This weekend will see an event take place that can only be described as 'A Wedding'. Yes, our very own Ferg, your favourite of our 2 hosts, is committing his life not to wine, but to the marvellous Bethan. No we're not sure either.   Of course this means the Ferg has been rather busy and scheduling in a recording has been more challenging than usual. This is of course misdirection as it's really bloody Lee's fault (he has his usual litany of excuses about homework eating his cat and his gravity being switched off). As a result, this is the shortest episode of TM&TM of all time.   So what's actually in it then? Lee shares a few thoughts on musings on the man who is not just is cohost, but one of his closest friends. More importantly we feature special guests @saturday.kitchen (by pulling the audio from a recording and really hope that's ok) as @knackeredmother not only chose one of Ferg's wines to feature, but gave Bethan and her soon to be husband a shout out! @matt.tebutt offered his congratulations and importantly @weemissbea seemed to enjoy the rosé (although like Lee, she's not necessarily a fan of the category - top work).   Due to Lee being disorganised he didn't give everyone time to respond, but there are a few surprise visits from some of Ferg's friends and a super special cameo appearance from everyone's favourite friend @buxtagram.   Please join us in raising your glasses in celebration of Bethan and Ferg and in wishing them the happiest life together!   TM&TM: walking down your aisle from Thursday morning.

We welcome back friend of the pod and TM&TM Alumnus (alumni? aluminati?) Mr Henry Jeffreys in the first of our episodes focused on PDO. What is a PDO? Are you a PDO? Are we a PDO? (PDOI? AlumiPDO?). Importantly, what is a PDO supposed to be and who does it represent. We consider it from multiple angles; does it benefit producers? Consumers? Do consumers know or even care? When it comes to English wine and positioning it both domestically and in the export markets what is the relevance of further legislation and does it help or hinder sales? How does it fit with both a singular and wider brand? From handpicking to discussing what’s in a name we attempt to start unlocking the conversation that is becoming ever more frequent in the lands of English wine. Several bombs are dropped, by both our magnificent guest and Ferg himself...you’ll be delighted to know that Lee wasn’t around for this one. It was actually the only thing on Henry’s rider; his equivalent of Van Halen and their dislike of brown M&Ms. With huge thanks to Henry for his time and sharing his deep insights on the subject. TM&TM: The Tabards, The Lanyards, The High Viz Vests, regulating your labels from Thursday morning. #podcast #wine #winecast #Englishwine #PDO #rulesandregulations @fergelias @henrygjeffreys

Where exactly was Ferg born? Does her qualify as northern, and if so, by how much? Importantly, does it really matter? As with all good disagreements, it is resolved (virtually) in the pub. Lee talks about the best pubs of his hometown before mentioning his favourite hostelry in his adopted home of Bicester. The Plough @the_olive_tree_pub_company is surely the town’s highlight. Thinking of pubs; we know the best place for a Grand Cru in Burgundy is in the middle of the hill, but does the same rule apply to pubs? Tune in to learn more. From the nature of the pub itself we cover another vital topic of interest to our dear listener (#Fergsmum), just how many books have Ferg and Lee read so far this year? The answer will shock you. Then comes the meat and potatoes of our episode this week, or perhaps the apple pie...we uncover some revealing statistics about the US wine industry and Ferg regales us with tales of his recent visit to promote his wines. Where did he go? Just what is the perception of English wine across the pond, and is this perception consistent across cities and states? What are the opportunities and considerations for branding and positioning of wines from England? (and Wales of course). Ferg talks vehicles, how Americans prefer their sparkling wine, and reveals how attending his first ball game nearly lead to him becoming a middle class, degree holding Tony Montana. We also ask Ferg just how much he can lift and discuss the relevance and future of post-nominals. Which of our hosts is prouder of theirs? Finally, we discuss voting for oneself in competition and the perfect composition of a tasting panel. All this and, well, this, on TM&TM: The Lake Dispute uniting your states from Thursday morning.

Have you ever wondered what happens on a winemaker’s stag do? Exactly how middle class was Ferg’s experience and what exactly happened to his ankle? It’s a bumper episode of stuff and waffle but there’s a lot of ground covered (unlike Ferg’s attempt to play ’Territory’). In a change to the usual order of things, Lee reads the news which smooths seamlessly into some VERY bad impressions, discussions of orphans, wild tigers, and ankle injuries, and a blow by blow account of Ferg’s stag do. We ask ’Exactly how far away IS Norfolk?’ (especially if you’re trapped in a car with Lee). How many pints is optimum and just who has the best Macallan? From here we finally discuss something wine related with talk of The London Wine Fair; Lee extolls the virtues again of @hatchmansfield (specifically looking at Chapoutier, Zuccardi, and some cool new cans from @villamariawines) and Ferg asks if there is a bigger opportunity for WineGB to play a part. Out of nowhere we review films and sitcoms, with a special shout out to Paddington. Sandwiched between all this and Ferg showing off about his rosé we make some official announcements. Friends of the pod @notyetnamedwineco have some upcoming events YOU should definitely look at, one of them featuring @uk_phelps. The tremendous @thewinesociety1874 have launched some very exciting fine wine tasting kits (utilising other friends of the pod @ecosipwine revolutionary packaging). And finally it seems Lee will be out in wild hosting an event at @oxfordwinefest in September.

Well dear listener, you enjoyed last week’s episode with Oneka John so much, we’ve asked her back for a Part II. This week we uncover the challenges and potential pitfalls of importing wine into Barbados. While there are some things more unique to this beautiful island, we uncover some universal truths about forecasting, cash flow, and the perennial Ops vs. Sales. We also raise the question once again as to whether wine is an FMCG product (bet you can’t guess what we think). From there we consider the community surrounding wine and how to make it more accessible and inviting. Oneka talks about her Perfectly Paired events and how she uses her immense market and product knowledge to invite, excite, and engage a wide variety of consumers in the burgeoning wine scene. We look at how WSET works in the classroom setting and how it can be amended and utilised in the more consumer focused arenas. Just what is quality and how can we encourage drinkers into the discussion. There’s a lot here that will resonate and shows how the challenges and opportunities echo across the trade globally. Once again, with enormous thanks to our wonderful guest Oneka for finding the time to talk to Lee, and apologies that Ferg wasn’t on hand to do a proper job. TM&TM: Perfectly Paired Sandying your Lane from Thursday morning. @onekajohn @vignobleswineconsultancy @fergelias #podcast #wine #winecast #Barbados #import #distribution.

Where is Ferg? Is he over there? Maybe he’s over here? What we can say is he’s nowhere to be found on this episode. Travelling for work or some noise. Given that the general approach of TM&TM is to record 2 friends talking, we have continued in that vein as Lee talks to one of his closest friends (we are amazed to learn he has them too), the wonderful Oneka John. Oneka John is a wine educator and communicator living and working in Barbados. We learn how Oneka started on her wine journey, and how she had the misfortune of running into the lesser of our 2 hosts. From there we explore the culture surrounding wine consumption in Barbados and examine the macro and micro trends and how they do (or indeed do not) reflect the larger global feel of wine consumption. There’s talk of history, migration, and the way wine captures a huge amount of social, religious, and geographical changes. Oneka discuss the differences in wines to be found in local rum shacks all the way up to prestigious hotel and restaurant settings, with great insight from her time ’Selling down the trade’ and extensive HORECA experience. We touch on consumer attitudes and potential opportunities (before we dive into this in more detail in our follow up episode) Having no Ferg is rough on the pod, and we couldn’t trust it with Lee, but we think you’ll agree that Oneka is a fabulous guest. TM&TM: It’s Good To Wake Up In Paradise Pudding your souse from Thursday morning. @fergelias @onekajohn @vignobleswineconsultancy #podcast #wine #winecast #Barbados

We knew you wouldn’t be happy with only 1 episode dedicated to and filled with the lustrous rich tones of Christian Helsvig A.K.A. Our Man In Norway. Not wanting to lose out on that rich timbre and deep knowledge, we flew Ferg back out to @vin_oslo (with huge thanks to them once again for hosting) to continue the conversation from last week. Having touched on the inner and outer workings of the Norwegian Monopoly and interrogating some sales data, in this episode we find ways of asking similar questions in multiple ways. There’s a strong cultural focus this time as we look at seasonal trends, Buckfast (still not sure why to be honest) and a truly amazing sales statistic. We also finally bring back our favourite patented TM&TM game in the form of [guest name][affirmative][guest name][negative]. As we cast an eye to the future of wine consumption in Norway Christian shares a piece of thought and insight that is perhaps the most profound thing ever uttered on this podcast and that has wide reaching implications for us all. Ferg and Christian also finally get something to eat; tune in to find out what’s on the menu.

We’ve heard Ferg talk about Norway, wine in Norway, trips to Norway, and brown cheese but can we really take him at his word? Is all this just the romanticism of drinking Balfour Brut Rosé whilst pining for the fjords? TM&TM Senior Leadership made the groundbreaking decision that Ferg should return to this magnificent country but gain insight and intel from a real man on the inside. Dear listener, we are delighted to introduce to you the mighty, the majestic, the outrageously handsome Christian Helsvig. Wine importer extraordinaire; Christian doesn’t just set pulses racing, he’s not just got his finger on the pulse of the Norwegian wine scene...he IS the pulse. We uncover the hows wheres and why of Christian’s relationship with wine and starting his business. From here we engage in a perilous quest to understand the nuances, challenges, successes, and trends of wine in Norway. What works and what’s hot? Where are the opportunities and just why do the Norwegians love English wine so much? This is an episode packed more tightly than a coiled sponge but fear not...there’s a sequel in post-production. With huge thanks to @vino-oslo the fabulous wine bar for hosting Christian and Ferg during the recording and for keeping them well fed and watered. Lee remained in the hovel that is TM&TM Towers. TM&TM: Monopoloy Monopoly Wine Monopoly Properly sailing into the inlet on Thursday morning.

What came first: wine or existence itself? The answer might surprise you. But after tackling such a huge subject in our intro Ferg & Lee head into the mysterious world of Low & No. What exactly are these beverages and who is drinking them. Importantly, why are they drinking them and does the quality measure up? We consider where these products sit now against where they were, and just where they might be going. Are you a Low & No drinker? What are your favourites? Following this we somehow veer off into the world of beer, faults, and just how much Lee’s standup is actually worth. Alongside the revelation that Ferg has a new Pinot we then consider wines, regions, and countries that may not be considered ’mainstream’ but are nonetheless gaining some consumer attention. Where should we be looking for ’the next big thing’? Finally we touch on the concept of natural and minimal intervention. Covering the whos the whys and thewhats Ferg & Lee look for some definitions and conclusions.

Just what is an expert? Are you an expert? Do you know an expert? What about being a lieutenant (junior grade) of commerce? Ferg opens by telling us about his new moniker before we dive into the shocking news of declining Champagne sales. Who is not drinking Champagne? Why not? And just what are they drinking instead? We explore this piece of news with the rigorous investigative standards you would expect from TM&TM and attempt to understand the changing face of sparkling wine consumption in the UK. Where are the opportunities for non-Champagne fizz and what do they need to do to further engage and excite the drinker? TM&TM: Captain of Industry being fermented in bottle from Thursday morning

What two things are aesthetically perfect in this world? Is one of them a vineyard in spring? As sure as spring follows winter there is an array of work to be completed in those vineyards and who better to guide us through this work than Supreme Head Chief Director of Wine, Winemaking, & News Generation, our very own Fergus Elias. In an unexpectedly corporate shift, he guides us through a SWOT analysis of an English vineyard in spring.   Just what are the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that need to be considered? Have we mistimed our recording and release dates for this episode? How would things look if we had a whale's eye view? And just what do we need to think about when it comes to shoot thinning, spray timing, and labour efficiency?   We include famous Bristolians, groundhog like prognostications, and learn just how exactly Lee convinced Jancis to publish something he'd written.   This is more than just an allegory with a cork, this IS a 360 overhead real time big picture view of an English vineyard in Spring.

Logic, logic, logic...is the beginning of wisdom, not the end. But where does logic belong in a tasting note? If it belongs at all? Can something so abstract be articulated accurately? Can we construct a universally understood framework in the face of an uncaring, entropic, and non-objective reality? What is the very fabric of this thing of which we speak so freely and just who is it for?   Yes...it's one of 'those' episodes dear listener. We delve into the concept of tasting notes and attempt to explore how they're constructed and what we hope to achieve in the process. Alongside this Lee finally defines his name and we learn exactly* where you can procure the fruits of Ferg's labours. We learn more about how Ferg proposed to his beloved fiancée (and soon to be wife: EXCITED!) and Ferg answers one of Lee's longest held questions: What IS a boysenberry?   We explore also the perils of talking to the public, the power of hydrogen, reducing sugars, and ethanol as well as asking what YOU in the trade want from wine comms...and conversely what YOU the consumer would find helpful?   All this and more in TM&TM: Heisenberg's Uncertain Tasting Note - quantumly entangled in a Hadron collision from Thursday morning.   *well, maybe not 'exactly'

Grapes: the final frontier. These are the recordings of The Maker & The Merchant. Their continuing mission: to explore strange new wines; to seek out new puns and new levels of humour; to boldly go where no pod has gone before! That's right. Ferg hasn't just attended the Next Gen Fruit Conference, he IS the Next Gen fruit conference. Wearing his finest starfleet dress uniform, Ferg gave a talk on growing grapes in the UK to some of the finest agricultural minds in the industry. But just what is The Next Gen Fruit Group? What is its Prime Directive, and can they redirect all power to forward shields? Joking aside we learn from Ferg about the differences in knowledge, understanding, and potentially foresight between UK fruit growers and grape growers. What are his key takeaways? Where can grape growers learn from those who grow top fruit and soft fruit (and, err, what is the difference between those two things?)   As well as this we take a quick look at the large news of Majestic purchasing Enotria & Coe and what this may or may not mean for the trade and the UK wine consumer. There's also something about Ferg causing trouble in the middle east.   TM&TM: A Critical Mass Of Talent available to beam down to the planet's surface from stardate 030425.

Do you like numbers? How about addition, multiplication, and addition? Do you have a keen interest in English wine of the economics of wine production? Are you interested in starting your own vineyard or winery? Then have we got an episode for you. In this mathematically heavy yet vital episode, Ferg guides Lee through the numbers and sums behind a bottle of English wine. Yes, there are the usual tangents, efforts at humour, and tenuous links, but at the heart of this episode beats a strong desire to unpick the real numbers and analyse just how the whole thing works.   Ferg drops the numbers, Lee does the sums, and we end up a real-time breakdown of costs, a metaphysical discussion on the concept of labour, and a final number at how much you'll need to start you own winery.   So strap in, put your accountant on speed dial, and prepare your abacus for TM&TM 1234. Available down the back of the sofa from Thursday morning.

Last week we teased Lee talking about some TV thing he's wangled his way into. This being Lee he does talk about it, but he talks about a load of other stuff first. That's right, this is a long haul. Firstly, Lee finally gets round to talking about Kingsbarn's Coaltown whisky, that he was kindly sent some time ago. Lee talks about his love and history with whisky and guides us through what sounds like a fabulous single malt. Lowland whisky, matured in ex-peated casks, and with more aromas and flavours than you can shake a quaich at. With sincere thanks to Charles Wilson and the Wemyss Family for this gifted bottle. We'll share shortly some advice on where and how to procure yourself a bottle or 3.   Ferg fills us in on his busy schedule from sushi pairing and G-splitting to bottling and being buttered up, he continues to live at unimagineable speed. We ask all our listener to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't wear himself out before his stag do. Wedding, we mean wedding. That's obviously more important.   Lee goes on (which is a complete sentence in itself) to explore a webinar he cohosted for his day job with the WSET and describes a little more about his day to day work. Then there's some noise about how he's an Oxford lecturer and then, the big reveal, which we revealed last week, that he is involved in a fabulous new wine TV concept. Just what is Incogvino? Who is in it? How can you find out more? Well, you can start by listening in here.   So sit down, tune in, and pour a large dram for the podcast with a stellar cast...available next to the Soylent Green in Aisle 5 from Thursday morning...

The first thing we need to say about this week’s episode is that it follows straight on from last week’s. Which sounds obvious now we’ve written it down. But it does follow on, as in, we didn’t bother to record even the shortest, sweetest intro to remind you what happened last week. So, if you didn’t listen to last week there will be loads of gags, callbacks, and references and you’ll miss out. But we’ve warned you now so it’s on you. We continue our English wine introspective and ask not what can English wine do for you, but what can you do for English wine? How can we continue to grow, and what exactly is the role of the off-trade and how can we work together to build an unbeatable team of superheroe…English wine scene. We briefly cover Lee’s hobbies which seem to now include attempts at topical humour, considering wine terminology, and telling Richard Harris stories. Which naturally leads us to Shakespeare, asking what links James Bond and Indiana Jones, and asking our dear listener a big question. While Lee solidifies his nerd credentials, Ferg gets creative, and we consider just who owns the rights to TM&TM and exactly who it is all for? Lee drops a bombshell about recording a PILOT (and explains why this should be in upper case). So, Season 4 continues [should we insert an adjective to suggest to presence of momentum and excitement?] with TM&TM: Iambic Pentameter. Available to podcast from your download place this Thursday morning

We know the disappointment. We feel your pain. The ennui…yes, we’re back. And your worst fears have been realised: Lee has returned with us. For the one of you that missed Ferg’s witty and insightful commentary, and Lee’s…whatever, you can rejoice. TM&TM is back and being piped into your earboxes through the medium of sound. In our first episode back after a lengthy mid-season break Lee extolls the virtue of snooker (yes, it really does get off to a rocky start). Ferg takes us ‘under the hood’ of English wine. We’re not sure how that works or why he’s practicing to be an American. We move seamlessly from cats to duty rates and why they’re a brilliant thing and the best decision any government has ever made. If you’ve ever wondered what influencers and dolphins have in common, this is the show for you as we also ask ‘when is a middleman not a middleman’ TM&TM: What A **** Shambles… available to lodpod from your castloads this Thursday morning. We’re back.

We know, we know—this episode is a bit late! With Lee off on a well-deserved summer holiday, Ferg took over the editing duties, which somehow turned into a 10-day epic. But, as they say, good things come to those who wait! In this season finale, Ferg and Jack take the reins for the second part of our deep dive into the history of wine. From the Romans’ questionable attempts to cultivate vineyards in chilly Britain to the Dark Ages, where viticulture all but vanished, our dynamic duo explores how wine managed to survive and thrive in England against all odds. They dive into the role of monasteries in keeping the wine flowing through medieval times and how the love for a good glass of vino persisted despite plagues and freezing temperatures. But it’s not all serious history! Expect plenty of laughs as Ferg and Jack debate the Romans’ wine-making skills and share how English wine made its comeback post-war. As they wrap up this two-part special—and the series—you’ll find out why the story of wine in England is as much about resilience as it is about taste. So, grab a glass and join us for one last toast before we cork it up for a well-earned break. Cheers! 🥂

The end is nigh, after 7 months and 42 episodes season 3 of The Maker and The Merchant is finally coming to a conclusion. Fear not however as we have two more episodes to share with you as we bring this season to a close prior to our summer break. Unfortunately Lee misread the communication from TM&TM hr and has already started his summer hols. Fortunately Ferg was joined by the inimitable Jack Merrylees, Marketing director at Balfour Winery and general history buff. This week Ferg and Jack desperately try to get from the first grape vine to ”hommo Winemaker” the evolutionary state human attain prior to ascension. Expect random interludes when the chickpea curry arrives, a very loud cough Ferg wasn’t able ”to fix in post” and the regular inclusion of a rather loud German Shepherd. It’s a fascinating episode leaving you, dear listener on a knife edge to hear more.  TM&TM Grubby Hole Diggers get it ere now

DEMOCRACY! We love it. Especially when it goes our way…and involves wine. But do democracy and wine meet anywhere? Sure, the Greeks drank plenty of wine and invented the concept, but what about today? Where are the winemaking heroes prepared to put big decisions back in our hands? Wait…should we leave non-experts to make such large and groundbreaking decisions? One man who has proved democracy is alive and well, and can be found in the wonderful world of wine is Alex Brogan (not an IWSC 30 Under 30 Winner as some mistakenly think) founder of The Not Yet Named Wine Company. Avid listener of the show will have heard not only his name before, but also the man himself; he appeared as a special guest on our well thought out live episode at The Sampler way back when. In today’s episode Lee (Ferg’s got a problem with his gravity and is still floating around the winery) talks to Alex about the origin of The Not Yet Named Wine Co, the first (discounting a one off American project over a decade ago) the bring democratic principles to the wine drinking masses. From concept to first vintage, we explore how the concept has progressed and understand more about the kind of options the community are able to make and influence. TNYNWC is more than just the wine though, with discussions and votes involving names, labelling, and many other things too. Also, the community involved have access to special events and Dictator Wines. Talking of events, there is still time for you to join an Arrival Party this Saturday 27th July…hit the social medias of TNYNWC website to join the fun. Beyond this we focus on the impending vintage 5, which will see Alex travel to Slovenia to carry out the demands of his faithful followers…and there is still time for you to join the action. As well as this, Alex shares stories of how the project is connecting people across continents, school trips, and an incident with a pig. With huge thanks to Alex for his time and sharing his fabulous story; we’re huge fans of this business and think you will be too. TM&TM: THE NOT YET NAMED WINE CO. available to castdown from your podloads on Thursday morning. @fergelias @wineman147 @alexanderjbrogan @notyetnamedwineco #wine #podcast #winecast #winetime #notyetnamedwineco #democracy #vote #voting