedel family — glassmaking history, storytelling and a family business dating back to 1756.

19:13 – Inside Max’s cellar — collecting wines, buying en primeur and the excitement of aging bottles over time.

20:42 – How many bottles are in Max Riedel’s cellar? A glimpse into a serious wine collection.

21:30 – Family memories in wine — wedding wines, children's vintages and a remarkable bottle dating back to 1756.

23:13 – Decanters explained — sediment, aeration and why decanting is about more than just old wines.

24:59 – Choosing a favourite decanter — Max discusses the iconic Riedel Amadeo Decanter and its connection to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

27:00 – How to clean a decanter properly — simple maintenance tips for keeping crystal glassware spotless.

29:43 – Wine regions that inspire Max — from Austria and Alsace to the future of German Riesling.

32:23 – Why Pinot Noir is so challenging — regional differences, minerality and the need for highly specific glass shapes.

33:55 – Choosing a Riedel range — from machine-made collections to handmade lines such as Fatto A Mano and Manufaktur. 

36:09 – Sunday Wine Fun Day — family adventures, social media fame and opening great wines in unusual places.

38:07 – The oldest wine Max has tasted — an extraordinary blind tasting of an 1865 Bordeaux.

39:15 – The largest bottle Max has opened — sharing wine from an 18-litre bottle and the challenges that come with it.

40:24 – The wine grape that continues to surprise him — why Grüner Veltliner deserves more attention from wine lovers.

42:05 – Upcoming RIEDEL experiences — Max shares details about future tastings and wine glass events across the UK. 

📩 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.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list