Grape Masters by Dutch Wine Apprentice

In the grand finale of Season 2, we travel to the heart of Champagne to visit one of the region’s most admired family-owned maisons: Champagne Billecart-Salmon. For over 200 years, this house has been synonymous with elegance, refinement, and savoir-faire.Our guest is Mathieu Rolland-Billecart, seventh-generation family member and current steward of the estate. In this episode, Mathieu shares his personal journey of taking over the family legacy, the importance of innovation within tradition, and how Billecart-Salmon continues to thrive as an independent producer in a globalized Champagne world.Together, we taste and discuss two iconic cuvées: the Brut Réserve, the versatile signature of the house, and the newly released Nicolas François 2012, a prestige cuvée honoring one of the maison’s founders. We also dive into Billecart-Salmon’s close ties with gastronomy and how partnerships with chefs and sommeliers remain central to their success worldwide.Champagne Billecart-Salmon is proudly imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Résidence Wijnen and sold through their retail chain De Gouden Ton — your source for these exceptional Champagnes.An in-depth article about Champagne Billecart-Salmon, including our tasting notes on Nicolas François 2012, can be found on the Dutch Wine Apprentice website (click here for the direct link).

In the fifth episode of this season, we visit one of the most celebrated names in Spanish wine: Marqués de Murrieta, a historic estate in Rioja with a global reputation for elegance, craftsmanship, and long-term vision.Our guest is Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, owner and driving force behind the estate’s modern transformation. In this episode, Vicente shares his personal story—from inheriting the winery at a young age to leading it into a new era of international prestige. Together, we explore how patience, heritage, and innovation converge in the making of wines like Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial and the widely loved Marqués de Murrieta Reserva.We also take a look at the family’s second estate, Pazo de Barrantes, where the philosophy of slow winemaking and terroir expression is equally embraced in their age-worthy Albariños.The wines of Marqués de Murrieta and Pazo de Barrantes are proudly imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Verbunt Verlinden — your go-to source for these outstanding Spanish wines.An in-depth article about Marqués de Murrieta and a full tasting note on Castillo Ygay 2012 can be found on the Dutch Wine Apprentice website, click here for the direct link.

In this special edition episode of our podcast, we venture to the world’s biggest wine show, ProWein.At the 2025 edition of ProWein in Düsseldorf, we sat down for a glass with Zoë Dearsley, Group Head Brand Ambassador of Nyetimber. This special episode offers an in-depth look at the craftsmanship, innovation, and vision behind Nyetimber’s success. A must-listen for wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone intrigued by the global rise of English Sparkling Wine.This episode is created in partnership with De Bruijn in Wijnen, Nyetimber’s importer in the Netherlands. To learn more about Grape Masters visit our website, or follow us on Instagram @grapemasters.live

In the fourth episode of this season, we visit another true icon of Rioja: La Rioja Alta S.A. - one of the region’s most consistent and prestigious wineries, celebrated for its classic Reserva’s and Gran Reserva’s.Our guest is Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner, sixth-generation member of one of the founding families and the next in line to lead the estate. Together, we explore the past, present, and future of this cornerstone of Rioja winemaking.Renowned for its age-worthy wines and unwavering commitment to quality, La Rioja Alta S.A. is built on a foundation of family, balance, and long-term vision. Join us as we discover what continues to set this historic winery apart as one of Spain’s most respected producers.For an in-depth exploration of La Rioja Alta S.A., and the wine we shared, visit the Dutch Wine Apprentice website. Their wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Anfors Imperial.

In the third episode of this season, we head to La Rioja, one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions, to uncover the story behind one of its true classics: Bodegas Muga.Our guest is Manuel Muga, commercial director and third-generation member of the Muga family - one of the key families that helped shape the identity and reputation of Rioja.While Bodegas Muga is undeniably a cornerstone of the region, this interview goes beyond their historical success. It offers fresh insight into the values, vision, and innovation that continue to drive the winery forward.For an in-depth exploration of Bodegas Muga, and the wine we shared, visit the Dutch Wine Apprentice website. Their wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Wijnimport Bart.

In the second episode of this season, we travel to Argentina, a country renowned for its Malbec wines, exported and enjoyed worldwide.Our guest is José Alberto Zuccardi, Director of Zuccardi Wines and the second generation at the helm of this pioneering winery. Under his leadership and now that of his son, Sebastián, Zuccardi has become one of South America’s most acclaimed producers.Recognized by the international wine press, the winery has earned perfect scores and the prestigious title of ‘Best Winery in the World.’ Zuccardi stands as a testament to innovation, dedication, and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence.For an in-depth exploration of Zuccardi Wines, and the wine we shared, visit the Dutch Wine Apprentice website. Their wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Sligro.

In this special edition episode of our podcast, we venture to the world’s biggest wine show, ProWein. Recorded on the 11th of March 2024, live on the exhibition floor in Dusseldorf, we share a glass with two wineries we covered before. Bibi Graetz (Bibi Graetz winery) and Tim Gray (Jackson Family Wines) take us on a tour around the world, from Tuscany to California, discussing their wineries and wines. This special edition episode will see a sequel, which we will record at the 2025 edition of ProWein. Stay tuned for more information regarding the release, by following our Podcast channel on your favorite Podcast platform. To learn more about Grape Masters visit our website, or follow us on Instagram @grapemasters.live.

Welcome to Grape Masters, Season 1, Episode 6. In our sixth and final episode of this season we travel to Tuscany, to a small town with a big name, Montalcino. Here we meet Alessandro Mori, the owner of one of Montalcino's leading Brunello producers, Il Marroneto. Montalcino is a jewel in Italy’s wine crown and their iconic Brunello di Montalcino wines are highly rated and sought after by wine lovers all over the world. Il Marroneto is one of the few producers that received the perfect 100-point rating for their wine, not once but already twice in the last two decades. They produce wines that stay true to the original Montalcino style, and are known for their craftsmanship and high-quality standards. This episode is a collaboration with Crurated, one of the leading wine clubs in the world, with exclusive access to some of the Il Marroneto wines. For more information on the wines of Il Marroneto and their exclusive wine club visit their website. For an in-depth exploration of Il Marroneto visit our website at Dutch Wine Apprentice.com or click here.

Welcome to Grape Masters, Season 1, Episode 5. In our fifth episode we travel to Burgundy to meet Jean-Nicolas Méo, the owner and winemaker of Domaine Méo-Camuzet. This Domaine, located in Vosne-Romanée, is one of the most sought-after Pinot Noir producers in the Côte de Nuits. In this episode, we sit down with Jean-Nicolas to discuss the origins of the Domaine, his journey into the wine industry, and the mentor who strongly influenced his winemaking philosophy. We also delve into the unique qualities of the Côte de Nuits and its villages, and discuss how the Domaine has successfully expanded, both regionally and internationally. For an in-depth exploration of Domaine Méo-Camuzet visit our website at Dutch Wine Apprentice.com or click here. This episode is a collaboration with Pallas Wines, who are the proud importers of Domaine Méo-Camuzet in the Netherlands. For more information and availability of the wines in the Dutch market visit their website.

Welcome to Grape Masters, Season 1, Episode 4. In our fourth episode, we travel to Spain to meet Mr. Miguel A. Torres who is the President of Familia Torres. His leadership and open mind brought the family winery to great heights, with global activities and a leading position amongst Spanish wine producers. In this episode we talk with Mr. Torres about the foundation of their winery and their route to success. We uncover how each generation is bringing new expertise to the company and how find out how early international expansion of their vineyards has helped them to spread risks and increase the depth of their portfolio. On top of this we talk about climate change, and the proactive role the Torres family takes towards this topic. For an in-depth exploration of Familia Torres visit our website at Dutch Wine Apprentice.com or click ⁠here⁠. This episode is a collaboration with Walraven-Sax, who are the proud importers of Familia Torres in the Netherlands. For more information and availability of the wines in the Dutch market visit their website.

Welcome to Grape Masters, Season 1, Episode 3. In our third episode, we travel to Germany to meet Philipp Wittmann of Weingut Wittmann, located in the Rheinhessen region. Weingut Wittmann has gathered a cult-following with their iconic dry Riesling wines, leading them to the top of the German wine charts. Born and raised in the village of Westhofen Philipp was one of the initiators of a ‘new wave’ of winemakers, that entered the industry in the early 2000’s. Together with some friends from the region they set out to change the imagine of Rheinhessen, and elevate the status of its wines. The result? They became some of the most sought-after German wine producers in the world. In this episode we talk with Philipp about his vision and the successes he created since entering the family-owned winery some 30 years ago. On top of that we uncover how a small village brings forward some of the best wines in the country, and we talk about the bio-dynamic principles and challenges Wittmann deals with. For an in-depth exploration of Weingut Wittmann visit our website at Dutch Wine Apprentice.com or click here. This episode is a collaboration with Pallas Wines, who are the proud importers of Wittmann in the Netherlands. For more information and availability of the wines in the Dutch market visit their website.

Welcome to Grape Masters, Season 1, Episode 2. In our second episode, we travel to Spain to meet Jean Belondrade of Belondrade Wines, located in the Rueda region. Jean’s father, Didier, founded Belondrade in the early ’90s after the family moved from France to Spain. Over the past 30 years, Belondrade Wines has risen to the top of the Spanish wine industry, producing some of the finest white wines in Spain, distributed worldwide. Their premium wine, Belondrade y Lurton, is unmistakable with its full orange label and is featured in top restaurants globally. In this episode we explore Belondrade's vision and success, revealing how they single-handedly elevated the image of both Rueda and its signature grape, Verdejo. For an in-depth exploration of Belondrade and to read our comprehensive review of the 2022 Belondrade y Lurton, visit our website at Dutch Wine Apprentice.com or click here. This episode is a collaboration with Jean Arnaud, who are the proud importers of Belondrade in the Netherlands. For more information and availability of the wines in the Dutch market visit their website.

Welcome to Grape Masters, Season 1, Episode 1. In our premiere episode, we journey to South Africa to meet with Mike Ratcliffe, founder and owner of Vilafonté, located in the famous Stellenbosch wine region. Vilafonté is celebrated for its wonderful Bordeaux blends, including their three signature wines: Seriously Old Dirt, Series M, and Series C. Join us as Mike shares insights on the origins and triumphs of Vilafonté, and discusses the ascent of South African fine wines on the international stage. For an in-depth exploration of Vilafonté and to read comprehensive reviews of Mike’s wines, visit our website at Dutch Wine Apprentice.com or click here. This episode is a collaboration with Vinites, who are the proud importers of Vilafonté in the Netherlands. For more information and availability of the wines in the Dutch market visit their website at Vinites.com or click here.

In the premiere episode of this season, we travel to Rheinhessen, Germany, to meet the dynamic duo revolutionizing the global wine scene: Carolin and H.O. Spanier. Their story is one of harmony and innovation, as they united their respective wineries, Kühling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier. Kühling-Gillot Battenfeld-Spanier has risen to the German top of wine producers and is now being sought after across the world, being exported to 38 countries. Our guest, Carolin Spanier, shares insights into the legacy of her family’s Kühling-Gillot estate, renowned for its red slate soils and distinct mineral-driven wines. She also reveals how her husband, Hans Oliver (H.O.) Spanier, transformed Battenfeld-Spanier into a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking on the limestone terroir of the Zellertal Valley. For an in-depth exploration of Kühling Battenfeld, and the wine we shared, visit the Dutch Wine Apprentice website. Their wines are imported and distributed in the Netherlands by De Bruijn in Wijnen and Bâtard Vintrepreneurs.

Welcome to Grape Masters, the podcast that features 1:1 interviews with iconic wineries and legendary winemakers from all over the world. Brought to you by Dutch Wine Apprentice, the Greatest Website for Wine Lovers.