Ep 195: Greek wines and good times with Olly Smith (Part 1)

Welcome back, wine friends! In part two with Jacinta Madison Williams, wine educator and owner of Inflorescence, we dive into five lesser-known red grape varieties perfect for your holiday table and beyond. Discover hidden gems like Bulgaria’s Melnik 55, Austria’s Saint Laurent, and a sweet surprise with Mavrodaphne. As we wrap up the year, Jacinta also opens up about how her ADHD diagnosis has shaped her journey as an entrepreneur, offering inspiration for anyone considering new ventures in 2025. Tune in for wine wisdom, personal growth, and a toast to the year ahead! And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!   If you want to skip ahead:   4.00: The Bulgarian Melnik 55 grape variety 11.00: The Xinomavro variety from Greece 16.50: On to the St. Laurent grape from Austria 21.00: Back to Sicily (mentioned in Part 1) with the Frappato variety 26.55: The sweet fortified wine from Greece - Mavrodaphe of Patras 36.31: How Jacinta’s ADHD diagnosis helped shape her entrepreneurial journey    Follow Jacinta on Instagram @inflorescencewines   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant and entertaining wine educator, Jacinta Maddison Williams, the creative force behind Inflorescence. From hosting paint-and-sip classes to offering DIY wine kits and curating chef experiences with perfect pairings, Jacinta’s passion for wine is infectious. Together, we dive into her Top 5 Lesser-Known White Grape Varieties—a must for your Christmas table or a refreshing start to “Try January.” Forget dry January and embrace discovery with these surprising and delightful wines. And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!   If you want to skip ahead:   07.30: Jacinta’s passion and journey into the world of Wine 15.32: The Koshu grape variety from Yamanashi, Japan 23.54: The Assyrtiko grape from Santorini, Greece (But now in Lebanon!) 27.00: The Chasselas (Fendant) grape from Vaud and Valais in Switzerland 34.31: The Loin de l'oeil grape Variety from Gaillac, France 44.35: The Carricante grape variety from Sicily (Famous in Etna Bianco)   Follow Jacinta on Instagram @inflorescencewines Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

Celebrate a milestone with us on the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast as we reach episode 200! In this special installment, we return for part two with Vince Anter, certified sommelier and founder of V is for Vino. Join us as we journey to Lebanon, a land steeped in winemaking history. Vince shares his heartfelt experiences filming in this remarkable region, highlighting its unique terroir, the harmony of ancient traditions and modern techniques, and the influence of Lebanon's breathtaking mountainous landscapes. From the iconic wineries of Ixsir, Chateau Musar, and Chateau Ksara to unforgettable tastings, this episode is a tribute to the resilience and innovation of Lebanese winemaking and its growing recognition on the global stage. And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special! If you want to skip ahead:   5.00: Lebanon Episode overview - significance of recording in Lebanon and the emotional impact  8.00: The transformative power of travel and intersection of wine, food and heritage 10.00: Exploring Lebanon’s coastline, valleys and mountains 12.00: Ixsir Winery  in Batroun and Chateau Musar in Ghazir 14.00: Wine styles and Heritage - blending tradition with modern winemaking techniques 17.00: Lebanon’s signature Wine traits 17.54: The white grapes Obaideh and Merwah 19.00: Red blends of Bordeaux and Rhône varieties 21.00: Notable Wines and their profiles 22.57: Lebanese Cuisine and wine pairing 26.00: The art of Arak - a grape brandy with Anise, a staple in Lebanese culture 28.15: Resilience of Lebanese people - entrepreneurship and pride in their wine and food 30.00: Why Wine matters in Lebanon - a symbol of cultural pride 34.07: Tips on travelling to and from Lebanon 35.30: The Vino VIP club - Vince’s free youtube channel and exclusive Wine club   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.  

Hello wine friends, and welcome back! We’re thrilled to welcome Vince Anter, the founder behind the acclaimed independent wine series, V is for Vino, where Vince takes us beyond the bottle, exploring the culture, history, and winemaking philosophies that shape some of the world’s most iconic wine regions. Join us as Vince shares his journey into creating this celebrated series, the challenges he’s overcome, and unforgettable stories from his travels. We’ll also get an exclusive sneak peek into his upcoming episode on France’s Loire Valley, renowned for its diverse wines, stunning landscapes, and legendary castles. Plus, don’t miss his passionate take on Chenin Blanc and the hidden gems of the region. And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!   If you want to skip ahead: 4.00: How wine Inspired Vince’s Journey 6.00: Early plans for the wine club and the start of V for Vino 14.05: The upcoming Loire Valley podcast episode 14.30: Value and diversity of Loire Wines 17.30: Versatility of Chenin Blanc in detail 16.17: The boom of Chenin Blanc in California 29.30: Discovering the depth of Muscadet and the different Crus 24.30: Loire Valley’s Rosé styles 27.00: Cabernet Franc’s Terroir Expression 32.00: Sauvignon Blanc and Gamay from Touraine region 33.10: The Castles of Touraine 36.40: Why you must visit Nantes 38.44: Cycling along the Loire River 42.34: Domaine Huet and Nicolas Joly - the big names in the Loire   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

Hello, wine friends! In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Canned Wine Co., a brand making waves by doing things differently. Instead of the usual bulk production, Canned Wine Co. sources premium single-varietal wines from Europe’s top vineyards, putting quality first. Recently, I had the chance to visit the stunning Loire Valley, where I met winemaker Lionel Gosseaume and tasted his premium Gamay—first from the bottle, then from the can. The incredible part? You could barely tell the difference! I even joined the harvest, witnessing the dedication that goes into each grape, and now I want to share that experience with you. To dig deeper into the art and science of quality wine canning, I’m joined by Ben Franks, co-founder of Canned Wine Co. And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special! If you want to skip ahead:   03.09: Becoming a wine entrepreneur and Camel Valley’s influence on Ben’s journey 05.25: Early wine influences 07.21: The creation of Novel Wines 10.00: The leap into creating Canned Wine Co 12.25: Challenges of canning premium wines 15.32: The tiny PH limits for canning wine and problems with Savignon Blanc 19.38: A 2 year shelf life on the cans 22.26: Choosing the varietals to go into can 26.08: Discovering the Gamay of Lionel Gosseaume - a Loire Winemaker 28.50: Old Vine Gamay 30.09: Comparing Gamay from Loire and Beaujolais 31.59: Food pairing with Canned Wine Co Gamay 35.14: Experience of comparison tasting the same Gamay from bottle and can out of glass 37.31: Sauvignon Blanc paired with the Loire Valley Goat’s Cheeses 38.24: The wine region for Sauvignon Blanc: Oisly 42:48: Ability for wine expiration with several Canned Wine Co wines 44:19: Sustainability of canned wines 45:38: Technical understanding of how to can wine 48.13: The design of the labels 51:09: The benefits of pouring canned wine into a glass to enhance its flavor and aroma. 53.18: Addressing myths on the quality of canned wine Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

Welcome back, wine friends! In this episode, we're diving into the heart of Provence with a recap of an incredible visit to Chateau Sainte Marguerite, a prestigious Cru Classé estate in the Côte de Provence. I’ll be sharing insights into Provence’s wine regions, including the lesser-known La Londe appellation, and debunking some common myths, like the idea that grape harvesters are only for mass-produced wines. You’ll also get a taste of the unique sensory experiences offered at the winery and learn more about what makes Cru Classé wines so special in Provence. And, of course, I’ll share some mouth-watering food pairings to complement these exceptional wines. And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special! If you want to skip ahead:   3.16: The Provence wine region 3.42: The history of Provence: The oldest wine region in France 4.54: The grapes of Provence and the Rosé wine blend 6.16: The sub regions of Provence 7.26: La Londe sub region 10.16: Quality wine production using grape harvesters  13.15: What is a Cru Classé winery in the AOC Côtes de Provence 15.21: The typical blend of Château Sainte Marguerite 16.03: Being organic and producing vegan wines 17.05: Pressing the grapes, and the gentle winemaking approach needed for Provence Rosé wine production 19.38: The Three Rosés from Château Sainte Marguerite: Symphonie 2023 £26 Strictly Wine and ND John Wines Fantastique 2023 £40 Great Wine Co and Strictly Wine Marguerite's Rosé Collection 2023 €55 Direct from Château Sainte Marguerite 21.30: The Sensory Experience offered at Château Sainte Marguerite 22.55: Food pairing with these wines   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.  

Join us for part two of our chat with the brilliant Olly Smith! You may know him from Saturday Kitchen or the Three Wine Men shows, where he’s won over audiences with his passion for wine and engaging storytelling. In this episode, Olly shares his insights on English wine’s rise to fame, the distinct flavors of Tokaji, and why Australia’s Yarra Valley is a must-visit for wine lovers. Plus, he takes us behind the scenes of working alongside chef José Pizarro on the P&O Food Heroes holidays. Grab a glass and tune in for more wine tales and laughter with Olly! And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special! If you want to skip ahead:   03.08: Ollie shares some wine experiences from Tokaj and tasting raw Tokaji in the vineyards 07.58: Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley and understanding the region from above 09.53: De Bortoli Botrytis Semillon dessert wine (the benchmark of Australian ‘Botrytis’ dessert winemaking) 10.46: The Mac Forbes wines 11.28: Supporting charities through Celbrity game shows 13.47: Wine Society’s commitment: Sustainability focus 15.28: 150 years of the Wine Society: Celebrating heritage wines 17.15: Importance of sustainability in wine purchasing 20.19: Risks and rewards of growing wine grapes in England 23.05: Describing English Chardonnay vs. Chablis 26.25: Olly’s "Jazz Rolodex" for unexpected wine finds 28.18: Bacchus as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc 30.12: Olly’s Bacchus wine recommendations 36.08: Upcoming event - Olly's Christmas tasting with Oz and Tim: The Big Christmas Wine Fest 36.52: Previous episode with Tim Atkin MW (Ep 163 RIOJA and Ep 164 RIBERA DEL DUERO) 39.03: The Glass House concept: Wine bars on P&O cruises and Food Hero Cruise Experiences  41.34:  Moscato d'Asti  43.28: Tasting sessions on P&O cruises 45.44: Favorite wine and food pairings with Jose Pizzaro’s dishes 47.48: Debunking wine myths  49.03: Misconceptions about serving temperatures for wines 50.36: Favourite wine gadget 51.12: Desert Island wine: Wines from Peter Hall 52.42: BBC Two appearance this November 2024 on Between the Covers Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

Hello, wine friends! Get ready for a fun-filled episode featuring the one and only Olly Smith—aka Jolly Olly! Known for his contagious enthusiasm on wine TV, Olly joins us for an exciting look into Greek wines. We’ll explore unique grape varieties, up-and-coming wine regions in Greece, and even discover Ollie’s top island to visit. But that’s not all! We’ll also chat about his time on Saturday Kitchen, his surprising food and wine pairings, and his experience hosting his own podcast A Glass With, where he’s interviewed stars like Kylie Minogue and Pink, who both make their own wines. And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special! If you want to skip ahead:   03.39: Olly’s most crazy wine stories whilst travelling - Santorini hangover cures and Llama attacks 06.58: Olly’s first wine experience  09.06: A love for Greek wine and why 11.28: Greek white wine varieties - Moschofilero and Malagousia 10.42: Vidiano from Oenops Winery in Crete 13.09: DIscussion of greek rosé varieties - Read Olly’s article on Greek Rosé HERE 13.20: Xinomavro Rosé by Thymiopoulos 14.22: Clio by Muses Estate 15.32: Greece’s terroir and the role of its altitude and climate 16.52: The greek wines from Crete 18.06: Vidiano and Liatico wines by Iliana Malihin 19.26: Lyrarkis winery 21.05: The first Retsina to get 97 points and platinum with Decanter World Wine Awards: Tears of the Pine 23.04: Savatiano from Domaine Papagiannikos 24.03: Malagousia from Gerovassiliou 26.02: The almost extinct Kidonitsa grape variety and winery Monemvasia 28.24: Another recommended winery: Domaine Skouras 30.09: Recommendations on greek islands to visit 33.26: Greek food and wine pairing - Moussaka and Xinomavro 36.12: Pairing with Sage and with Nero di Troia  39.01: Olly’s Podcast journey - Listen HERE 40.54: Celebrity guest Dawn French 41.52: Kylie Minogue’s wine range 43.18: Celebrity wines: Inglenook featured on Ep 61 of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Podcast 44.36: Britpop by Alex James 46:57: Pink’s winery Two Wolves   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

Hello, wine friends, and welcome back to part two of our conversation with Jason Haas from Tablas Creek. If you missed last week's episode, be sure to catch up, where Jason enlightened us on some rare Rhône varieties like Counoise and Terret Noir. In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's close to many of our listeners' hearts: sustainability and responsible farming. Tablas Creek became the world's first Regenerative Organic Certified winery in 2020, so Jason is the ideal guest to walk us through soil health, biodiversity in vineyards, and how even sheep and insects play a positive role in the ecosystem. We’ll also explore how to manage pests without synthetic chemicals and the advantages of cover crops. Plus, we’ll be tasting their fantastic 2023 Patelin de Tablas Rosé, now available not just in bottles but also in an eco-friendly bag-in-box format. We’ll chat about the environmental impact of packaging and whether premium wines in boxes could be the future.  And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special!   If you want to skip ahead: 03.34: The inspiration behind Jason committing to sustainable and regenerative farming practices at Tablas Creek 05.38: Examples of how to create an ecosystem that is in in balance on the farm 07.19: Converting a block to biodynamic farming and the results 10.27: The Regenerative Organic Alliance Group and joining the program 13.28: Best techniques in the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere 16.13: Benefit of sheep and other animals positioned around the vineyard 19.11: DIscussing the use of certain insects and their effectiveness 22.27: Premium wine in a box, and the 2020 Greenhouse gas self-audit 29.52: Benefits of wine in in sustainably sourced packaging, and pros vs cons in comparison to glass bottles 32.27: What each Chateauneuf du pape varietal adds to the Rosé blend  35.08: Tasting notes and flavour profile of the Patelin de Tablas Rosé 2023 The Wine Society £69 3L Bag in Box 38.45: The ripple effect this packaging alternative may bring to the industry 41.36: The convenience of wine in a box when traveling 42.37: Consumers understanding of sustainability in wine and regenerative farming practices 47.31: The Tablas Creek Blog 48.43: Jason Haas nominatee of the Wine Star Award 2024 for person of the year! Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Haas, proprietor of the renowned Tablas Creek Vineyard, a leader in California’s Rhône varietal revolution. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Tablas Creek, founded in partnership with the iconic Château de Beaucastel from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France. Jason shares his deep knowledge of the unique characteristics of Rhône varietals that thrive in California’s terroir. Whether you’re a Rhône enthusiast or new to these varietals, this episode offers insights into the grapes behind one of the world’s most revered wine styles. And a special thanks to Coravin, our sponsor for this episode, for giving wine enthusiasts the chance to explore wines one glass at a time without uncorking the entire bottle. Tune in for an inspiring chat, and don't forget to pour yourself something special! Cheers! If you want to skip ahead: 02.23: How the relationship started between Tablas Creek and  Château de Beaucastel 07.15: Why choose Paso Robles wine region for planting Rhône Varietals 10.55: Terroir differences further inland in Paso Robles where more  Bordeaux, Spanish varietals and Zinfandel are being planted 13.09: How does the Adelaide AVA region where Tablas Creek is, compare to Châteauneuf-du-Pape 15.17: The best advice recieved from The Perrin Family of Château de Beaucastel 18.00: The Challenges of importing cuttings from Château de Beaucastel and the complications of them passing their quarantine 23.32: Muscardin - the final grape to be imported and soon to be released as a single varietal 25.12: Tasting the flagship red - Espirit de Tablas Rouge 2020 and what each varietal adds to the blend (Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, Counoise, Vaccarese, Cinsaut) Vinvm (2017 vintage) £50.30 30.12: The benefits of Mouvedre being the lead in the wine 31.31: Vintage differences, the fires of 2020, and five year drought 36.04: Tasting the flagship white- Espirit de Tablas Blanc 2020 and what each varietal adds to the blend (Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Picardan) Vinvm (2019 vintage) £44.05 40.22: Comparing the 2019 vintage to 2020 41.50: Discussing the single grape varietal wines 45.48: Growth of Rhône Rangers in California and the Tablas Creek Nursery supplying them   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at 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 FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.