Episodes

  • Dan Keeling – The rituals of wine, making new discoveries and Poulsard

    Dan Keeling – The rituals of wine, making new discoveries and Poulsard
    Jun 27 2025
    In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by wine merchant, writer and restaurateur Dan Keeling. Dan launched cult wine magazine Noble Rot in 2013, while working in A&R for a record label. It has now been succeeded by three Noble Rot restaurants. With a bottle of Poulsard, Dan tells Barbara more about the rituals of wine he enjoys, the delights of sharing bottles at special moments and the often misunderstood world of natural wines. Featured bottle: 2022 Côtes du Jura, Poulsard, Clos des Fraisiers, Domaine de Montbourgeau You can browse our full selection of Jura wines here. Find out more about Noble Rot here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Jeremy Sturges – tea blending, seasonal variation and Gigondas

    Jeremy Sturges – tea blending, seasonal variation and Gigondas
    Jun 17 2025
    Master Tea Buyer and Blender for Twinings Jeremy Sturges spends his days tasting raw materials for use in their teas and meeting the growers. As they enjoy a bottle of Gigondas, Jeremy and Barbara cover the optimum tea brewing time, how seasonality can affect tea plants and the elegant symmetry between tasting wine and tasting tea. Featured bottle: 2020 Gigondas, Cuvée Tradition, Moulin de la Gardette, Rhône You can browse our full selection of Rhône wines here: Berry Bros. & Rudd - Rhône If you’d like to find out more about Twinings and Jeremy’s role, you can do so here: Twinings - Masterful Buyers & Blenders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Neil Ridley – fun food pairings, rock ‘n’ roll and Mezcal

    Neil Ridley – fun food pairings, rock ‘n’ roll and Mezcal
    Jun 10 2025
    Our podcast guest for this episode is drinks writer, broadcaster and “crisp sommelier” Neil Ridley. Together, he and Barbara enjoy a Mezcal as they discuss his former life at a record label, artisanal spirits, tricky pronunciations (like “Bunnahabhain”) and the fun of exploring flavour – with some of your favourite nibbles. Featured bottle: Convite Mezcal, Tobala, Joven, Mexico (42%) If you would like to browse our selection of Scotch whiskies, simply follow this link: Berry Bros. & Rudd - Scotch whiskies You can find out more about Neil Ridley here: Neil's website To purchase a copy of Neil’s book “The Crisp Sommelier”, follow this link: The Crisp Sommelier by Neil Ridley - Bloomsbury Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Melania Battiston – Retsina, the role of the sommelier and New Zealand Chardonnay

    Melania Battiston – Retsina, the role of the sommelier and New Zealand Chardonnay
    Jun 3 2025
    This week, Barbara speaks to Melania Battiston, Wine Director at Cornus restaurant. With a bottle of New Zealand Chardonnay, they discuss the surprisingly simple science of food and wine pairing, Melania’s passion for introducing new people to wine and why you should always be honest with a sommelier. Featured bottle: 2016 Kumeu River, Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu, New Zealand To browse our selection of New Zealand wines, simply follow this link: https://www.bbr.com/region-3-new-zealand Discover more about Melania’s wine list at Cornus (and perhaps make a reservation) here: https://cornusrestaurant.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Robin Gill – Bees, natural wines and simple, seasonal dining

    Robin Gill – Bees, natural wines and simple, seasonal dining
    May 27 2025
    In this episode, Barbara is joined by chef and restaurateur Robin Gill. Together, they discuss Robin’s passion for local and seasonal ingredients, particularly at his vibrant restaurant, Darby’s. They also explore the natural wine movement, the vivacity of Italy’s wines and cuisine and why beekeeping isn’t such a buzz if you haven’t got the know-how. Featured bottle: 2021 Capo Martino, Jermann, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy You can browse our selection of Italian white wines here. Find out more about Darby’s – and its excellent terrace – here: https://www.darbys-london.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Alessandro Palazzi – Martinis, lemons and the joy of Vermouth

    Alessandro Palazzi – Martinis, lemons and the joy of Vermouth
    May 20 2025
    In the opening episode of our sixth series, we are joined by Alessandro Palazzi – Head Bartender at Duke’s Hotel, No.3 Gin ambassador and veritable maestro of the Martini. Together, he and Barbara discuss the elegance of simplicity in cocktails, the joy of Vermouth and why, in the world of hospitality, we are always learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Jill Douglas - Cycling, MND and Loire Sauvignon Blanc

    Jill Douglas - Cycling, MND and Loire Sauvignon Blanc
    Dec 17 2024
    In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by broadcaster and sports journalist Jill Douglas MBE. For seven years, Jill was CEO of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (also Berry Bros. & Rudd’s chosen charity partner), created by late Scotland rugby player, Doddie Weir. With a bottle of Loire Sauvignon Blanc, Jill tells Barbara more about her work with MND, the buzz of covering the Olympics and her love for a dry martini. Featured bottle: 2023 Reuilly Blanc, Les Pierres Plates, Denis Jamain, Loire Click here to browse our selection of Loire whites. If you would like to discover a white Burgundy for yourself then browse our range here. To find out more about the perfect No.3 Gin martini, click here. You can make a donation to My Name’5 Doddie here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Michel Roux – Food and wine pairing, Sauternes and Sake

    Michel Roux – Food and wine pairing, Sauternes and Sake
    Dec 3 2024
    Chef Michel Roux has made the pursuit of taste and culinary excellence his life’s work, particularly at his much-missed restaurant, Le Gavroche. As they enjoy a bottle of aromatic sake, Michel and Barbara cover the joys of food and wine pairing, the magic of Sauternes and what Christmas looks like in the Roux household. Featured bottle: IWA 5, Assemblage 3, Shiraiwa K.K. Brewery, Toyama Prefecture, Sake You can browse our full Sake selection here: Berry Bros. & Rudd - Sake To browse our selection of Sauternes, follow this link: Berry Bros. & Rudd - Sauternes If you’d like to find out more about food and wine pairing for Christmas, here is our expert guide: Berry Bros. & Rudd - What to eat and drink this Christmas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins