Jo Coburn: From Kabul to the Commons—and a Glass of Albariño on the Side

About this episode

Jo Coburn shares her experiences in political broadcasting and her love for wine.

This week on Vintage Politics, we’re joined by Jo Coburn a broadcaster whose career has taken her far beyond the Westminster studio. From reporting on a Prime Ministerial Afghanistan visit to travelling with the political press pack during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Jo Coburn has witnessed global politics up close as well as at home. Alongside reflections on decades of political change, she also shares a lighter side—her fondness for a crisp glass of Albariño or the indulgent sweetness of Pedro Ximénez—proving that even the sharpest political minds appreciate a well-chosen vintage. Wines featured Mid week wine: The Guv’nor red ( Majestic ) Joseph Perrier Vintage Champagne 2008 ( Hedonism ) Martín Códax 'Cantigas' Albariño 2022 ( Majestic ) Chateau Cheval Blanc 1967 ( Hedonism ) Gonzalez Byass 'Noe' Pedro Ximénez VORS 30 years ( Majestic )

People in this episode

Host: Abbie Bennington

Guest: Jo Coburn

Topics covered

• political broadcasting
• global politics
• wine appreciation
• political change
• personal anecdotes

Keywords

• Jo Coburn
• politics
• broadcasting
• wine
• Albariño
• Pedro Ximénez
• Kabul
• Beijing
• Westminster

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Majestic, Hedonism

Products: The Guv’nor red, Joseph Perrier Vintage Champagne 2008, Martín Códax 'Cantigas' Albariño 2022, Chateau Cheval Blanc 1967, Gonzalez Byass 'Noe' Pedro Ximénez VORS 30 years

Places: Kabul, Beijing, Westminster

More episodes of Vintage Politics

• From Spin Doctor to Baroness: Ayesha Hazarika on Politics, Comedy & Power · May 14, 2026 · 45 min
• Empire’s End: Lessons from Hong Kong and a Life in Power with Lord Patten · May 7, 2026 · 46 min
• John Pienaar: Brexit, Boris and Champagne at Dawn · April 30, 2026 · 50 min
• Decca Aitkenhead: Sauvignon Blanc, “weird" wines and conversations with The Chancellor of the Exchequer at his Highland croft · April 23, 2026 · 42 min
• Guto Harri: His political broadcasting career, the final days of Boris in Number 10 and a passion for Rhône Reds · April 16, 2026 · 33 min
• Dom Joly: Politics, pranks and a love for Lebanese wine. · April 2, 2026 · 40 min