The Wined Up

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The Riverina is the biggest wine region in New South Wales by volume, and for decades its reputation has been built on bulk Chardonnay and Shiraz sold by the tonne. Peter Valeri wants people to see it differently. 

On this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, Trent sits down with Peter, the winemaker behind Via Pola in Griffith. He grew up following his dad around the family vineyard, studied wine science and viticulture, then crammed ten vintages into five years, bouncing between the Riverina and the northern hemisphere. A f...

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Iain Riggs made 38 vintages as Brokenwood's chief winemaker. In 2024, Stuart Hordern became only the second person to take on the role. So how do you honour more than half a century of legacy while still making it your own?

Stuart grew up on a mixed farm in the Upper Hunter, hosing out grape bins over the school holidays while his dad built the Horseshoe Vineyard from nothing. From there it was ag college in Orange, winemaking in Adelaide under the generous eye of Dean Hewitson, vintages in south west France and...

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Ten glasses, one blind tasting, and a question that's been quietly dividing Australian wine for years: are we still trying to make Burgundy, or have we finally found our own voice with Pinot Noir?

On this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, Trent sits down with returning guest Marc Malouf of iHeartWine for a genuine celebration of Pinot Noir, not a ranking exercise. They kick off with a round of Pinot specific icebreakers, including the 2012 Comte Georges de Vogüé Musigny that Marc calls the most gorgeous Pinot of his li...

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Mark Dietz grew up with over 30,000 bottles of wine around him. The question this conversation keeps circling back to is a simple one: how do you step out of a cellar like that and go build something entirely your own? 

Dietz is the co-owner of Small Island Wines, a boutique, cool-climate Tasmanian producer he runs with his business partner James Broinowski, focused on Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But his path there wasn't a straight line. He started out chasing marine biology, half-convinced he'd become a reconstructive surgeon for s...

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Mark Best doesn't care what people say about him. He never really has. And oddly, that's the throughline of one of the most layered conversations we've recorded for The Wined Up Podcast. 

Best built his reputation the hard way at Marque, seventeen years of three-hat, top-50 cooking that, by his own account, took more than it gave back. He talks candidly about closing those doors in 2016 by the skin of his teeth, about losing a hat and losing financial viability in the same breath, and about how long it a...

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In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, Trent sits down with Ches Cook from Five Way Cellars, the independent Paddington wine store his parents Ian and Prue opened in 1987 after Ian came home from a year in Europe wanting to bring that world of wine back to Sydney. Ches has now worked there for half his life, and he takes us through what's changed, and what hasn't, across nearly forty years of European-focused wine retail. 

The chat moves from a standout cellar visit in the Mosel and an u...

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What happens when you take a winemaker who never planned to work in alcohol-free wine, and hand him the job of making it actually taste like wine?

Aaron Milne fell into it almost by accident. A winery job during his studies happened to be run by the same people leading Australia's zero-alcohol scene, and a "one year, just to learn it" detour turned into a career. In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, Trent sits down with Aaron, winemaker for Eden Vale, to pull apart what actually happens...

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A three hectare Brussels sprout farm on a hill in the Adelaide Hills doesn't sound like the start of one of Australia's most respected Pinot Noir stories. But that's exactly where Ashton Hills began.

In this episode of **The Wined Up Podcast**, Trent sits down with Liam Van Pelt, the winemaker now carrying on the legacy Stephen George built over more than 40 years in the Piccadilly Valley. Liam's own path to Ashton Hills was anything but planned. A Glenelg kid with no wine background, he worked his way through h...

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What happens when Australian investors, a respected Portuguese winemaker, and a forgotten vineyard come together just 45 minutes from Lisbon?

In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we head to Portugal’s emerging Tejo wine region to discover ODE Wines. A winery that’s quickly gaining attention after being named one of Portugal’s best new wine projects.

But this story goes beyond what’s in the bottle.

We explore how ODE transformed semi-abandoned vineyards into a destination built around wine...

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What makes a modern Chinese restaurant truly great? And what wine should you be drinking with it? 

In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, Trent sits down with Victor Liong, the chef behind Lee Ho Fook, for a conversation that spans food, wine, family, culture and the realities of building one of Australia's most respected restaurants. 

Victor shares stories from growing up between Brunei, Malaysia and Sydney, visiting his grandfather's kopitiam, walking away from a business degree to pursue cooking, and the journey that led to Le...

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What if you could travel from England to France, Tasmania and Bordeaux without ever leaving your chair?

In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we're not exploring a single wine region. Instead, we're following the story of one family that has spent more than 50 years searching the world for great wine and has delivered over a billion bottles along the way. 

The journey starts with a young Tony Laithwaite working a harvest in Saint-Émilion. Surrounded by talented growers making incredible wines that rarely left France, he...

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What actually happens when you blind taste some of Australia’s most hyped Chardonnays… against each other?

In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, Trent is joined by the always insightful Marc Malouf for a deep dive into Australian Chardonnay. From cult favourites and benchmark producers to the styles, philosophies, and winemaking fingerprints that shape the country’s most talked-about bottles. 

It’s raw, blind, occasionally chaotic, and full of genuine moments where both of us completely rethink what we thought we knew about Chardonnay. One wine gets...

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In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we sit down with amateur winemaker James Follent to unpack what really happens when curiosity turns into a full-blown garage winery obsession.

What started with buying wine for Qantas points somehow turned into hand-picking grapes, experimenting with sparkling Chardonnay, making raspberry mead, joining the Sydney Amateur Winemakers Club, and producing nearly 300 bottles of wine at home.

Along the way, James shares the chaos, mistakes, and happy accidents that come with learning winemaking from scratch, including dropping 23 litres of Moscato...

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In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we sit down with Roman Aujoulat from Château La Nerthe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. One of the Rhône Valley’s most historic estates to unpack what tradition really means when you’re the next generation helping carry it forward.  

Roman grew up in the Rhône surrounded by wine at the dinner table, but stepping into a role representing one of the region’s benchmark estates still came with challenge and trepidation. From that first emotional Loire Valley Chardonnay moment that pulled...

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In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we sit down with Dan Eggleton from Ben Murray Wines in the Barossa to talk about something the wine world rarely talks about. The pressure behind the label, the reality facing boutique producers right now, and why sometimes stepping back is the bravest decision you can make.

Dan shares what led him to pause a vintage after nearly 30 years of making wine, how health and timing collided with a tough season, and what it felt like emotionally to draw that line...

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This week on The Wined Up Podcast, we sit down with Valtteri Bottas — Formula 1 driver, wine lover, gin maker, coffee roaster, off-road adventurer… and yes, calendar model.

We chat about how his partnership with Corrina Wright from Oliver’s Taranga led to the creation of IHANA. A wine that brings together Finnish spirit and McLaren Vale heart.

We delve into the topics of: 

·       What is the Valtteri Bottas wine journey?

·       IHANA wine and what is it all about?

·       The overlaps and comparisons of F1 and...

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Taste the Mountains!!! 

In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we sit down with Dan Sangermani from Invidia Wines and Ned Goodwin Master of Wine to explore a world most people don’t even realise exists… Swiss wine.

When you think Switzerland, you think chocolate, watches, skiing…

Not wine. This is because they only export 1 – 2% of their wine with the rest being kept to themselves! We can now discover the often hidden secret world of Swiss wines

Join us via the liquid postcard...

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Most of us love wine… but let’s be honest — not all of us can open $80 bottles every week. 

So today on The Wined Up Podcast, we ask a question that’s probably crossed every wine drinker’s mind while walking past the supermarket aisle: 

Is Aldi wine actually good value… or is it just cheap wine? 

After seeing the hype online (and struggling to even find bottles because they kept selling out), Trent dives into Aldi’s Blackstone Paddock range — a lineup designed t...

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What’s the one wine you’d taste if you were on your deathbed? Merrick Watts got asked that exact question… and it kicked off a proper “we have to do this” moment on the pod.

In this episode of The Wined Up, Merrick returns (yep — first guest back!) and we crack into Château d’Yquem (half-bottle, because… reality), talk why sweet wines get underrated, and then do the most Aussie pairing experiment imaginable: d’Yquem + a Golden Gaytime. We also get into Merrick’s Roman-inspired hydr...

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Public speaking is humanity’s biggest fear — so why does Merrick Watts love stand-up comedy?

In this episode of The Wined Up, we sit down with Australian comedian and wine enthusiast Merrick Watts to explore the mindset behind performance, the evolution of comedy in the social media era, and what real discipline looks like behind the scenes.

We also dive into wine stories, including a memorable Rockford Black Shiraz moment, the evolution of An Idiot’s Guide to Wine Volume 3. Topics include:

●       Stand-up comedy and controlling fear

●     ...

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What wine actually works with Frangos Portuguese chicken? Today we put it to the test. Frangos is one of Sydney’s most loved Portuguese chicken spots, famous for its charcoal grilled chicken, smoky flavours, and that iconic chilli sauce. The challenge is real. You have spice, char, smoke, and white meat all on the same plate, and that can ruin the wrong wine fast. 

In this episode, we take on a proper wine pairing challenge with Frangos. We taste the chicken first, then try two wines side by side to see wha...

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When most people hear Pizzini Wines, they think Prosecco, and honestly, so did I. But this episode completely flipped that idea on its head. Today on The Wine Up Podcast, Trent and I dive deep into Pizzini Wines from Victoria’s King Valley and discover just how much more there is beyond the bubbles. We explore Italian grape varieties grown in Australian soil, from Sangiovese and Nebbiolo to a surprisingly complex Pinot Grigio and a bold, blended red that brings Italy and Australia together in one glass.

We talk about why Ki...

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Ever looked at a wine auction and thought, this feels intimidating, where do I even start? In this episode of the WinedUp Podcast, we sit down with Dan Packham to break down wine auctions in a clear, practical way for everyday wine drinkers. I am Jason, joined by Trent, and together we explore how wine auctions really work, why people use them, and how you can find aged wines that you simply will not see on normal retail shelves. We talk through Dan’s first wine auction purchase, what he looks for before bi...

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Join us as we step behind the scenes at Peter Lehmann Wines with Senior Winemaker Brett Schutz. In this exclusive episode, Brett shares the fascinating story of Peter Lehmann, the visionary behind one of Barossa Valley’s most iconic wineries, and takes us through his personal journey in the world of wine. From the philosophy that drives Peter Lehmann Wines to hands-on insights into viticulture, winemaking, and sustainable practices, you’ll discover what makes their wines truly exceptional.

We dive deep into memorable wine moments, wine and food pairings, and explore uniq...

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Hey wine lovers! 🍷 Join us, Jason and Trent, on this episode of The Wined Up Podcast as we dive into the often intimidating world of French wines. We explore why French wines scare us with all their complex terminologies and pronunciations. Luckily, we've got Vintrepid to help us out! They're a unique wine club providing curated packs to help wine enthusiasts like us discover the beauty of French wines.

In this episode, we take a fun French wine quiz, taste three incredible wines from Vintrepid’s Discovery Pack, and discuss the cultu...

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Welcome back to The Wined Up. In this episode, we’re diving unapologetically unfiltered into one of New Zealand’s most exciting wine regions, Otago, with a blind tasting of Valli Wine’s Pinot Noirs from three very different sub regions. We line up Bendigo, Gibbston, and Waitaki without knowing what’s in the glass, focusing purely on texture, acidity, fruit, and how terroir really shows up in Pinot Noir. The big reveal happens later in the episode, and trust me, the results surprised even us.

Before we get stuck into the reds...

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Hey Wine Lovers! 🍷

Welcome to our wrap-up of 2025! In this special episode, we're reflecting on our incredible wine journey throughout the year. From unforgettable moments in Queenstown, Central Otago, to insightful chats with wine legends, and of course, our first-ever virtual wine awards, we've got so much to share with you!

Here's what we'll be covering in this episode:

00:00 Memorable Wine Moments

00:45 Reflecting on 2025 and Introducing Virtual Awards

01:12 Celebrating with Champagne

04:33 Wine Reflections and Surprises

07:17 Proudest Moments of...

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In this festive episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we take on one of the hardest food and wine challenges of all time: what actually pairs with Christmas pudding. Rich, brandy-soaked, packed with dried fruit, suet, spice, and finished with custard, Christmas pudding is notorious for overpowering wine — so we put it to the test properly.

We taste what claims to be Australia’s No.1 Christmas pudding from The Pudding Lady in Newcastle, then compare two classic dessert wines: an aged 2005 Château Coutet Sauternes and a...

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In this episode we sit down with Alex Clerch from LeCavist to unpack the real rules of wine storage and why so many collectors get it wrong. Alex helps us break down the basics like steady temperature, low vibration, controlled humidity and proper light management. These may sound simple, but they decide how your bottles age and how your collection holds up over time. We talk through the main types of wine cabinets, what makes each one work, and how LeCavist builds its units so they protect wine the way it should be...

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In this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we sit down with Greg Lambrecht, the founder and inventor of Coravin, to explore something many wine drinkers never talk about enough, which is the emotional bond we form with wine. Greg explains how memories, people and places shape the way a single glass can stay with us for years. 

We also cover how Coravin changed the way we taste wine by letting us explore more variety without ever opening a bottle. We walk through Greg’s full story, from early prototypes to the...

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In this episode of The Wined Up, we sit down with Douglas Neal, a winemaker with decades of experience across Australia, Burgundy, Bordeaux and California. From the first pour, it was clear Doug is on a real mission making great wines accessible again. We talk about rising costs in the wine world, why younger drinkers are being priced out, and why the industry is struggling to balance quality with affordability. Doug breaks down the actual cost pressures on growers, barrels, labour and fruit sourcing, and explains why so many premium bottles have become...

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Welcome to Fix Wine Bar + Restaurant in Sydney! We’re sitting down with the man behind one of Australia’s most iconic wine destinations — Stuart Knox, owner, sommelier, and The Real Review wine critic. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Australian wine, the evolution of Sydney’s wine bar culture, and Stuart’s incredible 20-year journey building Fix into a place “where everyone knows your name.”

We talk about what makes Australian Chardonnay world-class, how the wine scene has shifted over the years, and Stuart’s a...

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Join us as we sit down with Jane Campbell, Managing Director of Campbells Wines, for a deep dive into 155 years of family winemaking in Rutherglen, Australia. From the legendary Bobbie Burns Shiraz to the world-famous Rutherglen Muscats and Topaques, Jane shares stories, lessons, and insights that define one of Australia’s most respected wineries.

We talk about the origins of Campbells Wines, their Scottish roots, and how Jane and her sister Jules are shaping its future with innovation, sustainability, and a pa...

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Today we’re pairing the iconic Vietnamese banh mi with three very different wines in a blind wine pairing challenge with legendary chef Dan Hong. You’ve seen Dan on MasterChef, The Streets, and at Mr. Wong, Ms G’s and El Loco — but today, we test his love of wine in the most unexpected way.

We each choose a bottle under $200 and put it to the test with a classic Vietnamese banh mi to see which wine matches best with pâté, coriander, chilli, pork and pickles. Will it be a white, s...

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Today, we’re diving into history you can taste—wines crafted from 120-year-old vines with roots stretching back to Roman times. Welcome to our unfiltered wine journey, where we explore the stories, tools, and techniques behind the glass.

In this episode we’re reviewing Curtis Family Vineyard Wines from McLaren Vale. These bottles don’t just carry flavor; they carry centuries of tradition, tracing back to 1471 Italy and even the Roman Empire.

Stick around for our Fast Five Fun Fact...