Join Valerie Henbest as she chats with Mary Hamilton, the 6th-generation CEO of Hugh Hamilton Wines - one of Australia's oldest wine families. Mary shares the fascinating 185-year journey from her great, great, great grandfather, Richard Hamilton, who established the first vineyard in South Australia in 1837, to the modern, innovative brand it is today.

Discover how Mary, with a fierce sense of legacy and an unshakeable drive to innovate, is leading Hugh Hamilton Wines into a bold new era where heritage meets creativity and tradition is reinvented. Learn about the brand's unique 'black sheep' moniker, their wines with personality and Mary's key to success: "Being real and true to yourself."

Join Valerie Henbest in this episode of Sensing Up as she chats with Sam Allison, Director of Global Sales & Marketing at Sartori Company. Valerie recounts her first encounter with Sartori cheeses at a Fancy Food Show in Washington DC back in 2011, where an initial hesitation turned into a decade-long love affair with their exceptional range.

Sam elaborates on the unique and inspiring journey of the Sartori adventure - from its roots in 1939 with Italian immigrant Paolo Sartori in Wisconsin, to its current status as a thriving family-run business known for its commitment to crafting the best cheese in the world.

Valerie Henbest welcomes Dilhan Fernando, CEO of Sri Lanka's iconic Dilmah Tea, to reflect on 40 years of family-led innovation and integrity in the global tea industry. From his father's pioneering legacy to adapting for future generations, Dilhan shares the sensory journey of tea, the challenges of climate change and how ethical business can drive meaningful impact.

From actress to entrepreneur, Tori Dixon-Whittle has built a life defined by creativity, resilience and reinvention. In this episode of Sensing Up, she joins host Valerie Henbest to share her extraordinary journey—from the stage to hospitality, design and now writing. With honesty and energy, Tori reflects on motherhood, building businesses and the art of turning life's chaos into purpose.

Duncan Welgemoed is not your average chef. A rule-breaker with a passion for bold flavours, he's worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, reinvented Adelaide's dining scene and cooked for rockstars.

In this episode, Valerie sits down with Duncan to uncover his journey from South Africa to the UK and ultimately, to Africola. From his early days in high-pressure kitchens to shaping South Australia's food culture, this conversation is full of energy, insight and a little bit of chaos - just like his food.

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Karena Armstrong has spent over a decade celebrating South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula through her food. As co-owner of The Salopian Inn and co-director of Tasting Australia, she champions the three Ps—place, produce and people—while crafting fiercely local, seasonal cuisine.

In this episode, Valerie explores Karena's food journey - from working with industry icons to shaping one of the state's most respected dining experiences.

Renowned as the Father of Fusion Cuisine, Cheong Liew has shaped contemporary Australian food with his bold flavours and cultural storytelling. In this episode, Valerie Henbest delves into Liew's journey—from his Malaysian roots to pioneering fusion cuisine in Australia. Discover how a self-taught chef blended Greek, Malaysian, and European influences to redefine the culinary landscape.

Join host Valerie Henbest, renowned cheese expert and owner of the Smelly Cheese Shop - in the famous Adelaide Central Market - for a curated selection of Season 2's most compelling moments. A recipient of the French National Order of Agricultural Merit Award, Valerie brings her extensive expertise in cheese importation and aging to these insightful discussions with industry pioneers and artisanal producers.

Join Valerie Henbest as she explores the Adelaide Hills with renowned chef Kane Pollard. From foraging unique botanicals to mastering century-old cooking methods, Kane shares his journey in sustainability and seasonal cooking at Ondeen and Tasting Australia.

Step into a world of wine, cheese and culture with Pierre-André Imbert - French Ambassador to Australia. The episode today, toasts the 100th anniversary of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine and the unique ties between French and Australian terroirs and traditions.