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

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina is joined by Natalie Christensen, Chief Winemaker at Yealands, to explore one of the world's most recognised wine regions: Marlborough in New Zealand. Together they dive into the differences between the Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley, uncovering how climate, soils and geography create remarkably different expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. From aroma compounds and winemaking decisions to sustainability, sub-regionality and the future of New Zealand wine, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to learn about wine, deepen their wine education, understand wine grapes and discover why Marlborough deserves to be considered alongside the great wine regions of the world. There is also plenty of inspiration for wine travel, with Natalie sharing what visitors can expect when exploring the stunning Yealands vineyards on New Zealand's South Island. Shownotes 03:12 – Discovering Marlborough — Natalie introduces New Zealand's most famous wine region and explains what makes the Awatere Valley so unique. 04:15 – Vineyard location matters — how close Yealands' vines sit to the dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 07:17 – Awatere vs Wairau Valley — temperature differences, diurnal shifts and how climate shapes wine styles. 08:20 – Why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is so intense — sunlight, climate and natural vineyard conditions behind its famous aromatic profile. 09:47 – Thiols and methoxypyrazines explained — the aroma compounds that define Sauvignon Blanc and how winemakers influence them. 11:40 – Can Sauvignon Blanc age? Exploring the surprising ageability of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and how its character evolves over time. 14:26 – Understanding the Yealands range — from the flagship Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to Reserve, Single Vineyard and the iconic L5 Block. 16:04 – Tasting Yealands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025 — Janina's tasting notes and what makes this classic New Zealand wine style so appealing. (Retails around £10: Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Ocado) 17:10 – What makes the Reserve different? Natalie explains the vineyard selection and winemaking decisions behind the Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Retails around £12.50: Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado, Morrisons, Waitrose) 20:44 – Expression of grape or expression of place? Why Sauvignon Blanc may be one of the best wine grapes for showcasing terroir. 22:07 - Tasting Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Retailer: ND Johns - £15.50) 25:41 – Tasting Yealands Estate L5 Block 2024 — Yealands' most coastal vineyard site and a Sauvignon Blanc that truly captures a sense of place. (Retailer: ND Johns - £19.45) 33:09 – Yeast selection and fermentation — how different yeast strains influence flavour, texture and aromatic expression. 33:21 – X5 and Delta yeasts — the strains most commonly associated with enhancing Sauvignon Blanc's signature aromatic profile. 37:07 – Babydoll sheep and sustainability — the famous miniature sheep helping manage the vineyards naturally. 38:39 – Sustainability beyond the sheep — cover crops, biodiversity and vineyard practices that improve both wine quality and environmental outcomes. 39:49 – Carbon-positive ambitions — how Yealands is reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy, lightweight bottles and innovative logistics. 41:55 – Sauvignon New Zealand 2027 — Natalie shares details of the upcoming international celebration of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. 42:56 – The future of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — sub-regions, site-specific wines and the rise of boutique producers. 43:50 – Wine travel in New Zealand — what visitors should experience when exploring Yealands and the Awatere Valley. 44:53 – The White Road Tour — scenic viewpoints, wildlife, vineyards and one of New Zealand's most memorable winery experiences. 45:52 – Why visiting vineyards changes everything — how standing among the vines transforms your understanding

Fresh back from Barcelona Wine Week, Janina is joined by Spanish wine expert and UK Sherry Ambassador Ellie Scott to unpack what’s really happening in Spain right now. From the Garnacha revival and the evolution of premium Cava to forgotten grape varieties like Bobal and Airén, this episode explores the exciting diversity of modern Spanish wine. And if you stay until the end, you’ll get a brilliant crash course in how to understand (and truly enjoy) Sherry. Shownotes 02:48 What it’s really like attending Barcelona Wine Week - 90 DOs and 1,300+ wineries. 03:44 90 Spanish DOs represented - how do you even approach tasting at that scale? 06:26 Rosé masterclass - modern Spanish rosado styles beyond the stereotype. 11:07 Garnacha’s revival - altitude, drought resistance and shedding its rustic past. 12:08 Garnacha plantings then vs now - why Tempranillo took over and why Garnacha is rising again. 16:08 Cava’s image problem - how premium categories (Cava de Guarda Superior) are reshaping perceptions. 18:26 Cava with food - why acidity, salt and texture make it a perfect pairing partner. 22:33 What is “Paraje Calificado”? Understanding Cava’s highest quality tier. 23:58 The shift toward quality - organic focus and long lees ageing. 24:41 Standout Cava producers - bottles that truly impressed. 27:02 Discovering DO Alella - Spain’s smallest DO and the grape Pansa Blanca. 29:19 ESWR early Pansa Blanca tasting video. 31:10 Xarel·lo beyond Cava - texture, skin contact and alternative winemaking styles. 33:04 Bodegas Cerrón & rediscovering Airén - from workhorse grape to serious wine. 36:40 Bobal explained - rustic reputation vs premium potential. 38:01 The use of tinajas (clay amphorae) in Utiel-Requena. 38:57 How to visit Utiel-Requena - flying into Valencia and heading inland. 40:02 Tasting Sherry at Barcelona Wine Week - including Diatomists. 40:36 ESWR previous episode featuring Diatomists. 42:11 Five facts about Sherry - dry styles, ageing under flor, food pairing power. 43:48 Cream Sherry vs Pedro Ximénez - sweetness, texture and gateway styles. 46:58 Fino vs Manzanilla - coastal ageing, flor and flavour differences. 48:51 Why Spain offers incredible stylistic diversity - sparkling, fortified, fresh reds and more. 49:14 ESWR episode on Palomino as a still wine. 49:51 Choosing your next Spanish wine - explore beyond Rioja and Albariño. 📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you! 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

In this episode, Janina travels to Croatia, a country best known for its coastline, history and food - but still widely misunderstood when it comes to wine. She is joined by Miquel Hudin, American-Croatian wine writer and founder of the Vinologue book series, to explore Croatia’s regions, indigenous grape varieties, travel tips, and the wines that best represent this diverse and historic wine country.From Dalmatia to Istria, coastal vineyards to continental regions, this is a deep yet accessible guide to Croatian wine for curious drinkers and travellers alike. A quick shout out to this episode’s lovely sponsor Viavinum. I’ve got a special discount code that could earn up 5 or even 8% off your wine tour. Find details at the bottom.* Shownotes 01:50 Fun fact: Zinfandel is Croatian - the genetic link to Crljenak Kaštelanski. 02:25 Via Vinum Wine Tours and bespoke wine travel experiences. 03:48 What makes Croatian wines special - why they’re worth exploring and travelling for. 05:12 Which region best represents Croatia today? 05:59 The impact of tourism on Dubrovnik and Dalmatia after Game of Thrones. 08:00 A three-day wine itinerary in Croatia - where to go and why. 10:00 The wine or region that first sparked Miquel’s passion for wine. 11:49 Is Plavac Mali the most widely planted indigenous red grape? 13:12 Miquel’s personal connection to Plavac Mali and its link to Zinfandel. 13:38 Plavac Mali explained - style, structure, alcohol and flavour profile. 15:41 Why Miquel chose to write the books he did – Dalmatia, Herzegovina and beyond. 18:38 Tasting Pošip – introducing the Stina project. 21:06 Janina’s tasting notes on Pošip – texture, minerality and freshness. 22:22 What makes the Stina project unique - limestone, design and terroir focus. 23:46 Buying the wine in the UK - Stina Pošip (£29 at Strictly Wine). 25:30 The new era of Croatian winemaking after independence. 31:46 What to expect from entry-level vs premium Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana). 34:13 Comparing Pošip and Malvazija Istarska – savoury vs aromatic styles. 35:06 Teran explained – what should people expect from this red grape? 38:20 Teran described in simple terms – “Maybe if Malbec was crossed with Sangiovese?”. 40:26 How far back does winemaking in Croatia really go? 41:47 The most magical winery or vineyard experiences in Croatia. 44:22 How climate change is reshaping Croatian vineyards and regions. 46:36 One bottle to represent Croatian wine – Miquel’s pick. 48:08 Other Croatian grape varieties worth knowing. 51:57 The standout wine of the last year. Visit Hudin’s Top 100 2025. * VIAVINUM WINE TOURS: If you’re dreaming of a wine-filled escape to Italy, I’ve got something special for you. Book a customized wine tour of more than 6 days / 5 nights through my trusted travel partners and use my code EATSLEEPWINE to unlock an exclusive discount: 5% off for private groups of 2 to 5 people 8% off for groups of 6 or more Right now, the full range of private tours isn’t live on the website as they’re being refreshed for the new season — but if you're ready to plan something unforgettable, this is the perfect time to design your own bespoke wine adventure. 📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.ukCheers to you! 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCASTFeatured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION:– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

In the first episode of 2026, Janina is joined by Jane Masters MW and Andrew Neather, co-authors of Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine. Together, they explore what sustainability truly means in today’s wine world — looking beyond buzzwords to examine climate change, vineyard practices, winery operations, packaging, and the often-overlooked human side of wine production.An insightful, honest and thought-provoking conversation about the future of wine and the choices shaping it. You can buy the book at Académie du Vin Library for £20 - but use the code EATSLEEP15 for 15% off any of the books on the site. This episode is sponsored by Zeno: Alcohol Liberated Wines (Non Alcoholic Producer of the Year 2025 with the International London Wine Competition) The wine mentioned is the Zeno Alcohol-Liberated Sparkling £12.50 from Waitrose and Waitrose Cellar. Follow Zeno on Instagram @drinkzeno. Shownotes 02:15 Fun fact of the episode: why some grapes do better in heat that others 06:25 Andrew Neathers introduces himself discussing his background as a wine critic and an environmentalist 08:44 Jane Masters’ background and her long-standing focus on sustainability in the wine industry. 13:00 Synthetic fertilisers and agrochemicals - why they became widespread and their long-term impact on vineyards and ecosystems. 20:50 Organic farming and its limitations - the use of copper and sulphur in humid climates. 26:41 Predator insects in vineyards - replacing chemical treatments with natural solutions. 27:44 The use of drones in viticulture and precision farming. 28:26 Are new technologies accessible to small and medium-sized producers? 29:44 Inside the winery: water, electricity and energy use as major sustainability challenges. 34:46 Sustainability across the wider drinks industry - what meaningful progress really looks like. 36:59 The environmental cost of traditional glass wine bottles. 43:26 Bottle colour, recyclability and consumer perception. 45:30 The human side of sustainability - vineyard and winery workers. 50:59 What Jane Masters and Andrew Neather hope readers will take away from Rooted in Change. 52:51 Use code EATSLEEP15 for 15% of the book Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine. 📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.ukCheers to you! 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCASTFeatured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION:– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

In this episode, Janina welcomes Tom Hewson, champagne correspondent for Decanter and creator of Six Atmospheres, to explore one of her favourite topics: the evolving worlds of Champagne and English sparkling wine. They dive into climate shifts, grape varieties, lost cépages, yields, soil diversity, younger producers, pruning rules, and what the future might look like for both regions.A deep, insightful and truly geeky conversation for sparkling wine lovers. Shownotes 02:19 From jazz musician to sparkling wine specialist - Tom’s unexpected journey. 03:55 Is another English Wine Report coming? Janina asks about future editions. 04:34 Behind the scenes of tasting and writing large regional reports - workload, scale and logistics. 05:57 Comparing vineyard size: hectares planted in England vs Champagne. 07:20 “How big is Champagne?” — breaking down vineyard numbers and grower totals. 09:40 Janina asks whether England is close to defining its own “grand cru” sites; Tom responds on regional potential. 12:42 Comparing English regions: southeast vs southwest, the north, and Wales - how climate shapes categories. 15:41 How climate change is affecting Champagne and England differently - and why “warmer” doesn’t always mean “easier.” 18:29 Maritime vs continental climates - should England and Champagne really be compared? 24:09 Janina asks about Voltis, the first hybrid grape permitted in a French appellation. 25:48 Tom’s experience with lost or forgotten Champagne varieties (Arbanne, Petit Meslier). 31:33 Land prices: cost of vineyard land in Champagne vs England - and why experimentation is easier in the UK. 34:19 Younger Champagne producers embracing Meunier and the rise of single-varietal Meunier wines. 38:27 How much chalk does Champagne actually have? And why England’s soil diversity could be an advantage. 41:26 Is soil diversity a benefit or a complication for England’s future? 44:04 Yields: England vs Champagne - narrowing gaps and the impact of controlled limits. 45:02 What yields Champagne would have without regulatory controls. 47:33 England’s upward trend in yields and how hobby vineyards distort averages. 49:27 Pruning systems: Champagne’s strict rules vs England’s flexibility - should England adopt more structure? 51:37 Sustainability and biodynamics: how both regions are adapting under environmental pressure. 55:34 Agro-tourism in England and Champagne 57:58 Tom’s final recommendations and key takeaways for sparkling wine lovers. 📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you! 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and listed among the top UK wine podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025) – Listed #22 on Drinks Retailing’s 2025 Most Influential People in Drinks