The creators of Dutch Wine Apprentice are excited to announce their newest podcast series, “Grape Masters”. This captivating podcast features the Best Wineries in the World, represented by owners and winemakers who collective represent the 'Champions League of Winemakers'.In personal interviews Dutch Wine Apprentice founder Niels Aarts discovers the secret behind their successes and unfolds what makes them stand out from the rest. All of this bundled with personal anecdotes and stories from the personal lives of his guests. Click ⁠here⁠ to read more about this podcast.

In this final episode of our podcast ‘Cellar Talks’ we venture to the world’s biggest wine show, ProWein. Recorded on the 11th of March, live on the exhibition floor in Düsseldorf, 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 marks the end of Cellar Talks, but we will be back with a new Podcast: Grape Masters, which will be launched end of April. To learn more about Grape Masters visit our website, or follow us on Instagram @grapemasters.live

In this episode we welcome Romana Echensperger, MW. Besides obtaining the world’s most prestigious title in the wine industry (Master of Wine) she is a wine lover and educator with great knowledge of the German wine market.   In the show we talked about the past, present and future of Germany as a wine country. We discussed the wine regions, terroir and the principle wines that are being produced in the country.   This is an integral recording from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 3, episode 6) was broadcasted on Friday the 7th of May 2021, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through the interview section on our website.

In this episode we welcome Juan Principe from Bodega Cesar Principe in Cigales. In this Spanish region Juan and his father are running their family winery, with a focus on Tempranillo based wines. Cigales is historically known for its rose wines, but at Cesar Principe red wine is their most successful product. Working with old vines they have proven that Cigales has more to offer than rose, which is now recognized across the world by experts. This is a story of change and new routes to success, while staying close to your roots. In the show we also tasted one of their wines; the 2017 Cesar Principe, their flagship red wine.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 3, episode 4) was broadcasted on Friday the 23rd of April 2021, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through the interview section on our website. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Carlos Reynolds from Reynolds winery in Alentejo. In this Portugese region Carlos and his family are running their successful family winery with 40 hectares of vineyards. The main varieties cultivated are the traditional varieties of the region: Trincadeira, Aragonez, Alfrocheiro, Arinto and Alicante Bouschet. In the show we also tasted one of their wines; the Julian Reserva.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 3, episode 3) was broadcasted on Friday the 16th of April 2021, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through the interview section on our website. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Dalila and Emanuela Gianfreda from Jorche winery in Puglia, Italy. Jorche winery is located near Salento, the lower part of Puglia, and owned and operated by the two sisters, Dalila and Emanuela. Jorche owns 35 hectares of old vineyards for a total of 41 hectares in property. The cultivated grapes varieties are all chosen among the Apulian indigenous ones (Primitivo and Negroamaro for the reds, Fiano Minutolo and Bianco d’Alessano for the whites). The Gianfreda sisters distribute their wines all over the world, with the 85% of their production that reaches 25 countries, with the aim of making the precious territory of Apulia known worldwide through their daily effort, passion and commitment.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 3, episode 2) was broadcasted on Friday the 9th of April 2021, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through the interview section on our website. You can find a direct link to the recording of part 1 here. And of part 2 here.

In this episode we welcome Erich Polz Jr. from Weingut Polz in Austria’s Sud Steiermark region. Weingut Polz is located in the beautiful Southern Styria (Sud Steiermark) region in Austria, and established in 1912. Already in the 4th generation, this family owned winery works hard every day to bring their idea of excellence into the glass. In addition to classic Styrian wines of a fruity and clear type, the Polz family also cultivates unmistakable single-site (grand cru) wines full of character and personality in their vineyards. Some of the dry wines that the family produces are Sauvignon Blanc, Grauburgunder, Traminer, Riesling and Zweigelt. Next to that they make sweet and sparkling wines.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 3, episode 1) was broadcasted on Friday the 2nd of April 2021, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through the interview section on our website. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Kristy Wenz, an experienced wine and travel writer from the US. Kristy will join us to talk about her career in wine and the United States as a wine country. The US is considered a “New World” wine country but has a recorded history of viticulture dating back to the 16th century, when European settlers brought vines with them and planted them on the continent. American wine has been recognized and awarded in Europe since the 70’s of the last century and found their own place on the world stage these days. The country has a wide variety of grapes which are used to produce wine consumed all over the world. Some of the most popular varieties are: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Main wine regions in the US are California (Napa Valley and Sonoma), Washington (Columbia Valley), New York (Finger Lakes District), Oregon (Willamette Valley) and Virginia. Kristy has spent nearly a year exploring European wine regions and has visited wineries in nearly 30 US states. She is a wine educator as well as a part-time assistant winemaker at Hickory Creek in SW Michigan. Kristy is WSET 3, began her WSET Diploma and is currently working on the Spanish Wine Scholar certification. In this podcast we discuss the major US wine regions and some of their notable wineries and winemakers, as well as the present and future of the country.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 2, episode 6) was broadcasted on Friday the 12th of March, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Joseph Dhafana from Mosi Wines. Joseph will join us to talk about his career in wine, work as a winemaker and his company Mosi Wines from South Africa. Mosi Wines concentrates on sourcing the best fruits from only healthy vineyards to produce excellent quality wines. They also forage ingredients for their own gin from the bushes of chirumhanzu Zimbabwe, so that they can craft a premium gin and advocate this avenue to mindfully enjoying life. Their wines and spirits are named after family members as this is a family owned business. For now, they have Chenin Blanc named after their wine maker’s son Tinashe, and a Syrah that is a tribute to our winemaker’s father. Next to that they have their own gin that is named after the whole clan. Joseph is the founder and owner of Mosi wines and spirits. Next to that he is a sommelier, wine maker and a wine and spirits judge. From working as a gardener in Riebeek-kasteel to becoming the seventh sasa certified sommelier in South Africa, Joseph has been lauded for his humility and for sharing his exceptional knowledge of wine with pure grace and professionalism. On an international level Joseph also captained team Zimbabwe 2017 & 2018, which competed at the world blind wine tasting championships in France. In this Podcast we discuss his career and of course you will learn all about Mosi Wines. We also tasted one of his wines: the Mosi Tinashe 2018 Chenin Blanc.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 2, episode 5) was broadcasted on Friday the 26th of March, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Pardon Taguzu, a renowned sommelier and wine professional. Pardon will join us to talk about his career in wine and South Africa as a wine country. Thanks to its dry, mountainous climate, the area is home to more than 500 wineries and is one of the World’s largest wine producers. South African Winelands travel attracts oenophiles with vintages that range from Sauvignon blanc to its famed red Pinotage. South African wine has a history dating back to 1659, with the first bottle produced in Cape Town by its founder Jan van Riebeeck. Access to international markets led to new investments in the South African wine market. Production is concentrated around Cape Town, with major vineyard and production centres at Constantia, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester. There are about 60 appellations within the Wine of Origin (WO) system, which was implemented in 1973 with a hierarchy of designated production regions, districts and wards. WO wines must only contain grapes from the specific area of origin. “Single vineyard” wines must come from a defined area of less than 5 hectares. An “Estate Wine” can come from adjacent farms if they are farmed together and wine is produced on site. A ward is an area with a distinctive soil type or climate and is roughly equivalent to a European appellation. In the show we will discuss the major south African wine regions and some of their notable wineries and winemakers, as well as the presence and future of the country. In this Podcast we discuss Pardon’s career and the characteristics, history, present and future of South Africa as a wine country. We also tasted a South African wine with Pardon of course: the 2019 Glenelly Estate Reserve Chardonnay.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 2, episode 4) was broadcasted on Friday the 26th of February, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Andreas Hutwohl, from Weingut Von Winning located in Deidesheim. Since the Von Winning winery was founded in 1849, unique wines that reflect their vineyards have been produced in their historic cellar. In 1907, Leopold von Winning, son-in-law of Dr. Andreas Deinhard, dedicated his life to creating top quality wines with respect to the outstanding vineyards in which he was allowed to work. As a founding member of the VDP he introduced his believes into the philosophy of this renowned association. Today the young and ambitious team around Stephan Attmann – deliberately uphold this visionary’s tradition. Von Winning’s vineyards are located in the Pfalz from Neustadt to Forst along the German Wine Route. Each site is as unique, as the wine, which grows in it. The winery operates vineyards around the villages of Deidesheim, Forst, Haardt, Konigsbach and Ruppertsberg. Here they grow a wide variety of grapes, but the focus is on Riesling. In total they have about 40 hectares of vineyards, including 5 Premier Cru (Erste Lage) and 8 Grand Cru (Grosse Lage) vineyards. In this Podcast we discuss Andreas’s career, this great German winery, their excellent wines and the beautiful German Pfalz region. We also tasted one of Von Winning’s Premier Cru Rieslings: the 2019 Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 2, episode 3) was broadcasted on Friday the 19th of February, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Florent Lancon, from Domaine de la Solitude. Domaine Solitude, owned by the Lancon family, is one of the oldest wineries in the illustrious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the Southern Rhone. La Solitude stretches over 37 hectares in and around Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The domain begins on “La Crau“, high terraces of the Rhône and then descends into the valley of la Solitude. Shaped by the sun of Provence and the strength of the mistral, it is a patchwork of terroirs ranging from sandy soils (safres) to clay and pebbles (galets roulés). The vineyard managed in organic agriculture is planted with massales selections. The vines bear the history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the thirteen grape varieties are cultivated there. The main grape varieties for red wines are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and for white wines Clairette, Roussanne, Grenache blanc. In this Podcast we discuss the remarkable history of the family domaine, their excellent wines and the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the Southern Rhone.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 2, episode 2) was broadcasted on Friday the 12th of February, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Matthias Muller from Weingut Wittmann. In the show we will talk about this great German winery, their excellent wines, iconic vineyards and the Rheinhessen appellation. Weingut Wittmann has become one of the leading wineries in Germany and is a prominent member of the German VDP. The winery is also a leader in the revival that the Rheinhessen appellation has seen over the last 2 decades. Since 1663 the Wittman’s and its ancestors have been wine farmers in the town of Westhofen, in the southern part of the Rheinhessen appellation. Today Philipp Wittmann, his wife Eva and Philipp’s parents are running the estate. The family owns iconic and illustrious vineyards that are now known all over the world. Their four stronghold sites are: Morstein, Kirchspiel, Brunnenhauschen and Aulerde, which all have the Grand Cru (Grosse Lage) status. Next to that they own and work Premier Cru (1. Lage) sites like Westhofen, Nierstein and Gundersheim. Riesling is the dominant grape of choice but also the Pinot varietals (Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris) and Silvaner have a long tradition in Westhofen. For more than twenty years their vineyards have been organically cultivated. The vines root deep in the living system of the soil which strengthens the expression of vineyard character, or terroir, in their wines. In this Podcast we discuss the history, present and future of Weingut Wittmann and the Rheinhessen region, together with Matthias Muller who is the Director of Sales for the estate and a graduate viticulturist and enologist.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 2, episode 1) was broadcasted on Friday the 5th of February, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Yamit from Water and Wines. Yamit talks with us about her career in wine and one of the coolest wine products of 2021: wine puzzles. Water and Wines is founded by Yamit, a sommelier with a deep-rooted passion to share the beauty, history and knowledge about wine, while trying to make the world just a little bit better at the same time. Yamit is working with a team of illustrators and Sommeliers that have pursued a common passion to share the wonderful world of wine with as many people as they can. Their purpose, passion and mission are to share their knowledge about wine in a fun and creative way. All of this starts with their first collection of wine puzzles: The Old-World Collection. With this collection of puzzles, they wanted to give people access to some of the most iconic wine countries of the world. In this Podcast we talked about the birth of these great wine puzzles, her idea behind the puzzles and how she combines fun with learning.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 1, episode 6) was broadcasted on Friday the 29th of January, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Jean Belondrade from Belondrade Wines. Belondrade has developed itself to one of the best (Verdejo) producers in Spain and a leader in the Rueda region over its short existence (~2.5 decades). Their wines are recognized and celebrated by the famous, and served in the best Michelin restaurants of the world. Belondrade was founded only in the mid 90’s by Jean’s father Didier, who felt in love with the Castilian plateau, its extreme climate, its magical soils made of sand, pebbles and clay, but above all he fell in love with Rueda’s native variety: verdejo. In 2000 Didier decided to materialize his project with the construction of his new cellar in the village of La Seca (Valladolid), just a few kilometers away from the Duero River. The estate Quinta San Diego grew steadily, obtaining the organic certification in 2010. As of today, it is composed of 23 plots presenting differences in terms of soil compositions (clay, sand, pebbles, limestone), orientations, planting patterns, pruning, training systems, and ages of the vines. These differences bring a unique personality to each plot.In this Podcast we talked about the Belondrade winery, their great wines, the Rueda region and Jean’s career in wine.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 1, episode 5) was broadcasted on Friday the 22nd of January, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Elisabeth Muth from Weingut Rappenhof. Elisabeth is the co-owner of Weingut Rappenhof in Alsheim (Rheinhessen). She is the 13th generation active in this 400-year-old family winery. Over 13 generations and more than 400 years of history created a unique winery, founded in 1604. Rappenhof is part of the VDP – an association of the 200 best wineries in Germany since the early 1970s. The family cultivates 130 acres of vineyards and produces around 400.000 to 500.000 bottles every year. Their vineyards benefit from the unique and outstanding terroir in Rheinhessen, with fertile loess in Alsheim, stony limestone in Oppenheim and mineralic red slate at the up to 70-percent-steep terraces at famous Roter Hang in Nierstein. The winery’s main product is Riesling. Like no other grape variety, Riesling reacts to soil extremely sensitive and enables the wine drinker to taste terroir and its unique characteristics. In this Podcast we talked about Elisabeth’s career in wine, the family winery Rappenhof, their great wines and the wine region Rheinhessen.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 1, episode 3) was broadcasted on Friday the 8th of January, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome James Flewellen. James is an educator in wine and the creator of a great learning tool: Wine Maps. James holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine and Spirits and is a judge for the International Wine Challenge. He has set out to clarify the complex and hard-to-navigate world of wine for both novice and experienced tasters. His approach? He applies his scientific training to wine education, illuminating concepts of taste, tannin and terroir in an approachable, entertaining manner. In 2020, James launched a new way to learn about Wine Maps, or as he calls them: infographic wine guides. For many months James has been working on a new way of presenting this information in as clear, concise and simple a manner as possible – without compromising on the detail. His innovative guides cover the wine regions of France and are designed for wine lovers and wine students alike. They present a wealth of information on a wine region in a clear, concise and elegant manner. In this Podcast we discussed James’s career, wine study in general and of course the wine maps.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 1, episode 3) was broadcasted on Friday the 8th of January, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Vanessa Price, the author of the bestselling book Big Macs & Burgundy. Vanessa knows her stuff, especially about wine and food! She is a wine writer for NY Magazine, a certified Level 4 Diploma of Wine and Spirits carrier and an instructor for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Her book Big Macs & Burgundy, a spin-off of her column, was released just recently, in October 2020. Her mission is to help translate the complexities of wine to wine lovers all over the world. She also teaches a (very popular) wine class at Columbia University. Most of all she has a passion for grape juice and all the people who make it, sell it, and live it. In this Podcast we discussed Vanessa’s career, food and wine pairing and of course her best-selling book.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 1, episode 2) was broadcasted on Friday the 18th of December, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.

In this episode we welcome Daniele Pelassa from Pelassa wines situated in the Piemonte region. Based in Montà d’Alba the Pelassa Winery owns vineyards in the Roero Area and in Verduno – Barolo Area. Thanks to consistency in choices, commitment to the job and love and care for details, the Pelassa family captured not only the home market, but also the foreign one, being on the wine list of the best restaurants in Europe, America and Asia. In the last years the firm has concentrated mainly on the cultivation of the three varieties which are the most suitable to the typical soil of the area: Arneis, Nebbiolo and Barbera. Recently their hard work got recognized even more, after it resulted in some stellar 89-95 ratings awarded by Monica Larner from the prestigious wine critic Robert Parker. In this interview we discussed the family winery, their vineyards, grapes and wines as well as the beautiful Roero and Piemonte region. We also tasted one of their wines during the show: the Roero Riserva Arneis 2017. You can find more information about Pelassa Wines on our website.   This is an integral recording taken from our talk show Cellar Talks. This show (season 1, episode 1) was broadcasted on Friday the 11th of December, through Instagram Live on our Instagram page. For this reason, there might be references of images shown in the show, which we obviously cannot display through this podcast. The full video recording of this show can be watched through our Instagram page, in the IGTV section. You can find a direct link to the recording here.