EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast

• Ep 242 - Cristina Torres on Heritage, Sonoma Pinot & the Next Chapter of Marimar Estate

  In this episode, Janina sits down with Cristina Torres, fifth generation of the iconic Torres family and the new voice leading Marimar Estate in Sonoma. They explore the family’s Catalan roots, Marimar’s groundbreaking journey as a woman building a winery in California, the rise of Albariño and Godello in Russian River Valley, sustainability, Pinot Noir clones, and what the future looks like as Christina steps into leadership. Janina also tastes the Christina Pinot Noir and explains why she finds it one of the most romantic Pinots she has ever tried. Shownotes 02:19 Marimar’s cookbooks and why they’re perfect for Christmas gifting. 02:55 Torres’ ancestral grape recovery project — 139 sites, micro-vinifications and standout varieties like Forcada. 04:52 Christina’s first harvest at DeLoach - the shock, the workload, and what she learned. 05:30 Childhood memories of wanting to join the family winery. 06:55 Five generations of Torres winemaking since 1870. 08:14 How Christina and Marimar work together and manage the mother-daughter dynamic. 11:00 Marimar’s pioneering story: emigrating from Franco-era Spain and founding a winery in California. 13:22 What makes Russian River Valley unique: fog, Pacific influence, cool climate. 15:12 Whether Green Valley is the coolest AVA in Sonoma. 16:41 Christina’s years in the UK at John E. Fells and how they shaped her career. 19:40 Differences in leadership style between mother and daughter. 21:26 Early plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Marimar Estate. 23:04 Albariño in Sonoma - similarities and differences compared to Galicia. 24:27 Godello in Russian River: aromatics, texture, concrete eggs and fan favourite status. 27:04 The first (too cold) Albariño attempt in Sonoma Coast. 28:18 Why Pinot Noir remains their flagship grape. 29:43 The Christina Pinot Noir: barrel selection, extra ageing, structure and depth. 31:19 Janina’s tasting notes - a romantic, perfumed, seductive Pinot. 33:12 Where to buy the wines in the UK (Vinum £2019 £65.20). 34:00 The estate dogs and their enthusiastic greetings. 35:09 Winery vs. house - the masía architecture and events at Marimar’s home. 36:03 The Torres legacy: sustainability and ancestral grape recovery. 37:58 The suitcase-cuttings story and the visit from the inspector. 38:28 Janina reflects on why Marimar is such an inspirational figure. 41:11 Pinot Noir clones: 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. 42:17 What makes Pommard so balanced and expressive. 43:52 A vineyard surprise: the tiny Mencía trial block. 45:17 Fun story - six-year-old Christina baking cookies for the future King of Spain. To follow Marimar Estate on Instagram CLICK HERE and Christina Torres CLICK HERE 📩 Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next week – 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

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• Ep 241 - The Ultimate Christmas Wine Box: Perfect Pairings for Every Festive Table with Duncan Gammie, The Wee Vinoteca

  In this festive episode, Janina sits down with Duncan Gammie, founder of The Wee Vinoteca, to build the ultimate Christmas Wine Box. Together they explore pairings for classic holiday dishes, taste through six standout bottles, and unpack why English fizz, Greek Assyrtiko and South African Chenin Blanc belong at your Christmas table this year. Shownotes [01:37] The Christmas Pairing Game begins - smoked salmon, prawn cocktail, Stilton, roast turkey, roast beef, nut roast, mince pies, sticky toffee pudding and panettone - what are the perfect wine pairings?  [21:45] Duncan shares his background, how The Wee Vinoteca started, which recently won Wine Club of the Year from IWC. [24:26] Introducing the Christmas Wine Box - six wines designed to cover the entire holiday table with versatility and balance. [24:48] Black Chalk Classic Cuvée – English Sparkling Wine (Hampshire, UK) Duncan explains chalk soils, vintage differences, and why English sparkling has become a staple for holiday starters, seafood and celebrations. [29:04] Visiting English vineyards - where to go.  [31:35] Muses Estates, Assyrtiko (mainland Greece) A structured, saline white that handles seafood, richer starters and vegetable dishes. Duncan compares mainland Assyrtiko with Santorini, discussing old vines, wild ferments and gastronomy pairings. [37:45] The conversation widens to Greek grapes and styles – Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Savatiano, Roditis and today’s fresher, high-quality Retsina – with advice on discovering them by the glass or in tastings. [39:20] Brookdale, Old Vine Chenin Blanc (Paarl, South Africa) Why Chenin shines at Christmas: texture, generosity, acidity and ageing potential. References to producers like Lismore and stylistic comparisons to white Burgundy. [43:40] Roccafiore, Sangiovese (Umbria, Italy) Fresh Italian red ideal for antipasti, turkey and Boxing Day dishes. Duncan highlights its balance and easy versatility and contrasts Sangiovese from this inland region with Chianti and explaining how Umbrian Sangiovese offers softer tannins and great value. And discussing Sagrantino grape. [47:51] Hey Diddle, Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon (Claire Valley, Australia) Discussing the Claire Valley, and what is happening in this region, alongside practical tips on opening bottles sealed with wax. [51:54] Diatominist, Pedro Ximénez (Jerez, Spain) Explaining how PX sits within the broader (and sometimes confusing) Sherry styles and why this luscious, nutty, treacle-like dessert wine blows people’s minds at Christmas fairs. [57:17] Duncan and Janina note that PX is usually perfect in small pours, talk about visiting Montilla-Moriles near Córdoba, and tempt listeners with the idea of tapas-hopping through a city that boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. [57:46] Asked which wine he always opens at Christmas that isn’t necessarily in the box, Duncan admits it’s English fizz – a sparkling wine he and his wife love and a non-negotiable part of their celebrations. [58:26] To visit The Wee Vinoteca, visit their site HERE and you can purchase The Staff Christmas Picks Case CLICK HERE.   📩 Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next week – 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  

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• Ep 240 – The Secrets of Beaujolais: Gamay, Granite Soils & Old Vines with Natasha Hughes MW

  In this episode, Janina sits down with Natasha Hughes MW, author of The Wines of Beaujolais, to explore one of France’s most misunderstood wine regions. They discuss why Beaujolais is far more than simple Nouveau, how over 300 soil types and multiple winemaking styles shape the wines, and why Gamay can age beautifully. Natasha shares insights on the diversity of the Crus, the role of granite and diorite, old vines (including pre-phylloxera parcels), climate-driven changes, and the rise of exciting new producers bringing fresh energy to the region.  📚 Find Natasha’s book: The Wines of Beaujolais (Academie du Vin) 💸 Use code EATSLEEP15 for 15% off Shownotes [00:32] Beaujolais Nouveau Day recap and shifting the focus to the deeper complexity of the region. [03:22] Natasha’s journey into wine, building a writing career, and the challenge of becoming a Master of Wine. [08:39] Why Beaujolais? Natasha on the region’s history, struggles after the Nouveau boom, and its current revival. [10:09] The biggest misconception: Beaujolais reduced to simple, fruity Nouveau. [11:51] 300+ soil types in a compact area - and how geology, altitude, and exposure shape wine style. [15:22] Winemaking styles in Beaujolais: Burgundian, semi-carbonic, full carbonic, and thermovinification - and why “bubblegum” is not from carbonic maceration. [19:30] Choosing a Beaujolais by style: pink granite (fine, perfumed, red-fruited) vs. diorite (darker, richer, more structured). [22:57] Chiroubles: high altitude, 100% pink granite, floral, herbal, with a wild crunchy freshness. [24:37] Morgon & Moulin-à-Vent: the opposite profile - powerful, age-worthy, and sometimes reminiscent of Pinot Noir, Syrah or even Nebbiolo. [28:31] Old vines and pre-phylloxera parcels - why Beaujolais is a treasure trove of historic vineyards. [39:20] Rising stars and undervalued areas: Beaujolais Villages and exciting producers such as Domaine Les Garçons, and Domaine de la Grosse Pierre (Pauline Passot). [48:10] Closing anecdote: a 1932 auction story that turned a missed opportunity into extraordinary luck. 📩 Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next week – 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

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• Ep 239 – Tom Gilbey on Bordeaux Wines, Blind Tastings & Fun Wine Education

  In this lively, laughter-filled episode, Janina chats with Tom Gilbey - the man who made wine fun again by tasting a different bottle at every mile of a marathon. They dive into everything from the fossil-rich soils of Chablis and the changing world of en primeur Bordeaux, to how to host your own playful blind tastings at home. Along the way, Tom shares tips for making wine approachable (and hilarious), highlights his favorite Bordeaux wines and “Super Seconds,” and reminds us that enjoying a bottle should be full of joy, stories, and a little mischief. Shownotes  [01:42] Wine fact of the episode — the history behind the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and how it still shapes prestige and pricing today. [05:05] Tom shares how his viral “Wine Marathon” began: tasting a different wine every mile, his son’s support, and the unexpected global response that followed. [08:36] From chaos to community - how a family experiment turned into a worldwide audience and new passion for wine communication. [11:17] The art of blind tasting - from marathon guesses to what he learned about focus, humility, and having fun with wine. [13:03] Janina and Tom discuss Thirsty and how his stories highlight the humour, generosity, and humanity of the wine trade. [15:33] Why blind tasting should be playful - ideas for home tastings, favourite tricky grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Baga, and the concept of “Wine Sports Day.” [21:30] Turning to Bordeaux — Tom’s reflections on 2005 vintages, learning from Robert Parker, and how palate trends shaped global styles. [25:23] Bordeaux today: en primeur uncertainty, Château Latour’s exit from the system, and why Tom says wine should be enjoyed, not invested in. [28:27] Blind tasting first growths versus super seconds - and how labels, price, and reputation influence what we think we taste. [31:03] Highlights on Château Montrose, Léoville Las Cases, and La Mission Haut-Brion - some of the ‘Super-Seconds’. [33:41] From Bordeaux to Burgundy - discussing Chablis, its fossils, minerality, and that unforgettable sense of “tasting the sea.” [37:37] Janina and Tom reflect on how palates evolve - from bold New World wines to subtle Old World elegance. [40:12] Beaujolais Nouveau nostalgia — London’s 1980s celebrations, and Tom’s upcoming Beaujolais Party at Sophie’s in Piccadilly. [44:13] Tom’s early years: studying at Plumpton College, researching English wine in the ’90s, and predicting the rise of world-class English sparkling. [47:15] Wrapping up with Battle of the Grapes: Tom picks his favourite grape varieties   📩 Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📚 Find out more about Tom Gilbey: tomgilbeywine  📖 Get his book Thirsty: Available on Amazon UK  🍷 Tickets for the Beaujolais Nouveau Party: Sophie's Steakhouse, Piccadilly Until next week – 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 Music Used in Podcast from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/stan-town/groove-sauce License code: HX8TGN6XM1D6LQWX

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• Ep 238 - How to Fall in Love with Porto & the Douro: A 4-Day Wine Escape

  This week, join Janina for an unforgettable journey through Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and deep into the Douro Valley - the world’s first demarcated  and regulated wine region. Over four days, she shares tips, tricks, where to stay, what to sip, and the must-do moments that make Portugal’s most iconic wine region so special. From wandering the tiled streets of Porto and exploring the buzzing Mercado do Bolhão, to taking the scenic train to Pinhão, this episode is your insider guide to soaking up the Douro at its very best. Shownotes 02:00 Douro – the first demarcated and regulated wine region in the worlds and it’s they history 04:00 Why visit Porto 5:00 Where to day in Porto 05:30 Mercado do Bolhão 06:00 Travelling from airport on the metro 06:30 Day 1 Itinerary – River walks and a visit to Grahams Port Lodge 08:30 The importance of Coopers to repair the oak casks and what happens to the wine in barrels and casks 9:00 The Style of Tawny port and the new 80 year old category 11:45 The different style of Tawny and ageing requirements 14:30 The ten first families of wine starting with The Symington Family 15:30 Difference in temperature and rainfall from Porto, the Cima Corgo (The heart of Douro) and the Douro Superior 17:00 Antinori from Tuscany 17:30 Baron Philippe de Rothchild - Chateau Mouton Rothchild 18:00 Familia Torres, based in Catalonia, Spain 18:30 E & J Gallo Winery, California 18:50 Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy 19:10 Famille Perrin, Rhône 19:30 Jackson Family Wines, California 20:00 Tenuta San Guido, Italy 20:15 Vega Sicilia, Spain   21:00 Eating at Matriarca in Porto 23:30] Day 2 Itineray - Take the train to Pinhão, Douro (Cima Corgo) from São Bento railway station (another MUST see in Porto) 24:30 The Solcalcos (Terraces) that gave Douro it’s UNESCO World Heritage status. 25:00 The more modern Patamares 25:30 Soil erosion in the Douro and now laser guided technology to help 27:00] Vinha ao alto for the less steep slopes 27:30 Eat and stay at The Vintage House, Pinhão 29:30 Stay at The Manor House, Celeirós and visit Quinta do Portal next door 31:00 Quinta da Roêda - Croft Port 33:00 Quinta do Bonfim 33:30 Day 3 Itinerary – Enjoy the Old Town of Porto 35:00 Day 4 Itinerary – Taylors Port Lodge 37:45 The Yeatman Hotel 39:30 The WOW museum 43:00 Tasting at The Wine School including Azores Wine Company Terrantez do Pico 43:30 Quanta Terra, Phenomena Rose 📩 Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next week – 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    

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