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videoInside Baron Longo: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and the Wines of Alto Adige / Südtirol
In this Wine with Jimmy interview, Jimmy speaks with Anton Felix Longo Liebenstein of Baron Longo in Alto Adige / Südtirol, one of Italy’s most distinctive mountain wine regions. They discuss the unique German-Italian identity of Alto Adige, the Baron Longo estate in Neumarkt/Egna, and how altitude, sunshine, mountain air and Lake Garda winds shape the region’s fresh, precise wine styles. The conversation covers key grape varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, Lagrein, Schiava, Gewürztraminer and Solaris, as well as the debate around PIWI grape varieties, biodiversity in the vineyard, Kunekune pigs, and the shift from pergola to Guyot training systems. To watch the full interview, join the Wine with Jimmy Club here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/program/wwj-club A great introduction to Alto Adige wines, mountain terroir, Italian Alpine viticulture and the story of Baron Longo. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Baron Longo and Alto Adige Wines 00:33 Wher
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videoArne Bercher Explains German Wine, Kaiserstuhl Loess Soils and Flurbereinigung
In this interview, I speak with Arne Bercher of Weingut Bercher in Burkheim, Kaiserstuhl, one of Germany’s most distinctive wine regions. Arne explains the history of his 10th-generation family estate, the importance of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc in Kaiserstuhl, and why the region’s volcanic landscape and loess soils are so important for wine quality. The main focus of our discussion is Flurbereinigung — vineyard reorganisation — and how it has shaped the vineyards of Kaiserstuhl. Arne explains how land fragmentation developed through inheritance laws, why vineyard plots were reorganised, and how older approaches to terracing and bulldozing affected the natural structure of loess soils. This is a fascinating discussion for anyone interested in German wine, Kaiserstuhl terroir, VDP producers, vineyard management, loess soils, Pinot Noir, and the relationship between winegrowing, landscape and sustainability. Featuring: Arne Bercher, Weingut Bercher, Kaiserstuhl, Baden, G
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videoWSET Level 2: How Grapes Grow and Ripen
In this WSET Level 2 wine lesson, I explain how grapes grow, ripen and develop throughout the annual vine cycle. Access all of my WSET Level 2 revision materials here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/course/e-learning-wine-level-2 We look at the key stages of vine growth, including budburst, flowering, fruit set, véraison, ripening, harvest and winter dormancy. I also explain how sunlight, warmth, water, nutrients and carbon dioxide allow the vine to carry out photosynthesis. You will learn: • The main stages of the annual vine cycle • How flowering and fruit set affect grape yields • What happens during véraison • How sugar, acidity, flavour and tannin change during ripening • The main parts of a grape and what they contribute to wine • Why most grape juice is clear • How black grapes can be used to make white wine • The difference between cool, moderate and warm climates • How climate influences acidity, alcohol, body, fruit flavours and tannin • Why grape varieties such
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videoMastering Spain: Climate, Weather and Wine Regions Explained
In this episode of Mastering Spain, I take an in-depth look at the climate and weather conditions that shape Spain’s vineyards and wines. Spain is an exceptionally diverse country, with Atlantic, Mediterranean, continental and subtropical influences. I explore how latitude, altitude, mountain ranges, coastlines, rainfall and temperature all affect grape growing across the country. I begin with Green Spain and the cool, wet regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country before moving inland to areas sheltered by the Cantabrian Mountains, including Castilla y León, La Rioja and Navarra. I then examine the Mediterranean climate of eastern and southern Spain, including Valencia, Murcia, Andalucía, Cataluña and the Balearic Islands. From there, I look at the extreme continental conditions of the Meseta and explain the importance of altitude and diurnal temperature range. The video also covers the subtropical climate of the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote, Tenerife, L
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videoOrange Wine Explained: Simon Woolf on Amber Wine, Skin Contact and When It Becomes Orange
In this short extract from my full interview with Simon Woolf, author of Amber Revolution, we explore one of the most important questions in contemporary wine: what actually is orange wine? Simon explains why orange wine can be described as “white wine made like red wine”, how the term became popular, the difference between orange wine and amber wine, and why Georgia’s amber wine tradition remains so important. We also discuss when skin contact becomes orange wine, why colour is not the defining factor, and why fermentation on the skins is the key point of difference. This is especially useful for anyone studying orange wine, skin-contact white wines, amber wine, natural wine, Georgian wine, or the WSET Diploma D6 research assignment. Watch the full Simon Woolf interview and access the complete Orange Wine D6 module on Wine with Jimmy here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/course/d6-orange-wine You can also buy Simon Woolf’s book Amber Revolution directly from The Morning C
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videoSaxony Wine Region Explained: Germany’s Most Easterly Vineyards
In this video, I continue my Mastering Germany series with a journey through Saxony, known in German as Sachsen, Germany’s most easterly wine region. Saxony may be small, with just over 500 hectares of vineyard, but it is one of Germany’s most distinctive and historically fascinating wine regions. In this video, I look at the key areas around Dresden, Meißen and Radebeul, exploring the Elbe River, steep terraced vineyards, granite and syenite soils, and some of the region’s most important grape varieties. We cover Pillnitz, Königlicher Weinberg, Meißner Kapitelberg, Kurfürstlicher Weinberg, Radebeul’s Goldener Wagen, Steinrücken, Wackerbarthberg and Schloss Proschwitz, one of Saxony’s most important producers and a VDP member. This is part of my deeper Mastering Germany series, available in full through the Wine with Jimmy Club. Join the Wine with Jimmy Club here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/program/wwj-club Chapters: 0:00 Mastering Germany and the Wine with Jimmy Clu
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videoSpain’s Geography Explained: Mountains, Plains and Wine Regions
Join me for Part 1 of Mastering Spain’s geography, as I explore the mountains, plains, coastlines and key physical features that shape Spain and its wine regions. In this video, I look at Spain’s position on the Iberian Peninsula, the importance of the Meseta Central, the major mountain ranges including the Pyrenees, Sistema Ibérico, Sistema Central, Sierra Morena and Sistemas Béticos, as well as the key plains and depressions such as the Ebro Depression and Guadalquivir Basin. This is essential background for understanding Spanish wine, climate, altitude, regional identity and why Spain’s vineyards behave so differently from north to south and east to west. Part 2, covering the major rivers of Spain, is available inside the Wine with Jimmy Club. 00:00 Introduction to Mastering Spain Geography 01:01 Spain’s Location on the Iberian Peninsula 02:02 Spain’s Physical Geography and the Meseta 03:20 Spain’s Coastline, Seas and Islands 04:52 Spain’s Borders: France, Portugal, Gibraltar, C
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videoThe Highest Vineyard in the Mosel?
Join me in the Saar, a sub-region of the Mosel, as I visit the dramatic Schloss Saarfelser Schlossberg vineyard in Serrig. With steep slate slopes, castle views and some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the Mosel, this is one of the region’s most striking vineyard sites. #MoselWine #SaarWine #Riesling #GermanWine #WineEducation #WineWithJimmy
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videoRheingau Riesling Explained: Hallgarten, Geisenheim and Rüdesheim
In this episode of Mastering Germany, I continue the journey through the Rheingau, moving into the central west of this famous Riesling region. We explore Hallgarten, home to some of the highest vineyards in the Rheingau, including Jungfer and Schönhell, before moving through Oestrich, Doosberg, Lenchen, Winkel, Geisenheim and Rüdesheim. Along the way, I look at key vineyard sites such as Hasensprung, Schloss Vollrads Schlossberg, Rothenberg, Berg Kaisersteinfels, Berg Rottland, Berg Roseneck and Berg Schlossberg, explaining how slope, aspect, altitude, soils and the Rhine all shape the style of the wines. This is a deep dive into one of Germany’s most important wine regions, with a particular focus on Riesling, vineyard classification, geology and the changing role of cooler sites in a warming climate. The full Mastering Germany series is available in the Wine with Jimmy Club, along with additional deep dives, professional tasting notes, food and wine pairing content, and exclusiv
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videoSanford & Benedict: The Vineyard That Changed Santa Barbara Wine
I’m on location at Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Santa Barbara, one of the region’s most important historic sites. First planted in 1971 by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict, this vineyard helped shape the story of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara. Old vines, wide rows, gnarly training systems — and fruit that still produces wines with freshness, saltiness and real concentration.
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videoModern Spanish Wine History: Rioja, Phylloxera, Franco and the Rise of Spain’s Wine Regions
In this video, I continue my Mastering Spain series by looking at the modern history of Spanish wine, from the great 18th and 19th century pioneers through to phylloxera, railway expansion, political upheaval, wine regulation, Franco’s dictatorship and Spain’s modern revival. I look at key figures such as Don Manuel Quintano, Marqués de Riscal, Marqués de Murrieta, Josep Raventós and Miguel Torres, as well as iconic names including Rioja, Vega Sicilia, Codorníu, Cava, Jerez and Priorat. This is a story of innovation, crisis and recovery. Spain’s wine industry has been shaped by French influence, disease pressure, export booms, political instability, dictatorship, EU membership and a new generation of ambitious winemakers. Today, Spain remains one of the world’s great wine-producing countries, with more land under vine than anywhere else and an extraordinary range of styles across the mainland and islands. This video is part of my Mastering Spain series. The full series, including ex
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videoSaale-Unstrut Wine Region Explained: Villages, Vineyards and Google Earth Tour
In this video, I continue my Mastering Germany series with a detailed look at Saale-Unstrut, one of Germany’s most fascinating and distinctive wine regions. Join the Wine with Jimmy Club here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/program/wwj-club I explore the villages, vineyards, rivers and landscapes that shape this small but important region, including Vitzenburg, Karsdorf, Freyburg, Goseck, Naumburg and Kaatschen. Using Google Earth, I look at how the Saale and Unstrut rivers influence the vineyard locations, and why the central Schloss Neuenburg area is so important to the identity of the region. Along the way, I cover key vineyard sites such as Schlossberg, Hohe Gräte, Edelacker, Dechantenberg, Steinmeister and Dachsberg, as well as important grape varieties including Silvaner, Riesling, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder and Frühburgunder. This video is part of my wider Mastering Germany series on the Wine with Jimmy Club, where I go deeper into German wine reg
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videoWhy Fog Matters in Santa Barbara Wine Country #WSET #wsetlevel3
Jimmy here in Santa Barbara County, looking at one of the key weather patterns that shapes the wines of this part of California: fog. Because the mountain ranges north of Santa Barbara run east to west, cooling winds from the Pacific are funnelled inland through valleys such as Santa Maria, Santa Ynez and the Sta. Rita Hills. When that cool air meets warmer inland temperatures, fog can form across the landscape. For viticulture, this is hugely important. Fog helps lower temperatures, preserve acidity in the grapes, reduce sunlight and UV exposure, and contribute to the bright, fresh, leaner styles often associated with Santa Barbara County wines. #SantaBarbaraWine #CaliforniaWine #WineEducation #WineWithJimmy #SantaMariaValley #SantaYnezValley #StaRitaHills #Viticulture #WineShorts #WSET
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videoWine with Jimmy Partners with Local Wine School Network for WSET Support
Hello everybody, Wine with Jimmy here with some exciting news. Wine with Jimmy is partnering with the Local Wine School network. This is one of the leading wine educational networks within the UK. https://www.localwineschool.com/ This means that participating providers within the Local Wine School network are now offering Wine with Jimmy's e-learning portal for all students who sign up to the professional WSET courses. That means they'll access all of those really wonderful quizzes, multiple-choice questions, videos and revision support to help them on their WSET journey. I'm very excited about this. The Local Wine School network is really packed full of very wonderful, award-winning schools across the UK, and it's run fantastically by a lot of dedicated wine educators, who I know very personally and who are really good friends. So I know what it is to deliver these courses, and I know what it's like as a student also to take these courses, and having that support will be absolute
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videoGeorgian Orange Wine: Amber Wine, Qvevri and Skin Contact Explained #wine
In this short clip from my D6 Orange Wine module, Daria Kholodilina explains one of the biggest challenges in marketing Georgian amber wine internationally: the confusion around orange wine, skin-contact white wine and qvevri wine. Not all qvevri wine is orange wine, and not all orange wine is made in qvevri. But Georgia’s traditional winemaking methods offer some of the most fascinating examples of skin-contact white wines in the world. For the full Wine with Jimmy D6 Orange Wine module, including producer interviews, winemaking context and exam-focused guidance for WSET Diploma students, visit: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/course/d6-orange-wine #OrangeWine #AmberWine #Qvevri #GeorgianWine #SkinContactWine #WSETDiploma #D6Wine #WineWithJimmy
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videoMiddle Mosel Explained: Bernkastel, Piesport, Wehlen & Germany’s Greatest Riesling Vineyards
In this video, I continue my guide to the Mosel with a detailed look at the Middle Mosel, one of Germany’s most famous and important Riesling regions. I explore the key villages, vineyards and styles of the Middle Mosel, including Leiwen, Trittenheim, Piesport, Brauneberg, Bernkastel-Kues, Graach, Wehlen, Zeltingen, Ürzig, Erden, Kröv and Enkirch. Along the way, I look at some of the region’s most famous vineyard sites, including Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Brauneberger Juffer, Bernkasteler Doctor, Graacher Himmelreich, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Ürziger Würzgarten, Erdener Prälat, Erdener Treppchen and Batterieberg. This is an ideal video for anyone studying German wine, WSET Level 3, WSET Diploma, German Wine Scholar, or anyone wanting to understand why the Middle Mosel is so closely associated with world-class Riesling. For more Wine with Jimmy videos, including exclusive study content for wine students, visit the Wine with Jimmy portal and join the Wine with Jimmy Club. https://e-lear
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videoOrange Wine Explained | WSET Diploma D6 Assignment Guide
In this video, I introduce the WSET Diploma D6 assignment topic on orange wine, looking at what orange wine is, how the term is used, and why skin-contact white wines have become such an important part of the modern wine world. For the full Wine with Jimmy orange wine section, including producer interviews, additional videos and more, visit the course here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/course/d6-orange-wine This is Part 1 of my orange wine series for WSET Diploma students. I explore the definition of orange wine, the difference between orange wine, amber wine, skin-contact wine, macerated white wine and vin blanc macéré, and the historical background of macerated white wines in regions such as Friuli, Brda and the Vipava Valley. I also look at the key structural and sensory features that help define orange wine, including colour development, increased aromatics, skin contact, maceration, phenolic extraction and the role of tannin. These are important ideas to understand
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videoWSET Level 3 Fortified Wines Exam Practice | Short Written Questions
Practise WSET Level 3 fortified wines short written questions with me, Jimmy Smith DipWSET. In this video, I work through exam-style questions on fortified wine, including Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise and Graham’s 20-Year Tawny Port, showing you how to structure your answers and pick up marks in the WSET Level 3 theory exam. For my full WSET Level 3 revision course, including longer videos, short written question practice, multiple-choice questions, flashcards, map questions and more, visit the Wine with Jimmy e-learning portal here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/course/wset-level-3 Fortified wines are an important part of the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. Sparkling and fortified wines are guaranteed to appear in the theory paper, so it is well worth spending time revising Port, Sherry, fortified Muscat and the key production methods behind these styles. In this short taster video, I show you how to approach label-based questions, how to identify what the examiner is really
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videoKir-Yianni Interview: Xinomavro, Assyrtiko and Northern Greece
Join us for the tasting: Iconic Greece – An Evening with Kir-Yianni and Domaine Sigalas at West London Wine School Wednesday 3rd June 2026, 7:00pm, The Wine Cellars, Fulham Book here: https://www.localwineschool.com/west-london/Kiryianni-domainsigalas/ In this interview, Jimmy speaks with Stellios Boutaris of Kir-Yianni, one of the most important names in modern Greek wine. Together they explore the wines, vineyards and terroirs of northern Greece, including Naoussa, Amyndeon, Mount Vermio and the wider Macedonia region, with a particular focus on two of Greece’s most exciting grape varieties: Xinomavro and Assyrtiko. Kir-Yianni, founded by Yiannis Boutaris and now led by Stellios Boutaris, has become a benchmark producer for Xinomavro, Greece’s noble red grape variety. In this conversation, we look at why Xinomavro is often compared to Nebbiolo, how it expresses itself differently in Naoussa and Amyndeon, and how Kir-Yianni manages its natural acidity, tannin and savoury red-fru
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videoLower Mosel Riesling and Steep Slate Terraces #history #germanwinescholar #GWS
I’m in the Lower Mosel, or Untermosel, at Winninger Röttgen, one of the dramatic terraced vineyard sites near the village of Winningen. This steep south-southeast-facing site sits above the Mosel River, with slate soils, stone terraces, reflected light and heat from the river helping to produce robust, opulent expressions of Riesling. A short guide to Winningen, Röttgen, Uhlen, Lower Mosel Riesling and the dramatic landscape of the Terrassenmosel. #Winningen #Röttgen #LowerMosel #Untermosel #Terrassenmosel #Riesling #GermanWine #Mosel #WineEducation #WineWithJimmy #GermanWineScholar
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videoGermany’s Greatest Riesling Vineyard - Scharzhofberg, Mosel
I’m in the Saar, at Scharzhofberg, one of the most iconic vineyard sites in German wine. This famous south-facing Mosel vineyard is closely associated with Weingut Egon Müller, but also with producers such as Van Volxem and Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt. It is known for exceptional Riesling grown on slate soils, and for some of the most sought-after wines in Germany. A short guide to Scharzhofberg, Saar Riesling, Mosel wine and one of the great names in German viticulture. #Scharzhofberg #EgonMulle
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videoGermany’s Greatest Riesling Vineyard - Scharzhofberg, Mosel
I’m in the Saar, at Scharzhofberg, one of the most iconic vineyard sites in German wine. This famous south-facing Mosel vineyard is closely associated with Weingut Egon Müller, but also with producers such as Van Volxem and Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt. It is known for exceptional Riesling grown on slate soils, and for some of the most sought-after wines in Germany. A short guide to Scharzhofberg, Saar Riesling, Mosel wine and one of the great names in German viticulture. #Scharzhofberg #EgonMuller #Mosel #Saar #Riesling #GermanWine #WineEducation #WineWithJimmy #GermanWineScholar #MoselRiesling
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videoMosel Wine Region Explained: Riesling, History & Top Producers
Joint my club for the full Germany series, just £3.99 a month - https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/program/wwj-club In this video, I introduce the Mosel, one of the great wine regions of Germany and one of the most important places in the world for Riesling. I explain the Mosel wine region, its dramatic river landscape, steep slate vineyards, long history of viticulture, key wine styles and most famous producers. I cover Roman wine production in Trier and Piesport, monastic winemaking, the
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videoGavi Explained Through 2 Wines | Tesco vs Majestic | Tasting Notes and Food Pairing
In this video, I taste and compare two examples of Gavi, one from Tesco and one from Majestic, looking at style, quality, examiner-level tasting notes, food pairing ideas, and the key details you need to understand this important DOCG from Piemonte. I cover: where Gavi is and why its location matters the role of Cortese the difference between lighter, fresher styles and more premium expressions examiner-style tasting notes food pairing ideas for both wines The two wines featured are: Ascheri Gav
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