EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast

• Ep 231: Part 8 of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Wine – Patagonia Wines, Inclusive Wineries & Budget-Friendly Bottles – with Wine & Inclusion Advocate Aidy Smith

  In this final episode of Season 5, and the last chapter of our mini-series on diversity, equity and inclusion in wine, Janina sits down with the incredible Aidy Smith – award-winning broadcaster, content creator, drinks educator and the only global TV host living with Tourette’s Syndrome. He’s also the founder of Drinklusive and a powerful advocate for representation, empathy, and accessibility in the wine world. Aidy brings his signature energy and honesty to this conversation, sharing his path into wine and the moments that shaped his mission. From supermarket favourites and wine hacks to wineries doing amazing work in inclusion – this episode is heartfelt, informative and a perfect way to close the season. You’ll also discover: [03:32] – Aidy’s first step into the drinks world (in a crumpled suit and a glass of Napa Cabernet!) [06:26] – Link back to Episode 46 and his love for California wine [07:46] – How Tourette’s, ADHD and being openly gay shaped his career in wine [14:45] – Why good intentions and asking questions are key to progress [17:28] – The most under the radar wine region: Patagonia, Argentina [21:00] – Bodega Otronia and its icy anti-frost system and Bodega Chacra and their Pinot and Chardonnays [22:39] – Beginner-friendly supermarket recommendation: Diablo Dark Red £9 with nectar Sainsburys [24:27] – How to expand your palate with Kadette Cape blend by Kanonkop (South Africa) £13.50 Sainsburys [26:22] – The importance of transparency on winery websites [29:06] – Favourite hot weather wine: white wines from Plaimont, Southwest France [30:24] – Wine hack: always pack a corkscrew in your toiletries bag [31:11] – What is Drinklusive and how it empowers new voices in wine [39:17] – Advice for wineries wanting to be more inclusive [43:57] – Janina’s shoutout to Michel Chapoutier (First producer to put Braille on labels) and tasting their Saint-Péray £20 mix 6 Majestic [44:47] – Champagne Telmont, sustainability and inclusivity focus [49:17] – Final reflections: what Aidy has learned and what still needs to change Follow Aidy on Instagram 📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: [email protected] 📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 More content: 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 FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

  --------  

  56:01

  --------

  56:01
• Ep 230: Part 7 of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Wine – Making Wine Education Accessible: Alex De Cata on WSET, Social Impact & Global Inclusion

  Alex De Cata, Senior Manager of Global Development at WSET, joins Janina to explore how wine education can break barriers and create opportunity. From adapting materials for visually impaired students to funding wine courses in Angola and South Africa, WSET’s reach goes far beyond the classroom. They discuss how education—through tasting, theory, and structured approaches—empowers people to understand and enjoy wine, regardless of their background or budget. Along the way, you’ll learn why blind tasting is such a powerful tool for wine education, how cultural context shapes the way we perceive aromas, and why exploring lesser-known grapes like Fetească Regală or Xinomavro can offer incredible value. Alex also reflects on the emotional connection we form with wine through meaningful moments, and how staying curious—and truly listening—can help build a more inclusive and diverse industry. This inspiring conversation will leave you rethinking what wine education really means—and who it’s for. Episode Guide (Chapters) [02:21] – How Alex carved out his role at Wine & Spirit Education Trust [03:44] – What is the WSET and what does it stand for? [04:33] – Who are WSET courses for? [05:43] – Why blind tasting matters [09:35] – How to build your aroma memory [12:48] – Tasting the unexpected: wines off the beaten path [15:01] – Exploring regions beyond Bordeaux, into the South West of France [19:16] – How WSET promotes accessibility and inclusion [23:46] – WSET’s global social impact [27:42] – What’s next for WSET’s social initiatives? [32:31] – How wine education can save you money [34:24] – Discover: Fetească Regală and Fetească albă [36:15] – Alex’s favourite part of teaching [38:31] – Wine recommendation: meaningful moments [40:45] – What can we all do to make the industry better? If you are wanting to explore more the qualifications available at the WSET, find all details on their website: https://www.wsetglobal.com/ 📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: [email protected] 📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 More content: 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 FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.  

  --------  

  43:34

  --------

  43:34
• Ep 229: Part 6 of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Wine – Wine with Impact: Carmen Stevens on Carménère, Fighting Childhood Hunger, and Leaving a Legacy in South Africa

  Carmen shares her incredible journey, from being rejected by winemaking school because of her race to founding the first 100% Black-owned winery in Stellenbosch. She discusses her love for Carménère, how South African terroir shapes her wines, and why she chooses to highlight what Mother Nature gives her in every vintage. Janina also tastes Carmen’s UK-exclusive Catoria red blend, available through Naked Wines for just £14.99, and reads a heartfelt note Carmen wrote to the wine club’s “angels.” But Carmen’s impact goes far beyond wine—she’s also the founder of the Carmen Stevens Foundation, which has served over 48 million school meals to children in need. Tune in for inspiration, resilience, and a celebration of what wine can do for communities. Episode Guide (Chapters) [03:35] – Becoming South Africa’s first Black female winemaker and the strength needed, and challenges faced [20:24] – Who is Carmen Stevens the winemaker? Exploring small-batch blending through Sauvignon Blanc and the unique expressions of different vineyard parcels. [25:38] – Discovering Carménère as a flagship grape [30:04] – South African vs Chilean Carménère [34:13] – Janina tastes the UK-exclusive red blend Catoria 2022 [36:19] – Great value: £14.99 through Naked Wines [37:38] – A heartfelt message to the Naked Wines Angels [41:18] – The story behind the Carmen Stevens Foundation [46:07] – How the wine industry can give back [47:37] – Mentoring and choosing young talent [51:46] – The dream of owning vineyards in Stellenbosch [52:58] – Dreams for the next 10 years [55:33] – Where to find Carmen’s wines internationally 📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: [email protected] 📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 More content: 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 FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

  --------  

  58:30

  --------

  58:30
• Ep 228: Part 5 of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Wine – Wine with Purpose: Amber Mihna on Napa Cabernet, Mental Health, and the Legacy of Staglin Family Vineyard

  In this episode, we head to the iconic Napa Valley to meet Amber Mihna, Global Sales Director at Staglin Family Vineyard — a family-run winery known not only for its exceptional Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, but for embedding mental health advocacy into the very core of its mission. Amber dives into the story of how the Staglin family built their estate with a clear sense of purpose, from reclaiming historic vines to pioneering sustainability and championing inclusivity in the wine industry. They explore what makes the Rutherford Bench so special, how the “Rutherford dust” shapes the character of their wines, and the winemaking philosophy behind their elegant, age-worthy style. They also taste the Salus Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine with a difference: 100% of its profits are donated to brain health research through the family’s foundation One Mind. Expect mocha-dusted tannins, autumnal aromas, and a full-bodied texture that feels featherlight — a wine Janina calls “plush, polished and profoundly humane.” If you’ve ever wondered why Napa Cabernet is worth the price, or how wine can be a true force for good, this episode is for you. Pour yourself a glass and enjoy. Episode Guide  [02:34] – The history of Staglin Family Vineyard [04:37] – What makes the Rutherford Bench so unique [06:19] – “Rutherford dust” and the minerality of their wines [07:24] – Family-owned and family-run: what it really means at Staglin [09:42] – A breakdown of the varietals grown at the estate [10:38] – Introducing the Salus wines and their mission for mental health [13:15] – The origin of their One Mind foundation: from diagnosis to music festival [15:17] – What kind of impact the family hopes to make [17:21] – What to expect from a Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon [19:24] – Tasting Salus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 8Wines £118 [23:37] – Where to buy: Simply Wines Direct & The Champagne Company [24:56] – Why Napa Valley wines are (deservedly) expensive [27:27] – How Napa’s climate makes organic farming easier [29:22] – Winemaking philosophy: balance, freshness, and textured finesse [33:10] – Creating a more equitable and inclusive wine industry [35:43] – Advice for small wineries looking to start giving back [38:09] – What’s next for Staglin: replanting, solar renewal, and generational transition [40:31] – Vine life cycles and the decision to replant [42:18] – How to visit the winery and what to expect [45:20] – Sharing a glass with wine legend André Tchelistcheff 📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: [email protected] 📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 More content: 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 FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.  

  --------  

  49:20

  --------

  49:20
• Ep 227: Part 4 of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Wine – Legacy, Land & Ethical Wine: Julia Moore of Bosman Family Vineyards

  In this episode, we are talking with Julia Moore, Communications Specialist at Bosman Family Vineyards, a South African winery at the forefront of ethical wine production and regenerative farming. With a 26% worker-ownership model, award-winning viticulture, and deep investment in education and inclusion, Bosman is redefining what sustainability in wine truly means. We explore the impact of shared ownership, the challenges and beauty of farming as a community, and the power of giving future generations opportunities beyond the vineyard. From vine nurseries to old vine Chenin Blanc, this conversation is rich in knowledge and purpose. Two wines are tasted during the episode: the affordable Generation 8 Chardonnay, supporting early childhood education projects, and the prestigious Optenhorst Chenin Blanc, sourced from the third-oldest Chenin vines in South Africa. Whether you’re interested in equitable business models, viticulture innovation, or wines with purpose, this episode delivers inspiration in every sip. Episode Guide (Chapters) [02:30] - How Julia approaches wine storytelling as a communicator [04:47] - How the land shapes the vines [07:51] - The role of climate and vine age [09:30] - Ethical working and community impact [11:35] - Shared ownership: transforming life on the farm [14:25] - Vision for youth and long-term opportunity [17:32] - How many people live on the farm as a community [18:57] - Tasting Generation 8 Chardonnay — a fresh, unoaked white wine with expressive fruit and minerality. Available at Sainsbury’s £9 (UK). [21:20] - How its sales support Bosman’s education projects [26:19] - What happens in the vine nursery during winter [30:46] - Clonal selection and rootstock combinations [33:23] - Bosman named Winery of the Year in the Platter’s Wine Guide [36:08] - Tasting Optenhorst Chenin Blanc 2023 — from 72-year-old dry-farmed bush vines. Around £25-30 per bottle. [38:59] - The story and power of old vines [41:06] - Pricing and exclusivity of Optenhorst; why it’s a rare and age-worthy wine [49:01] - What the wine industry must do for equity and representation [51:46] - Bosman Family Vineyards and more information 📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: [email protected] 📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 More content: 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 FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

  --------  

  54:18

  --------

  54:18

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast