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Welcome to the WinedUp Podcast! In this episode, Trent and Jason sit down with John Noble, the Director of the Champagne Bureau Australia, to uncork the truth behind the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine. 🥂

We dive into what truly makes Champagne unique — from the strict appellation laws protecting its name, to the centuries of craftsmanship that define its luxury status. John shares his fascinating journey from fashion to fine wine, the role of the Champagne Bureau, and how Australia became one of the top 10 Champagne markets worldwide.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• The difference between Champagne and other sparkling wines
• The secrets behind Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé Champagne
• Why aging, fermentation, and dosage define Champagne’s signature style
• What really drives Champagne prices — from craftsmanship to taxes
• Myths debunked: “Bubbles make you drunk faster” and “grower Champagne is cheap”

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, sommelier-in-training, or just curious about what’s in your glass — this episode will make you taste Champagne differently forever.

Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment on your favourite Champagne? Let us know below! 👇

Delve into the fascinating world of Champagne at https://www.champagne.fr/en

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at [email protected].

Chapters:

0:00 – Preview
0:30 – Meet John Noble, Australia’s Champagne Ambassador
2:55 – John’s Most Memorable Wine Moments
5:30 – Dream Wine Guests & Ultimate Food Pairing
7:05 – Lessons from a Life in Wine
10:20 – The Role of the Champagne Bureau Australia
13:00 – From Fashion to Fizz
15:20 – What Makes Champagne Unique
18:15 – Tasting #1 – Pommery Blanc de Blancs
23:25 – How to Choose the Right Glass
24:40 – Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir & Rosé Explained
29:30 – Vintage vs Prestige Cuvée
33:15 – Why Champagne Costs What It Does
35:00 – Tasting #2 – Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club
41:10 – How to Store and Age Champagne
46:45 – Visiting Champagne: Reims, Épernay & Beyond
52:45 – How to Read a Champagne Label
56:20 – Tasting #3 – Ayala 2016 Blanc de Blancs
1:04:55 – Champagne Trends & Market Insights
1:08:45 – Champagne Myths Busted!
1:15:30 – Australia’s Champagne Connection

#Champagne #sparklingwine #winelovers #ChampagneBureau #JohnNoble #ChampagneAustralia #Champagneeducation #winepodcast #BlancdeBlancs #BlancdeNoirs #RoseChampagne #growerChampagne #Champagneaging #Champagnefacts #winetasting #luxurywine #wineandfood #winetalk #Frenchwine #wineenthusiast

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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Welcome back to The Wined Up! In this episode, we sit down with Corrina Wright, sixth-generation winemaker of Oliver’s Taranga Wines in McLaren Vale, South Australia. 🍇

Oliver’s Taranga is not only part of the historic Penfolds Grange Growers Club, but has also become a pioneer in alternative varieties like Fiano, Grenache, and Tempranillo—showcasing the innovation and tradition that defines McLaren Vale.

In this conversation, Corrina shares the family legacy of Oliver’s Taranga, her personal journey as a woman in the wine industry, and the vineyard’s commitment to sustainability, diversity, and community. From the toughest vintages to the joy of crafting wines with personality, Corrina offers insights that every wine lover, collector, and aspiring winemaker will appreciate.

Whether you’re here to explore McLaren Vale wines, learn about Fiano and Grenache, or get inspired by one of Australia’s leading voices in winemaking, this episode has it all. Don’t miss the rapid-fire fun at the end, plus an insider look at McLaren Vale’s wine culture.

Whether you’re here to explore McLaren Vale wines, learn about Fiano and Grenache, or get inspired by one of Australia’s leading voices in winemaking, this episode has it all. Don’t miss the rapid-fire fun at the end, plus an insider look at McLaren Vale’s wine culture.

👉 Watch now and discover why Oliver’s Taranga continues to shape the future of Australian wine.

Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment on YOUR FAVOURITE Oliver’s Taranga wine. Let us know below! 👇

Browse and shop Oliver’s Taranga wines at https://www.oliverstaranga.com

00:00 Introduction to Penfolds and Family Legacy 

00:37 Meet Corrina Wright: A Star Winemaker 

01:43 Icebreaker Questions with Corrina 

06:33 The Origin Story of Oliver's Taranga 

11:06 The Unique Terroir of McLaren Vale 

23:43 The Journey from Growers to Winemakers 

31:56 The History and Evolution of Grenache 

34:23 Challenges in Viticulture: Toughest Vintages 

36:40 Introducing New Varietals: Trials and Tribulations 

47:34 The McLaren Vale Community and Its Unique Culture 

53:35 Reflections and Future Aspirations 

58:02 Closing Thoughts and Final Messages

Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at [email protected].

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#oliverstaranga #wine #winetasting #australianwine #mclarenvale #corrinawright #grenache #fiano #shiraz #penfolds #winecommunity #alternativevarieties #womeinwine #familybusiness #vineyardlife

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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🍷 Orange, NSW might just be Australia’s most underrated wine region — but winemaker Jonathan Mattick from Canobolas Wines is putting it on the map! From cool-climate Chardonnay to elegant Syrah and Cabernet Franc, discover how altitude, volcanic soils and passion shape some of the country’s most distinctive wines.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a deep dive into the stories behind great wines!

Have you ever visited Orange or tried a wine from Mount Canobolas? Drop your favourite Orange wine in the comments below 👇

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly wine adventures!

Visit www.nswwines.com.au to see all the events coming up in NSW Wine month this November. For more details about the big Sydney Cellar Door event on the 8th and 9th of November 2025 go to https://www.sydneycellardoor.com .

Browse and shop Canobolas Wines at https://www.canobolaswines.com.au

0:00 Intro — Orange = hidden gem + NSW Wine Month
02:35 Icebreakers: Most memorable wine & Len Evans Tutorial
03:42 Why Chardonnay is the one
05:00 Dream guest & bottle (Bowie + Grand Cru)
05:04 Classic pairings: Oysters + Champagne/Muscadet
06:22 Western Sydney roots → path to wine
07:46 Camino de Santiago (800km) — the spark
10:22 Career lessons: Ten Minutes by Tractor & Oregon Pinot
13:23 Tasting: 2023 Canoblas Chardonnay (minerality)
15:15 Buying the vineyard — Murray’s legacy & eccentric “interviews”
20:27 Soils, density, dry-grown vines (red volcanic, iron-rich)
21:01 Altitude & the “Goldilocks zone” of Orange
22:35 Parcels & natural ferments — building complexity
27:40 Accolades + new cellar door; why visit Orange
29:29 Tasting: 2023 Syrah (whole bunch, foot-stomped)
33:16 Where to eat & drink in Orange (Union Bank, Hey Rosy, Summer St Wine Room)
35:17 Farming: organic/regenerative approach
36:39 Tasting: 2023 Cabernet Franc (style & vineyard work)
41:17 Pricing & value philosophy
43:00 NSW Wine Month dinners & 40-year verticals
44:19 What defines Orange wines (freshness, Chardonnay thread)
45:19 Young region — quick history & pioneers
46:25 How to plan your Orange trip (Orange360, cellar doors)
47:24 Tasting: 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (cool-climate style)
50:49 “The Alchemy” blend (sold out)
53:49 Final thoughts & The Wined Up — drink more, try more, learn more

#thewinedup #thewineduppodcast #wine #winetasting #australianwine #orangewine #orangensw #nswwine #newsouthwaleswine #newsouthwaleswinemonth #canobolaswines #mountcanobolas #coolclimatewine #winepodcast #wineinterview #wineeducation #winemaker #vineyardlife #chardonnay #syrah #cabernetfranc #aussiewine #drinklocal #supportlocalwineries #winestagram #wineenthusiast #australianpodcast #winejourney

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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From Alsace to Central Otago, Paul Pujol’s journey has shaped some of the world’s most elegant cool-climate wines. 🍇 At Prophet’s Rock, he’s crafting Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir that reflect the unique schist and clay soils of Central Otago.

In this interview, Paul shares his wine philosophy, his Burgundy connection with François Millet, and why Prophet’s Rock is one of New Zealand’s most exciting wineries. Thank you to Paul and the Prophet’s Rock team for taking the time to chat with us and take us around their amazing winery.

👉 Would you travel to New Zealand to taste Prophet’s Rock wines at the source?

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more wine stories from @‌TheWinedUp.

Browse and shop Prophet’s Rock wines at https://www.prophetsrock.co.nz

Chapters:
00:00 – Preview
00:41 – Welcome & Intro to Paul Pujol
01:34 – Memorable Wines & First Grange
03:27 – Grapes, Icons & Inspirations
05:11 – Pairings & Lessons from Alsace
07:25 – From Raft Guide to Winemaker
11:08 – Five Harvests in One Year
12:20 – Head Winemaker in Alsace at 28
17:01 – Riesling & Cool Climate Winemaking
22:07 – Central Otago Terroir & History
28:33 – Pinot Gris & Choosing Prophet’s Rock
33:53 – Winemaking Philosophy
36:41 – Pinot Noir & Terroir Differences
40:08 – Style Evolution & What’s Next
49:59 – Collaboration & Final Thoughts

#ProphetsRock #CentralOtago #NZWine #WineRegions #CoolClimateWine #PinotNoir #SangaPies #NZPie #AussiePie GrandCru #PenfoldsGrange #TomYumPairing #HenriJayer #Terroir #HomeVineyard #RockPointVineyard #Schist #clay #chalk #globalvintage #winemaker #CentralOtago #NZWine #WineRegions #WineLovers #VineyardLife #PaulPujol #WineWisdom #TheWinedUp#WinedUp #WineShorts #WineEducation #OtagoWine #WineClimate #WineTok #TheWinedUpPodcast

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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Thank you to the team from Laithwaites for sponsoring this episode. Go check them out at https://www.laithwaites.com.au/ to discover more! Use the promo code: WINEDUP for an exclusive 20% off!

In this episode of The Wined Up, Trent and Jason dive deep into the world of Australian Merlot with a blind tasting of five incredible wines from regions across Australia. 🇦🇺🍷

We’re on a mission to celebrate Aussie Merlot—exploring its diversity, quality, and unique flavour profiles. You’ll hear our honest tasting notes, from elegant cool-climate reds to bold, fruit-driven styles, plus the surprising influence of terroir and winemaking techniques.

We also talk about the role of wine critics—how their scores can shape your buying decisions, and whether you should trust your palate over the points. If you’ve ever wondered how to identify a truly standout Merlot, you won’t want to miss this.

📍 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Overview
00:14 Celebrating Aussie Merlot
00:32 Sponsor: Laithwaites
01:06 Thoughts of the Week: Infographics
02:26 Exploring Australian Wine Regions
05:07 Influence of Wine Critics
12:41 Blind Tasting of Aussie Merlot
23:51 Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Hit subscribe for more deep dives, and drop your favorite Aussie Merlot in the comments below. 🍷 

#aussiewine #australianmerlot #merlot #winecritic #winetasting #blindtasting #redwine #wineeducation #winereview #winepairing #australiangrapes #wineenthusiast #winedown #winetime #sommelierlife #wineo #drinkmoretrymorelearnmore #australianwine #winetips #winechat #AussieMerlot #DeSalis #LittleFrances #BrashHiggins #Bunnamagoo #YeahWine #Merlot #BlindTasting #AussieWine #WineCommunity #AustralianWine #WineTok #WineTips #WineEducation #WineLovers #TheWinedUpPodcast

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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In this episode, we travel to Rippon Vineyard in Wanaka, New Zealand, and sit down with Nick Mills, Rippon’s General Manager and Winemaker, to uncover the story behind one of the most iconic vineyards in the world.
Rippon isn’t just about wine—it’s about heritage, terroir, and sustainability. Nick takes us through the vineyard’s rich family legacy, its award-winning wines, and the deep connection between land and grape. From the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago to Nick’s personal journey in Burgundy, we explore how Rippon’s philosophy of organic farming and respect for nature has shaped its unique style.

You’ll learn about the vineyard’s most celebrated wines, hear surprising stories (including how Rippon’s “Gamay” was revealed to be Pinot Noir), and join us for an exclusive tasting of their top vintages. Whether you’re a passionate wine collector, a casual enthusiast, or just curious about the magic behind a bottle, this conversation will give you new insights into the artistry of winemaking.

Thank you to Nick and the Rippon team.

👉 Subscribe to  ⁨@TheWinedUp⁩ and comment on your favourite Rippon wine.

Browse and shop Rippon wines at https://rippon.co.nz

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Icebreaker Questions with Nick Mills
01:40 Nick Mills' Wine Journey
03:48 Unique Wine and Food Pairings
04:05 Lessons from the Vineyard
07:06 The History of Rippon
12:47 Generational Legacy and Viticulture
16:59 Tasting the 2022 Mature Vine
20:03 Influence of Burgundy on Winemaking
25:47 The Importance of Land and Sustainability
29:56 Reflecting on the Land and Its Legacy
30:43 Returning Home: A Turning Point
32:19 The Unique Climate and Geography of New Zealand
32:58 The Story Behind Rippon's Gamay
35:17 Discovering the True Identity of the Vines
39:38 The Philosophy of Winemaking at Rippon
40:06 The Essence of Rippon's Riesling
41:28 The Importance of Texture in Wine
43:54 The Digestive Qualities of Wine
49:00 Pride in Rippon's Legacy and Future
50:52 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

#Ripponvineyard #ripponnewzealandwine #rippon #newzealand #nzwine #nickmills #winemaker #wanaka #centralotago #pinotnoir #organicwine #sustainablevineyards #burgundy #terroir #winetasting #winedocumentary #vineyards #thewineduppodcast  #thewinedup #podcast #winepodcast 

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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This week we ask the question of whether you can get great wines at great value? We get it, times are tough and wine is a luxury product, but that doesn’t mean that it all must cost an arm and a leg. We have a bit of fun with the price is right style blind tasting to identify to see if Jase can value the wines correctly.

We reflect on our visit the “Exhilarating wines from Western Australia” event at the Rocks, Sydney. We chat about why more and more people aren’t discovering aged white wines? We discuss wine games to hone our tasting skills.

Thank you to the team from Laithwaites for the wines. Go check them out at https://www.laithwaites.com.au/ to discover more!

Subscribe to @‌TheWinedUp and comment below on what your great value wine is?

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:39 Wine Games
04:31 Reflections on the Exhilarating Wines of Western Australia
07:37 Why aren’t more people drinking aged white wines
12:48 Can you get great wines at great value?
15:00 Wine 1 - 2024 Caravan Pinot Grigio
17:59 Wine 2 - 2023 Corryton Burge Adelaide Hills
20:57 Wine 3 - 2022 Q Malbec
23:47 Wine 4 - 2023 The Black Pig Shiraz
26:22 Final thoughts on whether you can get great wines at great value?

#WAwines #MargaretRiver #GreatSouthern #agedwhitewines #LET #LenEvans #OptionsGame #Laithwaites #TheBlackPig #Malbec #CorrytonBurge #Quarisa #WineEducation #WineTok #WineTasting #TerroirMatters #WineScience #SommelierTalk #RedWineLovers #GrapeToGlass #TheWinedUpPodcast #TheWinedUp #WinePodcast #Podcast

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Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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In this episode, Trent and Jason sit down to taste three incredible bottles from De Salis Wines, a boutique, family-run winery from Orange, NSW—located 1050 meters above sea level. That makes it part of the elite 1% of Australian wine regions above 600 meters!

We explore how altitude impacts wine—from the slower ripening of grapes to the distinct elegance and balance it brings to the final bottle. De Salis’s approach is all about minimal intervention, letting the terroir and climate shine through.

Here’s what we’re tasting:
 🍷 A beautifully textured Chardonnay
 🍷 The vibrant Estate Pinot Noir
 🍷 And the refined Lofty Pinot Noir

You’ll hear us unpack flavors, talk about what makes cool-climate wines so distinct, and dig into why family-run wineries often create such standout bottles.

We also throw in a few fun extras: using an electric corkscrew for the first time, and yes—tasting wine with ice cream to test a viral pairing trend. Spoiler: you might be surprised by the results!

If you're into Australian wine, Pinot Noir, or discovering new boutique producers— this episode’s for you.

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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Francois Labet, owner of Chateau de la Tour and Domaine Pierre Labet, who is also the President of the Bourgogne Wine Board, highlights why Australians should take a Closer Look at Bourgogne, particularly the Regionale wines.  He explains the history of Bourgogne, its grape varieties, the classification, and where hidden gems can be found.  During the episode he shares with us a delicious 2022 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Altitude.  Thank you Francois for your time and insight into what makes Bourgogne special.

Find out more about Bourgogne wines on Instagram (@vinsdebourgogne ), Facebook (@bourgognewines ), LinkedIn (@bureau Interprofessional des Vins de Bourgogne - Bourgogne Wine Board).

Subscribe to @thewinedup  and comment on your favourite Bourgogne Wine.

Chapters:
0:00 Preview
0:23 Introduction
1:48 Bourgogne not Burgundy
1:34 History of Bourgogne
2:27 Unique Terroir of Bourgogne
2:50 Main varietals in Bourgogne
3:20 Evolution of Bourgogne
7:47 2022 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Altitude.
8:42 Bourgogne Classifications
10:49 Favourite Hidden Gems in Bourgogne
12:22 What’s the best approach to finding value?
12:53 How younger winemakers balance tradition & innovation
16:03 Is the philosophy of winemaking changing?
17:49 Why should Australian try Bourgogne wines?
20:09 Should we cellar our wines?
20:33 Wines are like planes
23:26 Key Messages about Bourgogne
24:16 The Wined Up Conclusion

#BourgogneWines #terroir #chardonnay #pinotnoir #variety #Regionale #FrancoisLabet #pinotnoir #chateaudelatour #domainepierrelabet #winemaker #winetalk #winechat #wine #winepodcast #thewinedup #thewineduppodcast #podcast

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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The week, we sit down with Blair Walter, the acclaimed winemaker behind Felton Road, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated producers of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. From the rolling vineyards of Central Otago to the precision of the winery, Blair shares his journey, winemaking philosophy, and the delicate balance between nature, terroir, and craft. We dive into Felton Road’s organic and biodynamic practices, the art of minimal intervention, and what just makes Felton Road so special and unique.

Winning the 2024 and recently the 2025 Real Review New Zealand Best Winery is no mean feat. It is an insightful look at Blair, Bannockburn, Felton Road land and terroir, and the focus, diligence, and knowing how to let the land speak through the wine. The wines supporting our chat was:
·         2023 Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay
·         2023 Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir
·         2023 Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noit

Listen in and subscribe to  ⁨@TheWinedUp⁩ and comment below on what is your favourite Felton Road wine? What were your biggest takeaways from our chat?

Chapters:

0:00 Preview
0:56 Intro
1:52 Ice Breaker Questions with Blair Walter from Felton Road
5:27 Blair Walter’s wine journey
9:00 2023 Felton Road Bannockburn Chardonnay
13:02 Organic and Biodynamics
16:50 The Felton Road Non Negotiables
18:16 2023 Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir
19:29 The Felton Road wine philosophy
25:52 2023 Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir
27:26 The Felton Road vineyard personalities
32:29 The future of Felton Road
34:21 Conclusion \ Wrap Up

#feltonroad #blairwalter #elmsvineyard #mcmuirvineyard #cornishpointvineyard #calvertvineyard #bannockburn #nzwine #centralotago #pinotnoir #pinot #chardonnay #wine #winetalk #winechat #winepodcast #thewinedup #thewineduppodcast #podcast

The content in this episode are our own personal experiences and opinions. There are no paid ads or promotions.

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected].

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