The Big Vin Theory

We talk to Magdalena about the Ontarian market, how does the quasi-monopoly work, what are the regulations on grape-growing in Eastern Canada, where are the biggest markets, facts and figures on wine tourism as well as discussing her own excellent wines.

In this episode we talk to Dmitry Grozoubinski, Founder of ExplainTrade .  Dmitry is a negotiations and trade policy expert and Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde’s School of Law.  Prior to launching ExplainTrade.com, Dmitry served as an Australian diplomat and trade negotiator at the World Trade Organisation and beyond. We urge you to follow him on Twitter :  https://twitter.com/DmitryOpines 

We ask which of the main objectives of Brexit have been borne out, what will be the major benefits we can see from it in the wine trade, how accurate has the recent coverage in regards to wine importers been, and his advice for SMEs looking to manoeuvre around the new paperwork.  We also ask his opinion on the recent Australia/China wine tariffs and trade disputes, and how he sees the Biden presidency changing the global trade landscape.

Links he mentions in the podcast:

Market Access Map

World Customs Organization

Dr Anna Jerzewska

We talk to Mike Best MW on what makes a good sales pitch, and on various topics around his RP on DTC sales and wine tourism for English Vineyards.  What constitutes a good cellar door experience, what are the future opportunities for English Wine and how do consumers interact with different wine categories.

We talk with Anne Jones, Waitrose Category Manager: Wines, Beers and Spirits.  We discuss initiatives Waitrose ran and 'pivoted' during lockdown, consumer data and decision making, private label strategy, differences between drinks categories and sexism, amongst other things.  Essential listening for anyone looking at Paper 4!

We talk to the legend that is Richard Hemming MW about wine in Singapore, looking at a SWOT analysis of the market, trends, legislation and brands.  We also ask what the future of wine writing is, how can (or can't) it be monetised, is 'print dead', if Richard thinks experts are irrelevant and his prediction for the next hot AOC. 

We talk with Will Dennison - Head of Fine Wine at Pol Roger Portfolio.  Pol Roger surely needs no introduction, and Will heads up the fine wine estates they manage from Napa, Burgundy, Alsace and beyond.  We ask whether or not investment is good for the industry, how has the market changed over the past 10 years, what can fine wine companies do to promote diversity and much more.

This episode features Barbara Drew, Master of Wine.  Barbara heads up the events and education team at BBR, so we ask her what it takes to design a successful wine education programme, what are common pitfalls in wine education and do other drinks categories do it better?

Our first ever episode asks Nik Darlington whether he views consolidations as a good thing, what the main things to consider are when launching a wine importer and how e-commerce and direct to consumer sales are an integral part of a modern business model.

Here's a sneak peek at the upcoming podcast aimed for those studying the world of wine.