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videoWhy Slate Matters in Germany’s Ahr Valley
Standing on the Mönchberg vineyard in Mayschoß, I take a look at the slate soils that help make the Ahr one of Germany’s most exciting regions for Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). Want more wine deep dives, study support, and exclusive content? Join the Wine with Jimmy Club here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/program/wwj-club #Ahr #GermanWine #PinotNoir #Spatburgunder #WineEducation #WineWithJimmy
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videoFrom Mosel to New York: The Rise of Finger Lakes Riesling
In this interview, I’m joined by Peter Weis, sixth-generation winemaker from the Mosel and founder of Weis Vineyards in New York’s Finger Lakes, to explore one of the most exciting cool-climate wine regions in the world. https://www.weisvineyards.com/ We discuss how the Finger Lakes compare to classic European regions like the Mosel, and why Riesling thrives in this unique environment. Peter explains the crucial role of the lakes in moderating extreme cold, the importance of shale soils, and how
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videoWSET Level 3 South Africa Questions | Wine Exam Practice Video
Test your South Africa knowledge with this WSET Level 3 short written questions practice video. For the full extended version and more exclusive exam preparation resources, visit the Wine with Jimmy e-learning portal: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/course/wset-level-3 In this taster session, I work through exam-style questions on South Africa, including label interpretation, Stellenbosch, premium grape growing conditions, and Pinotage as a crossing. This is designed to help you prepare
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videoThe Recipe for Good Riesling with Peter Weis
Making great Riesling isn’t complicated… but it’s all about getting the basics right. In this clip, Peter Weis breaks down his simple approach to Riesling winemaking — from gentle pressing to why he leaves the wine on gross lees for months after fermentation. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best wines come from doing less, not more. Watch the full interview for a deeper dive into Riesling, winemaking philosophy, and Peter’s journey from the Mosel to New York. #Riesling #Winemaking #WineEducation #WineWithJimmy #PeterWeis #Mosel #WineShorts
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videoWhy Cool Climates Make Better Sparkling Wine?
Why are the world’s best sparkling wines made in cooler regions? In this clip, Andrew Rockwell (Head Winemaker at Sparkling Pointe, Long Island) explains why cooler climates allow grapes to develop flavour before sugars get too high — a crucial factor when making traditional-method sparkling wine. If alcohol levels get too high, the second fermentation in bottle simply won’t work. Watch the full interview to learn more about Long Island sparkling wine, climate, viticulture and winemaking. Full i
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videoWhy Cool Climates Make Better Sparkling Wine?
Why are the world’s best sparkling wines made in cooler regions? In this clip, Andrew Rockwell (Head Winemaker at Sparkling Pointe, Long Island) explains why cooler climates allow grapes to develop flavour before sugars get too high — a crucial factor when making traditional-method sparkling wine. If alcohol levels get too high, the second fermentation in bottle simply won’t work. Watch the full interview to learn more about Long Island sparkling wine, climate, viticulture and winemaking. Full interview on the Wine With Jimmy channel.
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videoLong Island Sparkling Wine Explained | Andrew Rockwell of Sparkling Pointe
In this interview, I’m joined by Andrew Rockwell, Head Winemaker at Sparkling Pointe on the North Fork of Long Island, to explore one of the most exciting sparkling wine regions in the United States. We talk about why Long Island works so well for traditional-method sparkling wine, the crucial role of maritime influence, and how Sparkling Pointe has positioned itself as a dedicated sparkling house in a region better known for summer tourism and still wines. Andrew explains the winemaking philosophy behind Sparkling Pointe, including gentle whole-cluster pressing, long lees ageing, and the importance of dosage in shaping the final wine. We also dig into vintage variation, extended ageing (including a 10-year lees-aged wine), and how Long Island compares stylistically to Champagne and English sparkling wine. Along the way, we cover climate challenges on the East Coast, vineyard disease pressure, future grape varieties, and how climate change may shape sparkling wine production in New
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videoWSET Diploma Success: Top 10 Study Tips from a Vintners’ Scholarship Winner
Passing the WSET Diploma is a huge challenge. In this video I’m joined by Emily Chan, winner of the Vintners’ Scholarship for the highest overall Diploma mark, to share her top ten tips for succeeding in one of the toughest wine qualifications in the world. Emily walks through the practical strategies that helped her excel in the Diploma – from long-term study planning and note-taking techniques to exam strategy, tasting preparation, and how to manage your time on the day. If you’re currently studying the WSET Diploma (or thinking about starting), this conversation is packed with practical advice that could make a real difference to your results. In this video we discuss: • How to structure your Diploma studies over many months • Turning the syllabus into effective revision notes • Why writing practice is essential for theory exams • How to approach past papers and examiner reports • Exam strategy and time management • Preparing for the tasting papers • Practical tips for managing
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videoGermany’s Largest Wine Region | Rheinhessen Explained | Mastering Germany
Want to take your understanding of German wine further? Unlocking Germany: From Mosel to Rheingau is a guided tasting with Jimmy Smith featuring six carefully selected wines that showcase the range, precision, and brilliance of Germany. Learn more here: https://mtwwines.com/products/jimmygermany In this video, I’m taking a deep dive into Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine region and one of its most important. We’ll look at where Rheinhessen sits geographically, how the Rhine River shapes the landscape, and why this region is warmer and drier than you might expect at this latitude. I’ll walk you through the key elements that define Rheinhessen, including its topography, climate, rainfall, and sunshine hours, before getting properly stuck into the geology. From loess soils and limestone plateaus to Rotliegendes, quartzite, slate, and volcanic influences, this is a region with far more complexity than it’s often given credit for. We’ll also cover grape growing and winemaking in Rheinh
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videoMastering Germany: How Modern Winemaking Is Shaping German Wine Today
In this video, I introduce modern German winemaking and explain the key changes shaping the quality and diversity of German wines today. Want to take your understanding of German wine further? Unlocking Germany: From Mosel to Rheingau is a guided tasting with Jimmy Smith featuring six carefully selected wines that showcase the range, precision, and brilliance of Germany. Learn more here: https://mtwwines.com/products/jimmygermany In this video I cover: – How viticulture and winemaking practices in Germany have evolved – The shift from sweet to dry wine styles and what’s driving it – Training, global experience, and modern expertise in German winemaking – The use of sulfur dioxide, pH, and wine stability – Legal definitions of dry and off-dry German wines – Temperature-controlled fermentation and modern white winemaking techniques – The role of malolactic conversion and stylistic choices This video focuses primarily on white wine production and sets the foundation for later videos co
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videoSouth Africa Pinot & Chardonnay Explained | Anthony Hamilton Russell | Hamilton Russell Vineyards
I’m hosting a rare Hamilton Russell Vineyards vertical tasting at West London Wine School with Anthony Hamilton-Russell himself — an in-depth look at one of South Africa’s most important Pinot Noir and Chardonnay estates. Limited spaces remaining. Full details and tickets here: https://www.localwineschool.com/west-london/Hamilton-Russell-vineyards/109364 Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, terroir, and cool-climate South African wine — explained in a deep conversation with Anthony Hamilton Russell of Hamilton Russell Vineyards 🍷 In this interview, I speak with Anthony Hamilton Russell about why Hemel-en-Aarde (near Hermanus in Walker Bay) has become one of the world’s reference points for restrained, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We get into the region’s identity, the role of the ocean influence, and why soil and geology matter more than cellar tricks. We also talk about the winemaking philosophy at Hamilton Russell Vineyards, including how winemaker Emul Ross a
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videoMastering Germany: Grape Growing, Steep Terraces & Old Vines
In this episode of Mastering Germany, I explore grape growing in Germany and the traditions, vineyard structures and viticultural thinking that have shaped one of the world’s most important cool-climate wine nations. In part one, I look at: • Terrace viticulture and Germany’s steep vineyard sites • Why terraces developed historically and how they work • The benefits and challenges of steep-slope vineyards today • Climate change and its impact on traditional German sites • Vine breeding, clonal selection and key German research institutes • Planting density, training systems and trellising choices • Old vines (Alte Reben) and why they matter in modern German wine This is part one of a three-part series on grape growing in Germany. Part one is free to watch. Parts two and three are available exclusively inside the Wine with Jimmy Club. You can join the Wine with Jimmy Club for just £3.99 per month and get access to: • Ad-free exclusive video series • In-depth wine region deep dives •
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videoSancerre Explained: With WSET Tasting of 3 Majestic bottles.
Wine with Jimmy Club https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/program/wwj-club You can find the wines tasted on this video at Majestic below Wine 1 - Domaine du Clos Saint Martin Sancerre https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/clos-saint-martin-sancerre-organic-05911 Alternative Suppliers - United States Solano Cellars (California) Westchester Wine Warehouse (New York) Cellar d’Or (New York) Wine 2 - Domaine Laporte 'Les Garennes' Sancerre Blanc 2024, Loire Valley https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/laporte-sancerre-organic-05901 Alternative Suppliers - United States Saratoga Wine Exchange (New York) Cellar d’Or (New York) Little West Wine & Spirits (New York) Wine 3 - Klein Constantia 2023 https://www.majestic.co.uk/wines/klein-constantia-sauvignon-blanc-20192 Solano Cellars (California) The Wine Exchange (California) Moira’s Fine Wine & Spirits (New York) PJ Discount Wine & Liquor (New York) Cellar d’Or (New York) Sancerre is one of France’s most famous Sauvignon Blanc regions, bu
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videoRiesling Explained: Germany’s Signature Grape | Mastering Germany Series
Riesling is Germany’s most important and distinctive grape variety, and in this video I take a deep dive into why it has earned that status. Want to take your understanding of German wine further? Unlocking Germany: From Mosel to Rheingau is a guided tasting with Jimmy Smith featuring six carefully selected wines that showcase the range, precision, and brilliance of Germany. Learn more here: https://mtwwines.com/products/jimmygermany This session is part of the Mastering Germany series and focuses on Riesling’s history, etymology, vineyard behaviour, geological sensitivity and the wide range of wine styles it can produce, from bone dry to lusciously sweet. I also address the much-debated petrol or kerosene character and where it really comes from. This video is available as part of the Wine with Jimmy Club. Members get full access to this series and a growing library of exclusive wine education content for a small monthly subscription. Join here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy
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videoGerman Wine Climate Explained | Cool Climate, Zones, Rainfall & Climate Change
Germany is one of the world’s most important cool-climate wine regions, and in this video I explain how climate and weather shape German wine styles, from bright acidity and aromatics to ripening challenges and climate change. If you’d like full access to the entire Mastering Germany series — plus in-depth region guides, producer interviews and exclusive wine education — you can join the Wine with Jimmy Club here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/program/wwj-club I break down Germany’s wine-growing zones, temperature variation, rainfall patterns, maritime and continental influences, and why regions like Pfalz, Baden, Mosel, Ahr, Franken and Saxony behave so differently in the vineyard. This is a general overview of German climate, before diving into each region in more detail elsewhere in the series. In this video I cover: Germany’s temperate continental climate Wine-growing zones (Zone A and parts of Zone B) Diurnal and annual temperature variation The role of cloud cov
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videoGerman Wine History: Ancient Roots, Romans & the Rise of Riesling
Welcome to Mastering Germany — an in-depth Wine with Jimmy series exploring Germany through the lens of wine, culture, and history. In this first episode, I take you from the earliest traces of human civilisation in what is now Germany, through Celtic and Roman influence, and into the Middle Ages — including the rise of monasteries, the Holy Roman Empire, the first recorded mention of Riesling (13 March 1435), and the key historical shifts that shaped German viticulture. This is Part 1 of the Mastering Germany series. If you’d like to watch the full series (including Part 2 and beyond), you’ll need to join the Wine with Jimmy Club monthly subscription here: https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/program/wwj-club As a member you’ll also get access to loads of additional content, including deep-dive presentations on countries and regions (like Armenia and Georgia), producer videos, tasting notes, and plenty of food-and-wine matching tips. If you’ve been to Germany, have a favourite
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videoMeet Alpha Estate – One of Greece’s Benchmark Cool-Climate Wineries
High-altitude vineyards, cool-climate precision, and one of Greece’s benchmark producers. In this short clip, Angelos introduces Alpha Estate and explains why Amyndeon has become one of the country’s most exciting wine regions. Join us in London on 4th February to taste these wines with us at West London Wine School. https://www.localwineschool.com/west-london/Alpha-estate/
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videoAlpha Estate & Amyndeon: Greece’s Cool-Climate Secret | Xinomavro, Old Vines & Terroir
In this special edition of Wine with Jimmy, I’m joined by Angelos Iatridis, co-founder and winemaker at Alpha Estate, one of the benchmark producers of northern Greece. Sign up to the Wine with Jimmy Club here for all my interviews plus WSET tastings and more 0 https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/subscriptions?id=wwj-club Click here to sign up for our Alpha estates Tasting in London on the 4th Feb For those of you who’d like to taste these wines with me in person, I’m delighted to say that we’re hosting a dedicated Alpha Estate tasting at my London school on 4 February. There are only a few places left, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore these wines in depth, ask questions, and really understand what makes Amyndeon so special. We dive deep into Amyndeon, a high-altitude, cool-climate plateau in Macedonia that is producing some of Greece’s most elegant and age-worthy wines. We explore what makes this region so distinctive: its lakes, surrounding mountains, limestone-ric
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videoCalifornia’s Historic Missions and the Origins of Wine | Santa Ynez, Solvang
Filmed at the historic Mission Santa Ynez in Solvang, this short introduction explores the role of California’s missions in the early history of wine. Between 1769 and 1833, 21 religious missions were established along the Californian coast, from San Diego to San Francisco, forming the foundations of many early communities. For sacramental purposes, wine was produced at these missions, with the Mission grape playing a central role. Today, these sites remain beautiful, historically important landmarks that offer a direct link between California’s religious, cultural, and viticultural past.
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videoPinotage at 100: Spier’s Johan Jordaan on terroir and the future of South Africa’s signature grape
In this Wine with Jimmy interview, I’m joined by Johan (Spier’s Cellar Master) for a deep dive into Pinotage as South Africa marks 100 years since its creation. We start with Johan’s story and Spier’s remarkable history (founded in 1692), then unpack how Pinotage behaves in the vineyard and the cellar: drought resilience, ripening challenges, tannin management, fermentation temperatures, oxygen handling, and why “banana / rubber” characters became part of Pinotage’s reputation (and how modern winemaking moved past it). Join the Wine with Jimmy Club – extra videos, deeper dives, £3.99/month https://e-learningwine.winewithjimmy.com/subscriptions?id=wwj-club We also explore the role of site and climate (especially coastal influence), the impact of ferricrete/iron-rich soils on fruit expression, and how Spier shapes three distinct Pinotage styles: 21 Gables, Seaward, and Signature. Plus: the future of Pinotage (lighter, brighter, finer tannins), regions to watch (including Hemel-en-Aarde
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videoHow Soil Shapes Vine Growth at Domaine de la Côte
Sashi Moorman explains how different soils at Domaine de la Côte in Santa Barbara County directly influence vine growth and vigour. From iron-rich Monterey shale that restricts vine size, to depositional soils formed by ancient flood events, and finally ultra-light diatomaceous shale that absorbs water while remaining well drained, this clip shows how geology shapes vineyard behaviour and ultimately wine style.
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videoThis Lugana DOC from Total Wine & More Is a Perfect Food Wine | WSET SAT
In this video, I review a Lugana DOC that I highly recommend from Total Wine & More — a bottle that offers excellent value, accessibility and food pairing versatility. This wine is not only widely available across the United States, but can also be found outside the U.S. through global retailers. This tasting includes a full WSET SAT professional analysis, making it especially useful for students studying for wine exams as well as wine lovers who want a structured, professional tasting breakdown. Links from the video: • Wine at Total Wine & More (USA): https://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/turbiana/ca-dei-frati-lugana/p/2126221530 • Find this wine + pricing outside the U.S.: https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/ca+dei+frati+i+lugana+lombardy+italy?srsltid=AfmBOooukwlpbK4GGU5_hKr3KT1ffOhExSfqBwR6BO4tVawGmTA4UPka • Classic Risotto alla Milanese (food pairing): https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/31815/risotto-alla-milanese/ The Wine with Jimmy Club includes: • Regular wine recommen
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videoSashi Moorman Explains the Character of La Côte Pinot Noir
Standing in the Côte Vineyard at Domaine de la Côte, Sashi Moorman explains what gives the La Côte cuvée its distinctive character. From diatomaceous soils and clay depth to fermenting vineyard sections separately and blending at assemblage, this short clip shows how site and structure shape Pinot Noir at the domaine. A concise look at terroir, parcel selection, and thoughtful winemaking from one of California’s leading Pinot Noir producers.
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videoNortheast Montalcino: Cooler Vineyards & Later Harvests
I’m in the northeastern part of Montalcino, one of the cooler and lesser-known areas of the region. Further from Mediterranean influence and sitting at higher altitudes, vineyards here are harvested three to four weeks later than the southwest. It’s a newer area of viticulture, with plantings dating mainly from the late 1990s, producing wines with freshness, structure, and firmer tannins.
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