The Drinking Hour: With David Kermode - FoodFM

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. England's nascent still wine scene gets ever more exciting, with premium cuvées now taking the limelight. David chats to the co-owners of Whitewolfe, Clare Whitehead and Luke Wolfe, to hear about their self-funded project to create a trio of wines from Chardonnay, grown at Kit's Coty in Kent. IWSC winning wines featured, all silver medals :   Chapel Down Kit's Coty Coeur De Cuvée Extra Brut 2016 Louis Pommery England Brut NV  Hattingley Valley Wines Blanc de Blancs Brut 2015 Denbies Wine EstateCubitt Blanc De Noirs Brut 2015 Vagabond Wines Pinot Noir 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Lisbon, Portugal's beguiling capital, is also an enticing wine region stretching north for 130 kilometres along the country's Atlantic coast. Libby Brodie chats to David about the terrain, climate, grapes and gastronomy of the Lisboa region.   Wines featured, all IWSC silver medal winners from Lisboa: Quinta Do Conde Galodoro 10 Barricas Reserva 2022 Aveleda, Mandriola De Lisboa 2022  Aluado Reserva Alicante Bouschet 2020  Casa Santos Lima Quinta Do Espírito Santo 2021  M&S Lisboa Bonita 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Sunny Hodge is David's guest to talk about his new book, The Cynic's Guide to Wine, demystifying the subject, using science to take a deep dive into the glass, pulling apart conventional tasting notes and challenging established assumptions. Wines featured, all gold medal winners from Turkey, with Sunny among the judges:  Sevilen Sarap Sanayi Sevilen Centum Syrah 2020 Likya Wines Likya Arkeo Acikara 2022 Kuzubag Hür Amfora Merlot 2022 Kayra Imperial Merlot Blend 2015 V'asbosExpression Cabernet Franc Edition 1 NV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In the second special episodes, David's focus is Côtes du Rhône Villages, the next tier up from Côtes du Rhône in the region's hierarchy of quality, chatting with Raphaël Knapp, of Château la Borie, and Anthony Taylor, of Gabriel Meffre.   Medal winners featured:   Château De Ruth 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Sainte-Cécile (silver) Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Chartreuse De Bonpas 2020 Côtes Du Rhône Villages (silver) Domaines Vincent Moreau 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Sainte-Cécile (silver) Julie Rouffignac Tesco Finest 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Blanc (silver) J. Jacques Beaumet 2022 Cairanne (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In the first of two special episodes, David explores the wines of Côtes du Rhône, chatting with Frédéric Lavau, a négociant, and Louis Barruol, of Château Saint Cosme, to find out what makes the region such a favourite with wine lovers.   Medal winners featured: M&S Pont de Fleur 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc The Wine Society's Exhibition Vinsobres 2020 (silver) M&S Les Closiers 2022 Lirac (silver) Asda Cuvée Traditionnelle Grignan-Les Adhemar 2022 (silver) Château la Verrerie Grand Deffand Syrah 2021 Luberon (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David meets the new face of GH Mumm, Yann Munier, who joined last April as cellar master. A native of the Champagne region, he talks about his passion for Pinot Noir, the grape that defines Mumm, and reflects on the latest 2024 vintage.   Medal winners featured, all silver winners:   Nicolas Feuillatte Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2015  Laurent-Perrier Blanc De Blancs Brut Nature NV  Lanson Brut 2013  Mandois Vieilles Vignes Victor Blanc De Blancs Brut 2013  Champagne de Saint Gall Premier Cru Rosé Brut NV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David reflects on some special moments in series 17, including the creator of ‘The Chocolate Block', Marc Kent; the winemaker of another South African trailblazer, Journey's End, Mike Dawson; a Champagne pioneer, Alice Paillard of Maison Bruno Paillard; there's Sicily's Cerasuolo di Vittoria with Stefano Girelli, of Santa Tresa and Cortese; and the man behind Ribera del Duero's ‘Pingus', Peter Sisseck.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Austria is the focus as David chats to Master of Wine, Dirceu Vianna Junior, and top sommelier, Melania Battiston, wine director at Cornus. They talk about the incredible versatility of Grüner Veltliner, what defines Austrian Riesling and the red wines to look out for, as they reflect on judging in the country for the IWSC.   Wines featured, all gold medal winners.   Weinkultur Preiss Grüner Veltliner Ried Berg Reserve Traisental DAC 2022 Weingut Gerhard Deim Grüner Veltliner Ried Kalvarienberg Kamptal DAC 2022 Weingut Stefan Bauer Grüner Veltliner Hutzler Wagram DAC 2021 Weingut Eder Wachau Grüner Veltliner Ried Süssenberg Smaragd Wachau DAC 2021 Weingut Leth Roter Veltliner Fels Ried Scheiben 1 ÖTW Wagram DAC 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Journey's End estate at the far end of the Stellenbosch region, close to the ocean, to meet winemaker, Mike Dawson, to talk about terroir, sustainability, the rising stature of South African wine and the impact of the Cape Doctor. Wines featured, all gold medal winners: Journey's End The Pioneer Malbec 2022 De Morgenzon Reserve Syrah 2021 Newstead Blanc de Blancs MCC Brut 2017 Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2022 Cederberg Shiraz 2020 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Sicily's only DOCG, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, is David's focus this week as he chats to Stefano Girelli, of Santa Tresa and Cortese, a passionate advocate for the region who sold his wineries in northern Italy to pursue organic viticulture on the island.   Medal winners featured: Scoccia Siciliano Amaro Al Carrubo E Zagara (gold) The Wine Society's Sicilian Reserve Red, Nosio, 2020 (Silver) Fattoria La Vialla Passito Moscato 2022 (Silver)  M&S Found Lucido 2023 (Silver) Asda Extra Special Sicilian Reserve 2020 (Silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. China is now the world's sixth most important producer of wine and the country's cuveés are winning new acclaim from international experts. David is joined by two Masters of Wine, Susie Barrie and Antony Moss, to reflect on the inaugural IWSC global judging in China. Wines featured, all gold medal winners: Mihope vineyards, Chateau Mihope Reserve Dry Red Wine 2019 Ningxia Mulando Co, Mulando M365, Red 2021 Yunnan Zangditianxiang Wine Pabala Ecological Icewine NV Xuzhou Hanxiang Liquor Co, Nabaifu Vidal Icewine Reserva 2018 Tiansai Vineyards Skyline of Gobi Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. It is one of South Africa's most celebrated and successful premium wines, ‘The Chocolate Block', a red blend led by Syrah, that changes every year according to the vintage, and has evolved with the times. David meets its creator, Marc Kent at Boekenhoutskloof, in Franschhoek, to hear the story of its success. Medal winners featured, all gold medal winners:   Vilafonté Series M 2019 Constantia Glen Two 2022 Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Warwick Estate The Blue Lady 2020 Klein Constantia Vin De Constance 2020 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Castilla y León to explore Ribera del Duero, meeting the winemakers who have put this Spanish region on the fine wine map, including Master of Wine Almudena Alberca and the creator of Pingus, Peter Sisseck. Medal winners featured: Finca Sobreño Ildefonso 2018, Toro (gold) Bodegas Valdubón Honoris 2021, Ribera del Duero (silver) Jesús Madrazo Seleccion 2019, Ribera del Duero (silver) Tesco Finest Ebeia 2022, Ribera del Duero (silver) Pradorey Real Sitio de Ventosilla Salgüero 2019, Ribera del Duero (silver)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David's joined by CEO and co-owner of Champagne Bruno Paillard, Alice Paillard, to talk about taking over from her father, who established the house in 1981. Their wide-ranging chat includes extra brut, post-disgorgement ageing, climate change and her role as a female pioneer. Medal winners featured: Charles Heidsieck Blanc Des Millénaires Brut 2014 (gold) Henriot Cuvée Hemera Brut Grand Cru 2013 (gold) Lanson Le Blanc De Blancs Brut NV (gold) Abelé 1757 Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut NV (gold)  Pommery Apanage 1874 Brut NV (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Bourbon or rye, blended or single malt, the USA and Canada offer a wealth of whiskies, from heritage styles that predate Prohibition or the latest innovations. Dawn Davies MW of Speciality Drinks chats to David about the inaugural IWSC judging in Kentucky. Gold and gold outstanding winners featured: Toasted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Blanton's Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bulleit Rye 10 YO American Straight Rye Whiskey Five Trail Barrel Proof Batch 003 Blended American Whiskey, by Coors Spirits Cabernet Cask Select American Single Malt Whiskey by Virginia Distillery Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Continuing his look at what's in store for 2025, David talks bar trends with Emma Hutchison, Executive Creative Director at Sweet&Chilli - an agency with offices in London, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, São Paulo, and Paris - to hear more about what the world's best bars might be serving up this year. Drinks featured, all gold medal winners: St. Nicholas Abbey 12 YO Cask Strength Rum Three Ships 13 Yo Cape Ruby Cask Finish Código 1530 Blanco Tequila Calvados Lecompte 25 YO Calvados Pays d'Auge 8 Friends Vanilla Advocaat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. ‘The Chief' is back with his annual predictions for what's in store for the drinks world. As editor in chief of The Buyer, Richard Siddle, has his finger on the pulse and he shares his insights with David, including tax changes, a stylistic shift in English wine and what a returning President Trump might mean for booze. Drinks featured: Destilaria Portuguesa Amarguinha Sour RTD (gold) Levantine Hill Katherine's Paddock Chardonnay 2021 (gold) Marisco Vineyards The Craft Series Pride And Glory Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (gold and trophy) Oyster Bay Cuvée Brut NV (gold)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David's joined by Laura Willoughby, co-founder of Club Soda and Irem Eren of BevZero to discuss the growing importance of the ‘low and no' category and the latest innovations for those choosing to cut out, or reduce, their alcohol intake. Drinks featured Edenvale Beverages Premium Reserve Sparkling Shiraz NV (gold and trophy) Dr Zero Zero Amarno (gold and trophy) Drinks Kitchen Orange Cinchona Non-Alcoholic Aperitif (gold) Sweet&Chilli Air Mary (gold and trophy) Min Min Kombucha Oak Ageing Kombucha (gold) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David brings us his favourite moments from the latest series: including two legends of Champagne, Lallier's Dominique Demarville and Michel Drappier; Rombauer's head winemaker Richie Allen; Alice Lascelles talks about her new book , The Martini'; Billy Abbott on his passion for whisky; and Fr'um creator, Anthony Peart, talks about Tom Kerridge as an inspiration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David dives into the rich complexity of Alsace with Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl and Master Sommelier, Eric Zwiebel, who grew up there. They discuss the unique German influence on the region, its famously diverse patchwork of terroir and the world class wines it produces.  Wines featured:  Dopff Au Moulin Gewurztraminer 2022 (gold) Dopff Au Moulin Gewurztraminer 2022 (gold Maison Kuehn Riesling 2021 (silver) Cave de Ribeauvillé Lieu-Dit Mühlforst Riesling 2021 (silver) La Cave du Vieil Armand Pinot Gris 2022 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. In what has been described as ‘the ultimate experience for whisky lovers', Chivas Brothers is throwing open the doors of its celebrated Strathisla distillery for exclusive immersive tasting tours. David talks to Jacques Henri Brive, head of luxury development and Director of Blending and Inventory, Sandy Hyslop. Whisky featured, all gold medal winners: Royal Salute 30 YO Key to the Kingdom Blended Scotch Whisky Royal Salute Taiwanese Exclusive 23 YO Blended Scotch Whisky Miltonduff 24 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky Longmorn 22 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to the head winemaker at Napa's Rombauer Vineyards, Richie Allen, who rose from cellar hand to the top job, to hear more about the pioneering producer behind some of America's favourite premium wines, including a Chardonnay that's a personal favourite of our host! Medal winners featured: Phillips Distilling Company Prairie Organic Vodka (gold) Phillips Root Beer Schnapps (gold) Salt Point Gin Highball (gold) Gruppo Campari SKYY Espresso Vodka (gold) Zing Zang Mango Margarita Made With Tequila (gold) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reports from Belgrade on the contest to be ‘ASI Best Sommelier in Europe, Africa and the Middle East' and speaks to the winner, Mick Parre, and also the reigning best sommelier in the world, Raimonds Tomsons, plus, Alex Huskinson, tequila category expert at The Whisky Exchange in on hand for a mini masterclass. Drinks featured, all gold medal winning agave spirits: Proximo Spirits 1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila Gruppo Campari Montelobos Pechuga Artesanal Mezcal Heaven Hill Brands Lunazul Primero Humoso Blanco Tequila Meanwhile Drinks Pensador Espadín Artesanal Mezcal San Cosme Artesano Joven Mezcal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to the Champagne village of Aÿ to meet Dominique Demarville, general manager and cellar master at Lallier, to toast the launch of two new cuvées and talk about his long career in the region, plus Billy Abbott's back with Jason Vaswani from The Whisky Exchange, to talk about ‘pre-loved' whisky. New Zealand medal winning spirits featured: Pokeno Whisky Co. Totara Cask Single Malt Whisky (gold) Strange Nature Distilling Gin (gold) Astra Premium New Zealand Gin (gold) Greytown Distilling Company Tweed Premium Gin (gold) Elemental Distillers Roots Rosso Pinot Noir Gin (gold) Karori Drinks Company Chemistry Gin (gold and also a design award) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David's joined by John Hoskins MW, former chief examiner at the Institute of Masters of Wine and Rebecca Palmer, Associate Director at Corney & Barrow to talk about judging South Africa's wines, in situ, for the IWSC and Billy Abbott of the Whisky Exchange returns for a mini masterclass on the flavours of world whisky. Wines featured, all gold medal winners: Villiera Monro Brut Cap Classique 2017 Capensis Wines Silene Chardonnay 2022 Kershaw Wines Clonal Selection Chardonnay 2020 Peter Falke Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2022  Flagstone Winery Writer's Block Pinotage 2021  Perdeberg Wines Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2022  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Author and FT columnist Alice Lascelles is David's guest to talk about her latest book, The Martini - a paean to the iconic cocktail, tracing its journey from 1880's New York to the hottest bars of the moment via 60 different recipes. Plus, Billy Abbott of The Whisky Exchange is back to explore the world of Japanese whisky. Medal winning Japanese whiskies featured: The Fujisan Whisky (gold) The Ukiyo Premium Black Label Japanese Blended Rice Whisky (gold) Komasa Kanosuke Distillery 2023 Limited Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky (silver) Nagahama Distillery Amahagan Yamazakura Edition Blended Malt Whisky (silver) Kirin Brewery Co. Fuji Single Blended Whisky (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David welcomes one of the most famous names in Champagne, Michel Drappier, whose family first settled in the region more than 200 years ago, with the conversation including organic farming, carbon neutral practises and low dosage. Wines featured: Drappier Grande Sendrée Brut 2010 (silver) Henriot Blanc De Blancs Brut non vintage (gold) Rare Rosé Brut 2014 (silver) Co-op Les Pionniers Brut NV (silver) Ellner Charles Ellner Grande Reserve Brut 2014 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David is joined by whisky expert, Kristiane Sherry, to talk about her inaugural ‘Scotch whisky report' for Club Oenologique, tasting around 120 examples, to produce a snapshot of the category. In a double helping for whisky lovers, Billy Abbott of The Whisky Exchange returns, for an Irish whisky mini masterclass. IWSC medal winners featured, all gold medal winners: Irish Distillers Blue Spot 7 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey  Proximo Spirits Bushmills 30 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey Teeling Whiskey Blackpitts Peated Cask Strength Single Malt Irish Whiskey  Powerscourt Distillery Fercullen 21 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey Irish Distillers Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David delves in the world of whisky with renowned expert, author and judge, Billy Abbott, of The Whisky Exchange, to explore the complexity and diversity of a dram, with a focus on fruit forward whiskies in the first of a series of ‘mini masterclasses'. Featuring four IWSC gold medal and trophy winners:   Tomatin Distillery Legacy Single Malt Scotch Whisky  East Asia Whisky Company 35 YO Manta Ray Genesis Bunnahabhain Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky Cask 88 Imperial Distillery The Bothy 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky Loch Lomond Whiskies 12 YO Inchmurrin Single Malt Scotch Whisky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. From his humble beginnings in hospitality to the bar of Tom Kerridge's double-starred gastropub, The Hand & Flowers, Anthony Peart achieved his dream of launching his own rum. He joins David to talk about how he made it happen. Rums featured (all gold medal winners) Fr'um dark but fr'iendly Pineapple & Smokey Scotch Bonnet Rum Rones del Caribe Roble Viejo 12 YO Ultra Añejo Rum Héritiers Madkaud Renaissance Rum  Four Monkey Cataline Chapter 7 Whisky Spirit Library 1993 Cuban Rum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reflects on the highlights of series 15 featuring Perrier-Jouët cellar master Séverine Frerson, Domaine des Tourelles winemaker Faouzi Issa on making wine in Lebanon, organic pioneer Gérard Bertrand and Voyager Estate's chief winemaker, Tim Shand, Will Hill on Georgian amber wine and Tom Surgey on his new book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David travels to Château L' Hospitalet in Languedoc-Roussillon to meet Gérard Bertrand, a former rugby star whose passion for his home region has earned it a place on the world's fine wine map. They talk terroir, biodynamics and a winemaking philosophy that has resulted in a broad range of wines from an innovative orange, to the world's most expensive rosé. Wines featured: Gérard Bertrand Cote Des Roses Grenache-Syrah-Cinsault 2023 (silver) Gérard Bertrand Héritage Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (silver) Gérard Bertrand Héritage Adissan 2023 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Responsible for a mere two percent of Australia's grape crush, Margaret River really punches above its weight when it comes to premium wines. David finds out more, from Alex Hunt MW, IWSC wine judging committee member and leading sommelier-turned-communicator, Shanteh Wale. Wines featured (all gold medal winners): Fermoy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Flametree Wines, Flametree Chardonnay 2023 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2020 Churchview Estate The Bartondale Chardonnay 2023  Singlefile Wines The Vivienne, Denmark Chardonnay 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. They are all the rage on wine lists, but orange wines have a long and illustrious history, dating back to the birthplace of wine, Georgia, where they are known as amber. David talks to expert and IWSC judge, Will Hill, Managing Director of Novel Wines to find out more. Wines featured (all gold medal winners): Kardanakhi 1888 LLC Tsarapi 2020 Bedoba Orange 2021 Mildiani Family Winery, Khikhvi Qvevri Bouquet 2018 Doctor's Bio-cellar Rkatsiteli 2021 Mildiani Family Winery Brut Reserve 2015 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A familiar face for his work with ‘The Three Wine Men', writer and broadcaster Tom Surgey chats to David about his new book ‘How to Drink Wine', which offers a comprehensive, yet accessible, guide to the world of wine terminology. Drinks featured: Marks & Spencer 5 Times Distilled Vodka (gold) Chapel Down Kit's Coty Coeur De Cuvée Extra Brut 2016 (silver) Denbies Wine Estate Cubitt Blanc De Noirs Brut 2015 (silver) Vagabond Wines Pinot Noir 2022 (silver) Gusbourne Rosé Brut 2019 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Famously where East meets West, Turkey offers a treasure trove of indigenous grape varieties which are well worth seeking out. David finds out more from Sarah Abbott MW and Isa Bal MS, who co-chaired the recent IWSC wine judging in Istanbul, where an impressive 20 gold medals were awarded. Wines featured (all gold medal winners): Kayra Vintage Öküzgözü 2021 Kavaklidere Saraplari Prestige Okuzgozu 2021 Vinolus Kalecik Karasi 2022 Likya Vineyards Boğazkere 2014 Kavaklidere Saraplari Cotes d'Avanos Narince 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to the winemaker Faouzi Issa from Lebanon's Domaine des Tourelles, to talk about making wine against the backdrop of conflict and chaos, his passion for old vines and his style of winemaking, focused on freshness and charm. Wines featured: Domaine Wardy Grenache, Bekaa Valley 2022 (silver) Zilzie Wines Platinum Edition Grenache, Barossa, Australia 2022 (silver) Kilikanoon Duke Reserve Grenache, Clare Valley, South Australia 2019 (silver) V'asbos Iconic Grenache Edition 1 2018, Turkey (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Celebrated for sparklers and more recently for still wines too, Tasmania is David's focus as he explores the terroir of this enchanting Australian island with Tom Wallace, winemaker at Devil's Corner. Drinks featured, all from Tasmania: Hellyers Road Distillery 21 YO American Oak (Cask 2283.01) Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (gold) Orrsum Spirits XO Vodka (silver, plus gold in the V&T mixer category) Callington Mill Distillery Quagmire Single Malt Whisky (silver) Turner Stillhouse Three Cuts Founder's Release Gin (silver) Bream Creek Pinot Noir 2023 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Steve Lohr, whose father Jerry was a pioneer in Paso Robles, the California region that's attracted a legion of fans for the quality and value it offers. They talk terroir and why Cab remains ‘king', but also the other varieties to have on your radar. Drinks featured, all from California: Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin (gold) Grgich Hills Estate Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay 2021 (silver) Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (silver) Sausalito Liquor Company Marin Coastal Gin (silver) Sespe Creek Distillery Silvergrin Vodka (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to House of Hazelwood director, Jonathan Gibson, and blender, Eilidh Muir, about the latest unique collection of aged Scotch whisky amassed by the Gordon family and now offered to discerning collectors. Drinks featured (all gold medal winners): Aerstone Sea Cask 10 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky  Miltonduff, 24 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky  Tomintoul Distillery 25 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky Glencadam Distillery Reserva Andalucía Oloroso Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky William Grant & Sons, ‘Discarded', Grape Skin Vodka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to the Chief Winemaker Tim Shand, at pioneering Margaret River winery Voyager Estate, established in 1978. Tim talks about his winemaking journey across Australia, what makes the region so special, and the challenges and rewards of going organic.  Wines featured: House of Cards Ace High 2023 (gold) Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (gold) Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay 2022 (gold) Voyager Estate MJW Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (silver) Voyager Estate Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Only the 8th cellar master in Perrier-Jouët's 200-year history, the first woman to occupy the role, Séverine Frerson joins David to celebrate the Maison Belle Époque, the elegance of Chardonnay and the importance of a sensory relationship with nature. Wines featured (all gold medal winners from Champagne): Champagne Palmer & Co Solera Rosé Brut NV Lanson, Clos Lanson Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2010 Champagne de Saint Gall Orpale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 2012 Tesco Finest Rosé Brut NV - made by Union Champagne Co-op Les Pionniers Brut 2013 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David reflects on the latest series, including Eduardo Chadwick, on the anniversary of the Berlin Tasting, Sukhinder Singh reminiscing about a life of whisky collecting, Robin Kick MW on the wines of Bourgogne, the head of Austrian Wine, Chris Yorke, Chris Carpenter on sustainable winemaking and Rodolfo Bastida celebrating a century of Ramon Bilbao.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. For the second of his special editions dedicated to Chablis, David continues his visit to the region's producers and talks to Robin Kick MW about Petit Chablis, a wine that offers an exciting, affordable entry point to the region's world famous wines. Wines featured, all silver medal winners: La Chablisienne Les Clos 2021, Chablis Grand Cru M&S Cote De Lechet 2022 Chablis Premier Cru Tesco Finest 2021 Chablis Premier Cru, La Chablisienne Maison Castel 2022 Chablis Grand Calcaire 2022 Petit Chablis  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. For the first of two special editions dedicated to the wines of Chablis, Rosemary George MW joins David to talk about this special region's distinctive terroir and he meets producers to find out more about a region that's a global brand in itself. Wines featured, all four of them gold medal winners at the '24 judging: Charly Nicolle Ante MCMLXXX Les Fourneaux 2022  J. Moreau & Fils 2021 La Chablisienne Grenouilles 2020 La Chablisienne Les Preuses 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. To celebrate English wine week, one of the country's rising stars, Zoe Driver, winemaker at the critically acclaimed Black Chalk, joins David to talk about her own winemaking philosophy and the reasons behind English sparkling's stellar success. Wines featured: Wyfold Vineyard Rosé Brut 2018 (Gold) Roebuck Estates Rosé De Noirs Brut 2018 (Gold) Gusbourne Boot Hill Vineyard Blanc De Blancs Brut 2018 (Gold) Fox & Fox Mayfield Eclipse Brut 2019 (Gold) Black Chalk Classic Brut 2020 (Silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David visits Sicily's Mount Etna region to explore the ancient civilisation of pre-phylloxera old vines, from indigenous grape varieties, and meet the winemakers toiling on its volcanic slopes to craft distinctive wines. Drinks featured:  Amaro Amaranca (silver) Bisol1542 Cartizze Dry 2022 (gold) BiancaVigna Rive Di Collalto Extra Dry 2021 (gold) Silvio Carta Per Te Riserva 2002 (gold) Fattoria La Vialla Riserva 2013 (gold) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A traditional wine nation that still offers a voyage of discovery for the wine lover, with its indigenous grape varieties, family winemakers and great value fine wines. David travels to Vienna to experience VieVinum, the largest showcase of Austrian wines, and speaks to the Austrian Wine CEO, Chris Yorke. Wines featured, all gold medal winners, judged ‘in situ' in Austria: Weingut Alois Zimmermann, Rosshimmel Reserve Grüner Veltliner 2021  Seegut Lentsch Reserve Sankt Laurent 2020 Weingut Rabl Ried Dechant Alte Reben Grüner Veltliner 2021 Weingut Eder Wachau Leopold Riesling 2018 Weingut Horst & Georg Schmelzer Weißburgunder Eiswein 2012  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Chief winemaker at Rioja's Ramón Bilbao, Rodolfo Bastida, is David's guest as the winery celebrates its centenary and he toasts his 25 year tenure, to talk altitude winemaking, grape varieties, the pursuit of purity and the future for the region. Wines featured: Beronia Gran Reserva 2015 (gold) Bodegas Ramón Bilbao Gran Reserva 2015 (silver) El Coto De Rioja M&S Collection Gran Reserva 2015 (silver) Asda Extra Special Marques Del Norte Gran Reserva 2016 (silver) Dominio De La Salle Gran Reserva 2014 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. A special episode dedicated to Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. David meets Te Mata's boss, Nick Buck, as well as winemakers Steve Smith MW at Smith & Sheth and Craggy Range's Ben Tombs as he explores what defines this historic region and its wines. Wines featured: Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Syrah 2020 (gold) Mission Estate Winery Huchet Syrah 2019 (gold) Trinity Hill 125 Chardonnay 2020 (gold and a trophy winner) Trinity Hill Single Vineyard 125 Chardonnay 2021 (silver) Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Malbec-Cabernet Franc-Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. For the second of two special editions dedicated to the wines of Bourgogne, David visits the region to meet winemakers in Viré-Clessé, Mercurey and Ladoix to learn how they are evolving and adapting to new challenges, while respecting history. Wines featured: Château de Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2020 (gold) La Chablisienne Les Clos 2020 (silver) M&S Vieilles Vignes Florent Rouve, Viré-Clessé 2020 (silver) Château Vitallis, Les Vignes Du Château, Pouilly-Fuissé 2022 (silver) Maison Champy, Clos De Bully Pernand-Vergelesses 2020 (silver) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices