Ep 262 – The Science & Magic of Aged Wine with Kelli White

Ep 266 – Old Vines, Heritage Grapes & Hidden Wine Regions with Nomadic Winemaker Darren Smith

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina is joined by nomadic winemaker Darren Smith, founder of The Finest Wines Available to Humanity [https://www.tfwath.com/]. Having worked harvests across Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Portugal, Spain and the Canary Islands, Darren shares stories from some of the world's most overlooked wine regions and explains why old vines, heritage wine grapes and local traditions continue to inspire his winemaking philosophy. Together, they explore País, Negra Criolla, Quebranta and Palomino, discovering how these historic wine grapes travelled across continents and evolved into unique regional identities. Along the way, they discuss minimal intervention winemaking, tree-trained vineyards, volcanic terroir and flor-aged wines, while uncovering extraordinary wine travel destinations that rarely make the spotlight. Whether you want to learn about wine, deepen your wine education, discover lesser-known wine regions, understand heritage grape varieties or plan your next wine travel adventure, this wine podcast episode is packed with fascinating stories, expert insight and remarkable wines.   Shownotes 02:45 – Darren Smith's journey into wine — from journalism and wine writing to becoming a nomadic winemaker. 04:13 – Working with Dirk Niepoort [https://www.niepoort.pt/en/] — lessons learned from one of the world's most influential winemakers. 06:35 – How Dirk Niepoort's [https://www.tfwath.com/blogs/news/niepoort-vinhos] philosophy of infusion over extraction helped shape Darren's own approach to winemaking. 07:34 – The story behind The Finest Wines Available to Humanity [https://www.instagram.com/tfwath/] and the inspiration for Darren's unconventional wine brand. 08:44 – Why Chile became a defining chapter in Darren's nomadic winemaking journey. 10:59 – The biggest challenge of constantly moving between wine regions, grape varieties and winemaking cultures. 12:46 – País explained — working with Chile's historic heritage grape and why it's perfect for modern chillable red wine styles. 17:21 – Life in Bío Bío, Chile — old vines, traditional farming and one of South America's most exciting wine regions. 19:21 – Minimal intervention wines in southern Chile — preserving purity, freshness and vineyard character. 21:07 – Tasting a País from Ignacio Pino [https://www.tfwath.com/blogs/news/ignacio-pino-roman-itata-chile] in Itata — 150-year-old vines, granite soils and remarkable precision. 21:51 – Janina's tasting notes — lavender, herbs, freshness and the delicate character of old-vine País. 24:21 – Darren Smith and Ignacio Pino Roman’s 2022 Itata País £32 TFWATH.COM [http://tfwath.com]  25:08 – Negra Criolla explained — the Bolivian expression of Listán Prieto and its fascinating history across the Americas. 29:14 – Bolivia's tree-trained vineyards — why the Cinti Valley looks more like a jungle than a vineyard. 31:13 – País / Negra Criolla — how the same grape variety is nuanced in different regions and how terroir shapes this grapee. 32:07 – Jardín Oculto [https://www.jardinoculto.com/] and the rise of Bolivia's most talked-about winery. 33:59 – Bolivia's extreme vineyards — some of the highest wine-growing sites in South America. 35:11 – Viñas Viejas Negra Criolla 2024 [https://www.jardinoculto.com/vino-negra-criolla-molle-pampa]  from Bolivia's Cinti Valley (Not currently available in UK) 35:35 – Ica, Peru — discovering one of South America's oldest and most important wine regions. 37:24 – Quebranta explained — Peru's signature grape variety and its connection to Listán Prieto. 38:39 – Peru's desert vineyards — Pacific influence, sandy soils and the geography that shapes these wines. 39:59 – Working with Raúl Moreno [https://www.tfwath.com/blogs/news/raul-moreno-yague-jerez-spain] — Palomino, Jerez and the revival of unfortified expressions of the grape. 42.58 - Darren Smith and Raul Moreno’s Palomino 2022 £36 TFWATH.COM [http://tfwath.com] 43:31 – Jerez and albariza soils — flor ageing, terroir and Darren's experience making Palomino in southern Spain. 47:30 – Further Palomino recommendations — producers to explore including Luis Pérez, Ramiro Ibáñez and Raúl Moreno. 49:04 – What Darren learned from Victoria Torres Pecis [https://www.tfwath.com/blogs/news/victoria-torres-pecis] and why La Palma remains one of the most inspiring wine travel destinations in the world. 53:08 – Trás-os-Montes explained — one of Portugal's least-known wine regions and its historic field blends. 53.42 - Darren Smith and Arribas Wine Company [https://arribaswine.com/] Palhete 2024 £32 TFWATH.COM [http://tfwath.com] 54:51 – Tinta Gorda (Juan García) — a little-known grape variety helping define the wines of Trás-os-Montes. 57:52 – The most misunderstood wine region Darren has worked in — and why Jerez deserves far more attention than just Sherry. 📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk [http://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 and 2026) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list

Ep265 - Romanian Wine Explained: Indigenous Grapes, Fetească Neagră & Europe's Most Underrated Wine Region with Cramele Recas

Romania is home to some of Europe's most exciting indigenous grape varieties, yet remains one of the continent's most overlooked wine destinations. In this episode, Janina sits down with Winemaking duo and Husband and Wife, Nora Iriarte and Hartley Smithers of Cramele Recaș [https://cramelerecas.ro/] to explore Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală and Fetească Albă, uncovering why Romanian wine deserves far more attention from wine lovers around the world.  Along the way, they debate cork versus screwcap, discuss natural fermentation and minimal intervention winemaking, explain how climate change is affecting Romanian vineyards, and reveal the realities of producing quality wine at scale.  You'll also discover Romania's key wine regions, get wine travel recommendations for Timișoara, learn why Fetească Neagră is one of Europe's most exciting red grapes, and hear firsthand what modern Romanian winemaking looks like today.  Shownotes   1:45 – Introduction to Cramele Recas and their sustainability credentials   3:49 – An overview of the wine regions in Romania 06:19 – Nora's unforgettable introduction to the wine world and the hilarious misunderstanding that filled her car with wine samples. 09:13 – Hartley's biggest lesson after decades in wine: why not everything in wine education should be accepted without question. 13:03 – Cork versus screwcap: a candid discussion about wine closures and preserving wine quality. 14:35 – The winemaking tasks they secretly love most, from lees stirring to hand plunging. 17:24 – Nora's passion for blending logistics, mathematics and winery efficiency. 18:53 – Romania's key indigenous wine grapes explained: Fetească Regală, Fetească Albă and Fetească Neagră. 21:34 – Tasting M&S Fetească Albă (£8 Ocado [https://www.ocado.com/products/m-s-found-feteasca-alba/660300011?srsltid=AfmBOoqBgYIhD05mYnil9si00ojBWLWrfYPd0ply7UTg3iiERz-MoIsv]): flavour profile, food pairing suggestions and why Romanian whites deserve more attention. 24:10 – Why Romanian wines deliver exceptional value and how Cramele Recaș [https://cramelerecas.ro/] maintains quality at every price point. 26:18 – The hidden challenges of producing wine in million-litre fermentation tanks. 29:19 – Minimal intervention winemaking and preserving the true expression of the grapes. 30:54 – Tasting Selene Fetească Neagră 2023 (£19.14 Firth & Co [https://www.firthandco.com/feteasca-negra-selene-2023-cramele-recas-banat-romania/]): Romania's flagship red grape and its distinctive silky tannins. 32:51 – Other native Romanian varieties and the growing international interest in indigenous wines. 35:02 – Exploring Romania's wine regions: Banat, Transylvania, Moldova and the influence of climate and geography. 36:50 – Expanding beyond Banat: the story behind Cramele Recaș's second winery near Moldova. 37:33 – Higher altitude vineyards, sparkling wine production and where Romania's coolest wine regions are found. 38:46 – Climate change, vineyard resilience and adapting to increasingly unpredictable vintages. 39:50 – The biggest challenges facing Romanian wine over the next twenty years. 44:54 – What Nora and Hartley brought back from Australia to improve modern Romanian winemaking. 45:38 – Which wine grape is the hardest to get right every vintage? The challenge of Fetească Neagră. 48:12 – A perfect wine travel itinerary for Timișoara [https://visit-timisoara.com/], one of Europe's most underrated cultural destinations. 51:29 – ROVINHUD: [https://www.rovinhud.com/] the Romanian wine festival every wine lover should know about. 52:52 – What visitors should pay attention to when touring Cramele Recaș.   📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk [http://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 and 2026) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list

Ep 264 – Wine Glasses Explained: Does Glass Shape Really Change the Taste of Wine? With Max Riedel

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina sits down with Max Riedel [https://www.instagram.com/maxiriedel/] of Riedel Glassware [https://www.instagram.com/riedel_official/] to explore one of the most debated topics in wine education and wine tasting: does the shape of a wine glass really change the way wine tastes? From the science behind bowl size, rim diameter and aroma delivery to grape-specific wine glasses, decanters and the evolution of modern wine styles, Max shares insights from the Riedel family's glassmaking tradition dating back to 1756. Together, they discuss how different wine regions, wine grapes and winemaking approaches influence glass design, why varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay require different shapes, and how wine lovers can improve their wine appreciation through simple tasting experiments. The conversation also explores decanting wine, collecting fine wine, memorable bottles, and the changing landscape of global wine culture. Whether you're passionate about wine education, curious about the impact of glassware on sensory perception, or simply looking to learn about wine and deepen your understanding of wine, this wine podcast episode is packed with practical insights, expert advice and fascinating stories from one of the most influential names in the wine world. 03:06 – Demystifying wine glasses — why aesthetics and weight matter less than functionality and sensory performance. 05:07 – The science behind glass shape — bowl size, rim diameter and how they influence aroma and flavour perception. 08:53 – Developing glasses for different wine regions — how feedback from winemakers shapes future designs. 10:56 – Why the right glass matters — Max explains the famous Riedel tasting experience comparing wines in different Riedel Veloce glasses [https://www.riedel.com/en-gb/collections/riedel-veloce]. 13:31 – Chardonnay vs Pinot Noir glasses — why one Burgundy glass is not enough for two very different wine grapes. 16:38 – Growing up in the Riedel family — glassmaking history, storytelling and a family business dating back to 1756. 19:13 – Inside Max’s cellar — collecting wines, buying en primeur and the excitement of aging bottles over time. 20:42 – How many bottles are in Max Riedel’s cellar? A glimpse into a serious wine collection. 21:30 – Family memories in wine — wedding wines, children's vintages and a remarkable bottle dating back to 1756. 23:13 – Decanters explained — sediment, aeration and why decanting is about more than just old wines. 24:59 – Choosing a favourite decanter — Max discusses the iconic Riedel Amadeo Decanter [https://www.riedel.com/en/shop/decantador/amadeo-decanter-175600013] and its connection to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 27:00 – How to clean a decanter properly — simple maintenance tips for keeping crystal glassware spotless. 29:43 – Wine regions that inspire Max — from Austria and Alsace to the future of German Riesling. 32:23 – Why Pinot Noir is so challenging — regional differences, minerality and the need for highly specific glass shapes. 33:55 – Choosing a Riedel range — from machine-made collections to handmade lines such as Fatto A Mano [https://www.riedel.com/en-gb/collections/fatto-a-mano-by-riedel] and Manufaktur. [https://www.riedel.com/en-gb/collections/riedel-manufaktur/vitis]  36:09 – Sunday Wine Fun Day — family adventures, social media fame and opening great wines in unusual places. 38:07 – The oldest wine Max has tasted — an extraordinary blind tasting of an 1865 Bordeaux. 39:15 – The largest bottle Max has opened — sharing wine from an 18-litre bottle and the challenges that come with it. 40:24 – The wine grape that continues to surprise him — why Grüner Veltliner deserves more attention from wine lovers. 42:05 – Upcoming RIEDEL experiences [https://www.riedel.com/en-gb/events]— Max shares details about future tastings and wine glass events across the UK.  📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk [http://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 and 2026) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

Ep 263 – Armenia Wine Explained: Ancient Wine Regions, Indigenous Grapes & the World’s Oldest Vineyards with Caroline Gilby MW

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to one of the oldest and most fascinating wine regions in the world: Armenia. Joined by Master of Wine Caroline Gilby [https://www.instagram.com/carolinegilby/], this episode explores why Armenia is becoming one of the most exciting destinations for adventurous wine lovers, wine travel enthusiasts and anyone wanting to learn about wine beyond the classic regions. Together, they dive into Armenia’s volcanic terroir, high-altitude vineyards, ancient winemaking history and indigenous wine grapes, including Areni Noir and Voskehat. They also discuss pre-phylloxera vines, clay amphora traditions, Armenian oak, modern winemaking evolution and why this ancient culture is entering a remarkable new chapter in wine education and global recognition. If you want to learn about wine beyond the classic regions, explore indigenous wine grapes, or discover one of the world’s most fascinating wine travel destinations, this episode is for you.  02:42 – From science to wine — Caroline Gilby MW’s transition into the wine world and the tasting experiences that changed her career. 04:37 – Why Central and Eastern European wine regions became Caroline’s lifelong focus instead of classic destinations like France or California. 07:13 – Armenia explained — mountains, altitude, volcanic soils and one of the oldest wine cultures in the world. 09:25 – Volcanic terroir and minerality — how Armenia’s soils shape freshness, acidity and linear wine styles. 10:41 – Pre-phylloxera vineyards — volcanic soils, ancient vines and the impact of Soviet-era brandy production on Armenian wine. 13:12 – Vayots Dzor explained — Armenia’s flagship wine region and home to some of the country’s most exciting producers. 13:35 – Zorah [https://www.zorahwines.com/] and the Areni-1 Cave — discovering the world’s oldest known organised winery. 16:26 – The “newest old world wine country” — how Armenia’s ancient wine history connects with modern precision winemaking. 19:04 – Areni Noir explained — Armenia’s signature red wine grape, often described as Pinot Noir meets Corvina. 21:01 – Voskehat explained — Armenia’s flagship white wine grape and why it is gaining attention in modern wine education. 22:42 – Indigenous wine grapes — Armenia’s hundreds of native grape varieties and the revival of forgotten vineyards. 25:11 – Wine travel in Armenia — visiting wineries like Old Bridge [https://www.oldbridgewinery.com/] and exploring Vayots Dzor’s remote wine culture.  25:52 – Planning wine travel in Armenia — winery visits, tastings and local hospitality experiences at Armas Wine Tours & Tastings [http://www.armas.am/en/tours-and-tastings?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and Old Bridge Winery Restaurant [https://www.oldbridgewinery.com/restaurant?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. 27:26 – Armenian hospitality — slower-paced wine travel, local food, monasteries and authentic cultural experiences. 27:45 – The Armenia Vineyard Trail [https://armeniamarathon.org/events/trail] — running through vineyards at altitude and finishing with a glass of Areni Noir. 29:19 – Beyond Vayots Dzor — other Armenian wine regions and emerging grape varieties to know. 30:54 – Armenian wine vs Georgian wine — clay vessels, skin contact wines and key stylistic differences between the neighbouring wine cultures. 33:02 – Relearning lost traditions — Armenia’s efforts to revive ancient clay vessel winemaking techniques. 36:20 – The biggest transformation in Armenian wine over the last 15 years — cleaner winemaking, experimentation and growing confidence. 37:16 – Tasting Areni Noir in clay, stainless steel and Armenian oak — how different vessels shape texture and style. 38:30 – Armenian oak explained — a distinctive oak species with unique balsamic characteristics and current supply challenges. 39:30 – Why Armenian wine is still evolving — experimentation, identity and the excitement of a young modern wine industry. 40:19 – The Armenian wine moment that changed Caroline Gilby’s perspective forever. 41:28 – How to buy Armenian wine — specialist importers and producers like Zorah and Armas [http://www.armas.am/].  42:25 – Armenian wine prices — why these wines are not cheap and why they still represent strong value. 43:14 – Tasting Zorah Areni Noir [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU2zvyj9YTo] — freshness, concentration and excitement for Armenia’s future.  44:43 – Feeling overwhelmed by wine regions and wine grapes? Caroline’s advice for building wine knowledge through curiosity and exploration. 45:20 – Armenian culture beyond wine — monasteries, museums, food, history and why Armenia is a powerful wine travel destination. 📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk [http://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 and 2026) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list Grounded in the uploaded transcript and markers.

Ep 262 – The Science & Magic of Aged Wine with Kelli White

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina explores one of the most fascinating topics in wine education: aged wine. This is a deep dive into how wine changes over time, designed for anyone who wants to learn about wine, understand classic wine regions, and build confidence in tasting and evaluating wine. Joined by award-winning wine writer and educator Kelli White [https://www.instagram.com/kelliwhitewine/], this wine podcast episode unpacks what really happens inside a bottle as it ages - from tannins and acidity to sediment, closures, and storage conditions. Together, they explore how and why certain wine grapes and wines from regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Barolo develop complexity and character with age, while others lose their structure. Along the way, they also discuss wine travel experiences, the emotional side of opening mature bottles, and what it really means to build a wine collection — whether you are just starting out or already passionate about aged wines. Whether you’re looking to learn about wine more deeply, explore iconic wine regions, or simply understand what makes aged wine so special, this episode brings together science, storytelling, and the romance of wine in one place.     02:31 – The first bottle that made Kelli White realise wine could be something profound. 03:46 – The first truly old wine Kelli tasted — an unforgettable Burgundy experience during harvest in France. 05:19 – Ceremony, emotion and memory — how older wines become part of life experiences. 06:57 – What’s currently in Kelli’s cellar — older Napa Valley wines, including a rare Charbono from Inglenook [https://inglenook.com/]. 08:22 – Saving wines for special occasions — Burgundy, patience and deciding when to open a bottle. 09:08 – When does a wine become truly complex? Understanding the transition from youthful fruit to mature character in wines from regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy and Barolo. 10:48 – What actually happens inside a bottle over time — tannins, aromas, colour, acidity, classic wine grapes and texture explained.  19:23 – Why wine aging is unpredictable — evolving components, plateaus and misconceptions about “peak drinking windows.” 24:04 – What really helps wine age? Acidity, tannin, balance, craftsmanship and the role of wine storage. 26:11 – Ideal wine storage conditions — temperature, humidity, darkness and why consistency matters. 28:51 – Wine aging experiments — underwater cellaring, wines sent into space and a past wine podcast episode featuring Jane Anson [https://kite.link/Ep182EnPrimeur]. 29:32 – Common wine storage mistakes — kitchen heat, air conditioning units and sunlight exposure. 32:32 – Cork vs screw cap — closures, oxygen transfer and how modern wine technology is evolving. 34:39 – Hill of Grace by Henschke [https://www.henschke.com.au/pages/hill-of-grace-vineyard] — one of Australia’s iconic fine wines proving premium wines can age under screw cap. 35:08 – Sediment explained — tannins, tartrate crystals, lees and why older wines develop deposits. 38:13 – How to train your palate for aged wine — practical ways to explore mature wines and discover your preferences. 42:46 – Decanting old wine — when oxygen helps and when it can completely destroy a fragile bottle. 45:26 – Janina’s experience opening a 1940s Château Troplong Mondot Bordeaux [https://www.troplong-mondot.com/en/our-wines] during restaurant service. 47:48 – Advice for anyone building a wine collection — curiosity, experimentation and keeping an open mind about wine styles. 48:28 – Unexpected wines that age beautifully — including rosés from López de Heredia [https://www.lopezdeheredia.com/indexgb.html], Clos Cibonne [https://www.clos-cibonne.com/gb/accueil.html] and Domaine Tempier [https://www.domainetempier.com/en/homepage/]. 50:32 – Kelli White’s book Wine Confident [https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/wine-confident-there-is-no-wrong-way-to-enjoy-wine-kelli-a-white?_pos=1&_sid=cc825d49f&_ss=r] and Janina’s listener discount code EATSLEEP15 for Academie du Vin Library. 📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk [http://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 and 2026) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list