Shows
Wine with Meg + MelWine Revelations: We geek out on the Endevour ReportSend us a textMeg and Mel dive into the groundbreaking Endeavor wine industry report that reveals surprising insights about Australian wine consumption patterns across demographics and regions.• Affluence drives wine purchase more than age, with wealthy consumers favouring Champagne, Chardonnay, and surprisingly, Riesling• Gen Z unexpectedly over-indexes on Champagne consumption despite limited budgets• Tasmania and Western Australia show the strongest loyalty to their local wine regions• The Yarra Valley is experiencing growth while Tasmania faces market challenges despite producing top-rated sparkling wines• Victoria drives wine trends like Pinot Noir and spritz cul...
2025-09-1926 minWine with Meg + MelThe Nebbiolo Episode: Australia vs ItalySend us a textIt came to our attention that our Nebb ep wasn’t uploaded currently so you all never heard us Greek out over one of our fav grapes… well… here it is! Meg and Mel explore the world of Nebbiolo, comparing Australian examples from Victoria with Italian classics from Piedmont.• Nebbiolo is known for its paradoxical nature - light in colour but powerful in tannin and structure• Classic descriptors include tar, roses, dried cherries, and a distinctive "bricky" character• Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo ($35) from King Valley offers an approachable e...
2025-09-1231 minWine with Meg + MelVarietals you’ve never heard ofSend us a textMeg and Mel dive into the world of unusual grape varieties, exploring wines most people have never heard of and definitely can't pronounce. From a surprisingly good organic Australian Chardonnay to obscure European varietals, they share discoveries that will expand your wine horizons.• Yolumba Organic Chardonnay from South Australia delivers unexpected quality for $23• Exploring the difference between organic certification and sustainable practices• Arinto, a Portuguese grape variety, shows beautiful minerality and citrus notes in Australian terroir• Falanghina from McLaren Vale offers apricot notes and oily texture reminiscent of "sunshine...
2025-09-0534 minWine with Meg + MelGrape Identity Crisis: Shiraz v SyrahSend us a textProducer Austin joins Meg for a spirited exploration of Shiraz/Syrah variations from different regions, discovering how labeling influences expectations and uncovering surprising stylistic differences.• Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape variety, with different names indicating stylistic differences• The French Crozes-Hermitage exhibits lighter body, higher acidity, and fresh spicy character with crunchy red fruits• Spinifex Barossa Syrah surprises with its true Syrah style despite coming from a warm region traditionally known for bold Shiraz• McLaren Vale "Syrah" disappoints by presenting classic Shiraz characteristics despite its French naming• Cl...
2025-08-1642 minWine with Meg + MelSugar-Free Wine: Exposing the Marketing MythSend us a textMeg and Mel tackle misleading wine marketing claims, exposing a company that touts "zero-sugar wine" as revolutionary when most dry wines already contain negligible sugar levels. They investigate a suspicious endorsement from a non-existent Master of Wine and taste-test the underwhelming products.• Most dry wines already contain minimal sugar (around 0.5g per litre or less)• The fermentation process naturally converts grape sugars into alcohol• Laboratory testing confirmed the "zero-sugar" wines contained typical residual sugar levels• The company's advertisements quote "Judith Smalls," a Master of Wine who doesn't exist• Th...
2025-08-0830 minWine with Meg + MelIs it time to give Sauvignon Blanc another chance?Send us a textRemember when you swore you'd never wear barrel-leg jeans again? That's how many wine lovers feel about Sauvignon Blanc – but just like those jeans eventually won you back, this misunderstood grape variety deserves a second chance.We're diving deep into Sauvignon Blanc's remarkable diversity, exploring expressions that go far beyond the familiar Marlborough style that flooded wine shelves worldwide. From an astonishingly good $8 Aldi find to a textural, oak-influenced Fumé Blanc and the mineral-driven elegance of Loire Valley classics like Pouilly-Fumé, we're rediscovering what makes this grape special.The diff...
2025-07-2433 minWine with Meg + MelUncorking Barbera: Italy's Bold, Acid-Driven RedSend us a textMeg and Mel dive into the world of Barbera, exploring whether this Italian red variety truly deserves its reputation as the wine of choice for "cool kids."• Barbera comes from Piemonte in northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps• The grape produces wines with high acidity, minimal oak influence, and distinctive purple color• Typical flavor profile includes blackberry, blackcurrant, and herbal notes• Australian versions from Adelaide Hills and Alpine Valleys compared to Italian Barbera d'Alba• Even aged Barbera maintains a vibrant purple color due to low pH levels
2025-07-0425 minWine with Meg + MelWine News June: Oakridge closes restaurant, De Bortoli ripping up vines, Treasury investing in NOLOW, and Wine Australia's new campaignSend a textMeg and Mel tackle changing dynamics in the Australian wine industry, from restaurant closures to big investments and new marketing directions.• Meg shares insights from VinExpo Asia where Australian wine received positive feedback and shows a shift toward lighter-bodied reds and more whites• Oak Ridge restaurant closure highlights broader hospitality industry struggles with profit margins shrinking from 10% to 6-8%• De Bortoli's vine pulling in warmer regions reflects necessary industry restructuring with significant costs and time investment• $100 million investment from Vinarki into South Australian winemaking shows confidence despite centralization concerns• Tr...
2025-06-1338 minWine with Meg + MelMel's conspiracy theory about Margaret River ChardonnaySend us a textMel tests her theory that Margaret River Chardonnay producers are abandoning their signature big, buttery style for leaner expressions through a tasting of four wines across different price points.• Meg Brotman argues that Margaret River has traditionally delivered reliable, high-quality big Chardonnays with texture and weight• Meg describes Margaret River Chardonnay as having a fuller style with riper fruit, moderate acidity, and more evident oak compared to cooler regions• The $18 Aldi Blackstone Limited Release proves to be an excellent baseline, showing classic regional character with grapefruit, oatmeal notes, and creamy...
2025-06-0637 minWine with Meg + MelWine News - May: Rob Dolan Wines in administration, Vinarchy launches, China update, industry shout outsSend us a textIn light of the new pope, we ask the question: what do they drink in the Vatican? (The answer has Mel considering turning up to Sunday mass)Wine’s new power player, Vinarchy, and what it means for the industry. An update on China exports – restocking, or a true comeback?A few industry shout-outsAnd… things get real. Meg opens up about what it’s really like when the winery you work for goes into administration.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2025-05-1629 minWine with Meg + MelIs Nebbiolo the New Sangiovese?Send us a textWhat Meg's been drinking: Hirsch Hill Rose Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo $352022 Traviarti Mezzo Nebbiolo $45Fontanafredda Langhe Nebbiolo $40Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG $110Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2025-04-2429 minWine with Meg + MelCellaring white wine: how to pick an ageworthy bottleSend us a textMeg and Mel explore the fascinating world of ageworthy white wines, examining which varieties cellar best and how to identify bottles worth laying down.What Meg's drinking: 2023 Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir $72Wines tasted:2024 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling $362014 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling 2024 Scarborough The Obsessive Semillon $352018 Scarborough The Obsessive Simillion 2023 The Obsessive Chardonnay $452019 The Obsessive ChardonnayKey things to remember:• Acid is the most important factor for aging white wine successfully• Look for moderate alcohol (12.5-13.5%), good concentration, and varietal expression• Riesling...
2025-04-1148 minWine with Meg + MelReds in the Fridge? We revisit this exploding categorySend us a textWe dive into the world of chillable red wines, What Meg's drinking: Running with BullsFringe Societe Gamay $21Garage Project Fairy Bread Red $28Chaffey Bros Not Your Grandma's Chillable Red $25Domane Wachau Blauer Zweigelt $30Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2025-03-2022 minWine with Meg + MelTasting Tips: How to tell medium reds apart (Merlot, Carmenere, Tempranillo, Mencia)Send us a textWhat Meg's drinking: 2018 Tyrrell's Semillon $35Wines tasted:Terra Rossa Merlot Coonawarra 2020 $33Casillero Del Diablo Reserve Carmenere $26Earthworks Barossa Tempranillo $19Salterio Mencia Bierzo $17Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2025-02-2734 minWine with Meg + MelAffordable crowd-pleaser winesSend us a textWhat Meg's drinking: Humis 2024 Grenache Blanc $29Wines tasted: Red Hill Estate Sparkling Cuvee $14Jim Barry Watervale Riesling $15De Bortoli Rosé $14Z Wine Rustica Barossa Valley Grenache $19Sydney Wine Bar: Flight Path Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2024-10-2530 minWine with Meg + MelThe Science of Wine EvolutionSend us a textAll about museum wines. Meg nerds out.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2024-09-1341 minWine with Meg + MelWine News: Wineries change hands, an $18,000 wine, Halliday wine awards, Aldi tricks high society wine drinkersSend us a textAre the days of affordable Australian wines numbered? Tune in to this episode of Wine with Meg and Mel as we uncover the seismic shifts in ownership shaking up the Australian wine industry. From Pernod Ricard passing its wine portfolio to Accolade Wines, to Treasury Wine Estates offloading well-known brands like Lindemans and Wolf Blass, the landscape is changing fast. We're also celebrating the stars of the 2025 Holiday Wine Awards! Plus, we'll share how Aldi UK's marketing magic is positioning its wines as the new go-to for luxury on a budget. G...
2024-08-2227 minWine with Meg + MelWine Olympics: the battle of iconic national winesSend us a textReady to discover which country reigns supreme in our first-ever Wine Olympics? Join us as we pit iconic wines from four nations against each other. What meg's drinking: Vue on Halcyon RoseAndre Kientzler Gewurztraminer Osterberg $97Tahbilk Marsanne 2016 $20Southern Right Pinotage $60Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel $60Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2024-08-1531 minWine with Meg + MelHow light strike is ruining your wineSend us a textWhat Meg's been drinking: Andre Clouet Dream Vintage 2006 Final Drop: Billy Button Rosso $25Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2024-04-0832 minWine with Meg + MelCool wines, Hot regionsSend us a text"Cool wines" often come from cooler regions, funnily enough. But we've got a round-up of fun wines you'll want to taste from regions you might not expect.What Meg's drinking: 2023 Meadowbank Riesling $38Wines tasted 2022 MDI Picolit $292022 Sabi Wabi Semillon $392023 Unico Zelo Fresh AF $252021 Ricca Terra Vintners Aglianico $27Final Drop PRESS + BLOOM MONTEPULCIANO $25Mel's recco - Lennox Wine Bar Learn more about the Chardonnay SymposiumFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2024-03-1538 minWine with Meg + MelSparkling under $50Send us a textWhat Meg's been drinking: 2022 Nepenthe Pinnacle Albariño $35Listen to our Dyl & Friends EpisodeCheck out Gippsland pours - a night of legends and rising starsWines tasted: Henkell Dry-Sec Sparkling $14.99Croser Sparkling Rose NV $19.99Georg Jensen Hallmark Cuvée $37.40Chandon Vintage Blanc de Blanc de Blancs 2017 $48Veuve Rozier Champagne Brut NV $32Final Drop: 2023 St Leonards Vineyard 'Pilot Project' Ruby $32Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2023-11-2439 minWine with Meg + MelFrench IGP: is it worth buying unappellated French wine?Send us a textThey're from France, but not one of the fancy regions. Worth drinking?What Meg's drinking: Santolin Gladysdale ChardonnayWines tasted: Paul Mas Chardonnay $12Miraval Studio Rosé $27Marrenon Les Grains Pinot Noir $19Le Grand Roi Bouches du Rhone $12Final drop: Hydropath Society 2019 Seeing Red GrenacheFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2023-10-0522 minWine with Meg + MelWhat to drink at Italian Restaurants - red winesSend us a textDo you know your Valpolicellas from your Montepulcianos? We're here to helpWhat Meg's drinking: Badiola Las Parcelas BlancoWines tasted:Sartori Montegradella Valpolicella Classico Superiore $25Carpineto Rosso di Montalcino $30Rivetto Langhe Nebbiolo $45Illuminati Zanna Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva $40Final drop: Nepenthe NebbioloFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2023-08-3141 minWine with Meg + MelTo decant or not to decant?Send us a textWe talk a big game about decanting - so does it actually do anything? We put it to the test! What Meg's drinking: Adega de Monção Vinho Verde $14Wine tasted: Chapel Hill The MV Cabernet Sauvignon $30Wine wings glasses: Riedel Final Drop: City Wine Shop The Singularity $30Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2023-08-0434 minWine with Meg + MelEverything that can go wrong in the vineyardSend us a textThere are so many things that can go wrong when you're trying to grow grapes. From hail and frost, to rot and fungus, and pests and fires. Here's everything that can go wrong, how we try to prevent it, and how happens if we can't. Book Meg is reading: The Wine Journal $30The Final Drop:2017 White Label Verdelho $60Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2023-04-2144 minWine with Meg + MelMornington Pinot NoirSend us a textMeg and Mel taste through Mornington Pinot to see if it's worth the fuss.Quealy Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir $34Stonier Pinot Noir $34Kooyong Pinot Noir $35Onannon Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir $402019 Moorooduc Estate Pinot NoirFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2023-02-0946 minWine with Meg + MelPiquette: The not-quite-wine we can't get enough ofSend us a textMeg and Mel are joined by Rob Aitken, wine buyer at Dan Murphy's and Piquette passionate! We talk about how we love the cateogory for ticking all the boxes... even if it's not quite wine. Piquette tasted:Escape Room Piquette 330mL $22 (four pack of cans)Oakridge Garden Gris Piquette 330mL $22 (four pack of cans)Social Butterfly Blanc Piquette $25 (bottle)BK Wines Love Is Blind #6 Piquette $23 (bottle)Round Theory Piquette Rose $17 (bottle)Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2023-01-1941 minWine with Meg + MelIs Yarra Valley Cabernet underrated?Send us a textMel isn't so sure, but Meg is keen to prove it with some of the best the region has to offer.Wines tasted:2016 Bianchet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc $402019 Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon $852020 Punt Road Block 11 Cabernet $952017 Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 $112 2017 Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon $275Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2023-01-1250 minWine with Meg + MelFinale: Our Top 10 Podcast Wines of the YearSend us a textWe tasted a lot of wine on the show this year, over 250 in fact! And while we find a gem or two most weeks, it was time to boil down to the best of the best. If you only taste a few wines from the season, make them from our top lists. Mel's Top 5:5. Belardent Picpoul de Pinet $18 - From S02E35 "Wines on trend for summer"4. Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo $33 - From S02E36 "How good's Nebbiolo?!"3. Delamere NV Cuvee $40 - From S02E...
2022-12-1638 minWine with Meg + MelWines for your "summer playlist"Send us a textSummer is coming and it's time to stock our fridges with fitting wines for the hot days. Meg and Mel trial what wines will make the cut for their "summer playlists."Chandon Garden Spritz $32Giesen Pure Light Marlborough Pinot Gris $15Hydropath Society 2021 Gruner Veltliner $202022 Cliff Edge Auxerrois - Mount Langi Ghiran $25Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-12-0826 minWine with Meg + MelWe finally do DurifSend us a textAfter putting it off for months, Meg finally gets Mel to do the Durif episode, and they find some surprises! Sans Pareil Estate Black Label Reserve Durif 2020 $24Buller Wines Balladeer Durif 2021 $32 Domaine Asmara Private Reserve Durif 2019 $45Spook Hill Wines The Dark $38 Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-12-0133 minWine with Meg + MelCan a wine be good if it's not dry?Send us a textMeg tries to change Mel's opinion on wines with residual sugar. Wines tasted: 2021 Gieson riesling 2020 Winkel Riesling $28Dr Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett Riesling $34Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-11-1835 minWine with Meg + MelWeird-ass wines you've never heard of, but you're gonna loveSend us a textWhat Meg's drinking: Guigal Côtes du RhôneWeird wines tasted:2014 Gapsted Wines Limited Release Petit Manseng (can buy the 2017 here) 2018 Godello El Zarzal2019 Peique Mencia DO Bierzo2019 Domane Wachau Blauer Zweigelt TerrassenFollow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-11-1033 minWine with Meg + MelWe like big Malbec and we cannot lieSend us a textWhat Meg's been drinking: Montes Classic Series Sauvignon BlancFat Bastard Malbec MENDOZA, ARGENTINA $18The Ethereal One Fleurieu Malbec $17Bleasdale Vineyards Second Innings Malbec $19Mitolo Jester McLaren Vale Malbec $25Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-11-0331 minWine with Meg + MelFantastic Fiano (all under $15!)Send us a textWe love finding wines with bang for buck. Fiano's delivering! What Meg's drinking: Non Vintage Brut Elite Wines tasted: Surani Pietrariccia Surani Fiano Del Salento IGT $18Colpasso Fiano $15Infamous Dodger Fiano $14Bella Riva Fiano $11Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-10-2034 minWine with Meg + MelA deep dive into Heathcote - will it change Meg's mind?Send us a textWe're finally here in Heathcote! Meg had expressed in Season 1 that she wasn't a fan of Heathcote Shiraz, so we got a local pro to take us through a bunch from different sub regions to see if we could change her mind. What Simon's drinking: Melbourne Gin Co NegroniWines tasted:Osicka Selection 2021 Shiraz , Tooborac, $60Devil's Cave 2019 Shiraz $39Red Edge 71 Block Shiraz 2018 $70.00Paul Osicka 2019 Majors Creek Vineyard Shiraz $302019 Sanguine Estate Inception Shiraz $382019 Kennedy Shiraz $30Tellurian Wines Tranter Shiraz 2018Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-10-0645 minWine with Meg + MelHow good's Nebbiolo?!Send us a textSo good. Meg and Mel taste a couple of examples from Italy then see how the Aussie ones compare, and boy to they step up to the plate. What Meg's drinking: a whole bunch of fancy wines we mere mortals could never dream of tasting.Rivetto Langhe Nebbiolo $48Rizieri Nebbiolo d'Alba $42Pizzini La Volpe Nebbiolo $33Serafino Bellissimo Nebbiolo $22Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-09-2944 minWine with Meg + MelSustainable wines you can feel good about drinkingSend us a textSustainably made and packaged wine is exploding. We explore the impact each of these has on the planet, and of course, see how they taste!What Meg's drinking: Julg Riesling Kalkmergel 2019 $49Wines tasted: Round Theory Marlborough White Field Blend $23Taylors One Small Step Eco-Bottle Chardonnay $16Three's A Crowd Pinot Noir $16Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-09-0834 minWine with Meg + MelBattle of the Chardonnays: Mineral vs ButterySend us a textMeg says "buttery is back" so we put it to the test! Wines tasted:Stonyfell The Cellars Unwooded Chardonnay $16Copperhead 2020 Chardonnay $27William Fevre Petit Chablis $37 Evans & Tate Expressions Butterball Chardonnay $16Church Road Chardonnay $24Robert Mondavi Buttery Chardonnay $20 Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-08-251h 00Wine with Meg + MelWines of Margaret RiverSend us a textA region with wines to mirror Bordeaux, tucked away in Australia. Meg and Mel see how it shapes up! Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-08-1947 minWine with Meg + MelAre single varietal wines better then blends? We put them to the test.Send us a textCan blends be better than the sum of their parts? Let's find out.What Meg's drinking: Fraser Gallop 2019 Cabernet Merlot2021 Chapel Hill The Parson Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre $182021 Chapel Hill The Parson Shiraz $182021 Tellurian Wines GSM $302020 Tellurian Redline Shiraz $23 2020 Forester Lifestyle Cabernet Merlot $252020 Forester Lifestyle Cabernet Sauvignon $35Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-08-0438 minWine with Meg + MelViognier (viogn-YEAH!)Send us a textMeg and Mel taste through this variety at different price points and styles, finding some awesome wines! Wines tasted:Yalumba Y Series Viognier $15Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier $28Yalumba The Virgilius $50Massena the surly muse $35M.Chapoutier La Combe Pilate Viognier $27Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
2022-07-2840 min