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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 wine worlds

· Delve into the fascinating subject of mindset of 2 perfectionists at their own craft

· We have fun with Finnish and Australian culture

These interviews is what really fascinates me, the stories, the insights, the revelations, the deep thought and understanding of the people behind the wine.

Chapters

00:00 Preview

00:46 Intro

02:03 Valtteri Bottas Icebreaker questions

06:58 Corrina Wright’s Icebreaker questions

08:57 Where Valtteri’s wine journey began

10:18 Wine culture in Finland today

13:20 The origins of the Ihana collaboration

20:05 Why the wine is called “Ihana”
20:40 Working together as two perfectionists

27:20 The thought process of creating Ihana

29:20 The meaning of the label

33:00 Ihana Edition #3

35:50 The 1 percenters
40:20 Instinct vs Science

41:00 Flow state

45:30 The difference between good and great
48:30 Reflection

54:20 Finnish culture vs Australian culture
58:30 Finnish vs Australian Food

1:00:40 Lighting Round Questions

1:04:51 Final thoughts and messages for listeners

Subscribe to @thewinedup and comment on what was your favourite insight on Ihana and the podcast? Have you tried Ihana and was it ihana for you?

Check out the IHANA Wines at https://ihanawine.com/ and Oliver’s Taranga (https://www.oliverstaranga.com/)

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup).
Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/
or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

#valtteribottas #oliverstarranga #formula1 #ihana #ihanawine #cadillacf1 #TheWinedUpPodcast

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

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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, and visit Switzerland vicariously through the glass with us at The Wined Up.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:34 Should we be envious of Swiss wines?
01:10 Why no one thinks about Swiss wine
02:00 Meet the guests (and the mission)
02:45 Icebreaker — most memorable wine moment
03:40 The last glass you had
04:10 Who would you share a bottle with?
05:10 The wine tied to regret and family
06:30 Unexpected food and wine pairings
07:20 Biggest lesson from wine
08:10 If your life was a vintage…
09:00 The trip that changed everything
10:30 A once-in-a-lifetime bottle
12:00 When wine and health collide
13:30 The reality of drinking professionally
15:30 Where the Swiss wine journey began
17:00 The wine that sparked everything
18:30 From curiosity to importing Swiss wine

Subscribe to @thewinedup and comment on whether you have discovered Swiss wines? Or your Swiss adventure?

Go check out some Swiss wines at https://invidiawines.com/

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup).
Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/
or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

#NedGoodwinMW #InvidiaWines #Ticino #SwissWine #WineTalk #AffordableWine #TheWinedUpPodcast

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

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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 to deliver regional Australian styles without the usual price tag.

This isn’t a technical wine review.
It’s a real-world test: what happens when wine passion meets cost-of-living reality?

From a Margaret River Chardonnay to a Tasmanian Pinot Noir and a Barossa Shiraz, the goal is simple — figure out whether these wines genuinely punch above their weight and where they actually fit into everyday life.

Because sometimes the best wine isn’t the most expensive one… it’s the one that makes Tuesday night feel like Friday.

🍷 Key Moments

• The real definition of “value wine” (not just cheap wine)
• Why rising costs are changing how we buy wine
• The Aldi hype — and why bottles were selling out everywhere
• Margaret River Chardonnay first impressions + perfect food match
• The surprise standout: Tasmanian Pinot Noir
• Barossa Shiraz rethinking what supermarket Shiraz can be
• Honest pricing test: what these wines feel like they should cost
• Real-life wine awards: weeknight, dinner party & best value winner
• Blind-pour test — would friends guess the price?

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Aldi wine — value or just cheap?
00:05 The Wined Up intro + why this episode exists
00:45 Cost of living & redefining wine value
01:20 What the Blackstone range actually is
02:30 Margaret River Chardonnay tasting
04:30 Food pairing thinking in real time
05:00 Tasmanian Pinot Noir surprise
06:30 Why this Pinot overdelivers
07:00 Barossa Shiraz tasting
08:10 BBQ wine vs dinner party wine
09:00 Real-life wine awards
09:45 Final verdict: Aldi value test

Subscribe to @thewinedup and comment on what’s the best value wine you’ve ever discovered?

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup).
Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/
or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

#aldiwines #blackstonewines #aldiaustralia #budgetwine #TheWinedUpPodcast #WineMoments #wineconversation #DrinkMoreTryMoreLearnMore

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

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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 hydration drink Posca, why it exists, and why everyone should be drinking it!

We also dive into wine stories and memorable moments including:

● “Deathbed wine” question + why d’Yquem was Merrick’s pick
● First smell, first sip: apricot, orange blossom, honey + that razor acidity
● The real talk: is it worth the hype (and the price)?
● Noble rot explained in normal-person language
● The Golden Gaytime pairing test (and the honest verdict)
● Why some wines are best by themselves at the end of the night
● Posca Hydrate: ancient Roman origins, modern hangover use
● The “I invented it” bar story (and no one believing him)
● Favourite Posca flavours + when Merrick drinks each one
● Rapid-fire Aussie ice cream “this or that” (Bubble O’Bill truth bomb)
● Merrick’s final message: try a wine you’ve dismissed (except… Sauvignon Blanc 😅)

Drink more, try more, learn more. Like, comment, and subscribe.

✅ Chapters

00:00 Deathbed wine question: “one wine before you die”
00:00:17 Merrick intro + the $1000 d’Yquem plan
00:01:13 Why Merrick’s been chasing Château d’Yquem
00:02:56 Fast facts: Sauternes, noble rot, why it’s so famous
00:04:07 First reactions: aroma → taste (apricot + orange blossom)
00:06:44 Enter Posca: “a drink better than this” segway
00:07:11 What Posca is + Roman soldiers, vinegar, salt + water
00:09:32 Hangovers, hydration, and the Hadrian story
00:11:05 How Merrick built Posca (30–40 bad versions → fizzy = unlock)
00:12:37 Real-world use: 1am two cans after a few wines
00:13:08 People mixing Posca with vodka + “I invented it” moment
00:15:02 Best Posca flavours + why acid balance matters
00:16:31 Vinegar benefits, prebiotics + electrolytes
00:18:30 Favourite flavours + post-training routine
00:19:50 Golden Gaytime time 🍦
00:22:00 Does Gaytime + d’Yquem actually work? (verdict)
00:23:32 Ice cream this-or-that rapid fire
00:25:30 Final message + Sauvignon Blanc stray 😂
00:26:55 Where to find Merrick + Idiot’s Guide to Wine Vol. 3 + Posca

Check out Merrick at https://grapesofmirth.com.au/ and also check out the Posca Hypertonic drink at https://poscahydrate.com/

Subscribe to @thewinedup and comment on what would you pair with Château d’Yquem (and do you reckon the Gaytime pairing is genius or chaos?).

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Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

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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

● Wine tasting stories and rare bottles

● Comedy vs social media creators

● Discipline vs motivation

● Stoicism and emotional control

● Balancing multiple careers and projects

Drink more, try more, learn more. Like, comment, and subscribe.

✅ Chapters

00:00 Stand-up, fear & mindset
00:00:31 Merrick intro + $1000 d’Yquem challenge
00:02:24 Wine icebreakers + best wine moment
00:08:23 Idiot’s Guide to Wine Vol. 3
00:13:45 Comedy origins + influences
00:17:35 Social media vs real stand-up
00:24:02 Discipline, balance & routines
00:31:49 Stoicism, growth & rapid-fire

Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment on what would you pair with some Frangos?

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

#wine, #winetasting, #winepodcast, #merrickwatts, #standupcomedy, #australianpodcast, #chateaudyquem, #discipline, #stoicism, #mindset, #wineinterview, #goldengaytime, #thewinedup

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

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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 what really works. One is a Portuguese Vinho Verde, lightly spritzy, fresh, and savoury. The other is an Australian Albariño inspired by Spain and Portugal, with more body and fruit weight. We break down acidity, texture, alcohol level, and how chilli heat changes the way wine tastes.

This is not about fancy tasting notes or wine snob language. We talk honestly about what works, what does not, and why some wines clash with spice. If you love Frangos, Portuguese chicken, or just want to know what wine to drink with spicy food, this video is for you.

We also talk Portuguese wine basics, why Vinho Verde is underrated, and how to think about wine pairing using texture and weight, not just flavour. Stick around for the final verdict, corkscrew ratings, and our honest recommendation.

Drink more, try more, learn more. Like, comment, and subscribe.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Wine Pairing Challenge

00:56 Discussing Gen Alpha Speak

01:28 Wine Descriptions in Gen Alpha Language

03:52 Exploring BYO Restaurants in Sydney

04:54 Ranking BYO Restaurants

09:55 Introducing Portuguese Chicken from Frangos

11:00 The Meaning Behind 'Frangos'

11:31 Popular Chicken Chains in Sydney

11:50 The Best Charcoal Chicken Debate

13:03 Pairing Frangos with Wine

13:18 Exploring Portuguese Wine: Vinho Verde

15:57 Comparing Vinho Verde and Albariño

17:33 Tasting and Pairing Verdict

21:43 Final Thoughts and Ratings

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

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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 King Valley is known as Little Italy, how Pizzini’s Italian heritage shapes their winemaking, and what makes their wines savoury, layered, and food-friendly rather than simple and fruit-forward. You’ll hear honest tasting notes, real pricing, and our genuine reactions as we work through four standout wines, including Prosecco, Attento Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and Il Barone.

This is not a polished sales pitch. It’s an unfiltered wine conversation for people who want to drink better, try new styles, and actually understand what’s in their glass. If you love Italian wine, Australian wine, or you’ve only ever tried Prosecco from Pizzini, this episode will change how you see the brand. Let us know in the comments if you’re Team Italy or Team France, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more wine chats that go beyond the label.

Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment on what is your favourite Pizzini wine or wine moment?

Check out wines by Pizzini at Pizzini Wines

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website Home - The Wined Up Podcast or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Pizzini Wines

00:43 Exploring Smaller Wine Packaging

02:58 Italian vs. French Red Wines

07:31 The Charm of King Valley

09:11 Pizzini's Fascinating History

11:04 Meet the Pizzini Family

11:14 The Philosophy Behind Pizzini Wines

11:52 Exploring the Terroir and Innovations

12:17 Introducing Today's Wine Selection

12:32 Tasting the Prosecco

14:37 Tasting the Pinot Grigio

17:29 Tasting the Sangiovese

19:18 Tasting the Il Barone

22:16 Final Thoughts on Pizzini Wines

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

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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 bidding, and the real risks involved, from storage issues to fake wines. We also open and taste two wines bought at auction and share whether they were smart buys or expensive lessons. If you are curious about aged wine, Burgundy, Bordeaux, or simply want to stretch your wine budget further, this episode is for you. Whether you are brand new to auctions or already bidding online, you will walk away with practical tips, clearer thinking, and more confidence. Wine auctions do not have to feel exclusive or scary, but they do reward curiosity and patience. Stick around to the end for Dan’s best advice on how to approach wine auctions without getting burned. Like, comment, and subscribe if you want to keep learning and enjoying wine the smart way.

Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment on what is has been the good, bad and the ugly in your wine auction experience?

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website Home - The Wined Up Podcast **or email us at **info@thewinedup.com.au.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Wine Auctions

00:29 Meet the Hosts and Guest

01:07 Icebreaker Questions

01:14 Memorable Wine Moments

03:48 Favorite Wines and Pairings

07:57 Dan's Wine Journey

14:49 Exploring Wine Auctions

29:25 Understanding Auction Fees and Commissions

32:02 Strategies for Winning Bids

34:38 Dealing with Fake Wines

38:06 Evaluating Wine Provenance and Condition

40:13 The Joy of Wine Auctions

45:57 Balancing Passion and Budget

49:12 Collaborative Wine Buying

49:56 Memorable Wine Experiences

55:57 Final Thoughts and Advice

#fakewine #WineTips #WineAuctions #Winebuying #Langtons #CellarTracker #TheWinedUpPodcast #WineStories #WineJourney #AustralianWine #Winemaking #WineEducation #ThomasMorey #WineMoments #DrinkMoreTryMoreLearnMore #WineLovers #WineLife #WineCollectors

Follow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

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