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

What if that expensive bottle of wine you've just bought isn't what you think it is?

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina explores the fascinating - and often shocking - world of counterfeit wine and wine fraud with Maureen Downey, one of the world's leading authorities on wine authentication, provenance and fraud.

From fake bottles of Burgundy and First Growth Bordeaux to the infamous Rudy Kurniawan wine fraud scandal, Maureen reveals how counterfeit wine enters the market, which wines are most commonly faked, and how experts determine whether a bottle is genuine.

You'll discover how wine experts authenticate suspicious bottles using forensic techniques including the examination of labels, paper, glass, UV light, invisible inks and microscopic analysis. We also explore why wine provenance - the documented history of a bottle's ownership, storage and journey through the market - is so important when buying fine wine.

Maureen explains how organised crime has become involved in wine fraud, why even experienced collectors can be deceived, and how technology, blockchain and bottle registration could help protect the wine trade in the future. She also shares practical advice on how to buy fine wine with greater confidence and reduce the risk of purchasing a counterfeit bottle.

Along the way, Maureen shares the wines and producers that inspire her today, including Burgundy, Champagne and Jura Chardonnay, reveals why the Côte Chalonnaise is one of the world's most underrated wine regions, and explains why every serious wine lover should experience the food and wine of Piedmont at least once.

Whether you're a fine wine collector, an enthusiastic wine lover, planning a wine trip, or simply curious about how to tell if a bottle of wine is authentic, this episode may completely change the way you look at every bottle you buy.

To know more, go to winefraud.com Maureen's educational platform dedicated to wine fraud, authentication and provenance. 

Shownotes
03:09 – How Maureen discovered wine — why she deliberately began studying wine at just 18 years old and the experiences that sparked a lifelong passion for wine.

05:00 – From hospitality to fine wine — how working in some of New York's greatest restaurants shaped Maureen's early wine career before an unexpected move into wine auctions.

06:44 – Why wine auctions are the ultimate classroom — how working with thousands of bottles from every producer, region and vintage became the ultimate way to learn about wine.

09:40 – Discovering counterfeit wine — the moment Maureen realised wine fraud was far more widespread than anyone in the industry openly discussed.

14:24 – How common is counterfeit wine? — why fake wines exist at every price point, from supermarket shelves to the world's most valuable fine wines.

16:28 – Which wines are most commonly faked? — exploring the different types of wine fraud, from commercial brands to First Growth Bordeaux, Burgundy and rare collectors' bottles.

21:50 – Fighting wine theft — how provenance, blockchain technology and bottle registration could help protect collectors and reduce wine crime.

28:43 – How experts authenticate wine — the forensic techniques used to identify counterfeit bottles, from paper, labels and glass to UV light, invisible inks and microscopic analysis.

32:05 – Bottles that almost fooled the experts — why authentication is a collaborative process and how experienced specialists work together to verify authenticity.

34:14 – The most sophisticated counterfeit wines — how modern counterfeiters have become increasingly advanced and why producers continue adapting their anti-fraud measures.

35:11 – The funniest counterfeit attempt — one of the most unbelievable fake wine cases Maureen has ever encountered and why it was impossible to take seriously.

36:32 – The truth about Rudy Kurniawan — separating myth from reality behind the world's most infamous wine fraudster and the network that supported him.

40:59 – Lessons from investigating wine fraud — what years spent exposing counterfeit wines taught Maureen about trust, psychology and human nature.

43:19 – Buying wine with confidence — practical advice on provenance, trusted merchants and why Maureen founded Chai Consulting to help collectors and consumers buy fine wine with confidence.

47:03 – The wines inspiring Maureen today — why Burgundy, Champagne and Jura Chardonnay remain favourites, plus standout producers including Krug, Domaine Hubert Lamy, Domaine J.F. Mugnier, and Argentina's Bodega Chacra.

49:22 – The world's most underrated wine region — why the Côte Chalonnaise deserves far more attention from wine lovers.

50:50 – A wine experience every enthusiast should have — why eating and drinking in Piedmont belongs on every serious wine lover's bucket list.

📩 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 explores Washington State wine - discovering the best wine regions, wineries and grapes that make this one of America's most exciting wine destinations. Joined by Chris Stone and Averyl Mooney from the Washington State Wine Commission, they uncover what makes Washington wine unique, from the famous Columbia Valley and Walla Walla wine regions to ancient flood soils, volcanic landscapes, dramatic climate contrasts and the diverse AVAs producing exceptional wines.

Discover why Washington State has become one of the world's most dynamic wine destinations, how its geography shapes the style and quality of its wines, and why a Washington wine road trip belongs on every wine lover's bucket list. From the Cascade Mountains and the rain shadow effect to high-desert vineyards and remarkable terroir, this episode is packed with insights for anyone wanting to learn about wine, deepen their wine education, or plan an unforgettable wine travel adventure.

Along the way, Janina tastes some of Washington's most exciting wines, including Riesling, Gamay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, while exploring the producers shaping the future of Washington wine. From iconic wineries to emerging voices, discover the stories, regions and people behind one of America's most fascinating wine destinations.

Whether you're discovering Washington wine for the first time or already love American wine, this episode is your guide to the wine regions, grapes, wineries and landscapes that make Washington State one of the world's most exciting wine destinations.

 

Shownotes
02:34 – Your first stop in Washington State — why Woodinville Wine Country is the perfect introduction to Washington wine before heading into the vineyards.

05:25 – Château Ste. Michelle's legacy — how Washington's pioneering winery helped build the modern wine industry and inspired hundreds of producers.

08:09 – Why Seattle is so green — the Cascade Mountains, rainfall and the dramatic climate contrast that defines Washington State.

09:54 – The Cascade Mountains explained — how the rain shadow creates ideal conditions for growing world-class wine grapes across Eastern Washington.

11:32 – Crossing the state — driving from lush forests into high-desert landscapes and why Washington is one of the world's most visually diverse wine regions.

13:23 – Washington's signature wine grapes — Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay and the incredible diversity of more than 90 grape varieties.

15:33 – Understanding Washington's AVAs — why each American Viticultural Area offers its own unique terroir, climate and wine styles.

17:46 – Eroica Riesling — from Château Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen — Janina tastes the 2022 vintage of this iconic Washington State Riesling collaboration. (NY Wines - £20.95)

For more on Dr Loosen listen to Episode 218 with guest Ernst Loosen.

19:29 – Ancient Lakes AVA — dramatic canyon landscapes, glacial flood history and why this cool-climate region produces exceptional Riesling.

21:16 – Dry or off-dry Riesling? — producer style, natural acidity and why Washington Riesling continues to evolve.

22:29 – Washington's dramatic diurnal shift — how warm days and cool nights preserve freshness, balance and aromatics.

24:24 – The Missoula Floods explained — the geological events that shaped Washington's famous vineyard soils.

28:32 – Columbia Gorge AVA — where maritime influence meets desert conditions to create one of Washington's most distinctive wine regions.

30:47 – Beyond Columbia Valley — Puget Sound, Lake Chelan and Rocky Reach AVAs showcase Washington's remarkable diversity.

33:01 – Syncline Gamay 2022 — Janina discovers a vibrant expression of Gamay from Columbia Gorge and why it's worth seeking out. $45 from Syncline Winery

35:31 – Washington's remarkable growth — from just a handful of wineries to more than 1,000 producers driven by collaboration and innovation.

39:01 – Why Washington's future is so exciting — affordable land, experimentation and endless opportunities for new wine styles.

39:59 – Dineen Vineyards Syrah 2021— Janina explores Yakima Valley Syrah and how site influences style and expression. $47 from Dineen Vineyards (2023)

41:43  – Kiona Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — one of Washington's pioneering wineries and the AVA famous for powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. $36 from Kiona (2022)

44:52 – Outstanding value wines — why Washington consistently delivers world-class quality across every price point.

46:50 – Walla Walla wine travel — restaurants, tasting rooms, history and why this should be on every wine lover's itinerary.

49:08 – Grosgrain Grenache GrosgrainVineyard 2022 — a new generation of minimal-intervention winemaking bringing fresh energy to Washington wine. £32 for Columbia Valley Grenache 2023 from Grosgrain Vineyards.

50:36 – Grosgrain's story — how Matt and Kelly Austin left previous careers to create one of Washington's most exciting boutique wineries.

53:37 – L'Ecole No. 41 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyards 2020 — iconic Bordeaux blends including Perigee, Apogee and the internationally acclaimed Ferguson. £64.99 Simply Wines Direct

56:42 – Beyond the vineyards — national parks, mountain hikes, breweries, ferries, wildlife and why Washington is a complete wine travel destination.

57:53 – Picardan in Washington — one of America's rarest wine grapes and the Rhône-inspired wines of Cairdeas Winery.

59:15 – Rattlesnake Hills AVA — an emerging wine region leading the way in sustainability and deserving far more attention.

📩 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 heads to Bordeaux, one of the world's most famous wine regions, to uncover a side of Bordeaux that many wine lovers overlook.

Beyond the First Growths and headline names, where can you find great value today? How do you know if a fine wine has been stored properly? And why does provenance and traceability matter so much when buying mature Bordeaux?

Joined by Michael Saunders, Group CEO of Coterie Holdings, this episode explores the world of Bordeaux fine wine, from First Growths and Cru Bourgeois to En Primeur, mature vintages and hidden gems across the Left and Right Bank.

Whether you're looking to learn about wine, deepen your wine education, discover one of the world's greatest wine regions, plan Bordeaux wine travel, or understand how to buy fine wine with confidence, this wine podcast episode is packed with expert insights, practical advice and stories from inside the world of Bordeaux.

Shownotes
04:18 – Château d'Yquem 1967 — the bottle that inspired Michael's lifelong passion for Bordeaux and fine wine.

06:24 – Wine is meant to be shared — the lesson Michael learned from legendary Bordeaux winemakers about enjoying wine rather than overthinking it.

10:58 – Breaking into the wine industry — why curiosity matters more than qualifications when building a career in wine.

13:16 – Bordeaux wine today — why this iconic wine region offers more value, accessibility and hidden gems than many wine lovers realise. 

15:25 – The Cellar Series explained — how Hallgarten's fine wine programme selects mature Bordeaux with impeccable provenance and traceability.

18:07 – Peak drinking windows — how Robert Mathias MW identifies the perfect moment for mature Bordeaux to be enjoyed.

20:24 – Bordeaux classifications explained — understanding First Growths, Right Bank wines and why classifications still matter today.

22:39 – Where the real excitement is in Bordeaux — terroir expression, plot selection and why innovation is reshaping the region.

24:09 – Michael's Bordeaux recommendation for value: The brilliant Denis Durantou's wines on the right bank.

28:00 – Which Bordeaux vintages are drinking well now? — why 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017 and other overlooked vintages deserve another look.

29:38 – En Primeur explained — how Bordeaux's futures system works and why collectors still buy wine before it's bottled.

32:18 – Large-format bottles — why magnums and double magnums transform both wine aging and the experience of sharing great bottles.

35:55 – Bordeaux wine travel — the city's wine bars, restaurants and the best places to explore across the Left and Right Bank.

37:42 – Planning a Bordeaux road trip — from Saint-Émilion and Pauillac to Arcachon, Biarritz and San Sebastián.

40:05 – Château Margaux — one of Bordeaux's most breathtaking estates and a must-see destination for wine lovers.

41:13 – Why provenance matters — how perfect storage and traceability protect the quality of fine wine.

44:42 – Hallgarten The Cellar Series Fine Wine Tasting — where wine professionals can experience mature Bordeaux with exceptional provenance.

Attendance for the 2027 event is by invitation only and exclusive for the wine, retail and hospitality trade. To register your interest, contact events@hnwines.co.uk

45:30 – Where to buy mature Bordeaux — Michael recommends trusted UK merchants including Lay & Wheeler and Tannin & Oak for wines with impeccable provenance and traceability.

48:28 – Cru Bourgeois explained — the fascinating history behind one of Bordeaux's most important quality classifications.

54:40 – Why Cru Bourgeois offers exceptional value — how today's classification helps wine lovers discover outstanding Bordeaux without First Growth prices.




📩 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. And loved by the Hallgarten Wines team!

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 explores Alto Adige (Südtirol), one of Italy's most exciting wine regions, with Eduard Bernhart, Director of Alto Adige Wines. If you're looking to learn about wine, discover new wine regions, understand indigenous wine grapes, or plan an unforgettable wine travel adventure, this episode is your complete guide to one of Europe's most distinctive Alpine wine destinations. 

From indigenous wine grapes like Schiava and Lagrein to internationally renowned varieties including Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir, this episode uncovers how altitude, geology, climate and culture combine to create truly distinctive wines. Along the way, Janina and Eduard discuss mountain vineyards, Michelin-starred restaurants, cooperative winemaking, sustainable viticulture and why Alto Adige deserves to be at the top of every wine travel itinerary.

Whether you're a curious wine lover, studying wine, planning a wine holiday or simply looking for your next favourite bottle, this wine podcast is packed with expert insights, practical tasting knowledge and plenty of inspiration for your next wine adventure. 

Shownotes
03:28 – Alto Adige explained — why this multicultural Alpine wine region blends Italian and Austrian influences unlike anywhere else.

05:16 – Alto Adige vs Südtirol — why the region has two official names and how bilingual culture extends to its wines.

06:49 – Schiava explained — Alto Adige's indigenous red grape, perfect for elegant, lighter-bodied and chilled wines.

09:19 – Santa Magdalena DOC — why up to 15% Lagrein can be blended with Schiava and how this shapes the wine's style.

10:55 – Lagrein explained — Alto Adige's powerful indigenous red grape with ageing potential and outstanding food-pairing versatility.

13:11 – Santa Magdalena wines — discovering one of Alto Adige's most historic wine villages and Janina's tasting impressions. Wine Tasted: Pfannenstielhof St. Magdalener Classico 2023

14:04 – Elena Walch — how one of Alto Adige's pioneering wineries helped establish the region's international reputation. Wine Tasted: Elena Walch, Vigna ‘Castel Ringberg’ Lagrein Riserva 2022 (€ 43 Direct for Winery)

15:09 – Why Alto Adige produces some of Italy's finest white wines  — altitude, Alpine climate, diurnal shifts and meticulous vineyard work.

17:15 – Why Bolzano is one of Italy's warmest cities — sunshine, porphyry rock and the surprising local climate.

18:39 – Alto Adige's extraordinary soils — volcanic porphyry, Dolomite limestone and glacial deposits creating remarkable terroir diversity.

20:51 – Vineyard altitude explained — how elevation influences white and red wine grapes across the region.

22:53 – Michelin-starred dining — why Alto Adige has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe.

24:50 – What does "Vigna" mean? Understanding single-vineyard designations and why they matter.

27:24 – Alto Adige Pinot Grigio — why the region produces textured, mineral-driven expressions that redefine the variety.

30:27 – The cooperative system — how small family growers work together to maintain exceptional quality and sustainability.

33:42 – Tasting Nals Magreid, Hill, Pinot Grigo 2024 (Soho Wine Supply £21)

34:27 – Alto Adige Sauvignon Blanc — a distinctive expression balancing ripeness, minerality, freshness and elegance. Wine Tasted: Cantina Merano Winery “Graf” Sauvignon Blanc 2023

38:01 – Gewürztraminer — why Alto Adige remains the spiritual home of one of the world's most aromatic wine grapes and the first 100 point wine in Italy

42:26 – Alpine white wine grapes explained — Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Bianco across Alto Adige's higher valleys.

43:37 – Pinot Noir in Alto Adige — why this cool-climate region has become one of Italy's benchmark producers.

46:30 – Innovation and research — how producers such as Alois Lageder continue experimenting to prepare for climate change.

47:37 – Where to stay in Alto Adige — choosing the perfect base for your first wine travel adventure.

48:46 – Agriturismo experiences — staying among vineyards and connecting directly with local wine producers.

49:45 – Planning the perfect 48-hour itinerary — vineyard walks, mountain scenery, wine tasting and Alpine cuisine.

51:46 – Alto Adige wine travel guide — where to find Alto Adige's wine experiences, tastings and agriturismo stays across the region. 

 

📩 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 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