March 13, 2025. Trump threatens 200% tariffs on European wine. Then 20%. Then a 90-day pause. Importers freeze shipments, small producers panic, and the industry holds its breath. Julie, in Reims when the news breaks, calls one of her favourite Champagne producers. Her response? "We just wait."

But waiting isn't easy when inventory is running out and partners are depending on you.

In this episode, we speak with Clémence Lelarge-Pugeot about the impact of tariffs on small Champagne houses, America’s three-tier wine import system, and the rise of organic and biodynamic practices. We also taste Les Meuniers de Clémence - a 100% Meunier Champagne - whose notes of oyster shell, white flowers, liquorice, and a surprising hint of cognac inspire a (very French) family moment.

Tariff threats loom, but so does a new era of Champagne growers. Through biodynamic farming and winemaking experiments, they are transforming the region and creating wines that rival the grandes maisons at a competitive price point.

Champagne tasted: Les Meuniers de Clémence by Lelarge-Pugeot (https://champagnelelarge-pugeot.com). Also check out their Tradition Cuvée, best value for money Champagne!

For French readers, the episode also nods to Dans les forêts de Sibérie by Sylvain Tesson.

This episode includes excerpts from broadcasts by BBC, BFM TV and NBC. All rights to the original broadcast content are reserved by their respective owners.

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Want to charm a dinner party with words like 'garrigue'? Curious why Cézanne couldn’t stay away from Provence, or why Mourvèdre might be your new favourite grape? This sun-soaked bonus episode was recorded mid-2024 Olympics, with Bandol wines in hand and Provençal sunshine on our minds.

We explore:

• Rosés + reds from Bandol;
• The Mourvèdre grape and its garrigue magic scents;
• Provence’s spell on artists like Cézanne & Van Gogh;
• A simple tian recipe (aka ratatouille’s stylish cousin);
• The mystery of Melton Mowbray pork pies (with a very sincere apology from Julie to all UK citizens);
• And dating red flags, like saying 'réfrigérateur' with a straight face.

From terraced vineyards and seaside aromas to artistic havens like Saint-Paul de Vence (plus an epic wine quiz and le 'bêtisier' at the end!), this episode is a warm return and a playful wrap to Season 1.

Wines featured from Domaine Bunan :

Château La Rouvière rouge 2013

A rich, structured Bordeaux blend with Mourvèdre, known for aging beautifully.

Moulin des Costes Bandol rosé 2019

Lovely salmon colour, dry, and complex with herbal notes thanks to Mourvèdre.

Recommended producers from Bandol:

• Domaine Tempier  
• Domaine de la Bégude 
• Domaine de l'Olivette  
• Domaine de la Bastide Blanche  

For Melton Mowbray pork pies,, you can visit your local Sainsbury. ;)

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Welcome to the debut episode of Must-Busting, our brand-new mini-series within Grapes to Glory where we tackle common wine myths head-on!

Today, we’re here to set the record straight on Pinot Grigio, the wine often seen as the go-to for a “Large Pinot Grigio” (LPG) after work. Is it really just a basic, boring white wine? Spoiler alert: absolutely not! From the crisp and light “Lager of wines” you’ll find in pubs—a true vino della casa—to the richer, more complex bottles (BPG anyone?) that deserve a spot on your dinner table, this grape has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. Whether you’re an LPG loyalist or ready to explore the more intricate, layered side of Pinot Gris, join us for a fun and myth-busting journey through the many faces of this misunderstood grape.

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July 8th, 2008: 5,000 gallons of uranium solution were accidentally released at the Tricastin power plant, creating a ripple effect that would change the fate of a local wine appellation forever. In this episode of Grapes to Glory, we delve into the nuclear incident at Tricastin and its profound impact on the nearby wine region.

Join Catherine and Julie as they recount the events that led to the renaming of the Coteaux du Tricastin appellation to Grignan-les-Adhémar. Julie, taking us on a trip to the picturesque Rhône Valley, reveals why this lesser-known wine region captured her heart and deserves all your attention.

Discover how the winemakers of this small appellation transformed adversity into opportunity by improving quality and rebranding their wines. Enjoy Julie's heartfelt tribute to her beloved late grandmother with a rendition of Francoise Hardy's "Tous les garçons et les filles," and Catherine's knack at pub quizzes, along with their quirky anecdotes, from eggs to Game of Thrones and everything in between!

Explore with them the unique terroir of Grignan-les-Adhémar, the grape varieties that flourish here, and the winemaking practices that ensure quality and tradition in every bottle. This episode offers a captivating narrative of resilience, transformation, and the enduring spirit of a wine region facing adversity. And who doesn't love RESILIENCE these days...?

Silly videos and wine pictures will be shared on Instagram @GrapesToGlory.

The 'King of the North!' wines featured in this episode:

White Wine: Domaine de Montine - Viognier - 2022

• 2022: Available at The Wine Society
• 2023: Available at Vinatis UK

Red Wine: Domaine de Montine - Emotion - 2018

• 2021: Available at Vinatis UK

Other Notable Mentions:

• Grignan-Les-Adhémar 'Le Grand Dèves' 2022: Available at Yapp

Recommended Winemakers:

• Domaine du Serre des Vignes
• Domaine Ferrotin
• Domaine Bonetto-Fabrol

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After exploring grape varieties in Episode 1, we now peel back another layer of the wine world: Appellations. These geographical designations, rich in history and tradition, tell a story far beyond mere origin.

What exactly is an appellation, and why were they established in the first place? Follow us as we go back to the historical roots and evolving significance of appellations.

Learn how these regulations influence your wine's character and quality, and why understanding appellations is just as crucial as knowing the grape varieties themselves. Along the way, enjoy Julie's foray into Epigenetics...

Explore the hidden challenges that appellations face today, including the pressures of standardisation, climate change, and shifting consumer preferences, as we examines the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in the wine industry, revealing both the strengths and potential pitfalls of the appellation system.

Catered for wine enthusiasts and curious minds alike, this investigation sheds light on the complexities and controversies behind the labels on our favourite bottles!

For scenic snapshots of iconic vineyards and more behind-the-scenes content, you can follow us on Instagram @GrapesToGlory

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Learning the alphabet before learning to write is key—and in the world of wine, knowing your grape varieties is just as helpful. In this first official episode of "Grapes to Glory", Catherine and Julie explore how grape varieties - the building blocks of wine - shape the flavours, aromas, and personalities of wines. Discover why knowing your grapes is essential for making confident wine choices, and learn about iconic varieties like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Additionally, gain insights into the magic of fermentation, the role of grape skins in wine colour and body, the subjective nature of wine tasting, and the option of mindful drinking, emphasising awareness over indulgence, i.e. binge drinking!

Whether you're starting your wine journey or have been in it for years, this episode aims to provide valuable insights and reflections to enrich your wine experience.

Follow us on Instagram @GrapesToGlory for more wine adventures!

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of Grapes to Glory! Join us, Julie and Catherine, two Londoners sharing our unique journeys with wine. From Julie's obsession with wine to Catherine's enthusiastic curiosity, we spill the beans on how our paths crossed and what inspired us to start this podcast.

Julie, our self-proclaimed wine philosopher, claims to explore the emotional depths of wine (whatever that means), while Catherine adds a fresh down-to-earth perspective as a wine dabbler. Along the way, you'll be treated to some of Julie's entertainingly pretentious quotes, a few dog anecdotes (because why not?), and French language digressions.

So grab a glass (or a bottle, we won't judge) and join us for a delirious yet informative start to our wine escapades!

For more wine fun, follow us on Instagram @GrapesToGlory!

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Just in case you need another podcast in your life..

..this time about juicy juicy wine.

To be precise..

One girl who's obsessed with it..

And another who dabbles.

Both are on a journey from grapes to glory!

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