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

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to one of the oldest and most fascinating wine regions in the world: Armenia. Joined by Master of Wine Caroline Gilby, this episode explores why Armenia is becoming one of the most exciting destinations for adventurous wine lovers, wine travel enthusiasts and anyone wanting to learn about wine beyond the classic regions.

Together, they dive into Armenia’s volcanic terroir, high-altitude vineyards, ancient winemaking history and indigenous wine grapes, including Areni Noir and Voskehat. They also discuss pre-phylloxera vines, clay amphora traditions, Armenian oak, modern winemaking evolution and why this ancient culture is entering a remarkable new chapter in wine education and global recognition.

If you want to learn about wine beyond the classic regions, explore indigenous wine grapes, or discover one of the world’s most fascinating wine travel destinations, this episode is for you. 

02:42 – From science to wine — Caroline Gilby MW’s transition into the wine world and the tasting experiences that changed her career.

04:37 – Why Central and Eastern European wine regions became Caroline’s lifelong focus instead of classic destinations like France or California.

07:13 – Armenia explained — mountains, altitude, volcanic soils and one of the oldest wine cultures in the world.

09:25 – Volcanic terroir and minerality — how Armenia’s soils shape freshness, acidity and linear wine styles.

10:41 – Pre-phylloxera vineyards — volcanic soils, ancient vines and the impact of Soviet-era brandy production on Armenian wine.

13:12 – Vayots Dzor explained — Armenia’s flagship wine region and home to some of the country’s most exciting producers.

13:35 – Zorah and the Areni-1 Cave — discovering the world’s oldest known organised winery.

16:26 – The “newest old world wine country” — how Armenia’s ancient wine history connects with modern precision winemaking.

19:04 – Areni Noir explained — Armenia’s signature red wine grape, often described as Pinot Noir meets Corvina.

21:01 – Voskehat explained — Armenia’s flagship white wine grape and why it is gaining attention in modern wine education.

22:42 – Indigenous wine grapes — Armenia’s hundreds of native grape varieties and the revival of forgotten vineyards.

25:11 – Wine travel in Armenia — visiting wineries like Old Bridge and exploring Vayots Dzor’s remote wine culture. 

25:52 – Planning wine travel in Armenia — winery visits, tastings and local hospitality experiences at Armas Wine Tours & Tastings and Old Bridge Winery Restaurant.

27:26 – Armenian hospitality — slower-paced wine travel, local food, monasteries and authentic cultural experiences.

27:45 – The Armenia Vineyard Trail — running through vineyards at altitude and finishing with a glass of Areni Noir.

29:19 – Beyond Vayots Dzor — other Armenian wine regions and emerging grape varieties to know.

30:54 – Armenian wine vs Georgian wine — clay vessels, skin contact wines and key stylistic differences between the neighbouring wine cultures.

33:02 – Relearning lost traditions — Armenia’s efforts to revive ancient clay vessel winemaking techniques.

36:20 – The biggest transformation in Armenian wine over the last 15 years — cleaner winemaking, experimentation and growing confidence.

37:16 – Tasting Areni Noir in clay, stainless steel and Armenian oak — how different vessels shape texture and style.

38:30 – Armenian oak explained — a distinctive oak species with unique balsamic characteristics and current supply challenges.

39:30 – Why Armenian wine is still evolving — experimentation, identity and the excitement of a young modern wine industry.

40:19 – The Armenian wine moment that changed Caroline Gilby’s perspective forever.

41:28 – How to buy Armenian wine — specialist importers and producers like Zorah and Armas. 

42:25 – Armenian wine prices — why these wines are not cheap and why they still represent strong value.

43:14 – Tasting Zorah Areni Noir — freshness, concentration and excitement for Armenia’s future. 

44:43 – Feeling overwhelmed by wine regions and wine grapes? Caroline’s advice for building wine knowledge through curiosity and exploration.

45:20 – Armenian culture beyond wine — monasteries, museums, food, history and why Armenia is a powerful wine travel destination.

📩 Email: [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 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

Grounded in the uploaded transcript and markers.

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina explores one of the most fascinating topics in wine education: aged wine. This is a deep dive into how wine changes over time, designed for anyone who wants to learn about wine, understand classic wine regions, and build confidence in tasting and evaluating wine.

Joined by award-winning wine writer and educator Kelli White, this wine podcast episode unpacks what really happens inside a bottle as it ages - from tannins and acidity to sediment, closures, and storage conditions.

Together, they explore how and why certain wine grapes and wines from regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Barolo develop complexity and character with age, while others lose their structure.

Along the way, they also discuss wine travel experiences, the emotional side of opening mature bottles, and what it really means to build a wine collection — whether you are just starting out or already passionate about aged wines.

Whether you’re looking to learn about wine more deeply, explore iconic wine regions, or simply understand what makes aged wine so special, this episode brings together science, storytelling, and the romance of wine in one place.

 

 
02:31 – The first bottle that made Kelli White realise wine could be something profound.

03:46 – The first truly old wine Kelli tasted — an unforgettable Burgundy experience during harvest in France.

05:19 – Ceremony, emotion and memory — how older wines become part of life experiences.

06:57 – What’s currently in Kelli’s cellar — older Napa Valley wines, including a rare Charbono from Inglenook.

08:22 – Saving wines for special occasions — Burgundy, patience and deciding when to open a bottle.

09:08 – When does a wine become truly complex? Understanding the transition from youthful fruit to mature character in wines from regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy and Barolo.

10:48 – What actually happens inside a bottle over time — tannins, aromas, colour, acidity, classic wine grapes and texture explained. 

19:23 – Why wine aging is unpredictable — evolving components, plateaus and misconceptions about “peak drinking windows.”

24:04 – What really helps wine age? Acidity, tannin, balance, craftsmanship and the role of wine storage.

26:11 – Ideal wine storage conditions — temperature, humidity, darkness and why consistency matters.

28:51 – Wine aging experiments — underwater cellaring, wines sent into space and a past wine podcast episode featuring Jane Anson.

29:32 – Common wine storage mistakes — kitchen heat, air conditioning units and sunlight exposure.

32:32 – Cork vs screw cap — closures, oxygen transfer and how modern wine technology is evolving.

34:39 – Hill of Grace by Henschke — one of Australia’s iconic fine wines proving premium wines can age under screw cap.

35:08 – Sediment explained — tannins, tartrate crystals, lees and why older wines develop deposits.

38:13 – How to train your palate for aged wine — practical ways to explore mature wines and discover your preferences.

42:46 – Decanting old wine — when oxygen helps and when it can completely destroy a fragile bottle.

45:26 – Janina’s experience opening a 1940s Château Troplong Mondot Bordeaux during restaurant service.

47:48 – Advice for anyone building a wine collection — curiosity, experimentation and keeping an open mind about wine styles.

48:28 – Unexpected wines that age beautifully — including rosés from López de Heredia, Clos Cibonne and Domaine Tempier.

50:32 – Kelli White’s book Wine Confident and Janina’s listener discount code EATSLEEP15 for Academie du Vin Library.

📩 Email: [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 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

If you're studying for the WSET Diploma D3 exam, or you simply want to deepen your understanding of one of the world's most iconic wine regions, this episode is your essential listen. Janina takes you on a deep dive into Bordeaux, delivering everything you need to know in an engaging, audio flashcard format. She asks the questions, you pause and think (or just absorb it all), and by the end you'll have a solid command of everything from the rivers that shape the region to the soils beneath the vines.

By the end of this episode, you'll be able to confidently name Bordeaux's key grape varieties and explain what each brings to a blend, describe the major appellations on both the Left Bank and Right Bank, understand how climate, vintage variation, and soil type influence wine style, and walk through the winemaking decisions -from vineyard to bottle - that define great Bordeaux. Whether you're revising for an exam or just want to sound impressively knowledgeable at your next dinner party, this one's for you.

 

💡 Want more flashcard-style episodes? Previously, Janina has also produced episodes to help with Fortified Wine and Sparkling Wine exams along with several other wine regions for D3 exams. You can find them here:

Ep 253: Rhône Valley

Ep 256: Languedoc- Roussillon

Ep 113: Shery, VdNs, Rutherglen Muscat

Ep 120: Port & Madeira

Ep 129: Sparkling Wine Production

Ep 136: Champagne

Ep 142: All other sparkling wines

 



Timestamps

0:30 — Bordeaux Overview: production split (85% red, 9% dry white, 5% rosé)

2:24 — Location & Geography — The Garonne, Dordogne & Gironde Estuary; Left Bank vs. Right Bank

3:26 — History — The Dutch, wine merchants & brokers, and how Bordeaux built its global reputation

4:29 — The 1855 Classification — How it came about and why it still matters today

(Listen to Ep 239 - 4mins in for more details on this classification)

6:07 — Climate — Maritime influence, the Gulf Stream, and what makes a great vintage

7:21 — Forests, geography & Left Bank climate protection (the Landes pine forests)

7:24 — Rainfall variability and its impact on vine health and vintage quality

8:26 — Climate change: hotter summers, lower acidity, higher alcohol

9:17 — Extreme weather: frost, hail & vintage variation

10:20 — Soils — Why gravel is king on the Left Bank; heat retention, drainage & the croupe

13:43 — Right Bank soils: clay, limestone plateau & Merlot's natural home

14:07 — Grape Varieties: Merlot — Growth cycle, risks, flavour profile & why it dominates the Right Bank

17:33 — Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon — Late budding, thick skins, disease risks & what it contributes to blends

18:46 — What happens when Cabernet Sauvignon doesn't ripen fully

19:20 — Grape Varieties: Cabernet Franc — Bud break, coulure risk, herbaceous character & canopy management

20:29 — Grape Varieties: Malbec — Vineyard behaviour, the 1956 frost & why it declined in Bordeaux

21:41 — Grape Varieties: Petit Verdot — Late ripening, small blending amounts & why climate change is reviving it

23:20 — Grape Varieties: White — Sémillon — Noble rot susceptibility, flavour profile, aging potential & its role in dry and sweet blends

25:39 — Grape Varieties: White — Sauvignon Blanc — Its contribution to dry and sweet Bordeaux wines

26:33 — Grape Varieties: White — Muscadelle — Aromatic qualities, Botrytis risk & use in sweet wines

27:05 — Vineyard Management — Planting density, vine spacing & costs

28:22 — Pruning systems: double vs. single Guyot; cordon trained vines

29:12 — Canopy management, leaf removal, disease pressure & trunk diseases (Eutypa & Esca)

31:18 — Organic viticulture: Flavescence Dorée, certification & 18% of Bordeaux certified organic in 2021

32:08 — Yield management: bunch thinning, natural balance & why extreme low yields are falling out of favour

33:03 — Harvesting: hand vs. machine picking; labour shortages in northern Médoc

34:24 — Winemaking: Red Wines — Fermentation vessels, extraction, maceration times & pressing

37:13 — Barrel aging: barriques, new oak proportions, racking & blending timing

38:41 — Winemaking: Rosé — Saignée vs. direct press; traditional vs. modern styles

39:07 — Winemaking: White Wines — Early drinking, mid-priced & high quality approaches; lees aging, bâtonnage & new oak trends

40:53 — Winemaking: Sweet Wines — Yields, multiple harvest passes, noble rot selection & barrel aging for top estates

44:11 — Appellations: Overview — 65 appellations; Bordeaux AOC & Bordeaux Supérieur yields and styles

46:19 — Left Bank: Médoc & Haut-Médoc — Yield limits, style differences & the four famous communes

47:19 — Saint-Estèphe — Clay soils, higher Merlot, rustic tannins & no first growths

47:47 — Pauillac — High Cabernet Sauvignon, three first growths, exceptional aging potential

48:27 — Saint-Julien — Between Pauillac's power and Margaux's finesse

48:44 — Margaux — Elegance, perfume, silky tannins & earlier ripening

49:31 — Listrac-Médoc & Moulis — Further from the river, less gravel, good to very good quality

49:43 — Graves & Pessac-Léognan — Best white wines in Bordeaux; red/white split; yields & style

51:47 — Entre-Deux-Mers — White wine only; second-largest appellation; fresh and inexpensive

52:12 — Right Bank: Saint-Émilion — Merlot dominance, Grand Cru rules, classification system & satellites

53:55 — Pomerol — ~80% Merlot, no classification, tiny estates, super-premium pricing & wine style

55:35 — Lalande-de-Pomerol & Côtes de Bordeaux appellations

56:06 — Côtes de Bourg — Malbec focus

56:27 — Sweet Wine Appellations: Sauternes & Barsac — Noble rot conditions, Ciron River mists, 25 hl/ha yields & wine style

58:12 — Other sweet wine appellations: Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Loupiac & Premier Côtes de Bordeaux

58:42 — What's NOT covered in this episode (classifications, En Primeur, La Place de Bordeaux) — so follow these links to other episodes to supplement your wine learning:

Ep 185 : La Place de Bordeaux

Ep 182 : En Primeur

 

 

📩 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 and 2026)

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina explores one of the fastest-growing trends in the world of wine: English rosé. Joined by Archie Patel - founder of Great British Rosé Week and creator of Dancing Duchess - this episode dives into how English rosé is evolving across different wine regions, styles and winemaking techniques.

From traditional method sparkling wines to Charmat expressions, this is a practical and engaging way to learn about wine, understand how rosé is made, and discover why England is becoming an exciting destination for wine travel. Along the way, you’ll also explore key wine grapes like Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, while building your sparkling wine vocabulary.

Inspired by Great British Rosé Week in its 6th year, this episode is your invitation to get involved and celebrate - grab a bottle of English or Welsh rosé, still or sparkling, and join the conversation on Instagram using #GreatBritishRoséWeek and #GBRW. 

05:22 – Growth of English rosé — how the category has evolved within modern wine regions and changing consumer trends.

07:22 – Why choose English rosé — cool climate, acidity and a unique regional wine identity.

10:26 – Rosé myths debunked — beyond Provence and why rosé is more diverse than people think.

10:40 – Tasting Dancing Duchess Rosé and exploring its style.

12:46 – How rosé is made — grape skins, colour extraction and key winemaking decisions.

14:49 – Sparkling rosé winemaking — from grape to bottle, including traditional method fundamentals.

19:01 – Pinot Meunier in focus — why this grape is gaining attention in modern wine education.

22:15 – Sourcing grapes — how producers navigate vineyards and relationships across wine regions.

24:26 – Base wines and blending — tasting components before final assemblage decisions.

24:36 – Lees aging — how time on lees builds texture, complexity and structure.

26:34 – Tasting the wine — floral, fresh and fruit-driven sparkling rosé profile.

29:23 – Dosage explained — how sweetness and balance are adjusted in sparkling wines

32:27 – Tasting Ambriel “Huzzah” Rosé and comparing styles. 

33:25 – Pinot Noir rosé — deeper colour, structure and the impact of skin contact.

35:47 – Estate winemaking — Ambriel’s single-estate philosophy and on-site production. 

36:54 – Regenerative viticulture — Wendy’s approach to biodiversity and sustainability at Ambriel.

40:04 – Describing wine styles — “feminine vs masculine” and how perception shapes tasting language.

42:52 – Tasting Silverhand “Silver Reign” Rosé using the Charmat method.

44:03 – Charmat method explained — tank fermentation and preserving fresh fruit character.

45:27 – Sustainability in action — Silver Hand is England’s first carbon-negative winery.

48:23 – Pinot Noir in sparkling rosé — structure, aromatics and stylistic contrast.

52:13 – Inside a modern winery — scale, innovation and the UK’s longest bottling line.

54:42 – Where to go for wine travel — top English wineries to visit for rosé experiences, including Ashling Park Estate, Hambledon Vineyard and Knightor Winery. 

📩 Email: [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 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 heads to the Atlantic coast of Galicia in Spain to explore one of the most exciting wine regions for white wines: Rías Baixas.

Joined by winemaker Aran Álvarez from Martín Códax, this episode is a deep dive into Albariño from Rías Baixas - one of the most expressive white wine grapes in the world. From terroir and climate to winemaking techniques, lees ageing, sparkling styles, orange wine and even noble rot, this episode explores just how many different expressions one grape can create.

If you want to learn about wine, understand how wine styles are shaped, and get inspired for your next wine travel destination, this episode is for you.

 

04:11 – Val do Salnés explained — the heart of Albariño and a key Atlantic wine region.

05:47 – Climate change — shifting rainfall patterns and their impact on vineyards.

06:46 – Pergola (emparrado) training — the traditional system adapted to humidity.

11:18 – Atlantic influence — how proximity to the ocean shapes salinity and freshness.

13:03 – A benchmark Albariño — fresh, saline and beautifully balanced; try Martín Códax Albariño (Rías Baixas)

15:12 – Granitic soils — drainage, organic matter and their role in wine structure.

17:11 – Winemaking styles — from fresh Albariño to lees-aged expressions such as Martín Códax Lías

21:05 – Lees aging explained — how it transforms texture, flavour and complexity.

22:38 – Batonnage technique — how winemakers integrate lees without oxidation.

26:28 – Innovation at Martín Códax — why experimentation drives new wine styles.

28:58 – Why make sparkling Albariño (Martín Códax Espumoso)? Exploring the grape’s natural potential.

30:03 – Harvest timing — multiple harvest stages depending on wine style.

32:21 – Lessons from sparkling winemaking — acidity, timing and precision.

37:28 – Lees interaction — why Albariño absorbs texture and complexity so well.

38:45 – Dry Albariño affected by Noble Rot (Martín Códax Gallaecia) — how a rare late-harvest wine style was developed.

44:26 – Orange wine (Martín Códax OW)  — skin contact, structure and a completely different expression.

47:58 – Aging potential — how Albariño evolves beyond its youthful freshness.

49:43 – Climate adaptation — vineyard experiments, data and future-proofing the grape.

52:31 – Martín Códax philosophy — community, culture and generational winemaking.

 

📩 Email: [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 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list