Drinking Well with Berry Bros. & Rudd
Drinking Well is a podcast from Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Barbara Drew MW, it helps listeners enjoy and shape a fine wine collection. Buyers and experts from Berry Bros. & Rudd share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. Episodes cover which vintages to drink and what to look out for in the year ahead.
Episodes
Dan Keeling – The rituals of wine, making new discoveries and Poulsard
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 o
Jeremy Sturges – tea blending, seasonal variation and Gigondas
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
Neil Ridley – fun food pairings, rock ‘n’ roll and Mezcal
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 wou
Melania Battiston – Retsina, the role of the sommelier and New Zealand Chardonnay
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
Robin Gill – Bees, natural wines and simple, seasonal dining
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
Alessandro Palazzi – Martinis, lemons and the joy of Vermouth
In the opening episode of our sixth series, we are joined by Alessandro Palazzi – Head Bartender at Dukes 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
Jill Douglas - Cycling, MND and Loire Sauvignon Blanc
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 lov
Michel Roux – Food and wine pairing, Sauternes and Sake
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
Patrick Grant – Tea, tailoring and Scotch whisky
Our podcast guest for this episode is tailor and “The Great British Sewing Bee” judge Patrick Grant.
Together, he and Barbara enjoy a special single malt Scotch whisky as they discuss sustainable fashion, craftsmanship and the importance of seeking out quality.
To browse our selection of spirits from Nc’nean Distillery, follow this link: Berry Bros. & Rudd - Nc'nean Distillery
If you would like to
Katharine Pooley – The inspiration of travel, collecting and South African Cabernet Sauvignon
This week, Barbara speaks to interior designer Katharine Pooley.
With a bottle of South African Cabernet Sauvignon, they explore the theme of wine as art, the creative inspiration of travelling and Katharine’s collection of recipes.
Featured bottle: 2021 Damascene, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
To browse our selection of wines from Damascene, simply follow this link: https://ww
Rachel Vosper – Candles, floriography and Austrian Riesling
Chandler Rachel Vosper is our guest for this episode. Over a bottle of Austrian Riesling, she and Barbara discuss the languages of scent and flowers, memories of special bottles shared and the magic of Riesling.
Featured bottle: 2022 Riesling, Smaragd, Wachstum Bodenstein, Prager, Wachau, Austria
To browse our selection of wines from Weingut Prager, simply follow this link: https://www.bbr.com/pro
Charlie Siem – Violins, musical history and Super Tuscans
In this episode, Barbara is joined by concert violinist Charlie Siem. Together, they discuss the shared creativity of winemaking and music, the experience of tasting (and playing) history and why you shouldn’t wait to open a special bottle.
Featured bottle: 2019 Caiarossa, Tuscany, Italy
To browse our selection of Super Tuscans, simply follow this link: https://www.bbr.com/category-super-tuscans
Ep 6 - Rob Symington and the future of fortified wines
In the final episode of this series, we speak to Rob Symington, Marketing Director at Symington Family Estates and part of the fifth generation of the family business.
With a bottle of Graham’s 40-Year-Old Tawny Port from Rob’s own cellar, he and Barbara discuss the changing fashion for fortified wines and new, exciting ways we can enjoy them today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon
Ep 5 - Chris Pollington and the evolution of Tuscany
In this episode, Account Manager Chris Pollington talks to us about all things Tuscan – from the dominance of the Sangiovese grape to the region’s Bordeaux-inspired Super Tuscan wines. Over a bottle of 2019 Poggio Valente from Fattoria Le Pupille, he and Barbara examine the origins of Super Tuscans and what the rebellion of their creators means for the future of the region’s wines.
Learn more abou
Ep 4 - Mark Pardoe MW on climate change and hot vintages
Mark Pardoe MW is our Wine Director at Berry Bros. & Rudd. Having bought over 40 vintages in his career so far, he is no stranger to the nuances of vintage variation and how climate change is affecting them.
With a bottle of Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair’s Bourgogne Rouge, Les Grands Chaillots from the hot 2020 vintage, Mark and Barbara explore how warmer years are becoming the norm and what this
Ep 3 - Emma Fox and the future of the wines and spirits industry
For this episode of Drinking Well, we speak to Berry Bros. & Rudd CEO, Emma Fox. Emma has had a finger on the industry pulse in many CMO and CEO roles since becoming a wine buyer after university.
Over a bottle of Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé,Emma and Barbara Drew MW discuss the future of the industry, what it’s really like running a family business and where English wine might be heading.
Learn
Ep 2 – Yoan Bernard and the Loire Valley
In this episode, we speak to Buyer Yoan Bernard about the Loire Valley and why it’s a collector’s region of the future. With a bottle of 2020 Saumur-Champigny, Les Coudraies from Domaine des Closiers, Yoan talks to us about the new style of Cabernet Franc emerging from the Loire and those bottles you simply must have in your cellar.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep 1 - Daniel Szor and English spirits
In the first episode of our fourth series, we speak to Cotswolds Distillery founder, Daniel Szor.
With an Own Selection bottling of 2018 Cotswolds Distillery English single malt whisky, Daniel discusses the rise of English spirits, his journey from New York to the Cotswolds and why the best barley is always local.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep 6 - Charlie Rudd and Domaine Comte Armand
In the final episode of this series, we speak to Charlie Rudd, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia and fourth generation of the Rudd family.
Over a bottle of 2007 Volnay from Domaine Comte Armand, he and Barbara discuss the timeless appeal of Burgundy, the joy of Singaporean food matching and the wonder of making memories with wine.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep 5 - Edward Richardson and Occidental
We discuss the intricacies and the history of collecting fine wine with Private Client Manager, Edward Richardson.
Edward shares a bottle of Occidental’s 2019 Station Vineyard Pinot Noir from California. As well as discussing classic fine wine regions, Edward enthuses about his regions to watch, producers to keep an eye on and how to assess whether a wine is worth collecting.
Learn more about yo
Ep 4 - Joe Whittaker and 1998 Ben Nevis Scotch whisky
Our Global Spirits Brand Ambassador, Joe Whittaker joins us for episode four to discuss all things spirits.
Accompanied by a bottle of 1998 Ben Nevis Scotch whisky, Joe discusses collecting spirits, their part in a balanced cellar and our role as an independent bottler.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep 3 - Tara Field and Luigi Giordano
In this episode, Barbara speaks to Tara Field, one of our Account Managers. We explore Tara’s advice for new collectors, and she shares her passion for Italian wines with a bottle of 2019 Barbaresco, Cavanna from Luigi Giordano.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep 2 - Philip Moulin and 2004 Ch. du Tertre
In this episode, Barbara speaks to Philip Moulin – our fraud and fakery specialist - about provenance, storage and counterfeit wine. Tasting the 2004 vintage of both Château du Tertre and Château Brane-Cantenac, Philip illustrates how wines develop and age – and how important perfect storage is to this process.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep 1 – Lizzy Rudd and Leclerc Briant
In the first episode of our third series, Barbara Drew MW speaks to the Chair of Berry Bros. & Rudd and third-generation Rudd family member, Lizzy Rudd. Over a bottle of Champagne from organic and biodynamic producer, Leclerc Briant, Lizzy discusses history, family and the vital importance of sustainability in wines and spirits.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
325th Anniversary Special – The Family Reserve
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. For this anniversary special, celebrating 325 years of Berry Bros. & Rudd, Barbara Drew MW is joined by eighth-generation family member and Creative Director Geordie Willis and Adam Holden, Director to the Chair’s Office, to discover one of the greatest wine collections in the world: the Family R
Christmas Special 2 – Sparkling, Sweet & Fortified Wines
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. This second Christmas podcast special covers the sparkling, sweet and fortified wines to open this Christmas. With Account Manager Tom Cave, and Wine Educator Rebecca Lamont, this episode covers the best ways to serve sweet wines, which Champagne vintages are tasting magnificent now, and whether
Christmas Special 1 – Red & White Wines
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. For this Christmas podcast special, Barbara Drew MW is joined by Account Manager Amy Johnson and Commercial Manager Martyn Rolph to discover which red and white wines to open this Christmas. The episode covers both classic and more unusual whites to serve to a crowd, the Bordeaux wines which are
Ep 6 - South America
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie. The final episode of series two focuses on collecting and enjoying South American wine. The wines of Chile and Argentina normally feature quite strongly at the start of a wine lover’s journey – the wines are rich, ripe and enjoyable, but there’s a perception of simplici
Ep 5 - Australia
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. For this episode, Hannah Crosbie is joined by Barbara Drew MW and Sebastian Balcombe from our Buying team to discuss the fascinating wines of Australia. Misconceptions abound when it comes to Australian wine. They are often dismissed as too big, too alcoholic or too oaky. But those myths will be
Ep 4 - Loire
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie. For this week’s episode, we sit down with our Buyers Max Lalondrelle and Adam Bruntlett to discuss the Loire.
Although the pair usually buy for Bordeaux and Burgundy, a bottle of Sancerre from Claude Riffault reveals why the Loire is of increasing importance in the world
Ep 3 - Germany
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie. This week, we’ll be exploring the multi-faceted world of German wine. Because a bit of knowledge is needed to decipher their wine labels and understand their styles, German wines are something of an insider’s secret. But today, Buyer Rob Whitehead and Barbara Drew MW wil
Ep 2 - South Africa
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. For the next episode of our second series, we travel across the equator to South Africa. Often associated with producing high volumes of ready-to-drink wine, Adam Holden and Victoria Bull from our Buying team will reveal the hidden gems of this emerging fine wine region. If you’d like to hear mor
Ep 1 - Spain
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie. The first episode of series two concerns Spain – a varied country with very distinct regional identities. Because of this, collecting Spanish wine can often be confusing, but our Wine Director Mark Pardoe MW and Javier Perurena are here to unpick its complexities. From R
Trailer - Series 2
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. For our second series, recorded in our historic home on St James’s Street, we’ll be uncorking six different wines our experts have pulled from their own collections. Over the next six episode
Ep 6 - Champagne
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. You’ll hear from Buyers and experts from across Berry Bros. & Rudd as they share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. You’ll discover which vintages to drink – an
Ep 5 - Burgundy
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. You’ll hear from Buyers and experts from across Berry Bros. & Rudd as they share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. You’ll discover which vintages to drink – an
Ep 4 - USA
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. You’ll hear from Buyers and experts from across Berry Bros. & Rudd as they share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. You’ll discover which vintages to drink – an
Ep 3 - Rhône
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. You’ll hear from Buyers and experts from across Berry Bros. & Rudd as they share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. You’ll discover which vintages to drink – an
Ep 2 - Italy
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. You’ll hear from Buyers and experts from across Berry Bros. & Rudd as they share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. You’ll discover which vintages to drink – an
Ep 1 - Bordeaux
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. You’ll hear from Buyers and experts from across Berry Bros. & Rudd as they share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. You’ll discover which vintages to drink – an
Trailer - Drinking Well with Berry Bros. & Rudd
Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Hannah Crosbie, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. You’ll hear from Buyers and experts from across Berry Bros. & Rudd as they share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. You’ll discover which vintages to drink – an
