EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast

In this episode, Janina travels to Switzerland’s Valais – a dramatic Alpine region that is home to one of the highest concentrations of indigenous grape varieties in the world.

She is joined by José Vouillamoz, leading authority on grape origins and DNA profiling, co-author of Wine Grapes, and author of Swiss Grapes, to explore Valais’ ancient varieties, genetic mysteries, heroic viticulture and why this small region quietly produces some of the world’s best Syrah.

From Petit Arvine and Amigne to Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and age-worthy Chasselas (Fendant), this is a fascinating deep dive into Swiss wine history, science and flavour.

02:59 The coolest fact about Valais - the world’s smallest vineyard owned by the Dalai Lama.

05:21 Janina links back to her episode (Ep 75) on the most unique vineyards in the world.

05:59 Why Valais is genetically unique - indigenous grapes found nowhere else.

07:22 Is Valais the most concentrated region for native grape varieties?

10:01 The Alpine landscape - terraces, dry stone walls and heroic viticulture.

12:22 Where to begin with indigenous grapes - Petit Arvine explained.

14:02 Angelo Gaja’s failed attempt to plant Arvine in Piemonte.

15:47 Arvine vs Petit Arvine – understanding the naming confusion.

16:51 How producers label Arvine today - Petit Arvine or simply Arvine?

17:20 The rare Gross Arvine - what it is and why it almost disappeared.

19:14 What does Gross Arvine taste like?

19:58 Amigne - Valais’ misunderstood chameleon grape.

21:15 The bee-label system that indicates sweetness levels in Amigne wines.

22:24 Heida (Savagnin/Païen/Traminer) - is it indigenous to Valais?

24:07 Can you identify Valais Heida in a blind tasting?

26:21 Other white grapes worth seeking out - Humagne Blanc and Rèze.

28:57 Chasselas (Fendant) - why it plays such an important role in Valais.

31:19 The ageing mystery - how low-acid Chasselas can evolve for decades.

33:10 Humagne Blanc vs Humagne Rouge - is there a genetic connection?

36:04 Cornalin (Rouge du Pays) - why this red is worth discovering.

38:28 Humagne Rouge - flavour profile and distinctive character.

39:35 Syrah in Valais - why this may be its northern quality limit.

45:26 If you try only one grape from Valais - which should it be?

46:15 Must-visit spots - Zermatt, the Matterhorn, Aletsch Glacier and Visperterminen vineyards.

49:26 The food to try - authentic Swiss raclette and ideal wine pairings.

51:23 José’s book Swiss Grapes and the upcoming updated edition.

 

To discover more about the Valais wine region go to https://swisswinevalais.ch/en/

Follow José Vouillamoz on Instagram for more insights into Swiss wine, grape genetics and fascinating discoveries from the world of viticulture.

📩 Questions or feedback? [email protected]
📸 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

After diving deep into Nebbiolo in Episode 248, Janina knew it was time to go further into Piemonte - but this time beyond Barolo and Barbaresco.

In this episode, she’s joined by Baltic wine expert and educator Agnese Gintere to explore the lesser-known indigenous grapes of the Langhe. From the so-called “white Barolo” Nascetta to Pelaverga, Freisa, Dolcetto, Barbera, Arneis and Favorita, this is a love letter to the region’s unsung heroes.

Expect producer recommendations, travel tips, value alternatives to Barolo - and yes, a little Nebbiolo obsession too.

 

04:04 Why Langhe? The recent rise of Barolo & Barbaresco and why the region feels magical.

06:04 Falling in love with Langhe - the wines first, then the fog, hills and landscape.

08:33 If not Nebbiolo, then what? The real unsung hero grapes of Langhe.

10:31 Nascetta explained - the so-called “white Barolo” and its revival from near extinction.

12:45 What Agnese learned about Nascetta’s history and ageing potential.

15:05 Pelaverga - the sommelier’s insider grape with earthy, herbal character.

17:17 Pelaverga experimentation - sparkling styles and white versions.

18:53 Freisa - Nebbiolo’s close relative and its quiet revival.

23:27 Dolcetto - “little sweet one” or gentle hills? Style, structure and best areas to explore.

26:45 Dogliani DOCG, ageing potential and value bottles.

28:47 Barbera - plush fruit, high alcohol and the future of north-facing slopes.

31:49 Link to Janina’s previous podcast episode (Ep 166) featuring Braida (Barbera specialists).

33:12 Respecting terroir - why Barbera and Nebbiolo shouldn’t compete for the same vineyard sites.

33:46 White grapes of Langhe - Arneis vs Favorita (aka Vermentino).

37:05 Agnese’s must-visit place - Serralunga d’Alba and the magic of the hills.

39:51 Best-value Nebbiolo outside Barolo & Barbaresco - Roero, Gattinara and Ghemme.

41:08 A magical winery visit - Enrico Rivetto and other iconic estates.

41:33 Estates mentioned - Rivetto, Gaja and Aldo Conterno.

44:06 Best time to visit Langhe - truffle season vs early autumn.

46:17 If you could only drink one non-Nebbiolo Langhe wine - Grignolino (“baby Nebbiolo”).

49:42 Next week - Switzerland, Chasselas, Petit Arvine and DNA expert José Vouillamoz.

 

Watch Agnese's YouTube Channel No Sediment HERE.

📩 Questions or feedback? [email protected]
📸 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

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? [email protected]
📸 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 wonderfully geeky and genuinely fascinating episode, Janina is joined by Ian D’Agata, one of the world’s leading authorities on Italian wine, to unpack the real differences between Barolo and Barbaresco — far beyond the usual shortcuts.
From Nebbiolo’s biotypes and soil types to climate, communes, MGAs and practical tasting tips, this is a deep yet accessible guide for anyone who wants to better understand why Nebbiolo remains one of the most compelling and misunderstood grapes in the world.
Stay until the end for a special giveaway courtesy of Ian himself.

Shownotes
02:32 What first drew Ian to Barolo and Barbaresco.

04:52 What is Nebbiolo? Aromas, structure and what makes it so unique.

07:15 How geography, soils and place shape Nebbiolo wines.

08:16 Finding new angles after decades of writing about Italian wine.

09:48 Ian’s favourite lesser-known native grape from Northern Italy.

11:14 A favourite lesser-known native grape from Southern Italy.

13:21 The most beautiful wine region in Italy — purely for its landscape.

14:32 Traditional vs modern Barolo — does the distinction still make sense?

17:36 Barbaresco explained — not a “softer Barolo”, but a different wine entirely.

23:05 Climate and soil differences — how the same grape creates very different wines.

24:14 Nebbiolo biotypes — what they are and why they matter.

30:23 Why so few people talk about biotypes in famous grape varieties.

34:44 What surprised Ian most while researching Barbaresco Terroir, following his earlier work on Barolo Terroir.

36:31 Is there a different attitude to Nebbiolo in Barbaresco compared to Barolo?

37:58 Practical tasting exercises to help students understand Nebbiolo.

41:47 The 181 MGAs — communes, crus and how to approach them without fear.

45:49 Real-world examples of communes and MGA differences.

46:52 Which recent vintages are best to buy and store.

48:02 Older vintages to grab and open today.

49:40 Where to find great-value Nebbiolo without buying a 20-year-old Barolo.

54:36 Two tickets giveaway — how to enter and what’s included.

📩 Questions or feedback? [email protected]
📸 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? [email protected]
📸 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