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The Drinking Hour: With David Kermode - FoodFM

David Kermode, wine expert, talks through his top drinking picks of the week.

FoodFM Radio

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guests are JC and Carolyn Martin, a dynamic double act, both scions of winemaking families, who fell in love, married and moved to Hemel-en-Aarde to establish Creation Wines, a wine business that is firmly rooted in its rural community. 
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Episode 279 - JC and Carolyn Martin of Creation Wines

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David meets Tinashe Musora, sommelier and 2025 IWSC emerging talent award winner, to hear how he has overcome obstacles, hailing from humble beginnings to become a sommelier and wine judge who believes in giving back to his community.
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Episode 278 - Tinashe Musora

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to South Africa to meet the winemaker at Vergelegen, Luke O’Cuinneagain. They talk about his winemaking philosophy, his experience working with Bordeaux varieties and how he has evolved the estate’s celebrated wines.
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Episode 277 - Luke O’Cuinneagain of Vergelegen

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David selects some highlights from the latest series including Black Chalk’s Jacob Leadley on beating the British weather; UK Sommelier of the Year 2026, Emma Denney; Olly Smith on turning talents to writing fiction; Peter Stafford Bow on his nom-de-plum; Helen McGinn talks about her guide to supermarket wine; and Robert Mondavi’s chief winemaker, Kurtis Ogasawara. 
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Episode 276 - Highlights of Series 22

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Edwina Watson, senior wine buyer for Fortnum & Mason is David’s guest to talk about buying British wines and spirits, including the inexorable rise of English sparkling wine and how a new breed of world-class still wines is emerging. 
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Episode 275 - Buying British for Fortnum’s

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Fresh from her success in the fiercely-contested competition for UK Sommelier of the Year 2026, Emma Denney, director of wine at Claridge’s, is David’s guest to talk about what it means to her and how she prepared for the demanding event. 
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Episode 274 - UK Sommelier of the Year Emma Denney

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David explores the flourishing world of Indian whisky with Michael D’Souza, the globally acclaimed Master Distiller and Master Blender for Paul John, to talk about the use of local Indian six-row barley and how Goa’s climate influences whisky.
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Episode 273 - Michael D’Souza on Indian whisky

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To mark English wine week, the owner of Hampshire winery Black Chalk, Jacob Leadley, is David’s guest to talk about the pleasures and pitfalls of making wine in our climate, the future for English wine, and his latest pair of prestige cuvées.  
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Episode 272 - Jacob Leadley of Black Chalk

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Most famous as the wine expert and host of the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, Olly Smith is David’s guest to talk about his first work of fiction, the vinous murder mystery Death by Noir, and where he found inspiration for central character, Barclay Flint.   
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Episode 271 - Olly Smith on Death by Noir

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a striking contrast to the buzzing city, with its rolling hills and many vineyards. David explores the region, talking to winemakers to find out what makes it so versatile for a multitude of grape varieties.  
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Episode 270 - The Yarra Valley

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. As the Napa Valley’s iconic Robert Mondavi winery emerges from a three-year $200 million refurbishment, David chats to director of winemaking Kurtis Ogasawara about the new facility, the To Kalon vineyard and the future for California wine.
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Episode 269 - Kurtis Ogasawara of Robert Mondavi

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is a mystery… Or rather, it’s Peter Stafford Bow, a ‘nom de plume’ for the author behind the exploits of wine buyer and globetrotter, Felix Hart. The fifth book in the series, Black Odesa, sees our hero become a social media sensation. 
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Episode 268 - Peter Stafford Bow

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David takes the temperature at VieVinum, a biennial celebration of Austrian wines, held in Vienna. Focusing on the country’s high number of family wineries, he talks to new generation winemakers and finds out more about organics and biodynamics. 
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Episode 267 -  Austria @ VieVinum

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A former supermarket wine buyer, turned TV and Instagram star, bestselling author, judge and professional ‘knackered mother’, Helen McGinn is David’s guest to talk about her eagerly anticipated supermarket wine guide.
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Episode 266 - Helen McGinn

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to North America’s Pacific northwest to discover Washington State, the USA’s second biggest wine producer after California, to find out more about the terroir, meet winemakers and answer the question ‘what are its signature grapes?’
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Episode 265 - Discovering Washington State

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David has highlights from the most recent series, with Master Distiller John Hall talking about reinventing gin; Mel Chester of Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley; Bob Biale talks old vine Zinfandel; there’s a look at the wines of Cyprus; while Billy Abbott talks about China’s spirits scene.  




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Episode 264 - Highlights of Series 22

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, McLaren Vale is carving a reputation for a new wave of fresher wines, courtesy of its Mediterranean climate, ocean influence and diverse soils. David meets celebrated winemakers Steve Pannell and Renae Hirsch.  
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Episode 263 - Exploring McLaren Vale

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Once a bastion of the ancient wine trade, Cyprus offers a small treasure trove of indigenous varieties which are being brought back to life by a new generation. David finds out more with Demetri Walters MW and winemaker Marcos Zambartas. 
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Episode 262 - The wines of Cyprus

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Though its origins lie in Europe, Zinfandel is one of California’s most famous grapes, renowned for the quality of the wines produced from heritage vineyards, yet it finds itself under threat. David finds out why, and how it can be saved. 
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Episode 261 - Old vine Zinfandel

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions, the Barossa, to explore the complex tapestry of soils and climate that make it special, meeting Louisa Rose, Matthew McCulloch, Ian Hongell and Henry Slattery.  
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Episode 260 - A guide to Barossa

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s talks to Abbie Bennington, BBC political journalist turned wine educator, about her new podcast series Vintage Politics, to reflect on the role wine plays in politics, including stories about Jon Sopel’s expenses, Gordon Brown’s fridge door and which American President spent the least on wine for official receptions.
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Episode 259 - Vintage Politics with Abbie Bennington

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Vines have a long history in China, but wine is a more recent story, with a new wave of diverse and different wines garnering attention. David’s guest is Master of Wine John Hoskins, head of the IWSC Global Judging in 2025, to discuss the terroir, grape varieties and stylistic differences that define the wines of China. 
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Episode 258 - Wines of China with John Hoskins MW

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David meets Jaime Araujo, who studied medieval history, took to the London stage and worked in marketing in Paris, before returning to her native Napa to establish a winery, Trois Noix. Defined by being different, they talk about the region’s future, diversity and equality.
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Episode 257 - Napa with Jaime Araujo

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. China is the world’s biggest market for spirits, dominated by Baijiu, which accounts for around 90% of sales, while domestic whisky is gaining ground. David’s guest is IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year, Billy Abbott, of The Whisky Exchange.   
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Episode 256 - Billy Abbott on China’s spirits

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David visits the Yarra Valley to meet Giant Steps winemaker, Mel Chester, who crafts plot-specific wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They talk about ancient soils, indigenous lands, and how the nuances of terroir are reflected in her wines.  
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Episode 255 - Mel Chester of Giant Steps

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to chemist-turned-Master-Distiller, John Hall, at Cornwall’s Trevethan Distillery, an IWSC trophy winner, about his new creation, ‘Aureus Vita’, a premium London Dry Gin based on a sequence of numbers leading to ‘the golden ratio’. 
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Episode 254 - John Hall on gin’s ‘golden ratio’

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the theme as Sarah Abbott MW joins David to talk through the terminology and diversity of styles that define Italy’s medal-winning, historically significant, sparkling wines.  
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Episode 253 - An essential guide to Prosecco’s top tier

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reflects on series 21, with guests Sacha Lichine of Chateau d’Esclans, Languedoc legend Jean-Claude Mas, David Moulton of Margaret River pioneer Cape Mentelle, Jeremy McKenzie of Isabel Estate talking Chardonnay, and three of the female family members at the helm of Brown Brothers. 
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Episode 252 - Highlights of Series 21

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’ talks to entrepreneur Calixte Payan, who has rewritten the rules of the zero alcohol category with his Sober Spirits brand, using original spirit content to create innovative drinks without compromise, while staying focused on sustainability.  
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Episode 251 - Calixte Payan, Sober Spirits

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. 

To celebrate the Drinking Hour’s 250th episode, David’s special guest is the legendary Sacha Lichine, of Chateau d’Esclans, the father of modern rosé and creator of brands including Whispering Angel and Garrus, as he prepares to hand over the reins. 
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Episode 250 - Sacha Lichine, Chateau d’Esclans

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Master of Wine, Dirceu Vianna Junior, joins David to talk about Sauvignon Blanc from the Austrian region of Steiermark, or Styria, which is gaining fans, and winning IWSC gold medals, for to its distinctive and generous gastronomic style.
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Episode 249 - Styrian Sauvignon Blanc

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is Julian Langworthy, chief winemaker at Deep Woods Estate, winner of the IWSC Western Australia Producer of the Year, and one the original ‘founding five’ wineries of Margaret River to talk about makes the region unique and special. 
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Episode 248 - Julian Langworthy, Deep Woods

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In what’s become a popular annual ritual, David is joined by The Buyer’s editor-in-chief, Richard Siddle, as they stare into a crystal ball to look ahead at what lies in store for the drinks world in 2026.  
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Episode 247 - Drinks in ’26 with Richard Siddle

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David explores the innovation and incredible growth of the no alcohol category with Michael Bright, founder of IWSC trophy winning producer, Edenvale, and Silvia Cedeño, Managing Director of BevZero, a pioneer in dealcoholisation technology.
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Episode 246 - Wine without alcohol

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Established during the gold rush of the 1880s and now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Brown Brothers is an Australian institution. David is joined by winemaker Katherine, sister Emma and cousin Angela, to reflect on how the winery’s long history influences modern day innovation. 
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Episode 245 - Brown Brothers

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to the Jeremy McKenzie, winemaker at Isabel Estate, in Marlborough, one of the early pioneers of New Zealand’s wine boom. They talk about the region’s smash hit Sauvignon Blanc and why Chardonnay and Pinot Noir do so well. 
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Episode 244 - Jeremy McKenzie, Isabel Estate

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. With one distinctive grape variety, Chenin Blanc, and four very different styles of wine, the Loire region of Vouvray has seen an increase in demand, especially from the UK.  David meets two producers to explore what defines Vouvray’s wines.  
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Episode 243 - Vouvray

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is David Moulton, chief winemaker at Margaret River’s pioneering Cape Mentelle, the third winery to be established in this beautiful corner of Western Australia. They talk about the combination of soils and climate that make the region ideal for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
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Episode 242 - David Moulton, Cape Mentelle

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is the Languedoc legend, Jean-Claude Mas, one of the region’s most famous names, responsible for around 25 million bottles of wine every year, including his Domaines Paul Mas brand and also a multitude of retailers.   
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Episode 241 - Jean-Claude Mas

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David looks back at series 20, with highlights including Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt on the history of Laurent Perrier, cellar master Pierre De Klerk at Graham Beck, Olly Smith on his new book, Rebekah Wineburg at Napa’s Quintessa Estate, Jancis Robinson OBE MW, and Benjamin Abric at the Weyborne Estate.
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Episode 240 - Highlights of Series 20

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Jancis Robinson OBE MW is among David’s guests as he reports from the Old Vine Conference in California, where he also talks to co-founder Sarah Abbott MW, Alder Yarrow from the Old Vine Registry and renowned viticulturist, Rosa Kruger.
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Episode 239 - Old Vine Conference

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to the Napa Valley, ahead of the Old Vine Conference, to meet the winemaker at Quintessa, Rebekah Wineburg, to find out why she’s so passionate about biodynamic winemaking and old vines.
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Episode 238 - Rebekah Wineburg, Quintessa

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is Benjamin Abric, the general manager and winemaker at The Weyborne Estate in the Sussex Downs, a relatively new player in the field of English sparkling wine that has already won a trophy at the IWSC for its Oriana 2019 cuvée.   
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Episode 237 - Benjamin Abric, Weyborne Estate

Wine and the climate crisis

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by the authors of ‘Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine’, Jane Masters MW and Andrew Neather, to talk about the existential crisis that climate change poses and how the wine industry might adapt to it.  Listeners are offered a 10% discount on the book at acadamieduvinlibrary.com with the code TDH10 
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Episode 236 - Wine and the climate crisis

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is the country’s top TV wine expert, star of BBC ‘Saturday Kitchen’, Olly Smith, to talk about his new book ‘Wine - Everything You Need to Know’ and to reflect on two decades of sharing his passion with UK audiences.
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Episode 235 - Olly Smith

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Master Blender Michael Henry of Loch Lomond Distillery, winner of the IWSC’s Scotch Producer Trophy, joins David to talk about the innovation that’s come to define Loch Lomond whisky, the impact of different stills, and the art of nosing.
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Episode 234 - Loch Lomond’s Master Blender Michael Henry

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt, ambassador for Laurent Perrier’s top cuvée, Grand Siècle, and the granddaughter of Bernard de Nonancourt, who went from French Resistance hero to a celebrated pioneer in the world of Champagne.  
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Episode 233 - Laurent Perrier’s Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Now in its 49th year, Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book is an annual release that’s eagerly anticipated, updated each year by General Editor, Margaret Rand, who joins David to chat about the latest issue, including a supplement on the price of wine.    
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Episode 232 - The Pocket Wine Book’s Margaret Rand

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Südtirol Alto Adige is a mountain wine region that’s part of Italy, though German is the majority language.  David meets its winemakers to learn more about the grape varieties, the terroir and the fusion of cultures that make it unique and special.   
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Episode 231 - Alto Adige Südtirol

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is Club Oenologique columnist, Joel Harrison, a Keeper of the Quaich, to talk about his new book: a curated guide to 52 distilleries around the world that welcome whisky lovers, sharing the secrets of what goes into a great dram.
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Episode 230 - The Whisky World Tour with Joel Harrison

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to Pierre de Klerk, cellar master at Graham Beck - winner of the prestigious IWSC South African Producer Trophy - to talk about the country’s distinctive and great value traditional method sparkling wine, Cap Classique.    
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Episode 229 - South Africa’s Cap Classique

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David looks back at some highlights, including Eric Heerema, owner of Nyetimber;  pioneering English winemaker Dermot Sugrue; rising star Tommy Grimshaw of Langham Estate; Maria Boumpa, the IWSC UK Sommelier of the Year; Nina Basset talking about her late husband Gérard Basset; and wine writer Tamlyn Currin.   
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Episode 228 - Highlights of Series 19

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to spirits writer and author Millie Milliken for a snapshot of North America’s evolving whiskey scene, reflecting on the changes she observed at the IWSC’s prestigious annual Kentucky judging this year.     
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Episode 227 - North American Whiskey with Millie Milliken

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David visits Langham Wine Estate to meet head winemaker, Tommy Grimshaw.  The pair discuss the burgeoning English sparking scene, Dorset’s distinctive chalk soils, his winemaking style, and what it takes to make an IWSC gold medal winner.   
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Episode 226 - Tommy Grimshaw, Langham Wine Estate

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is Nina Basset, co-founding trustee of the Gérard Basset Foundation, named in honour of her late husband - a legendary wine figure, OBE, MS, MW, MBA, MSc and winner of the World’s Best Sommelier - to talk about his remarkable life and legacy.    
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Episode 225 - Nina Basset

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Fresh from being crowned IWSC UK Sommelier of the Year 2025, Maria Boumpa -  wine director at London’s double-Michelin-starred Da Terra - is David’s guest to talk about her victory in the rigorous contest and the wines that excite her most.    
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Episode 224 - UK Sommelier of the Year, Maria Boumpa

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Babylonstoren, the Cape Dutch farm in the Western Cape familiar to garden lovers for its patronage of the Chelsea Flower Show, to meet cellar master Klaas Stoffberg and find out more about the wines produced on the estate.  
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Episode 223 - Klaas Stoffberg, Babylonstoren

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David explores Franciacorta, the Italian traditional method sparkling wine, with Renato Della Bartolomea of Freccianera Fratelli Berlucchi, winner of the IWSC’s Franciacorta Wine Producer Trophy, to learn more about the category.   
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Episode 222 - Franciacorta

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to Eric Heerema, owner of Nyetimber, the pioneering English sparkling wine brand, and, since last year, The Lakes Distillery in Cumbria, to hear about his plans for expansion to showcase England’s burgeoning drinks scene.      
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Episode 221 - Eric Heerema, Nyetimber

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Beaujolais reporting on the rebirth of the region - once famous for ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’, but now rightly celebrated for a lighter, fresher style and its  complex tapestry of terroir - talking to Director General, Olivier Badoureaux.   
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Episode 220 - The ‘Nouveau’ Beaujolais

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To celebrate English Wine Week, David is joined by the country’s top winemaker, Dermot Sugrue, of Sugrue South Downs, who’s celebrating one of the highest scores at the IWSC this year for his cuvée ‘The Trouble with Dreams’ from the 2009 vintage.  
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Episode 219 - Dermot Sugrue

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Tamlyn Currin, wine writer for JancisRobinson.com, sustainability expert and Fortnum & Mason 2024 ‘drinks writer of the year’, famed for her vivid tasting notes, her passion for old vines and her penchant for Madeira.   
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Episode 218 - Tamlyn Currin

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. This week, some highlights from series 18, Mumm’s new cellar master Yann Munier, Sunny Hodge on his cynics guide to wine, Andrew Caillard MW on the Australian Ark, Ian Hongell talks Barossa, Elaine Chukan Brown on California - and Alex Watson on Renais Gin… 
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Episode 217 - Highlights of Series 18

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In 2015, when Champagne Taittinger announced it was teaming up with its importer, Hatch Mansfield, to launch an English sparkling wine, it caused a sensation, and now, a decade later, Domaine Evremond is on the market.  David visits the winery, at Chilham in Kent, to meet co-founder Patrick McGrath MW. 

IWSC English gold medal winners featured: 

Sugrue South Down The Trouble with Dreams 2009 in magnum

Bride Valley Reserve Brut 2018

All Angels Ten Year Anniversary Classic Cuvée Brut 2014

Gusbourne Single Vineyard Commanders Chardonnay 2022
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Episode 216 - Patrick McGrath MW on Domaine Evremond

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to Elaine Chukan Brown, author of The Wines of California, telling the story of the state’s wine industry, from its establishment by indigenous peoples, through Prohibition, to the pioneers who created today’s wine map, while looking to the challenges Californian wine faces in the future.   

Plus, David has news of the IWSC wine judging results for 2025, announced this week, featuring the three highest scoring wines: 

The Trouble With Dreams Magnum Brut 2009 by Sugrue South Downs

Verdelho 2001 by D’Oliveiras

Old Premium Rare Muscat NV by Morris Wines
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Episode 215 - Elaine Chukan Brown

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is Ian Hongell, chief winemaker at Torbreck, one of Australia’s most celebrated names, celebrated for its Barossa Shiraz from dry-farmed, old vines descended from those planted in the mid 19th century.



IWSC medal winners featured:



Campbells Merchant Prince Rare Muscat NV (gold and trophy winner)

Morris Old Premium Rare Muscat NV (gold)

Peter Lehmann 8 Songs Shiraz 2021 (silver) 

Soumah Chardonnay 2023 (silver)

Fourth Wave Wine Little Giant Single Vineyard Cabernet 2021 (silver)
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Episode 214 - Ian Hongell, chief winemaker, Torbreck

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Master of Wine, Andrew Caillard, winner of the IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year award, about his epic three volume work ‘The Australian Ark’, the story of the country’s wine industry, from its origins to the present day.



IWSC medal winning wines featured, all gold medal winners:



Dandelion Vineyards Firehawk Shiraz 2022

Golden Amrita Sunshine Hill Shiraz 2021

Ponting Wines The Pinnacle Shiraz 2022

Levantine Hill Katherine's Paddock Chardonnay 2021

Orlando Wines Lyndale Chardonnay 2021
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Episode 213 - Andrew Caillard MW on The Australian Ark

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Alex Watson about Renais Gin, the brand he has founded with his actor sister, Emma Watson, a premium gin produced from the skins of grapes, from the vineyards of Chablis where their father is a winemaker.



IWSC gold medal winning gins featured: 

Three Engineers Oy 3E Gin 

North of Eden Admiral Navy Strength Gin

Karu Distillery Affinity Gin

Enceladus Distilling Company Limited

Astra Premium New Zealand Gin

Vinha Alta Balancal Barrel Rested Gin
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Episode 212 - Alex Watson

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. England’s nascent still wine scene gets ever more exciting, with premium cuvées now taking the limelight. David chats to the co-owners of Whitewolfe, Clare Whitehead and Luke Wolfe, to hear about their self-funded project to create a trio of wines from Chardonnay, grown at Kit’s Coty in Kent.

IWSC winning wines featured, all silver medals :  

Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Coeur De Cuvée Extra Brut 2016
Louis Pommery England Brut NV 
Hattingley Valley Wines Blanc de Blancs Brut 2015
Denbies Wine EstateCubitt Blanc De Noirs Brut 2015
Vagabond Wines Pinot Noir 2022
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Episode 211 - English Chardonnay

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Lisbon, Portugal’s beguiling capital, is also an enticing wine region stretching north for 130 kilometres along the country’s Atlantic coast. Libby Brodie chats to David about the terrain, climate, grapes and gastronomy of the Lisboa region.  In this episode, the wines tasted are: Adegamae Vinhas Velhas 2020 (Grape variety: vital): Adegamae Vinhas Velhas 2020 – Banquist, Morgado de Santa Catherina Arinto Reserva (Grape variety: arinto): Buy Morgado de Santa Catherina Arinto Reserva Online at Hic! and Cas'Amaro’s Vinho Tinto Falatório Bastardo 2021 (Grape variety: bastardo): 2021 Falatório Bastardo tinto.



Wines featured, all IWSC silver medal winners from Lisboa:

Quinta Do Conde Galodoro 10 Barricas Reserva 2022

Aveleda, Mandriola De Lisboa 2022 

Aluado Reserva Alicante Bouschet 2020 

Casa Santos Lima Quinta Do Espírito Santo 2021 

M&S Lisboa Bonita 2021
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Episode 210 - Wines of Lisbon with Libby Brodie

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Sunny Hodge is David’s guest to talk about his new book, The Cynic’s Guide to Wine, demystifying the subject, using science to take a deep dive into the glass, pulling apart conventional tasting notes and challenging established assumptions.

Wines featured, all gold medal winners from Turkey, with Sunny among the judges: 

Sevilen Sarap Sanayi Sevilen Centum Syrah 2020
Likya Wines Likya Arkeo Acikara 2022
Kuzubag Hür Amfora Merlot 2022
Kayra Imperial Merlot Blend 2015
V'asbosExpression Cabernet Franc Edition 1 NV
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Episode 209 - Sunny Hodge on his Cynic’s Guide to Wine

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In the second special episodes, David’s focus is Côtes du Rhône Villages, the next tier up from Côtes du Rhône in the region’s hierarchy of quality, chatting with Raphaël Knapp, of Château la Borie, and Anthony Taylor, of Gabriel Meffre.  

To find out more - web:Homepage | Côtes du Rhône site officiel Instagram: AOC Côtes du Rhône (@cotesdurhone) • Instagram photos and videos)

Medal winners featured:  

Château De Ruth 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Sainte-Cécile (silver)
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Chartreuse De Bonpas 2020 Côtes Du Rhône Villages (silver)
Domaines Vincent Moreau 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Sainte-Cécile (silver)
Julie Rouffignac Tesco Finest 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Blanc (silver)
J. Jacques Beaumet 2022 Cairanne (silver)
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Episode 208 - Côtes du Rhône Villages

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In the first of two special episodes, David explores the wines of Côtes du Rhône, chatting with Frédéric Lavau, a négociant, and Louis Barruol, of Château Saint Cosme, to find out what makes the region such a favourite with wine lovers.

To find out more - web:Homepage | Côtes du Rhône site officiel Instagram: AOC Côtes du Rhône (@cotesdurhone) • Instagram photos and videos)

Medal winners featured:

M&S Pont de Fleur 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc
The Wine Society's Exhibition Vinsobres 2020 (silver)
M&S Les Closiers 2022 Lirac (silver)
Asda Cuvée Traditionnelle Grignan-Les Adhemar 2022 (silver)
Château la Verrerie Grand Deffand Syrah 2021 Luberon (silver)
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Episode 207 - Côtes du Rhône

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David meets the new face of GH Mumm, Yann Munier, who joined last April as cellar master. A native of the Champagne region, he talks about his passion for Pinot Noir, the grape that defines Mumm, and reflects on the latest 2024 vintage.  

Medal winners featured, all silver winners:  

Nicolas Feuillatte Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2015 
Laurent-Perrier Blanc De Blancs Brut Nature NV 
Lanson Brut 2013 
Mandois Vieilles Vignes Victor Blanc De Blancs Brut 2013 
Champagne de Saint Gall Premier Cru Rosé Brut NV
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Episode 206 - Yann Munier, cellar master, GH Mumm

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reflects on some special moments in series 17, including the creator of ‘The Chocolate Block’, Marc Kent; the winemaker of another South African trailblazer, Journey’s End, Mike Dawson; a Champagne pioneer, Alice Paillard of Maison Bruno Paillard; there’s Sicily’s Cerasuolo di Vittoria with Stefano Girelli, of Santa Tresa and Cortese; and the man behind Ribera del Duero’s ‘Pingus’, Peter Sisseck. 
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Episode 205 - Highlights of Series 17

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Austria is the focus as David chats to Master of Wine, Dirceu Vianna Junior, and top sommelier, Melania Battiston, wine director at Cornus. They talk about the incredible versatility of Grüner Veltliner, what defines Austrian Riesling and the red wines to look out for, as they reflect on judging in the country for the IWSC.  

Wines featured, all gold medal winners.  

Weinkultur Preiss Grüner Veltliner Ried Berg Reserve Traisental DAC 2022
Weingut Gerhard Deim Grüner Veltliner Ried Kalvarienberg Kamptal DAC 2022
Weingut Stefan Bauer Grüner Veltliner Hutzler Wagram DAC 2021
Weingut Eder Wachau Grüner Veltliner Ried Süssenberg Smaragd Wachau DAC 2021
Weingut Leth Roter Veltliner Fels Ried Scheiben 1 ÖTW Wagram DAC 2021
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Episode 204 - Austria - Dirceu Vianna Jr MW and Melania Battiston

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Journey’s End estate at the far end of the Stellenbosch region, close to the ocean, to meet winemaker, Mike Dawson, to talk about terroir, sustainability, the rising stature of South African wine and the impact of the Cape Doctor.

Wines featured, all gold medal winners:

Journey’s End The Pioneer Malbec 2022
De Morgenzon Reserve Syrah 2021
Newstead Blanc de Blancs MCC Brut 2017
Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022
Cederberg Shiraz 2020
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Episode 203 - Mike Dawson, Journey’s End

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Sicily’s only DOCG, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, is David’s focus this week as he chats to Stefano Girelli, of Santa Tresa and Cortese, a passionate advocate for the region who sold his wineries in northern Italy to pursue organic viticulture on the island.  

Medal winners featured:

Scoccia Siciliano Amaro Al Carrubo E Zagara (gold)
The Wine Society’s Sicilian Reserve Red, Nosio, 2020 (Silver)
Fattoria La Vialla Passito Moscato 2022 (Silver) 
M&S Found Lucido 2023 (Silver)
Asda Extra Special Sicilian Reserve 2020 (Silver)
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Episode 202 - Cerasuolo di Vittoria

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. China is now the world’s sixth most important producer of wine and the country’s cuveés are winning new acclaim from international experts. David is joined by two Masters of Wine, Susie Barrie and Antony Moss, to reflect on the inaugural IWSC global judging in China.

Wines featured, all gold medal winners:

Mihope vineyards, Chateau Mihope Reserve Dry Red Wine 2019
Ningxia Mulando Co, Mulando M365, Red 2021
Yunnan Zangditianxiang Wine Pabala Ecological Icewine NV
Xuzhou Hanxiang Liquor Co, Nabaifu Vidal Icewine Reserva 2018
Tiansai Vineyards Skyline of Gobi Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2021
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Episode 201 - The wines of China with Susie Barrie MW and Antony Moss MW

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. It is one of South Africa’s most celebrated and successful premium wines, ‘The Chocolate Block’, a red blend led by Syrah, that changes every year according to the vintage, and has evolved with the times. David meets its creator, Marc Kent at Boekenhoutskloof, in Franschhoek, to hear the story of its success.

Medal winners featured, all gold medal winners:  

Vilafonté Series M 2019
Constantia Glen Two 2022
Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Warwick Estate The Blue Lady 2020
Klein Constantia Vin De Constance 2020
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Episode 200 - The creator of ‘The Chocolate Block’, Marc Kent

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Castilla y León to explore Ribera del Duero, meeting the winemakers who have put this Spanish region on the fine wine map, including Master of Wine Almudena Alberca and the creator of Pingus, Peter Sisseck.

Medal winners featured:

Finca Sobreño Ildefonso 2018, Toro (gold)
Bodegas Valdubón Honoris 2021, Ribera del Duero (silver)
Jesús Madrazo Seleccion 2019, Ribera del Duero (silver)
Tesco Finest Ebeia 2022, Ribera del Duero (silver)
Pradorey Real Sitio de Ventosilla Salgüero 2019, Ribera del Duero (silver) 
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Episode 199 - Ribera del Duero

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s joined by CEO and co-owner of Champagne Bruno Paillard, Alice Paillard, to talk about taking over from her father, who established the house in 1981. Their wide-ranging chat includes extra brut, post-disgorgement ageing, climate change and her role as a female pioneer.

Medal winners featured:

Charles Heidsieck Blanc Des Millénaires Brut 2014 (gold)
Henriot Cuvée Hemera Brut Grand Cru 2013 (gold)
Lanson Le Blanc De Blancs Brut NV (gold)
Abelé 1757 Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut NV (gold) 
Pommery Apanage 1874 Brut NV (silver)
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Episode 198 - Alice Paillard

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Bourbon or rye, blended or single malt, the USA and Canada offer a wealth of whiskies, from heritage styles that predate Prohibition or the latest innovations. Dawn Davies MW of Speciality Drinks chats to David about the inaugural IWSC judging in Kentucky.

Gold and gold outstanding winners featured:

Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky Peerless Distilling
Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bulleit Rye 10 YO American Straight Rye Whiskey
Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey, by Coors Spirits
Cabernet Cask Select American Single Malt Whiskey by Virginia Distillery Company
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Episode 197 - Dawn Davies MW on North American Whisky

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Continuing his look at what’s in store for 2025, David talks bar trends with Emma Hutchison, Executive Creative Director at Sweet&Chilli - an agency with offices in London, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, São Paulo, and Paris - to hear more about what the world’s best bars might be serving up this year.

Drinks featured, all gold medal winners:

St. Nicholas Abbey 12 YO Cask Strength Rum
Three Ships 13 Yo Cape Ruby Cask Finish
Código 1530 Blanco Tequila
Calvados Lecompte 25 YO Calvados Pays d’Auge
8 Friends Vanilla Advocaat
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Episode 196 - Bar trends with Emma Hutchison

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. ‘The Chief’ is back with his annual predictions for what’s in store for the drinks world. As editor in chief of The Buyer, Richard Siddle, has his finger on the pulse and he shares his insights with David, including tax changes, a stylistic shift in English wine and what a returning President Trump might mean for booze.
Drinks featured:
Destilaria Portuguesa Amarguinha Sour RTD (gold)
Levantine Hill Katherine's Paddock Chardonnay 2021 (gold)
Marisco Vineyards The Craft Series Pride And Glory Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (gold and trophy)
Oyster Bay Cuvée Brut NV (gold) 
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Episode 195 - Drinks in 2025 with Richard Siddle

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s joined by Laura Willoughby, co-founder of Club Soda and Irem Eren of BevZero to discuss the growing importance of the ‘low and no’ category and the latest innovations for those choosing to cut out, or reduce, their alcohol intake.
Drinks featured
Edenvale Beverages Premium Reserve Sparkling Shiraz NV (gold and trophy)
Dr Zero Zero Amarno (gold and trophy)
Drinks Kitchen Orange Cinchona Non-Alcoholic Aperitif (gold)
Sweet&Chilli Air Mary (gold and trophy)
Min Min Kombucha Oak Ageing Kombucha (gold)
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Episode 194 - Dry January

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David brings us his favourite moments from the latest series: including two legends of Champagne, Lallier’s Dominique Demarville and Michel Drappier; Rombauer’s head winemaker Richie Allen; Alice Lascelles talks about her new book , The Martini’; Billy Abbott on his passion for whisky; and Fr’um creator, Anthony Peart, talks about Tom Kerridge as an inspiration.
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Episode 193 - Highlights of Series 16

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David dives into the rich complexity of Alsace with Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl and Master Sommelier, Eric Zwiebel, who grew up there. They discuss the unique German influence on the region, its famously diverse patchwork of terroir and the world class wines it produces. 
Wines featured: 
Dopff Au Moulin Gewurztraminer 2022 (gold)
Dopff Au Moulin Gewurztraminer 2022 (gold
Maison Kuehn Riesling 2021 (silver)
Cave de Ribeauvillé Lieu-Dit Mühlforst Riesling 2021 (silver)
La Cave du Vieil Armand Pinot Gris 2022 (silver)
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Episode 192 - Alsace with Anne Krebiehl MW and Eric Zwiebel MS

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In what has been described as ‘the ultimate experience for whisky lovers’, Chivas Brothers is throwing open the doors of its celebrated Strathisla distillery for exclusive immersive tasting tours. David talks to Jacques Henri Brive, head of luxury development and Director of Blending and Inventory, Sandy Hyslop.
Whisky featured, all gold medal winners:
Royal Salute 30 YO Key to the Kingdom Blended Scotch Whisky
Royal Salute Taiwanese Exclusive 23 YO Blended Scotch Whisky
Miltonduff 24 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Longmorn 22 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Episode 191 - Whisky’s ‘ultimate experience’

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to the head winemaker at Napa’s Rombauer Vineyards, Richie Allen, who rose from cellar hand to the top job, to hear more about the pioneering producer behind some of America’s favourite premium wines, including a Chardonnay that’s a personal favourite of our host!
Medal winners featured:
Phillips Distilling Company Prairie Organic Vodka (gold)
Phillips Root Beer Schnapps (gold)
Salt Point Gin Highball (gold)
Gruppo Campari SKYY Espresso Vodka (gold)
Zing Zang Mango Margarita Made With Tequila (gold)
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Episode 190 - Rombauer’s Richie Allen

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reports from Belgrade on the contest to be ‘ASI Best Sommelier in Europe, Africa and the Middle East’ and speaks to the winner, Mick Parre, and also the reigning best sommelier in the world, Raimonds Tomsons, plus, Alex Huskinson, tequila category expert at The Whisky Exchange in on hand for a mini masterclass.
Drinks featured, all gold medal winning agave spirits:
Proximo Spirits 1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila
Gruppo Campari Montelobos Pechuga Artesanal Mezcal
Heaven Hill Brands Lunazul Primero Humoso Blanco Tequila
Meanwhile Drinks Pensador Espadín Artesanal Mezcal
San Cosme Artesano Joven Mezcal
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Episode 189 - Europe’s best sommelier + agave spirits masterclass

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to the Champagne village of Aÿ to meet Dominique Demarville, general manager and cellar master at Lallier, to toast the launch of two new cuvées and talk about his long career in the region, plus Billy Abbott’s back with Jason Vaswani from The Whisky Exchange, to talk about ‘pre-loved’ whisky.
New Zealand medal winning spirits featured:
Pokeno Whisky Co. Totara Cask Single Malt Whisky (gold)
Strange Nature Distilling Gin (gold)
Astra Premium New Zealand Gin (gold)
Greytown Distilling Company Tweed Premium Gin (gold)
Elemental Distillers Roots Rosso Pinot Noir Gin (gold)
Karori Drinks Company Chemistry Gin (gold and also a design award)
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Episode 188 - Dominique Demarville + ‘pre-loved’ whisky

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s joined by John Hoskins MW, former chief examiner at the Institute of Masters of Wine and Rebecca Palmer, Associate Director at Corney & Barrow to talk about judging South Africa’s wines, in situ, for the IWSC and Billy Abbott of the Whisky Exchange returns for a mini masterclass on the flavours of world whisky.
Wines featured, all gold medal winners:
Villiera Monro Brut Cap Classique 2017
Capensis Wines Silene Chardonnay 2022
Kershaw Wines Clonal Selection Chardonnay 2020
Peter Falke Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 
Flagstone Winery Writer's Block Pinotage 2021 
Perdeberg Wines Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2022 
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Episode 187 - South Africa’s winning wines + world whisky with Billy Abbott

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Author and FT columnist Alice Lascelles is David’s guest to talk about her latest book, The Martini - a paean to the iconic cocktail, tracing its journey from 1880’s New York to the hottest bars of the moment via 60 different recipes. Plus, Billy Abbott of The Whisky Exchange is back to explore the world of Japanese whisky.
Medal winning Japanese whiskies featured:
The Fujisan Whisky (gold)
The Ukiyo Premium Black Label Japanese Blended Rice Whisky (gold)
Komasa Kanosuke Distillery 2023 Limited Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky (silver)
Nagahama Distillery Amahagan Yamazakura Edition Blended Malt Whisky (silver)
Kirin Brewery Co. Fuji Single Blended Whisky (silver)
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Episode 186 - Alice Lascelles on The Martini + Japanese whisky with Billy Abbott

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David welcomes one of the most famous names in Champagne, Michel Drappier, whose family first settled in the region more than 200 years ago, with the conversation including organic farming, carbon neutral practises and low dosage.
Wines featured:
Drappier Grande Sendrée Brut 2010 (silver)
Henriot Blanc De Blancs Brut non vintage (gold)
Rare Rosé Brut 2014 (silver)
Co-op Les Pionniers Brut NV (silver)
Ellner Charles Ellner Grande Reserve Brut 2014 (silver)
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Episode 185 - Michel Drappier

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by whisky expert, Kristiane Sherry, to talk about her inaugural ‘Scotch whisky report’ for Club Oenologique, tasting around 120 examples, to produce a snapshot of the category. In a double helping for whisky lovers, Billy Abbott of The Whisky Exchange returns, for an Irish whisky mini masterclass.
IWSC medal winners featured, all gold medal winners:
Irish Distillers Blue Spot 7 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 
Proximo Spirits Bushmills 30 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Teeling Whiskey Blackpitts Peated Cask Strength Single Malt Irish Whiskey 
Powerscourt Distillery Fercullen 21 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Irish Distillers Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
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Episode 184 - Kristiane Sherry’s whisky report + Irish whisky with Billy Abbott

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David delves in the world of whisky with renowned expert, author and judge, Billy Abbott, of The Whisky Exchange, to explore the complexity and diversity of a dram, with a focus on fruit forward whiskies in the first of a series of ‘mini masterclasses’.
Featuring four IWSC gold medal and trophy winners:  
Tomatin Distillery Legacy Single Malt Scotch Whisky 
East Asia Whisky Company 35 YO Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Cask 88 Imperial Distillery The Bothy 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 YO Inchmurrin Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Episode 183 - Whisky with Billy Abbott

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. From his humble beginnings in hospitality to the bar of Tom Kerridge’s double-starred gastropub, The Hand & Flowers, Anthony Peart achieved his dream of launching his own rum. He joins David to talk about how he made it happen.
Rums featured (all gold medal winners)
Fr’um dark but fr'iendly Pineapple & Smokey Scotch Bonnet Rum
Rones del Caribe Roble Viejo 12 YO Ultra Añejo Rum
Héritiers Madkaud Renaissance Rum 
Four Monkey Cataline
Chapter 7 Whisky Spirit Library 1993 Cuban Rum
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Episode 182 - Fr’um founder Anthony Peart

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reflects on the highlights of series 15 featuring Perrier-Jouët cellar master Séverine Frerson, Domaine des Tourelles winemaker Faouzi Issa on making wine in Lebanon, organic pioneer Gérard Bertrand and Voyager Estate’s chief winemaker, Tim Shand, Will Hill on Georgian amber wine and Tom Surgey on his new book.
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