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The Wined Up
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Send a text 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 de...
Send a text 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 hyd...
Send a text 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. Topic...
Send a text 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 t...
Send a text 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...
Send a text 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, ...
Send a text 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 exc...
Send a text 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 ...
Send a text 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 surpris...
Send a text 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 C...
Send a text 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 20...
Send a text 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 th...
Send a text 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 sto...
Send a text 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, labou...
Send a text 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 s...
Send a text 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 innov...
Send a text 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, sp...
Send a text 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...
Send a text In partnership with NSW Wine, we are putting a spotlight on NSW Wineries to celebrate NSW Wine Month coming up this November 2025. Join us on this episode of The Winded Up as we sit down with Jeremy Nascimben, the 2024 Jimmy Watson Trophy winner and 2025 Len Evans Scholar from Mount Majura Vineyard. Discover the intricacies of winemaking, the unique terroir of the Canberra district, and the innovative approach Jeremy brings to crafting exceptional wines. From his diverse global w...
Send a text Welcome to the WinedUp Podcast! In this episode, Trent and Jason sit down with John Noble, the Director of the Champagne Bureau Australia, to uncork the truth behind the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine. 🥂 We dive into what truly makes Champagne unique — from the strict appellation laws protecting its name, to the centuries of craftsmanship that define its luxury status. John shares his fascinating journey from fashion to fine wine, the role of the Champagne Bureau, and how ...






















