Wine with Meg + Mel

Send us a textMeg and Mel dive into the world of unusual grape varieties, exploring wines most people have never heard of and definitely can't pronounce. From a surprisingly good organic Australian Chardonnay to obscure European varietals, they share discoveries that will expand your wine horizons.• Yolumba Organic Chardonnay from South Australia delivers unexpected quality for $23• Exploring the difference between organic certification and sustainable practices• Arinto, a Portuguese grape variety, shows beautiful minerality and citrus notes in Australian terroir• Falanghina from McLaren Vale offers apricot notes and oily texture reminiscent of "sunshine in a bottle"• Discussion of Brettanomyces in wine – when is it a fault versus a complexity element?• Agiorgitiko from Greece's Peloponnese region delivers remarkable leather and plum notes with Nebbiolo-like tannins• Perfect food pairings for these unusual wines, especially Greek wine with lamb, feta and pomegranateWe'd love to hear your experiences if you try any of these unusual varietals! Message us with your thoughts and let us know if you've discovered any hidden gems of your own.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textAngus Barnes, Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, shares insider perspectives on Australia's premier wine competition and his journey through the wine industry. • Born in the Hunter Valley, Angus fell in love with wine while backpacking through Europe• His extensive career spans roles at Pernod Ricard, NSW Wine, Wine Communicators Australia, and now Bunamagoo Estate Wines• The Sydney Royal Wine Show judged 1,550 wine samples and poured over 15,000 glasses during the competition• This year's Wine of Show winner was a $27 Abbeville Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River• Chardonnay dominated the gold medals with 12 awarded across different regions• Margaret River showed exceptional form with gold medals across multiple varieties• The wine show process maintains integrity through blind tastings and strict conflict of interest protocols• Judges are selected with diversity in mind, balancing technical expertise with stylistic perspectives• The Grape, Grain & Graze Festival on September 20th offers consumers the chance to taste all competition wines• The RAS supports industry development through scholarships for nine emerging wine professionals each yearJoin us at the Grape, Grain & Graze Festival on September 20th to taste these award-winning wines yourself! Enter our competition on Instagram by following @winewithmeganmal and @royalagricultural_nsw and tagging who you'd bring along.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textEver wondered what $27 worth of Cabernet Sauvignon can get you? How about the prestigious Wine of Show trophy at one of Australia's most respected wine competitions?We're in studio with crystal clear audio this week, tasting our way through the top winners from the Sydney Royal Wine Show – and the results are truly eye-opening. Among 1,500 wines entered by 261 exhibitors, we sample four standout bottles that captured the judges' attention and took home multiple trophies.First up is Jim Barry's 2025 Clare Valley Riesling, claiming Best Value Wine at $25. This quintessential Australian style showcases the searing acidity, minerality and lime-driven character that makes our Rieslings distinctive on the world stage. We dive into why Australian Riesling consistently overdelivers at modest price points and how it ages beautifully for those patient enough to cellar it.We're absolutely blown away by Tyrell's 2013 Vat One Semillon, which swept three major trophies: Best Semillon, Best NSW Wine, and Best Mature Wine. This iconic Hunter Valley style begins life as a delicate, low-alcohol white before developing remarkable complexity with age – honey, nougat, toast, and creamy textures while maintaining incredible freshness. At around $165 for this vintage, it represents Australia's white wine heritage as powerfully as Penfolds Grange does for reds.The alternative varieties category brings us De Bortoli's One Line Sangiovese from Rutherglen ($24), demonstrating how warm regions are successfully diversifying beyond traditional offerings. But the most stunning revelation comes with the Wine of Show – Abbeyvale's 2023 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. Priced at just $27, this wine outperformed entries from prestigious producers across all categories, showing beautiful complexity, fine dusty tannins, and distinctive regional character.Want to taste these wines yourself? Follow our Instagram for a chance to win tickets to the Grape, Grain and Graze Festival on September 20th or a collection of these award-winning bottles! And don't miss next week's episode where we interview Angus Barnes, Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, answering all your questions about wine competitions and judging.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textProducer Austin joins Meg for a spirited exploration of Shiraz/Syrah variations from different regions, discovering how labeling influences expectations and uncovering surprising stylistic differences.• Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape variety, with different names indicating stylistic differences• The French Crozes-Hermitage exhibits lighter body, higher acidity, and fresh spicy character with crunchy red fruits• Spinifex Barossa Syrah surprises with its true Syrah style despite coming from a warm region traditionally known for bold Shiraz• McLaren Vale "Syrah" disappoints by presenting classic Shiraz characteristics despite its French naming• Classic Barossa Shiraz from Greenock Creek delivers on all expectations with rich jammy fruit, oak influence, and aging potential• Serving temperature significantly impacts how these wines present, with cooler temperatures helping manage alcohol perceptionIf you enjoy exploring regional wine variations, try our recommended Spinifex Syrah from Barossa Valley ($30) for an exceptional value wine that delivers true Syrah character with Australian flair.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textMeg and Mel tackle misleading wine marketing claims, exposing a company that touts "zero-sugar wine" as revolutionary when most dry wines already contain negligible sugar levels. They investigate a suspicious endorsement from a non-existent Master of Wine and taste-test the underwhelming products.• Most dry wines already contain minimal sugar (around 0.5g per litre or less)• The fermentation process naturally converts grape sugars into alcohol• Laboratory testing confirmed the "zero-sugar" wines contained typical residual sugar levels• The company's advertisements quote "Judith Smalls," a Master of Wine who doesn't exist• The hosts found the wines extremely acidic and unpleasant despite premium pricing• When questioned on social media about their claims, the company deleted comments• Low-alcohol wines achieve their status through earlier grape picking, often sacrificing flavour• Marketing terms like "clean," "natural," and "zero-sugar" are often misleading in the wine industry• Higher quality wines focus on balance and flavour, not dubious health claimsFind out who Judith is! If you've encountered similar misleading wine marketing, we'd love to hear about it.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textSweet wines are often purchased during tastings but rarely opened at home due to our psychological tendency to prefer sweeter options in small quantities rather than full glasses.• Four different styles of dessert wine explained - late harvest, cane cut, muscat, and botrytised Sauternes• Dessert wines need sugar levels above 50 grams per litre to be classified as sweet• The psychology of purchasing dessert wines mirrors the Pepsi-Coke taste test experiment• Late harvest wines concentrate natural sugars through raisining without botrytis influence• Cane cut is a uniquely Australian technique where the cane is cut from the trunk to trigger raisining• Botrytised wines like Sauternes require specific climate conditions with morning fog• Dessert wines are often best paired with salty, fatty foods rather than desserts• Blue cheese, terrine, and prosciutto create excellent contrasting pairings with sweet wines• Most dessert wines don't require extended aging and should be enjoyed within a decade• Opening a special bottle can make an ordinary day feel like a special occasionDon't wait for a special occasion to open that dessert wine you've been saving. Get a nice cheese board, invite some friends over, and make opening the bottle the occasion itself.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textRemember when you swore you'd never wear barrel-leg jeans again? That's how many wine lovers feel about Sauvignon Blanc – but just like those jeans eventually won you back, this misunderstood grape variety deserves a second chance.We're diving deep into Sauvignon Blanc's remarkable diversity, exploring expressions that go far beyond the familiar Marlborough style that flooded wine shelves worldwide. From an astonishingly good $8 Aldi find to a textural, oak-influenced Fumé Blanc and the mineral-driven elegance of Loire Valley classics like Pouilly-Fumé, we're rediscovering what makes this grape special.The differences between these styles reveal fascinating insights about winemaking approaches around the world. Learn how New Zealand winemakers revolutionized Sauvignon Blanc production through strategic harvesting and protective techniques, creating that signature tropical-meets-grassy profile that conquered global markets. Discover why French producers, who traditionally didn't even mention "Sauvignon Blanc" on their labels, are now adopting some Kiwi innovations while maintaining their distinctive terroir expression.Whether you're an avowed Sauvignon skeptic or simply looking to expand your palate beyond one familiar style, this episode demonstrates that quality and character exist at every price point. From machine harvesting debates to the cultural significance of French sugar regulations, we explore the technical and historical factors that shape these wines.Join us in our mission to rehabilitate Sauvignon Blanc's reputation. After all, as Meg wisely observes, "We don't want a 30-year lag on it coming back" like we experienced with Chardonnay. Your next favorite white wine might just be a style of Sauvignon Blanc you've never considered before.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textThe Australian wine industry faces pivotal changes with new transparency regulations while debating the broader issues of health labeling and market fairness. We explore the Emerson Report's game-changing recommendations that could revolutionize how wine is sold and marketed across Australia.• Trying the viral jalapeno wine trend – is adding spice to rosé worth the hype?• Tributes to industry pioneers including Dr. Richard Smart, Simon Killeen, and Angela Muir MW• Celebrity wines and Meghan Markle's entry into the rosé market• The Emerson Report's key recommendations for the Australian wine industry• Mandatory labeling for retailer "own brand" wines within two years• New mandatory code of conduct for grape payments to protect growers• Gen Z finally entering the wine market as predicted• WHO's push for cancer warning labels on wine bottles• Debating responsible drinking promotion versus excessive regulationJoin us next week as we taste and compare Sauvignon Blancs from around the world!Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textThe Master of Wine qualification represents the absolute pinnacle of wine education – a credential so challenging that only 5-10% of candidates ever pass. Since its creation in 1952, just 480 people worldwide have earned these prestigious initials. But what exactly makes this qualification so formidable?Taking you behind the curtain of this elite examination, we dissect real questions from this year's MW papers, attempting to answer them ourselves with varying degrees of success (and humility). The examination tests candidates across three grueling tasting papers requiring blind identification of wines from around the world, and four theory papers covering everything from technical viticulture to global wine business strategies.The tasting component requires identifying wines like a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from Margaret River versus one from Pessac-Léognan, or distinguishing between Chardonnays from Chablis, Monterey, South Africa, and Margaret River. Theory questions range from highly technical matters – "How would you address 0.9 grams per liter of volatile acidity in a Chablis intended for lees aging?" – to philosophical challenges like creating a wine blend that represents "the essence of humanity's wine culture."We explore what makes someone a Master of Wine, beyond just encyclopedic knowledge. It's the ability to communicate effectively about wine, synthesize complex information, and form coherent arguments on multi-faceted issues facing the industry today. Whether discussing the impact of health warnings on wine labels or how producers can farm without agrochemicals, candidates must demonstrate breadth and depth across scientific, cultural, and commercial domains.Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes? Join us for this fascinating look at wine's ultimate challenge and share your thoughts on what wine blend would represent humanity's wine culture. Follow us on Instagram to continue the conversation and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in our final episodes of the year.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textMeg and Mel dive into the world of Barbera, exploring whether this Italian red variety truly deserves its reputation as the wine of choice for "cool kids."• Barbera comes from Piemonte in northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps• The grape produces wines with high acidity, minimal oak influence, and distinctive purple color• Typical flavor profile includes blackberry, blackcurrant, and herbal notes• Australian versions from Adelaide Hills and Alpine Valleys compared to Italian Barbera d'Alba• Even aged Barbera maintains a vibrant purple color due to low pH levels• Italian Barberas range from affordable everyday options to premium bottles at $50+• Best enjoyed with food, particularly fatty meats and pasta dishes• Alternative recommendation: Lange Nebbiolo offers better value for serious red wine drinkersCheck out our social media for updates and videos from McCleary Productions! Next episode, we'll dive into iconic Australian wines.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textAustralian sparkling wines showcase distinctive regional characters that rival champagne in quality while expressing unique Australian terroir.• Blind tasting of four Australian sparkling wines from three different regions: Tasmania, Yarra Valley, and Whitlands High Plateau• Traditional method sparklings have many variables beyond region, including aging on lees and fruit character• Yarra Yering (Yarra Valley) shows distinctive red apple fruit and rich brioche character from 100% Chardonnay• Chandon Vintage Brut (Whitlands High Plateau) displays remarkable mineral character, pristine acidity and surprising youth despite its age• Jansz (Tasmania) delivers exceptional value with perfect creaminess and the traditional autolytic character consumers expect• Handpicked (Tasmania) shows a simpler, more fruit-forward approach• Whitlands High Plateau (800m elevation) produces fruit with distinctive mineral quality and exceptional acid structure• Australian sparkling wines remain excellent value compared to increasingly expensive champagneJoin us next week when we explore Barbera wines from around Australia.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textMeg and Mel tackle changing dynamics in the Australian wine industry, from restaurant closures to big investments and new marketing directions.• Meg shares insights from VinExpo Asia where Australian wine received positive feedback and shows a shift toward lighter-bodied reds and more whites• Oak Ridge restaurant closure highlights broader hospitality industry struggles with profit margins shrinking from 10% to 6-8%• De Bortoli's vine pulling in warmer regions reflects necessary industry restructuring with significant costs and time investment• $100 million investment from Vinarki into South Australian winemaking shows confidence despite centralization concerns• Treasury Wine's $15 million investment in low/no-alcohol technology raises questions about authenticity when flavors are added• Wine Australia's new "We've Got a Wine for That" campaign receives mixed reviews from industry insiders but positive feedback from everyday consumers• Industry challenges stem from changing demographics with younger generations drinking less wine than previous generations at the same life stageFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textMel tests her theory that Margaret River Chardonnay producers are abandoning their signature big, buttery style for leaner expressions through a tasting of four wines across different price points.• Meg Brotman argues that Margaret River has traditionally delivered reliable, high-quality big Chardonnays with texture and weight• Meg describes Margaret River Chardonnay as having a fuller style with riper fruit, moderate acidity, and more evident oak compared to cooler regions• The $18 Aldi Blackstone Limited Release proves to be an excellent baseline, showing classic regional character with grapefruit, oatmeal notes, and creamy texture• Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay ($40.90) delivers a seamless, beautiful expression that supports Margaret River's traditional style• Xanadu Chardonnay shows structural issues, with richness around the edges but lacking mid-palate depth• Forrester Chardonnay impresses both hosts, further disproving the theory that Margaret River is abandoning its signature style• The panel concludes that while some producers may be experimenting with leaner styles, Margaret River's distinct Chardonnay identity remains intactJoin us next week as we explore the Italian variety Barbera and whether it lives up to its trendy reputation.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textDan Murphy's inaugural Best in Glass Wine Awards evaluates wines based on drinkability and value rather than traditional wine show metrics, so we thought we'd see what we thought of their top picks. • Dan Murphy's tasted over 1,400 wines for their first Best in Glass Awards• Categories include Best Value, Best International, and overall Best winners• Tim Adams Clare Valley Pinot Gris 2024 ($20.29) is the standout winner, drinking like a $35 wine• Chapel Hill The Parson Pinot Grigio offers excellent value at $16.99• International winner Versato Alto Adige Pinot Grigio ($30) didn't quite justify its price premium for us• Little Yering Victorian Pinot Noir provides good value at $22 • Decoy California Pinot Noir ($50) shows typical dark fruit and pronounced oak character• Nanny Goat Central Otago Pinot Noir exhibits the region's characteristic robust styleNext week we'll be tasting Margaret River Chardonnay to explore whether the region is moving away from its traditionally rich style toward leaner expressions.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textIn light of the new pope, we ask the question: what do they drink in the Vatican? (The answer has Mel considering turning up to Sunday mass)Wine's new power player, Vinarchy, and what it means for the industry. An update on China exports – restocking, or a true comeback?A few industry shout-outsAnd… things get real. Meg opens up about what it's really like when the winery you work for goes into administration.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textWhat Meg's been drinking: Hirsch Hill Rose Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo $352022 Traviarti Mezzo Nebbiolo $45Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo $40Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG $110 Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textGerman Riesling demystifies the often confusing terminologies found on labels by breaking down quality classifications based on ripeness levels at harvest and their relationship to final sweetness. We unpack the intricate world of German wine labels to help you navigate these complex yet incredibly rewarding wines.• German quality wine is ranked based on grape sugar levels at harvest, not final sweetness• Kabinett (11.5% potential alcohol) features citrus, green apple, and high acidity• Spätlese (13% potential alcohol) shows more ripeness with red apple and apricot notes• Auslese (14% potential alcohol) often includes some botrytis influence with marmalade character• Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese represent noble rot-affected and dried botrytis grapes• Eiswein (ice wine) offers concentrated sweetness without botrytis, yielding just 50 liters per ton• Alcohol level on the label indicates residual sugar – lower alcohol means more sweetness• VDP eagle symbol on bottles indicates membership in an elite producer group• Vineyard designations like "Grosses Gewächs" represent single-vineyard, high-quality wines• Wines with residual sugar provide perfect balance to high natural acidity• German Rieslings can age beautifully, developing complexity while maintaining freshnessNext week: Is Nebbiolo the next Sangiovese? We explore whether this Italian variety is becoming Australia's next big alternative grape variety. Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textMeg and Mel explore the fascinating world of ageworthy white wines, examining which varieties cellar best and how to identify bottles worth laying down.What Meg's drinking: 2023 Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir $72Wines tasted:2024 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling $362014 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling 2024 Scarborough The Obsessive Semillon $352018 Scarborough The Obsessive Simillion 2023 The Obsessive Chardonnay $452019 The Obsessive ChardonnayKey things to remember:• Acid is the most important factor for aging white wine successfully• Look for moderate alcohol (12.5-13.5%), good concentration, and varietal expression• Riesling, Semillon, and Chardonnay are the three main varieties suitable for long-term aging• Hunter Valley Semillon transforms dramatically from delicate lemon-citrus to complex honey and toast• Aged Riesling develops kerosene, marmalade and preserved lemon characteristics• Chardonnay requires quality oak treatment to age well, peaking around 10-12 years• Cheaper Riesling and Semillon can still age beautifully, while inexpensive Chardonnay will not• Buy a dozen bottles and taste one each year to experience the aging journey firsthandJoin us next week as we explore German wine ripeness levels, diving into Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and more! Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textWe dive into the world of chillable red wines, What Meg's drinking: Running with BullsFringe Societe Gamay $21Garage Project Fairy Bread Red $28Chaffey Bros Not Your Grandma's Chillable Red $25Domane Wachau Blauer Zweigelt $30Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textChinese wine is making waves in the global market with premium producers like Silver Heights showcasing the potential of regions like Ningxia through biodynamic viticulture and French winemaking techniques. We taste and evaluate two high-end offerings that challenge our expectations and reveal the rapid evolution of China's wine industry.• China ranks as the 12th largest wine producer in the world• Chinese wine industry began serious development in the late 1970s when the country opened to foreign investment• Ningxia province is gaining recognition for quality Cabernet Sauvignon production• Silver Heights winery produces biodynamically and organically grown wines using both Western philosophies and Chinese principles• The premium Chardonnay ($89) shows beautiful minerality, green papaya notes and well-integrated oak• The Cabernet Sauvignon ($115) displays intriguing local character with notes of shiso leaf, shiitake and tea• Chinese wine evolution mirrors Australia's development in the 1980s with young vines still finding their identity• Drastic continental climate in Ningxia requires vintners to mound snow over vines during winter• Chinese wines are increasingly available in Australian specialty wine shops like Cardwell CellarsFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textWe're back and better than ever with an exciting setup for the new season, ready to delve into current wine news and trends. The episode highlights the current challenges faced by the wine industry and how we can navigate through them. • Return of the podcast and upcoming plans for the season • Update on vintage trends and climate impact on wine quality • Discussion on cellar doors closing and the shift in wine tourism • Insights into the joint marketing between Australia and New Zealand wines • Details on collectible wines and white wines leading the trends • Analysis of potential tariffs from the U.S. and their implications Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textWhat Meg's drinking: 2018 Tyrrell's Semillon $35Wines tasted:Terra Rossa Merlot Coonawarra 2020 $33Casillero Del Diablo Reserve Carmenere $26Earthworks Barossa Tempranillo $19Salterio Mencia Bierzo $17Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textOur top picks from every wine we tried this year!9.2022 MDI Picolit $298. Horton white classic $107. 2022 Wallis Chardonnay $906. Mumm 4 Ans $775. 2021 Carranco Etna Bianco Villa dei Baroni $604. 2021 Yarra Yering Pinot Noir $1303. Velich Welschriesling 2021 $402. 2022 Sabi Wabi Semillon $391. Howard Park Riesling - 2018 $45Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textUncover the secrets to enjoying a festive wine selection without breaking the bank this Christmas! Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textOur unfiltered thoughts about some key discussions from the Chardonnay Symposium.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textEverything we follow about the world of wine.Wine NewsWine titles – daily wine news Winebusiness.comSVBHarpers.co.ujDrinks businessIWSR Euromonitor Jancis RobinsonWine Reviews and storiesHalliday The Real Review Podcasts Wine Blast Food Matters Got Somme Thirty Fifty Interpreting wineWine Victoria Podcast Instagrams@Huntress_wines @The_angry_somm@Shittywinememes@Karafoodwine  Movies + SeriesSide ways Somm Blind side Drops of GodUncorkedRed ObsessionSour Grapes Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textEver wondered why white wine blends don't get the same spotlight as reds? Join us as we explore their hidden complexities and charmWe know red blends are 'a thing' - what about whites? We find out.  What Mel's drinking: 2018 Crittenden Cri de Coeur Savagnin Sous Voile $95Houghton White Classic $102023 Eleventh House Sorella $28Sun Monkey White Blend NV $22Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textCeleb wines worth the hype? Let's find out.Wines tasted:Dolly Parton Sparkling NV $22Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rose $20Miraval Studio Rosé $2919 Crimes Snoop Dogg Cali Red 2020 $16Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textWhat Meg's drinking: Humis 2024 Grenache Blanc $29Wines tasted: Red Hill Estate Sparkling Cuvee $14Jim Barry Watervale Riesling $15De Bortoli Rosé $14Z Wine Rustica Barossa Valley Grenache $19Sydney Wine Bar: Flight Path Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textNews we discuss this week:What the re-instating of the outsed Australian Vintage CEO says about company cultureGimlet has won Australia's Wine List of the Year award for 2024 (Timeout)An update on Aussie wine in China as we get more negative press over "expired" moscato (Vino Joy News)An anonymous letter stirs the pot on nepotism in the wine industry (Wine Business Magazine)The Orange wine region's new identity, "A Drop Above,"- is regional branding working in Australia? (Wine Titles)Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textGuigal Côtes du Rhône $30Claymore You'll Never Walk Alone Clare Valley GSM $17Serafino McLaren Vale GSM $25Hentley Farm The Marl Grenache $25Final drop:Handpicked Wines Collection Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2019 $50Handpicked WinesCollection Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2019Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textA closer look into museum wines - we compare three young wines with their older counterparts.Wines tasted:- Howard Park Riesling - 2023 + 2018- Ten Minutes by Tractor Wallis Chardonnay - 2022 + 2015- Lowe Zinfendel 2021 + 2017Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textAll about museum wines. Meg nerds out.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textEver wondered how the right kind of bubbles can elevate a sparkling wine experience? We explore the science and art behind creating perfect bubbles with a story about ultrasonic sound and its impact on wine ratings. Glassware can make or break your sparkling wine journey, and we dive into why that's the case with a deep dive into the visual appeal and taste enhancements offered by a $100 hand-blown glass.  Join us for a fun and nerdy session full of wine-geek moments!Wines tasted:Riccadonna ProseccoRob Dolan NV Black Label Blanc de BlancHoward Park Jeté Brut Sparkling NVMumm 4 ansFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a textEver wondered what's beyond Austria's famous Grüner Veltliner? We're diving into some great white wines like Riesling and some lesser-known treats such as Welsh Riesling and Muscat Ottonel. If you're into white wines, this is a must-listen!Wines tasted:Domane Wachau 'Federspiel Bruck' Riesling 2021 $32Velich Welschriesling 2021 $402020 Velich Muskat Ottonel $402022 Pittnauer Perfect Day $54Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a Text Message.Are the days of affordable Australian wines numbered? Tune in to this episode of Wine with Meg and Mel as we uncover the seismic shifts in ownership shaking up the Australian wine industry. From Pernod Ricard passing its wine portfolio to Accolade Wines, to Treasury Wine Estates offloading well-known brands like Lindemans and Wolf Blass, the landscape is changing fast. We're also celebrating the stars of the 2025 Holiday Wine Awards! Plus, we'll share how Aldi UK's marketing magic is positioning its wines as the new go-to for luxury on a budget. Get ready for an engaging discussion on these exciting developments in the wine world.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a Text Message.Ready to discover which country reigns supreme in our first-ever Wine Olympics? Join us as we pit iconic wines from four nations against each other. What meg's drinking: Vue on Halcyon RoseAndre Kientzler Gewurztraminer Osterberg $97Tahbilk Marsanne 2016 $20Southern Right Pinotage $60Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel $60Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a Text Message.What if everything you thought you knew about Lambrusco was wrong? Join us as we welcome Niko Pellacani, an expert from the heart of Modena, who shares his extraordinary journey from Italy to Napa Valley and back. Discover how his experiences in both regions have shaped his unique perspective on wine, and learn about his plans to further his expertise with an MBA in wine business at Sonoma State University.Lambrusco is undergoing a renaissance, and Niko is here to debunk long-standing myths and celebrate its diversity. We explore the fascinating world of Lambrusco, highlighting grape varieties like Salamino, Sorbara, and Grasparossa, and delve into the production techniques that set them apart. Gain insights into the complexities of this often misunderstood wine, from its traditional methods to innovative modern practices.Join us for an immersive tasting session and cultural journey, where Niko takes us through the flavors of a 2020 Metodo Classico Rosé and other intriguing varieties. We discuss the perfect food pairings, the rich heritage of Lambrusco, and what makes a wine tour in Modena an unforgettable experience. From the hills to the plains, discover the terroir-driven nuances that define these exceptional wines and get inspired by Niko's passion and vision for the future of Lambrusco.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

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Send us a Text Message.Can the color of a wine glass alter your perception of taste? Join us for a thought-provoking episode where we conduct a fun and fascinating experiment.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a Text Message.We're exploring Aussie fortified and comparing it to its brothers in Portugal, thanks to the help of Galway Pipe! Wines tasted:GALWAY 10 YO BOURBON BARREL TAWNY $65GALWAY 15 YO RUM BARREL TAWNY $80 GALWAY 12 YO GRAND TAWNY $36GALWAY 25 YO RARE TAWNY $100 Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Send us a Text Message.Headlines: - Bollinger opens new tourist location complete with wellness hub and shop - are the champanoise finally having to use traditional marketing techniques instead of relying on rarity and prestige?- New not-a-wine-bar in Melbourne offers 150 wines by the glass - is this 140 too many?- Gender gap still wide in wine despite report showing progress for women - what are we doing? Deep Dive: We interview Dr Mardi Longbottom from AWRI on the new SWA report - how sustainable is the wine industry? Are we getting anywhere?Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

Part 2 of our chat with Sarah Crowe.Wines tased:2021 Pinot Noir $1302021 Dry Red Wine No. 2 $1352021 Dry Red Wine No. 1 $1552021 Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon $275Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

An intro to the fabulous Sarah Crowe and Yarra Yering winery. Wines tasted: Yarra Yering 2022 Chardonnay $130Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

This  wine news we:Look at the Real Review Top Wineries listTalk to Lee McLean from Australian Grape & Wine about China reopening to Australian wineChat to Nick Ryan about taking the reins from James Halliday for The Australian wine column.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

A light red comes up in a tasting - do you know how to tell what it is?  We tell you the tricks.Wines tasted:Lingo 'Gam' Gamay $20Zonzo Estate Pinot Noir $27Hentley Farm The Marl Grenache $25Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

What Mel's drinking: 2023 ‘Chica' RoséWines tasted:2023 Brokenwood Semillon $272023 Yalumba Y Series Chardonnay $152023 The Ethereal One Vermentino $232023 AMBERLEY CHIMNEY BRUSH CHENIN BLANC $122023 Tim Adams Riesling $18Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

What Meg's been drinking: Andre Clouet Dream Vintage 2006 Final Drop: Billy Button Rosso $25Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

This wine news we Deep Dive with guest Tash Dale from Australian Vintage to dissect why only 20% of Australia's winemakers are female, despite equal gender in university wine courses. We ask Tash - what can the industry do about it?Headlines:0.56 - Four Corners investigates misleading claims on wine labels6.40 - WA have had a horrific vintage following their hottest summer on record10.32 -  Winos debate Cellar Door tasting fees in AustraliaFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

FINALLY, ETNA!2021 Carranco Etna Bianco Villa dei Baroni $602020 Etna Bianco Contrada Carranco $1002018 Carranco Etna Rosso Villa dei Baroni $60 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Carranco $140  Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel

"Cool wines" often come from cooler regions, funnily enough.  But we've got a round-up of fun wines you'll want to taste from regions you might not expect.What Meg's drinking: 2023 Meadowbank Riesling $38Wines tasted 2022 MDI Picolit $292022 Sabi Wabi Semillon $392023 Unico Zelo Fresh AF $252021 Ricca Terra Vintners Aglianico $27Final Drop PRESS + BLOOM MONTEPULCIANO $25Mel's recco - Lennox Wine Bar Learn more about the Chardonnay SymposiumFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel