The Maker and The Merchant

TM&TM: The WSTA (Miles Beale part 2)

If you listened to last week’s episode you will be primed and ready for Part II of the TM&TM interview with the WSTA’s Miles Beale. We promised a more serious episode and we are delivering. Following the fun and frolics of last week, it is time to get down to business.
We open with Miles explaining exactly who the WSTA are and what is their role within the drinks industry. There is more to this body than may immediately meet the eye, and the membership encompasses a very broad range of businesses. Lee uses this as an opportunity to push his own #ThinkIndie #DrinkIndie agenda and ask about the engagement and interaction from the indie crowd. It is often asked if bodies like the WSTA are doing enough, but are the indies supporting in return?
Given the nature of the work, we ask Miles how he walks the difficult tightrope between satisfying both the needs of members and engaging with government. Following this, we ask if there have been discussions with current shadow ministers and the opposition in the event that there is a change of government.
Special mentions to, The Online Wine Tasting Club, North South Wines, and Eynsham Cellars as examples of businesses who have engaged and ‘activated’ their local MPs.
Other questions raised by our listener and ourselves include the specifics of repackaging sizes, declining alcohol consumption and the continuing rise of the temperance movement and how to respond in the face of these challenges. Miles also cover briefly the current state of catering and hospitality, MUP, duty rises and increasing taxation; again, we ask how we can navigate these as an industry and do our best to tackle them.
Amongst these and other things, Miles also explains the Community Alcohol Partnership initiative.
This is a packed in episode that covers a great deal of ground. As covered in the episode, if you are interested in learning more about these issues, the work of The WSTA, or indeed joining them, connect with them through their website, social channels, or info@thewsta.co.uk.
Our sincere thanks to Miles and The WSTA for the fabulous work.
TM&TM: THE WSTA available to download from wherever you get your podcasts on Thursday morning.

TM&TM: Firing large guns (Miles Beale part 1)

This week on TM&TM we find ourselves in The Thick Of It as we keep ourselves In The Loop with one of the key figures, no, THE key figure in the UK wines and spirits industry. TM&TM Towers is a House Of Cards (the original, not the remake), but we had to say Yes Minister when the chance to speak to the most influential person on the UK scene. We had so many questions for this individual that we only made it to Page Eight.
We are beyond privileged to say this is part I of our talk with The WSTA’s chief executive, Miles Beale. He will need no introduction (but we do give him one in the episode) as he has steered the WSTA and our industry through multiple swells and storms during his tenure at the top.
From his life as a civil servant, move into politics, and becoming the UK’s most influential drinks figure (did we mention that?) in Part I we enjoy some fun and frolics before a much more serious Part II arrives next week.
Ferg delivers his now classic interview style with an updated and much more respectful take: Miles Does Miles Does Not while Lee asks questions about attire, snooker, and the notion of politicians as celebrities. From his loose connections to navy rum and his rumoured part in The Matrix, Miles plays along with our silly games with grace and style, as we would expect.
In next week’s episode we talk (genuinely) about the bigger issues facing our industry and the fabulous work of the WSTA. For now, enjoy hearing Miles share his preferred tipples, political background, and how to handle a suit-based interview crisis.
Our sincere thanks to Miles for his time to record this and talk about things seemingly unrelated to the very important work of the WSTA. We promise that next week’s episode is definitely worth a listen, especially if you’re in, around, or connected to alcoholic drinks in any way.
TM&TM: Firing Large Guns podvailable to loadstream from wherever you downcast your audio experiences on Thursday morning.

Oysters On A Business Trip (Norway part 2)

You should be careful what you wish for. You asked for it. The Maker & The Merchant is now A 2 PART PODCAST! Once a fortnight wasn’t enough for you, so you’re getting us twice a week now. This here is Part II of Ferg’s Norse Saga. Like the mythical tales of old it involves merriment, danger, and dealing with wine journalists.
Ferg talks us through the Norwegian Monopoly and explains a little about how it all works. He also examines Norwegian wine culture from social attitudes and consumption to wine communication. What are the ethics of low ground clearance? Is it right that we’re asking for further sponsors for our show to sit alongside Bin Two?* Just how many Dodgeball references are socially acceptable on a wine podcast?
Lee becomes nothing more than a Talking Head (well, he’s never been anything else has he?) as he nods along with Ferg’s every thought and whim. He does however introduce us to a brand new book: Italy In A Wine Glass. Just published and authored by the fabulous Marc Millon, this is a tour de force through Italian history, mythology, and culture, all through the lens of the country’s wines. Published by Hurst, you should be looking this up. Lee also tees up his next Discover Spain wine dinner at l’Oculto on the 9th May, which you should definitely attend!
We finally actually have some listener feedback. Through official channels. Thank you to our new correspondents who took the time to email in with their thoughts, questions, and moral questions. Would it take that much for you to write in too? Finally, we catch up with recently featured Karen Jenkins new hobbies.
TM&TM: Oysters On A Business Trip available to your ears from your podcast site of choice on Thursday morning.

Norwegian’s Would. (Episode 1)

It may have escaped your attention, but Fergus has recently been on hol…working in Norway. Not only this, but he has been featuring on other podcasts in direct contravention of the strict TM&TM Charter.
Yet this is an in house issue with which you do not need to concern yourselves. In this episode, Lee asks Ferg the BIG questions; Does a Peer Gynt? What does elk taste like? Why is English wine so popular in Norway? Ferg explains the intricacies of working with the Scandinavian monopolies and explores the complex and serious wine culture to be found here.
From adventures with brown cheese to magnums of Balfour on pour in local bars, it sounds like Ferg has had a great time. All the while Lee has been keeping the lights on at TM&TM Towers. It’s fine, he not at all jealous. In this episode he talk about…well, as usual he doesn’t actually contribute much…although he does issue an apology to @thedellvineyard for an error he made in our Welsh episode. There will be swift and severe punishment for this as we have much higher standards at TM&TM.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy Ferg’s Norwegian adventure (with a distinct lack of Nordic Walking Stories).
TM&TM: Norwegian’s Would available to lodpod from the loaddowners on Thursday morning.

Who you gonna call? (Dan Belmont part 2)

Last week we were introduced to actor, legend, wine & cheese raconteur Dan Belmont. From his early days on the stage to becoming a leading light in the worlds of the controlled spoilage of milk and grape juice. He could have been Hamlet, Macbeth, Kowalski...instead he wrote the book on New York State Wines. In this episode we shoot straight to the heart of all things Big Apple. Dan shares his immense knowledge of these regions and we talk grapes, styles, and diversity. Lee of course brings philosophy into play while Fergus considers what English wine can learn from a region that has had to work hard to make a name for itself.
 
It's a fascinating insight into a region that while only really now breaking into 'the mainstream', has a lot more history and heritage than we give it credit for. Dan also talks about his business Good Wine Good People, which now has both retail and wholesale arms, and to which you should definitely be paying attention.
 
Our huge thanks to Dan for his time and generosity. We're thinking a series of taste along episode with the man himself...who's in? Come on, let's make it happen.
 
TM&TM: Who's Your Favourite Ghostbuster, loaddownable from your castingsite pods Thursday morning.

Geotrichum Candidum - PART ONE -

What do The Meisner Technique, controlled ageing of milk, and New York Wines have in common? We know, it's a bit too easy this one. The answer is of course: Dan Belmont. Dan literally wrote the book on New York wines. Literally in the traditional (and best) definition of the word. From a background in the theatre to becoming a leading expert in the worlds of both cheese and wine, Dan joins us for a two part episode where we explore his incredible journey so far.
 
We explore his approach to acting and learn why he didn't make it in the ballet. From here Dan takes us on an adventure to Finger Lakes and dipping his toes into the world of New York wines. Amongst these fingers and toes are many stories of revelation, revolution, and mold. Ferg compares Finger Lakes (and other New York appellations) establishing themselves both locally and internationally with England, while Lee attempts to get to the beating heart of Dan's acting method and love for cheese.
 
This is the first of a two part episode featuring Dan. Next week we will talk about how he went on to establish Good Wine Good People and learn a great deal more about New York State wine. This is a great episode, primarily as Ferg and Lee don't interrupt our wonderful guest too much.
 
Enjoy this first slice of Prime Dan; this man's knowledge and passion seem to know no bounds.
 
TM&TM: Geotrichum Candidum available to castpod from wherever you laddown Thursday morning.

What does supreme belief taste like (vineyards of wales special)

Last week on TM&TM we promised you a bonus episode. This is more like a threat, but either way, we have delivered. You get what you deserve.
 
Early in March (so it's a timely one) Lee bothered The Welsh Wine Showcase in London. This event celebrated the great and the good of Welsh wine and showcased the diversity, dynamism, and creativity to be found in this mighty country. From the first plantings in the 1870s to more than 70 hectares today, Wales has made incredible strides over the last few years. Strides that TM&TM are incapable of replicating; largely due to poor physical fitness, age, and utter laziness. We know what we're about.
 
Over the course of this bonus episode, Lee guides Ferg (and you our dear listener: Hashtag: Ferg's Mum) through the producers who were there on the day. We start with Ancre Hill and travel through Wales taking in Hebron Vineyard, Montgomery, The Dell Vineyard, The Vale Vineyard, Velfrey, Whinyard Rocks, and White Castle. Lee shares his thoughts on the producers and their standout wines and chooses his favourite sparkling, white, and red from the event.
 
We then return to England briefly to talk about Ferg's latest project at Balfour: the brand New Albariño.
You didn't ask, and we didn't listen, but here it is.
 
TM&TM: What Does Supreme Belief Taste Like? available to castpod from wherever you loaddown on Thursday morning.

Nordic Stories

You will well know that at TM&TM we tackle the pressing intellectual questions of the day. There’s next to no prevarication in our latest episode as Fergus & Lee ask just what was Humpty Dumpty? Is the Forbidden Fruit actually a PIWI? And what connects the Tuscan Maremma with Sussex?
But it’s not all fun and games. Firstly we wish FotP Janina our best wishes as she has lost her voice (she had when we recorded this mess 3 weeks ago). Then we deal with a most serious complaint that has arrived via unofficial channels. Karen Jenkins was furious when she accosted Lee and gave him a piece of her mind. He deserved it. We hope to use the AAA technique as we Acknowledge, Apologise, and Assure Karen that we will right the severe injustice she has discovered.
If you were expecting one of our host to ‘Go Full Partridge’, you’d probably think it would be Lee. Well, you’d be wrong. Ferg out-Partridges Partridge as he introduces a new segment: Ferg’s Nordic Stories’ This leads to another issue as Ferg takes umbrage with Lee’s response to Brad Horne’s March Madness questions.
We see the return of our incredibly popular* ‘This Week I Have Been Mostly Drinking’ feature. Ferg explores Sangiovese clones with Cecchi and Lee drinks his way through a French Viognier from the fandabiedozie Wine Society.
Prepare to be wowed as we introduce our new sponsor** Diam Corks as Ferg regales us all with some #OTRChat. We can’t wait to see those advertising dollars roll in. We also share a very special discount code for our other sponsor Bin Two***
Lee talks us through his new role as Ambassador for Flavours of Spain & l’Oculto Restaurant and covers what exactly is his current employment status?
Remember to email us@themakerandthemerchant@gmail.com.
What a mess. TM&TM: Ferg’s Nordic Stories available to lodpoad from wherever you cowndast this Thursday. We’re sorry.
*it’s not popular at all
**This is not true
***Neither is this
 

Nominative Determinism

Despite what you may think about TM&TM (an you're probably right), we somehow keep getting interview with increidbly high profile, smart, and talented guests. This time around we are delighted to talk to the enormously talented, trend-setting, winemaking wonder that is Zoë Driver. Given her stature and credibility within wine, you may expect us to take things a little more seriously. If that's what you really expect, you've clearly stumbled upon this pod by accident.
 
Fergus inflicts his game of [guest name] Doo [guest name] Don't upon poor Zoë but in so doing manages to get under the skin of her appraoch to winemaking and thoughts on sparkling wine production. Prepare for some #clonechat. Zoë talks to us about the current range at TM&TM favourite Black Chalk and also clues us in to some exciting new releases and in so doing, gives us an insight into the incredible creativity that is to be found in English wine.
 
Lee continues his quest to prove that everyone else is just better at what they do than Ferg. Zoë proves to be a much kinder judge in these areas than Lee and there is disparity in scoring. We would like to assure listeners that a full, independent review is under way.
 
Of course, Ferg also sets out to establish just how good a Driver Zoë is with his ill thought out 'Nominative Determinism' experiment. TM&TM would like to wholeheartedly apologise to Zoë for this experience.
 
It's a good one, carried entirely by the magnificent Zoë and oyu should give it a listen when it pops into your podfeeds on Thursday morning.
 
Our enormous thanks to the one, the only, the phenomenally brilliant Zoë Driver.

Strobe Lights and Aspirin

TM&TM Have long stood in admiration at the many great people who make English wine happen. It doesn't just appear magically y'know; there are people working literally *hours* to bring you the best bottles possible. We are absolutely thrilled to say that we have one of them on this episode.
 
In our efforts to bring you the best that English Wine has to offer, Fergus & Lee are thrilled to introduce Luke Spalding. Viticulturalist, Grape Lover, & Knower Of How To Stop Badgers, Luke brings his wit and wisdom to bear on a show that desperately needs it. From dairy related bombshells to discussing whether English Wine has yet found its identity (does existence preceed essence?), Luke shares his thoughts on regenerative and organic viticulture and exactly what grape varieties we should think about growing in our fair climbs.
 
Ferg continues his interview strategy of asking black or white questions on themes that really are more shades of grey, while Lee once again pits the two of them against each other in an effort to discover who is England's best professional. Through the key subjects of life, people, wines, and legislation, we get inside Luke's head and have likely left him requiring therapy.
 
There is absolutely nothing controversial in this episode, mainly because Lee has learned how to use an audio editing programme.
 
Thanks to the measured, reasoned, thoughtful, and balanced Luke for joining us, and standing up to our insistence that there are only binary answers to all questions.
 
TM&TM: Strobe Lights & Aspirin, available to loadcast from your serverpods on Thursday morning.