Wine Education - Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

About Matthew's World of Wine and Drink.

This blog began as a record of taking the WSET Diploma, during which I studied and explored wines and spirits made all around the world. Having passed the Diploma and become a WSET Certified Educator, the blog has become much more: a continual outlet for my passion for the culture of wine, spirits, and beer.

I aim to educate in an informal, enlightening, and engaging manner. As well as maintaining this blog to track my latest enthusiasms, I provide educational tastings for restaurants and for private groups. Details can be found on the website, and collaborations are welcome.

Wine is my primary interest and area of expertise and this blog aims to immerse the reader in the history of wine, to understand why wine tastes like it does, and to explore all the latest news. At the same time, beer and spirits will never be ignored.

For the drinker, whether casual or professional, today is a good time to be alive.

Mar 4

Mar 4 North Africa

Matthew Gaughan

North African countries may not be known for their wine, but they have a long and important wine-producing history - and currently make a small but interesting amount of quality wine.

Eastern Mediterranean

Feb 11

Feb 11 Eastern Mediterranean

Matthew Gaughan

The culture of winemaking in the Eastern Mediterranean goes back thousands of years, although it's only in the last thirty years that quality has begun to slowly re-emerge. This episode focuses on the culture of winemaking in Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon, and the challenges those countries face.

Jan 21

Jan 21 Soils

Matthew Gaughan

What impact do soils have on the taste of wine? Is there a direct correlation between soil type and flavour profile? Why do wines from vines grown on limestone soils taste differently from those grown on slate? I discuss all these questions and more in the latest episode of my podcast!

Jan 14

Jan 14 Greece

Matthew Gaughan

Greek winemaking (and drinking) goes all way back to Ancient Greece, but after centuries of neglect it's only in recent decades that the country has once again begun to make high-quality wine. Despite economic challenges and the difficulty of marketing unfamiliar varieties and regions, there are Greek producers determined to make great wine. Learn about the varieties and regions in this episode so you can go and check out some of the fantastic - and fantastic value - wines being made.

New Zealand (II)

Nov 25

Nov 25 New Zealand (II)

Matthew Gaughan

A look at New Zealand's wine regions, exploring the growing diversity of this young country.

New Zealand (I)

Nov 19

Nov 19 New Zealand (I)

Matthew Gaughan

New Zealand is the youngest of the major wine-producing countries, but it has quickly become famous for its characteristic style of Sauvignon Blanc. The industry is now at a crossroads, drawing on its success to become more diverse. This episode looks at the history of New Zealand and the different grape varieties - not just Sauvignon Blanc.

Western Australia

Nov 12

Nov 12 Western Australia

Matthew Gaughan

A quick look at one of the world's newest, largest, and most isolated wine regions, Western Australia. In a short space of time, Margaret River has become famous for exceptional wine from Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with Frankland River and Mt. Barker following suit, especially for Riesling and Shiraz.

South Australia

Nov 5

Nov 5 South Australia

Matthew Gaughan

South Australia accounts for 50% of Australian wine production, and includes some of the country's most historic and important regions: Barossa, Eden, and Clare Valleys, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. Quality is high, although there's also a lot of basic multi-regional blends as well. This episode explores the different areas, styles, and quality levels of wine made in this great wine region.

Victoria and Tasmania

Oct 29

Oct 29 Victoria and Tasmania

Matthew Gaughan

Back in the nineteenth century, Victoria was the most important state for wine production. Phylloxera hurt the industry badly, but it's now re-emerging as one of Australia's most significant and diverse regions. This episode looks at the many different styles of wine made in Victoria, as well as the island of Tasmania which is the focus for new trends in Australian wine.

Australia Overview and Hunter Valley

Oct 22

Oct 22 Australia Overview and Hunter Valley

Matthew Gaughan

Australia is a young country, but a lot has happened in its wine industry over the last 200 years. This episode looks at the developments in Australian wine, the challenges the industry faces, as well as its most unusual wine region, Hunter Valley.

South African Wine Regions

Oct 15

Oct 15 South African Wine Regions

Matthew Gaughan

This episode explores South Africa's varied wine regions, emphasising how important regionality is to promoting the country's identity internationally.

Oct 8

Oct 8 South Africa

Matthew Gaughan

South Africa has a long history of wine production, although it's only in the last twenty-five years, after a very difficult twentieth-century, that it has emerged as an important player in the international wine scene. This episode explores the country's wine history, as well as two of its most important grapes, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.

Oct 1

Oct 1 Washington

Matthew Gaughan

Washington State is the second-largest producer of wine in the US after California. Its history is still very modern, but its industry is vibrant and full of potential. This episode explores the climate, regions, and grape varieties of the state.

Sep 24

Sep 24 Oregon

Matthew Gaughan

Forty years ago, Oregon was a remote state few people knew about. Now it's one of the most famous Pinot Noir producing regions in the world. How did this radical change happen? And is there more to Oregon than Pinot Noir?

USA (III) - California Regions

Sep 17

Sep 17 USA (III) - California Regions

Matthew Gaughan

Focusing on California's wine regions, from high-quality coastal areas to hot Central Valley to high elevation Sierra Foothills.

USA (II) - California Grape Varieties

Sep 10

Sep 10 USA (II) - California Grape Varieties

Matthew Gaughan

Looking at some of the major grape varieties planted in California which have reflected changing trends in the wine industry and consumer habits: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

USA (I) - The Beginnings

Aug 13

Aug 13 USA (I) - The Beginnings

Matthew Gaughan

The history of US wine goes back to the Puritans landing in 1620. But attempts at winemaking were often hit by both natural and human forces. Since the 1970s, though, the USA has emerged as the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, with California central for both quantity and quality. This episode looks at how California in particular got to where it is today.

Uruguay and Brazil

Aug 6

Aug 6 Uruguay and Brazil

Matthew Gaughan

Uruguay may lie in the shadow of Argentina and Brazil, but it produces high quality wine, particularly from Tannat and Merlot. Brazil, on the other hand, produces a lot more wine but of lower quality due to its humid climate. This episode discusses the different challenges the two countries face.

Jul 30

Jul 30 Argentina (II)

Matthew Gaughan

Second episode on Argentina, focusing on its wine regions. Altitude is key, to prolong the growing season in the dry, hot conditions. Now, Argentian producers are looking to diversify to show that the country is more than just fruit-forward Malbec - from Torrontés in high-altitude Salta to Pinot Noir in Antarctic influenced Patagonia.

Jul 22

Jul 22 Argentina (I)

Matthew Gaughan

An overview of the history of Argentinian wine and the grape varieties planted there. After a tumultuous twentieth century, the wine industry has boomed over the last thirty years, based largely on the success of Malbec. The question is, where next?