Grape Masters by Dutch Wine Apprentice

In this special edition episode of our podcast, we attend a unique wine event by one of our partners Delta Wines, De Wereldse Wijndagen.At the 2025 edition of De Wereldse Wijndagen we sat down for a glass with Marc Kent, one of South Africa’s most prominent winemakers and wine entrepreneurs. This specialepisode offers an in-depth look in Marc’s life and career, his success with the Boekenhoutskloof winery and other projects he has been involved in South Africa and Portugal.This episode is created in partnership with Delta Wines,Boekenhoutskloof’s importer in the Netherlands. To learn more about Grape Masters visit our website, or follow us on Instagram @grapemasters.live.

In the grand finale of Season 2, we travel to the heart of Champagne to visit one of the region’s most admired family-owned maisons: Champagne Billecart-Salmon. For over 200 years, this house has been synonymous with elegance, refinement, and savoir-faire.Our guest is Mathieu Rolland-Billecart, seventh-generation family member and current steward of the estate. In this episode, Mathieu shares his personal journey of taking over the family legacy, the importance of innovation within tradition, and how Billecart-Salmon continues to thrive as an independent producer in a globalized Champagne world.Together, we taste and discuss two iconic cuvées: the Brut Réserve, the versatile signature of the house, and the newly released Nicolas François 2012, a prestige cuvée honoring one of the maison’s founders. We also dive into Billecart-Salmon’s close ties with gastronomy and how partnerships with chefs and sommeliers remain central to their success worldwide.Champagne Billecart-Salmon is proudly imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Résidence Wijnen and sold through their retail chain De Gouden Ton — your source for these exceptional Champagnes.An in-depth article about Champagne Billecart-Salmon, including our tasting notes on Nicolas François 2012, can be found on the Dutch Wine Apprentice website (click here for the direct link).

In the fifth episode of this season, we visit one of the most celebrated names in Spanish wine: Marqués de Murrieta, a historic estate in Rioja with a global reputation for elegance, craftsmanship, and long-term vision.Our guest is Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, owner and driving force behind the estate’s modern transformation. In this episode, Vicente shares his personal story—from inheriting the winery at a young age to leading it into a new era of international prestige. Together, we explore how patience, heritage, and innovation converge in the making of wines like Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial and the widely loved Marqués de Murrieta Reserva.We also take a look at the family’s second estate, Pazo de Barrantes, where the philosophy of slow winemaking and terroir expression is equally embraced in their age-worthy Albariños.The wines of Marqués de Murrieta and Pazo de Barrantes are proudly imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Verbunt Verlinden — your go-to source for these outstanding Spanish wines.An in-depth article about Marqués de Murrieta and a full tasting note on Castillo Ygay 2012 can be found on the Dutch Wine Apprentice website, click here for the direct link.

In this special edition episode of our podcast, we venture to the world’s biggest wine show, ProWein.At the 2025 edition of ProWein in Düsseldorf, we sat down for a glass with Zoë Dearsley, Group Head Brand Ambassador of Nyetimber. This special episode offers an in-depth look at the craftsmanship, innovation, and vision behind Nyetimber’s success. A must-listen for wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone intrigued by the global rise of English Sparkling Wine.This episode is created in partnership with De Bruijn in Wijnen, Nyetimber’s importer in the Netherlands. To learn more about Grape Masters visit our website, or follow us on Instagram @grapemasters.live

In the fourth episode of this season, we visit another true icon of Rioja: La Rioja Alta S.A. - one of the region’s most consistent and prestigious wineries, celebrated for its classic Reserva’s and Gran Reserva’s.Our guest is Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner, sixth-generation member of one of the founding families and the next in line to lead the estate. Together, we explore the past, present, and future of this cornerstone of Rioja winemaking.Renowned for its age-worthy wines and unwavering commitment to quality, La Rioja Alta S.A. is built on a foundation of family, balance, and long-term vision. Join us as we discover what continues to set this historic winery apart as one of Spain’s most respected producers.For an in-depth exploration of La Rioja Alta S.A., and the wine we shared, visit the Dutch Wine Apprentice website. Their wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Anfors Imperial.

In the third episode of this season, we head to La Rioja, one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions, to uncover the story behind one of its true classics: Bodegas Muga.Our guest is Manuel Muga, commercial director and third-generation member of the Muga family - one of the key families that helped shape the identity and reputation of Rioja.While Bodegas Muga is undeniably a cornerstone of the region, this interview goes beyond their historical success. It offers fresh insight into the values, vision, and innovation that continue to drive the winery forward.For an in-depth exploration of Bodegas Muga, and the wine we shared, visit the Dutch Wine Apprentice website. Their wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Wijnimport Bart.

In the second episode of this season, we travel to Argentina, a country renowned for its Malbec wines, exported and enjoyed worldwide.Our guest is José Alberto Zuccardi, Director of Zuccardi Wines and the second generation at the helm of this pioneering winery. Under his leadership and now that of his son, Sebastián, Zuccardi has become one of South America’s most acclaimed producers.Recognized by the international wine press, the winery has earned perfect scores and the prestigious title of ‘Best Winery in the World.’ Zuccardi stands as a testament to innovation, dedication, and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence.For an in-depth exploration of Zuccardi Wines, and the wine we shared, visit the Dutch Wine Apprentice website. Their wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Sligro.

In the premiere episode of this season, we travel to Rheinhessen, Germany, to meet the dynamic duo revolutionizing the global wine scene: Carolin and H.O. Spanier. Their story is one of harmony and innovation, as they united their respective wineries, Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier. Kühling-Gillot Battenfeld-Spanier has risen to the German top of wine producers and is now being sought after across the world, being exported to 38 countries. Our guest, Carolin Spanier, shares insights into the legacy of her family’s Kühling-Gillot estate, renowned for its red slate soils and distinct mineral-driven wines. She also reveals how her husband, Hans Oliver (H.O.) Spanier, transformed Battenfeld-Spanier into a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking on the limestone terroir of the Zellertal Valley. For an in-depth exploration of Kühling Battenfeld, and the wine we shared, visit the Dutch Wine Apprentice website. Their wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by De Bruijn in Wijnen and Bâtard Vintrepreneurs.

In this special edition episode of our podcast, we venture to the world’s biggest wine show, ProWein. Recorded on the 11th of March 2024, live on the exhibition floor in Dusseldorf, we share a glass with two wineries we covered before. Bibi Graetz (Bibi Graetz winery) and Tim Gray (Jackson Family Wines) take us on a tour around the world, from Tuscany to California, discussing their wineries and wines. This special edition episode will see a sequel, which we will record at the 2025 edition of ProWein. Stay tuned for more information regarding the release, by following our Podcast channel on your favorite Podcast platform. To learn more about Grape Masters visit our website, or follow us on Instagram @grapemasters.live.

Welcome to Grape Masters, Season 1, Episode 6. In our sixth and final episode of this season we travel to Tuscany, to a small town with a big name, Montalcino. Here we meet Alessandro Mori, the owner of one of Montalcino's leading Brunello producers, Il Marroneto. Montalcino is a jewel in Italy’s wine crown and their iconic Brunello di Montalcino wines are highly rated and sought after by wine lovers all over the world. Il Marroneto is one of the few producers that received the perfect 100-point rating for their wine, not once but already twice in the last two decades. They produce wines that stay true to the original Montalcino style, and are known for their craftsmanship and high-quality standards. This episode is a collaboration with Crurated, one of the leading wine clubs in the world, with exclusive access to some of the Il Marroneto wines. For more information on the wines of Il Marroneto and their exclusive wine club visit their website. For an in-depth exploration of Il Marroneto visit our website at Dutch Wine Apprentice.com or click here.