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

In this episode of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat wine podcast, Janina heads to Vittoria in the south of Sicily to explore one of Italy’s most exciting and evolving wine regions.

Joined by Stefano Girelli of Santa Tresa and Cortese, this episode blends wine education with a deep dive into organic viticulture, biodiversity, and the future of wine grapes in a warming climate.

From indigenous Sicilian varieties to experimental vineyards preserving rare grapes, you’ll learn about wine through both tradition and innovation. And if you’re dreaming of wine travel, this episode might just inspire your next trip to Sicily.

05:28 – An introduction to Santa Tresa and Cortese, and how the two estates differ in style, philosophy and wine expression.

08:24 – Travel tips for visiting Vittoria, including why Ragusa is an ideal and authentic place to stay when exploring the region.

09:27 – Why Vittoria still feels like a hidden gem compared to more famous Sicilian destinations, offering a more authentic wine travel experience.

11:39 – A fun dive into the portfolio: which wine is perfect for a romantic proposal or special celebration (Il Frappatto Sparkling).

12:41 – The ideal wine for a day at the beach (Grillo-Viognier) highlighting fresh, vibrant styles that suit Sicily’s coastal lifestyle (or a chilled Frappato).

14:19 – Wines for colder moments: richer, more structured styles that work perfectly by the fireplace. (Cerasuolo di Vittoria)

16:05 – The reality of going organic in Sicily, including the challenges, strict regulations and why many considered it a bold move.

18:04 – What does “organic” really mean in wine? Stefano's personal definition.

21:58 – How to recognise an organic or biodiverse vineyard just by walking through it, with practical visual clues for wine lovers.

24:03 – A return to traditional farming methods, and how modern viticulture is rediscovering practices from the past.

29:24 – Adapting to climate change: vineyard techniques such as shading, trellising and how they impact grape ripening.

31:17 – The scale of experimentation: dozens of indigenous and rare grape varieties being cultivated and studied.

33:59 – The search for the grapes of the future, and how forgotten Sicilian varieties may become key in a warming world.

37:31 – Albanello: a rediscovered white grape variety with distinctive herbal, minty and fresh characteristics.

39:54 – What will we be drinking in the future? A broader discussion on how climate change is reshaping wine regions and grape selection.

41:10 – Understanding Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily 's only DOCG, and how Nero d’Avola and Frappato work together in the blend.

45:23 – Comparing styles between producers and estates, including differences in structure, fruit profile and winemaking approach.

48:37 – How different winemaking techniques affect tannin structure and texture in the final wine.

50:26 – The impact of fermentation and aging choices on flavour, colour and overall wine style.

52:35 – A look at key Sicilian wine grapes, including both well-known and lesser-known varieties.

54:44 – Catarratto Lucido and other white grapes that deserve more attention in Sicily’s evolving wine scene.

56:14 – Final reflections from Stefano on the philosophy behind the estate and the future direction of their wines.

58:56 – Why this region and these wines are worth discovering.

59:40 – A unique white blend (Vanedda) made with extended skin contact, fermented like a red wine to build structure, texture and ageing potential.

01:00:43 – Visit Santa Tresa & book a wine experience

📩 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 of the wine podcast, Janina dives into one of Italy’s most prestigious and age-worthy wines: Brunello di Montalcino.

Joined by Italian wine expert Ian D’Agata, this episode blends wine education with a deep exploration of wine regions, helping you learn about wine through the lens of Sangiovese.

From wine grapes and clonal diversity to terroir, aging potential and tasting profiles, you’ll discover what makes Brunello unique and how this iconic Tuscan wine compares to others made from the same grape.

Plus, if you love wine travel, you’ll hear about an immersive opportunity to study wine directly in Montalcino, tasting up to 100 wines with producers in the region.

To find out more about joining The Ian D’Agata Wine Academy in Montalcino on 16th, 17th & 18th April 2026 click here.

Or email Giulia Corino <[email protected]>

For those attending the Ian D’Agata Wine Academy, there will be a special guest speaker session led by Maddy Jimerson MS, Master Sommelier and Director of Casa Mia in Denver. With a strong connection to Alto Piemonte, where she regularly spends time, Maddy will be guiding an in-depth session focused on the wines of this fascinating region of Italy.

 

SHOWNOTES:

02:52 – Ian explains why wine education is so important, sharing how great teachers shaped his career and why helping people understand wine makes a real difference.

05:56 – Why most people stick to familiar wines - and how learning about lesser-known Italian grape varieties can completely change how you choose a bottle.

10:00 – Looking beyond Brunello and Barolo, Ian highlights powerful Italian red wine grapes like Aglianico that deserve more attention.

11:02 – Introduction to Ian’s Wine Academy in Montalcino, where small groups taste up to 100 wines while learning directly in the region.

14:12 – Setting the scene in Tuscany: the rolling hills, vineyards and landscapes that make Montalcino one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world.

15:56 – Key differences between Montalcino and Chianti wine regions, and how climate and landscape shape completely different expressions of Sangiovese.

17:04 – Can you identify Sangiovese wines in a blind tasting? A breakdown of how blends, climate and structure influence the final wine style.

20:57 – The origin of the name “Brunello” and how a specific type of Sangiovese gave rise to this iconic wine.

24:42 – Exploring the complexity of Sangiovese: over 100 clones and how producers select and combine them to improve quality.

26:57 – What it means for a vine to be “virus-affected” and why this can sometimes lead to more concentrated, higher-quality wines.

29:11 – How to recognise Sangiovese in the glass: red fruit, acidity, tannins and the characteristic herbal and floral notes.

31:56 – The aging requirements of Brunello di Montalcino and why these wines can develop beautifully over decades.

34:32 – Castiglion del Bosco: a historic estate that has significantly increased its quality in recent years and plays a role in Ian’s course.

35:49 – Rosso di Montalcino explained: a more accessible, earlier-drinking style that offers great value from the same region.

39:46 – The key soil types of Montalcino (galestro, alberese and more) and how they influence structure, minerality and mouthfeel.

41:11 – What the course experience looks like day-to-day, from tastings and classes to winery visits and shared meals.

42:09 – Moscadello di Montalcino: the lesser-known sweet wine of the region that still survives today.

44:54 – The range of wines tasted during the course, covering multiple Italian wine regions, styles and grape varieties.

47:49 – Who the course is designed for: both wine professionals and enthusiasts who want to deepen their wine knowledge.

50:46 – Course dates and availability, including upcoming sessions in April and November.

52:24 – How the course aligns with major wine events like Vinitaly, making it ideal for those already travelling in Italy.

53:27 – How to get more information and book your place on the course. Email Giulia Corino <[email protected]> and more details on Ian D’Agata’s website.

 

📩 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 flashcard-style wine education podcast episode, Janina takes a deep dive into the Rhône Valley, exploring the climate, terroir, wine grapes, and AOCs that define both the Northern and Southern Rhône. Designed to support students preparing for the WSET Diploma theory exam, this episode focuses on the key facts, yields, blending rules, and appellation regulations essential for understanding one of France’s most important wine regions.

While structured for exam preparation, it’s also ideal for anyone who wants to learn about wine in a focused, detailed way - whether you’re studying formally, strengthening your professional knowledge, exploring wine travel, or simply keen to deepen your understanding of French wine.

A rigorous, well-organised exploration of the geography, regulations, and styles that shape the Rhône Valley - created for serious learners and curious wine lovers alike.

 

💡 Want more flashcard-style episodes? Previously, Janina has also produced episodes to help with Fortified Wine and Sparkling Wine exams. You can find them here:

Ep 256 Languedoc- Roussillon

Ep 113: Shery, VdNs, Rutherglen Muscat

Ep 120: Port & Madeira

Ep 129: Sparkling Wine Production

Ep 136: Champagne

Ep 142: All other sparkling wines

 

Shownotes

00:01:45 – Climatic differences between Northern and Southern Rhône
00:04:15 – Grape Varieties Overview
00:05:15 – Grenache Noir
00:08:15 – Syrah
00:09:45 – Mourvèdre
00:11:45 – Cinsault
00:13:15 – Viognier
00:14:45 – Marsanne
00:16:00 – Roussanne
00:17:30 – Grenache Blanc
00:18:15 – Clairette
00:19:15 – Bourboulenc
00:20:00 – Northern Rhône – Climate & Overview
00:21:15 – Côte-Rôtie AOC
00:25:00 – Condrieu & Château-Grillet AOC
00:27:20 – Saint-Joseph AOC
00:29:30 – Crozes-Hermitage AOC
00:32:45 – Hermitage AOC
00:36:30 – Cornas AOC
00:38:10 – Saint-Péray AOC
00:39:15 – IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
00:40:10 – Southern Rhône – Climate & Overview
00:41:20 – Southern Rhône – Appellation Hierarchy
00:42:50 – Côtes du Rhône AOC
00:44:20 – Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
00:46:00 – Gigondas AOC
00:47:25 – Vacqueyras AOC
00:48:15 – Vinsobres AOC
00:50:05 – Rasteau AOC
00:51:25 – Cairanne AOC
00:52:05 – Beaumes-de-Venise AOC
00:52:45 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
00:57:45 – Lirac AOC
00:58:30 – Tavel AOC
01:00:15 – Satellite AOCs Overview
01:00:30 – Costières de Nîmes AOC
01:01:30 – Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC
01:02:00 – Ventoux AOC
01:03:20 – Luberon AOC
01:04:10 – Southern Rhône IGP Wines

 

📩 Questions or feedback? [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

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)

In this episode, Janina takes us deep into one of the most dramatic stories in wine history - the arrival of phylloxera in 19th century Europe - and explores how that crisis continues to shape the wines we drink today.

She is joined by Jamie Goode -  wine writer, judge, lecturer and author with a PhD in plant biology - to unpack the science behind grafting, the myth and magic of old vines, forgotten grape varieties, and whether ungrafted vines truly produce better wines.

From Japan’s wax paper “hats” protecting grape bunches, to Barossa’s centenarian vineyards, to modern disease-resistant varieties like Voltis and Floréal, this episode blends history, science and future-facing viticulture in one fascinating conversation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether ungrafted vines are superior, what actually happens during grafting, or how climate change might reshape grape varieties - this is your episode.

02:59 – The most surprising wine region Jamie has visited so far is Japan’s with it’s unique vineyard practices.

04:45 – Koshu explained - is it Japan’s most exciting grape variety, or are international grapes performing better?

06:38 – Behind the scenes of filming The Science of Wine (available to watch on WinemastersTV or Prime Video) - vineyards, Mosel landscapes and the unexpected challenges of production.

09:54 – Composing the soundtrack on the spot - Jamie’s spontaneous vineyard music recordings.

10:41 – Ungrafted vines: are they genuinely better, or is the answer more nuanced?

15:24 – The phylloxera story step by step - how one 19th-century plant import reshaped global wine.

20:53 – Forgotten varieties and whether they could make a comeback in the face of climate change.

22:46 – Loïc Pasquet (Liber Pater) and the revival of pre-phylloxera Bordeaux varieties.

29:04 – Francs de Pied movement - preserving ungrafted vineyards and the debate around their relevance.

31:21 – EU regulations and why planting ungrafted vines is often restricted.

31:55 – Rootstock resistance failures in California and Australia - are we facing new phylloxera risks?

34:33 – Soil microbiome experiments - could beneficial microorganisms protect ungrafted vines?

36:20 – How do you graft a vine? Omega grafts, English grafts and T-bud grafting explained.

40:49 – Inside a vine nursery - what really happens behind the scenes.

42:23 – Old vines vs young vines - do older vines truly produce better wines?

46:05 – Why old vines often yield less fruit - aging, pruning and vine physiology.

47:25 – Recommended wines from ungrafted and old vines - Barossa, Chile, Argentina and beyond.

49:09 – At-home wine experiments - blending your own Bordeaux-style wine and even propagating vine cuttings.

51:28 – What’s next for Jamie - new book releases and upcoming projects.

52:37 – Links to Jamie’s books and further reading.

53:21 – Next week: Deep Dive Flashcards - The Rhône Valley.

Have you tasted wines from ungrafted vines - a true pied franc?
Did they feel purer, more transparent… or is that simply romance in the glass?

📩 Email: [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 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