How and why is the global wine scene in a bit of a state? Why is wine threatened by weight-loss drugs and smartphones? Does drinking high quality wine make you happier - and does light drinking increase longevity?

This is our periodic programme where we catch up on the more intriguing wine news,  pondering everything from weighty matters (as above) but also touching on lighter-hearted fare. Such as an Italian restaurant  offering diners free wine in exchange for locking away their phones, an airport planning to build a vineyard on its roof, and  whether cling film removes cork taint...

We also play our very fun 'Guess the Word in the Wine Headline' game (sommeliers,  divorce and Merlot in the bath feature this time round). Plus, we recap on all the reaction and headlines following our Light Strike pod. And we hear your views and questions, which lead us to talk about Ukraine, a potential Wine Blast cookbook, orange wine and the SWEATS (not what you think - but still scandalous).

Thanks for tuning in. We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Particularly since in this episode we ask you what quirky wine slang you use in your house (and what it means) and what wine you'd pair with which household activity (the quirkier the better). Send us a voice message via Speakpipe. Or you can find contact info, together with all details from this episode, on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E19 - News & Views

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