Send us a text

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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

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

Drink More, Try More, Learn More

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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

Unlock the savory secrets of Northern Rhône Syrah! 🍷 In this episode, Jason and Trent dive deep into the rich, complex world of this iconic French wine. From understanding why some wines taste "meaty" to decoding wine legs and exploring regional terroir, this video is your guide to appreciating what makes Syrah from Northern Rhône so unforgettable.

We spotlight the 2021 Domaine Bernard Gripa St. Joseph Syrah, a bottle packed with savory notes, spice, and refined fruit. Our hosts explore how winemaking techniques, climate, and soil all contribute to Syrah’s signature flavors. Ever wondered why a wine smells like bacon fat or tastes like violets and smoked meat? We've got you.

Whether you're a wine beginner or a seasoned Rhône ranger, this episode breaks down tasting notes, food pairings, myths about Shiraz vs. Syrah, and more. Plus, we give a shoutout to our go-to wine shop, Five Way Cellars, for helping us source amazing bottles.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Northern Rhône Syrah

00:36 Exploring Wine Descriptors

01:48 The Science Behind 'Meaty' Wines

05:30 Understanding Wine Legs

08:37 Northern Rhône Syrah: Facts and Features

11:48 Perfect Pairings: Meaty Dishes and Syrah

12:30 Distinctive Styles of Northern Rhône Appellations

13:23 The Story Behind Hermitage

13:53 Exploring St. Joseph Syrah

16:26 Tasting Notes and Impressions

16:29 Sponsor Shoutout: Five Way Cellars

17:22 Comparing Shiraz and Syrah

22:15 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Browse and shop for savoury wines at Five Way Cellars https://fivewaycellars.com.au

Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and drop your favourite Syrah in the comments below.

🍷 Drink more. Try more. Learn more.

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

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

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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

In this episode of The Wined Up, Jason and Trent dive into an exciting blind tasting challenge: comparing a UK sparkling wine, an Australian sparkling, and a French Champagne. They discuss the impact of global events on champagne consumption, the psychology behind celebrating with bubbles, and their personal preferences from the tasting. Join us for a deep dive into sparkling wines, and see who comes out on top in this Battle of the Bubbles! 🍾🥂

Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment below if you prefer UK sparkling, Aussie sparkling, or Champagne?👇

Browse and shop Vera Wine’s sparkling wine range and more at https://verawine.com.au

CHAPTERS :

00:00 Introduction to the Battle of the Bubbles
00:38 The Bubbly Index: Champagne and Economic Sentiment
04:01 Wine Clubs: To Join or Not to Join?
09:56 Battle of the Bubbles: The Challenge Begins
11:17 Champagne Market Trends in Australia
11:35 Rise of Local Sparkling Wines
12:42 Blind Tasting Setup
13:35 Tasting Notes and Impressions
16:36 Guessing the Wines
18:19 Revealing the Wines
19:14 Final Thoughts and Preferences
22:25 Conclusion and Viewer Questions

You can also listen to us on Spotify (The Wined Up), Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up), and Amazon Music (The Wined Up).

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

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

Drink More, Try More, Learn More

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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

Jean-Francois Bordet, owner of Domaine Seguinot-Bordet in Maligny and President of the Chablis Commission of the Bourgogne Wine Board invites Australian’s to try and visit Chablis. The winemakers may even pick you up at the gas station!

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 below if you want to visit Chablis and why

Chapters:
0:00 Preview
0:16 Introduction
1:14 Your most memorable wine
1:31 How does Chablis age?
1:52 Last glass of wine
2:28 Favourite grape varietal
2:46 Any other unique food and wine pairings
2:57 Advice for people entering their wine journey
4:00 How did you fall in love with Chablis
5:52 What’s special Maligny?
6:01 How do you balance tradition with innovation?
7:23 2023 Domaine Seguinot-Bordet Chablis, FRANCE
8:00 Terroir of Chablis
9:24 Misconceptions on Chablis
11:06 Varieties in Chablis
11:33 Are the Classifications of Chablis different to Bourgogne?
12:39 Personal favourite food pairing with Chablis
13:26 Can Chablis appeal to the younger generation?
14:31 Can we make Chablis more visible in Australia?
15:47 What is Chablis doing to address sustainability challenges?
18:00 How is Chablis evolving for the future?
19:08 What bottle should Australians have?
20:09 Key Messages about Chablis
21:45 How do you get to Chablis?
21:14 The Wined Up Conclusion

#BourgogneWines #Chablis #visit #paris #takeacloserlook #bourgogne #Jean-FrancoisBordet #chardonnay #maligny #domaineseguinot-bordet #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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a text

This week, we have a chat with Sarah Crowe, the acclaimed Winemaker and General Manager at Yarra Yering, one of Australia's most historic and respected wineries, nestled in the Yarra Valley.

We delve into Sarah’s mosaic of stories contributing to her wine journey. This includes her formative years in Hunter Valley and Beechworth and being put into positions to make calls and decisions herself. We touch on her style, her wine philosophy and the balancing act of upholding tradition whist pushing forward with change, innovation and experimentation.

We were chuffed to try the wines below, with each telling a story of Sarah Crowe and Yarra Yering.

·         2023 Yarra Yering Chardonnay
·         2024 Light Dry Red Pinot Shiraz
·         2022 Dry Red Wine No.2
·         2023 Amphora

Listen in and subscribe to  ⁨@TheWinedUp⁩   and comment below on your favourite Yarra Yering wine, your favourite experience with Yarra Yering wines!

Chapters:

0:00 Preview
0:34 Intro
1:14 Ice Breaker Questions with Sarah Crowe from Yarra Yering
9:03 Sarah Crowe’s connection with nature
11:20 Sarah Crowe’s time in Beechworth and the impact to her wine journey
16:20 2023 Yarra Yering Chardonnay
17:31 The Sarah Crowe Wine philosophy and Wine style
22:04 What is unique about Yarra Valley
24:16 What is unique about Yarra Yering
28:29 2024 Light Dry Red Pinot Shiraz
37:16 2022 Dry Red Wine No.2
43:11 Vineyard derived blends
48:36 2023 Amphora
54:45 What would Dr Bailey Carrodus say now?
57:18 What is your most proudest moment?
58:45 Conclusion \ Wrap Up

#DrBaileyCarrodus #DrCarrodus #YarraYeringDryRedno2 #pinotshiraz #sarahcrowe #yarrayering #yarravalleywine #LET #LenEvansTutorial #JuliaGillard #Jennifer Coolidge #chardonnay #scrambedeggsandchampagne #halliday #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].

Drink More, Try More, Learn More.