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videoThe A-Z of Wine: 'N' is for Napa Valley... kind of!
We head to a quintessential Napa estate – Pine Ridge – to explore this amazing corner of the wine world and how the wineries are evolving as grapes from Napa itself become more and more expensive, even while there is a glut of wine in the rest of California!
videoThe A-Z of Wine: 'M' is for 'MLF / Malolactic Fermentation'
For M, we're going to discuss Malolactic Fermentation, Conversion, or just MLF. Not MILF. That's quite different. So you'd expect we're going to check out a Chardonnay. By now, you've probably worked out that Mr Smith likes going off on a tangent, so instead, we're checking out a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that is made in an incredibly different style through use of Barriques and MLF, rather than stainless steel, low temperatures and filtration. This way, we can see more just how MLF affects a wine that we're all really familiar with! In this case, we're heading to St Clair in the Wairau region.
videoThe A-Z of Wine: 'L' is for 'Lees'
It's time to get into the letter L, and we explore the winemaking technique of Lees aging. Possibly most famously-used in Champagne to give bready, toasty and brioche notes to the wine, this is the process of leaving the wine in contact with the yeast cells which have done their job turning the sugar into alcohol and are now breaking down through a process called Autolysis. So, for this wine, we've picked another famous Lees-aged wine: Muscadet. We head to Chateau du Coing - one of the most iconic Muscadet producers to check it out.
videoThe A-Z of Wine: 'K' is for 'Kabinett'
Jamie heads off to Germany to talk his favourite grape – Riesling – and his favourite way of getting his kids to sleep – German Wine Law. Seriously, he has recorded himself describing German wine law over a soundtrack of lullabies. So what is Kabinett – is it just the German word for where you hide your Blue Nun? Let's find out!
videoThe A-Z of Wine: 'J' is for 'Jumilla'
In which a slightly under-the-weather Mr Smith takes us to explore the fascinating Jumilla region of Spain, and the grape Monastrell which is a rising star, breaking out from its more traditional role as a blending grape in the Rhone region where it's known as Mourvedre.
videoA-Z of Wine: 'I' is for 'Ice Wine'
We head to Canada to taste the wine which put the Canadian wine industry on the map – the Vidal Ice Wine from Inniskillin. Made by a winemaker with Austrian heritage, he realised the potential of the cold winters to make his version of the classic German / Austrian Eiswine, using a Hybrid Grape that could survive the low temperatures.
videoA-Z of of Wine – 'H' is for 'Hybrid Grapes'.
We explore how hybrid grapes (sometimes known as PiWis) have opened up entirely new wine regions – in this case, as far north in cool England as Lincolnshire... which has pretty much no right to be able to make decent wine... but the times they are a-changing! Wressle Vineyard, a small family-owned vineyard in the village of Wressle, is using both Vinifera and hybrid grapes to work around their climate and to make really accessible, quality wines. So... What is 'Sozzled Squirrel'? Why is it called that? What is 'Muscaris' and do we like it? Time to get tasting! Is this your first Muscaris wine?? Can you believe this was grown in Lincolnshire?? For us, this was one of the real surprises of the whole tasting! Buy this wine directly from the vineyard here: https://wresslevineyard.com/products/sozzled-squirrel-2024
videoThe A-Z of Wine: 'G is for Garnacha / Grenache'
Jamie explores Garnacha / Grenache, famous from the south of France and Northern Spain. So, naturally, where is he going? Somewhere completely different. We explore why Grenache has become the most popular and consumed red grape in Australia, the spiritual home of Shiraz, and especially in the hands of craft winemaker Steve Pannell in the McLaren Vale.
videoThe A-Z of Wine: 'F' is for Frappato
We head to Sicily to check out the indigenous grape Frappato, which makes delicious light red wines – often drunk slightly chilled. In fact, it all sounds a little Beaujolais-like?? Mandrarossa, the winery, is a collective with 6000 hectares under vine and they focus on grapes grown near the sea or on volcanic soils.
videoThe A-Z of Wine. 'E' is for 'Encruzado'. Portugal's answer to high-end white Burgundy!
Alex gets incredibly excited as we stay in the Dão region of Portugal – yes, we're probably pronouncing that wrong, because of the nasal tone we need to get on the 'ão' sound... so sue us 😂 But let's ignore linguistics and focus on grapes. Because this is a wine that does not taste like it is from such a warm country as Portugal. And Encruzado is possibly one of the hottest wines in the world right now, delivering Burgundy-like flavour profiles at a fraction of the price, courtesy of the extreme conditions in the Dão region, at 600m altitude and surrounded by mountains. Let's head to Quinta do Soito and find out more... You can hear from them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0TJyM2kniY #dao #encruzado #wine #portugal
videoThe A-Z of wine: 'D' is for 'Dão'.
'D' is for 'Dão'. As in the wine-producing region of Portugal! The Dão is high up in the centre of Portugal – as thin as it may be – between Lisbon and Porto, but further inland and high up in the mountains. So why have we picked this "Burgundy of Portugal"? Well, let's find out how a cooler, fresher place can affect the grapes that are traditionally used to make Port! Buy the wine: https://onlinewinetasting.club/products/dominique-morel-gamay-beaujolais
videoThe A-Z of Wine: 'C' is for "Carbonic Maceration"
For the letter C, we confusingly go to Beaujolais... to explore their iconic way of making really juicy, crunchy wine – sometimes in an incredibly short timeframe! Carbonic Maceration is at the heart of the Beaujolais region's style. So what is it, and how does it work?
videoThe A-Z of Wine. 'B' is for 'Biodynamics'
We head to Austria to check out a Grüner Veltliner made by Loimer in the Biodynamic method, as defined by Rudolph Steiner. What is it, and why should we care? Click here to buy the wine: https://onlinewinetasting.club/products/loimer-gruner-veltliner
videoThe A-Z of wine. 'A' is for Albariño
For A, we pick Albariño: the world's latest favourite varietal wine in the crisp and fresh category. But it's as at home with food as it is with a chilled night in with your friends as there's just so much more to it! So, naturally, we'll be going to its spiritual home: Rias Baixas... right? Right, Jamie? Buy this wine here: https://onlinewinetasting.club/products/vina-salort-reserve-albarino?_pos=3&_sid=1fa060ff8&_ss=r
videoTOWTC: Old Vines Masterclass with Alun Griffiths MW
For several years, we have been geeking out with the inimitable Sarah Abbott MW about the topic of Old Vines – something we are deeply passionate about – so we knew the time had come to put on a proper tasting! For Old Vines Week, we are delighted to be joined by Alun Griffiths, Master of Wine, to go on a deep dive into this fascinating topic! - What is an old vine? - Can anything be called one? - How does the vine change over time? - How does that affect the flavour of the wine? - Why should we care about saving old vines? As usual, we taste 6 incredible wines from across the world which showcase the importance of helping preserve these amazing plants and continuing to make their grapes into wine, despite higher costs and lower yields. We are incredibly grateful to the Old Vine Conference for their support in putting this episode together. For legal compliance purposes, we are obliged to add the hashtag #Ad to this video in recognition of the support that has been given to us,
videoTOWTC: Wines of Slovakia
We are joined by the wonderful Lucia from The Naughty Grape for a trip off the beaten path! Slovakia, nestled in the heart of Central Europe, is an emerging wine destination with a rich history and an exciting future. Though lesser known internationally, Slovak wines are gaining recognition for their quality, diversity, and strong sense of place. Winemaking in Slovakia dates back to Roman times, and the country's vineyards have thrived through centuries of tradition, innovation, and resilience. The country boasts six main wine regions, stretching from the sun-soaked Small Carpathians near Bratislava to the volcanic soils of Tokaj in the southeast. These regions offer a diverse range of microclimates and terroirs, ideal for both native and international grape varieties. White wines dominate production, with crisp, aromatic styles made from varieties like Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, and the indigenous Devín and Milia. Red wines are increasingly notable too, especially those craft
videoWinemaking: Mistakes can lead to Masterpieces
Izele van Blerk from KWV talks about her background and how The Mentors range benefits from learning from a lot of mistakes over 15 years of winemaking!
videoTOWTC: KWV "The Mentors"
This month, for the first time ever, we're doing a deep dive into a single winery! Join us live for an unforgettable dive into South Africa's wine heartland. We're uncorking six stellar wines from KWV winery, right alongside the visionary winemaker Izele van Blerk. She'll spill the secrets of KWV's 100+ year legacy, from sustainable vineyards to incredible flavour profiles. With access to grapes from more than 50 farms and 400 vineyard sites across the Western Cape’s Paarl, Stellenbosch, Swartland, Perdeberg, Malmesbury, Darling, Elgin, Robertson and Wellington regions, KWV’s ability as a commercial producer to source the finest quality grapes is unrivalled. We love these wines – this is not an ad nor are KWV paying to promote them – and we hope that you'll enjoy them and think they're as incredible value as we do! In Izele's own words... expect the unexpected!
videoTOWTC: Chardonnay Masterclass
Welcome to our Chardonnay Masterclass, where we’ll sip our way through six cracking wines that show off the dazzling range of styles and quality this grape has to offer! From crisp and elegant to rich and bold, we’re here to banish the ghosts of those over-oaked Chardonnay crimes of yesteryear... think less "butter-soaked oak plank" and more "sophisticated stunner." Did you know some of our faves, like the gloriously understated Chablis, are secretly Chardonnay in disguise? They just don’t shout about it! And what on earth does this all have to do with Clones??
videoTOWTC: 100th Tasting – with Ray O'Connor MW
Phew, what a ride... we've made it to 100 live tastings at The Online Wine Tasting Club! Quite an achievement... Tonight we are joined by the legendary Master of Wine, Ray O'Connor: former Director of Wine at Naked Wines, consultant, winemaker, educator, and all-round top bloke! We go through 6 wines that the experts like to drink when they're picking what to crack open!
videoTOWTC: Wines of Portugal
It's Portuguese Wine Month! We head to this beautiful country, which is rapidly becoming one of the hottest scenes in wine. As usual, we will taste through six different wines! Each tells a story of Portugal’s unique terroir and centuries-old winemaking traditions. Savour the bold, the refined, and the unexpected as we explore the essence of Portuguese viticulture.
videoTOWTC: Wines of Uruguay
Jamie has just got back from an epic wine trip around Uruguay, so is taking us on a virtual tour via the medium of six delicious wines! How does Uruguay compare to the rest of South America, with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and vastly different geography? We'll find out!
videoTOWTC: Wines of Chile
Jamie has just got back from an epic wine trip around Chile, so is taking us on a virtual tour via the medium of six delicious wines! Does Chile make more than entry-level Merlot and Sauvignon? Time to find out!
videoTOWTC: Wine & Cheese (2025)
Wine and Cheese are the perfect bedfellows! But why, what do they share in common and how can you create magical pairing experiences? Jamie and Alex take a look!