The Maker and The Merchant

We know, we know—this episode is a bit late! With Lee off on a well-deserved summer holiday, Ferg took over the editing duties, which somehow turned into a 10-day epic. But, as they say, good things come to those who wait!

In this season finale, Ferg and Jack take the reins for the second part of our deep dive into the history of wine. From the Romans’ questionable attempts to cultivate vineyards in chilly Britain to the Dark Ages, where viticulture all but vanished, our dynamic duo explores how wine managed to survive and thrive in England against all odds. They dive into the role of monasteries in keeping the wine flowing through medieval times and how the love for a good glass of vino persisted despite plagues and freezing temperatures.

But it’s not all serious history! Expect plenty of laughs as Ferg and Jack debate the Romans’ wine-making skills and share how English wine made its comeback post-war. As they wrap up this two-part special—and the series—you'll find out why the story of wine in England is as much about resilience as it is about taste.

So, grab a glass and join us for one last toast before we cork it up for a well-earned break. Cheers! 🥂

The end is nigh, after 7 months and 42 episodes season 3 of The Maker and The Merchant is finally coming to a conclusion. Fear not however as we have two more episodes to share with you as we bring this season to a close prior to our summer break. Unfortunately Lee misread the communication from TM&TM hr and has already started his summer hols. Fortunately Ferg was joined by the inimitable Jack Merrylees, Marketing director at Balfour Winery and general history buff. This week Ferg and Jack desperately try to get from the first grape vine to "hommo Winemaker" the evolutionary state human attain prior to ascension. Expect random interludes when the chickpea curry arrives, a very loud cough Ferg wasn't able "to fix in post" and the regular inclusion of a rather loud German Shepherd. It's a fascinating episode leaving you, dear listener on a knife edge to hear more. 

In this week’s emergency episode, Fergus delves into the latest industry statistics released by Wine GB, accompanied by the wonderful Phoebe French, communications manager at Wine GB. 

Unfortunately, Lee couldn’t join the podcast this week as he found himself unexpectedly detained by Sussex Police on suspicion of attempting to “float a winery out to sea.” While this peculiar incident has temporarily sidelined Lee, rest assured he’ll be back with us next week to share his unique perspectives.

Seizing this unexpected opportunity, Fergus decided to record from his parked car in an industrial estate. Consequently, the sound quality on his end is less than optimal. We apologise for this inconvenience and kindly ask you to bear with this episode, dear listener. Despite the audio hiccups. Phoebe’s contributions are crystal clear, providing genuinely important and relevant information about the state of the fastest-growing agricultural sector in the United Kingdom.

Phoebe discusses the significant growth the industry has seen recently, the challenges it faces, and the exciting developments on the horizon. From advancements in viticulture to the impact of climate change, this episode covers a broad spectrum of topics that are essential for anyone interested in the UK’s burgeoning wine sector. There are many challenges ahead, but also much to be positive about, making this a truly enlightening episode.

So, tune in and enjoy this informative discussion, and stay tuned for Lee’s return next week.

TM&TM Langham are 15

Does the child of two MWs become an MW cubed? 

What should you have at Cobham services?

Why are there so many Starbucks at service stations out west?

Why are the boys in the Langham disgorging hall?

What is the ethos at Langham and why is it so special? 

All will be explained in this one-off special episode to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Langham, featuring the second-youngest head winemaker in the country, Tommy "Bloody" Grimshaw.

#EnglishWine #LanghamWine #15thAnniversary #TommyGrimshaw

It’s a shame someone has to go last in these mini series. But, we have saved a big hitter and one of our favourites for you.In today’s concluding episode we talk to Marie Davies of Stopham fame. Synonymous with this excellent producer, you may think that Marie has been there from the start. Marie talks us through her journey into wine and the industry, and how she became so innately connected and vital to Stopham (and English wine generally)

Then by exploring the story of Stopham, and their approach to the vineyard and wine, we cover topics such as sustainabilityand wider communication with existing and potential English wine consumers. Again, a lot of ground is covered today, but Marie has agreed (as if there was a choice) to come back on in future and dig into the subjects in greater detail.

Stopham are distributed in the UK by Liberty, and as mentioned in the episode you can find their wines in @majesticwine @hawkinsbros @grape_britannia and @butlerswinecellar amongst others. As well as on @virginatlantic.

@nicolabateswinegb @winegb @mariedenisedavies @stophamvineyard @liberty_wine #Englishwineweek #Englishwine #DrinkEnglish #EWW #ESW #EnglishSparklingWine @fergelias @wineman147

For today’s English Wine Week episode we head to Berkshire, to a place that is only 45 minutes from Paddington station. Who would have thought there would be vineyards so close to London? We have a world of vinous riches on our doorsteps in the UK and today we talk to the wonderful Mark Darley, the man behind All Angels Vineyard.

Trading a life in the city and a ‘commute next to someone’s armpit’ for ‘a 3 minute walk with 3 labradors’ seems like a pretty good deal to us, and this is exactly what Mark did when he went into his vines full time. All Angels have won multiple awards for their vintage sparkling wines. It’s no wonder are these are communicative and delicate wines that offer tremendous value. Mark talks about how it all started and shares his thoughts on getting (and keeping) consumers engaged and enthused with the subject of English wine.

From corporate events to dosage trials, there is a lot more happening at All Angels than just grape growing. Well worth the 45 minute journey from Paddington (or more minutes from further afield) and definitely worth 25 minutes of your time today, give this a listen as we continue to celebrate English Wine Week.

@nicolabateswinegb @winegb @allangelsvineyard @bottleopenerltd #Englishwineweek #Englishwine #DrinkEnglish #EWW #ESW #EnglishSparklingWine @fergelias @wineman147

As we hurtle towards the end of English Wine Week there is still plenty of time for everyone to get involved. With the weekend around the corner surely it’s time for a glass of something English. But do you stop to consider the world behind the glass? When were these grapes planted? Who is working them and what are the challenges? Just what would drive someone to undertake such a challenge?

Today we talk to the joyful and joyous Phil Harris from Natalia Harris. Phil’s journey began as a natural successor to Indiana Jones, but thankfully he chose to leave archaeology and join the wine industry instead. From experiences at Davenport and Domaine Humbrecht, Phil and his wife Natalia planted a vineyard near Hastings. We talk cultivation, organics and sustainability, and include feedback their wines have received from notable names Jancis Robinson MW and Henry Jeffreys (amongst others).

This is a fun and uplifting 20 minutes in the presence of one of English wine’s great personalities.

@nicolabateswinegb @winegb @nataliaharriswine @jancisrobinson @henrygjeffreys #Englishwineweek #Englishwine #DrinkEnglish #EWW #ESW #EnglishSparklingWine @fergelias @wineman147