The Maker and The Merchant

Tommy Doo Tommy Don't

For the second episode in a row we have as a guest a proper, genuine, home grown, corn fed, English wine heavyweight. Following on from a deeply insightful interview with Ingrid Bates last time out, this time we tackle the winemaking behemoth that is Tommy Grimshaw. Yes, that's right, Tommy G of Langham fame brings the Devonshire Class which TM&TM so desperately needs.
 
Ferg has been honing his interview skills, and in an effort to become the new Jeremy Paxman, interrogates Tommy not through waterboarding or by shining lights in his eyes; no, Tommy is forced to endure a game of Tommy Doo Tommy Don't. This is highbrow stuff indeed. Throughout we tackle wine rating apps, the joys of Buckfast, and ponder whether wine can be made on a boat.
 
And talking of boats, Lee has devised his own devilish interview strategy. This is the start of Lee's quest to discover if Ferg is actually any good. In a series of brutal winemaking questions, Lee pits the knowledge and skills of Ferg and Tommy against each other in an audio equivalent of Gladitorial combat. Who comes out on top? You'd better listen to find out.
 
Ferg & Lee then waffle about something or other for far too long.
 
Strap in folks, TM&TM are going to the next level. With HUGE thanks to the wonderful Tommy for his time and generosity in sharing his incredible knowledge and insights.
 
TM&TM: Tommy Doo Tommy Don't, available to loadcast from your poddown sites on Thursday morning.

Ice Cold in Bristol

After months of incessant demands, outrageous riders, and Lee's ineptitude, we finally give our listening public (hashtag: Ferg's Mum) what they want. Yes, Ferg and Lee are joined by super-cool, Bristol-grower extraordinaire Ingrid Bates. After a discussion about scones we learn mroe about Ingrid's journey from Nearly The Next Sir David Attenborough to founding Dunleavy Vineyards. Along the way we cover off the genius of Tommy Grimshaw, Shed Seven's new album, and celebrity hotel riders.
 
Ingird talks us through establishing vineyards around Bristol, and discusses the creative scene that permeates the city. From her great labels with local musicians by Pete Axford, to establishing a visitor's centre, we learn about her use of less well known and potentially groundbreaking grape varieties, and working with local shops and restaurants to build a knowledge and understanding of her work.
 
Lee reveals how he has essentially* become Chief Winemaker for his beloved All Angels, shares a whisky for Burns Night (when we actually recorded this mess), and doesn't seem at all bitter about life. Ferg gives the down low on what is going on in the life of England's third best paid winemaker.
 
It's a bumper episode, but we think you'll agree, totally worth it.
 
A huge thanks to Ingrid for being so generous with her time, and putting up with our absolute nonsense.
 
TM&TM: Ice Cold In Bristol, available to castload from wherever you downpod this Thursday morning.
 
*this is FAR from the truth obviously

The Maker and The Mobbs

We're not completely stupid at TM&TM. We've analysed the viewing figures, done indepth consumer research, and looked at salaries. We know what isn't working and how to fix it. We've retained fan favourite Fergus Elias and binned (for this episode) Lee Isaacs, who has cost this show dearly. A mid season cast change NEVER goes wrong, and in this episode we beta test our new concept...THE MAKER AND THE MOBBS.
 
We are delighted that stepping into Lee's clown shoes is Great British Wine founder, Masterchef, and Encyclopaedia of all things English Wine, the mighty John Mobbs. The man whom we consider to be the greatest resource on English wine today. Ferg learns where the English wine bug first grabbed John, and how he set about creating his fabulous website. Following this is a State of the Nation address which considers the opportunities available, the future of Charmat, pints, names, and Seyval Blanc.
 
While sipping on a firm favourite of ours, the Dalwood still white blend, John highlights the standout English wines in various categories and pinpoints lesser known varieties we should get to know. All while effortlessly taking up the grand position of new cohost.
 
In the vein of American TV drama though, we expect the next episode will open with Lee stepping out of the shower and revealing it was all just a dream.
 
The Maker And The Mobbs: available to lodpoad from wherever you downcast this Thursday.

I Hear You’re Posessed Now Father

Do you want to get your new year off with a bang?
Do you value the thoughtful and reasoned input of two seasoned, rational, articulate wine professionals?
Do you want up to date pop culture references?
 
Then look elsewhere. The Maker And The Merchant are back! In imperious form too. Having not yet quite recovered from Christmas debauchery, Fergus & Lee tackle the big issues of the day head on. What were their best presents? What are their hopes and dreams for 2024. And just what do consumers have against mushroom shaped corks?
 
Amongst those hopes for 2024 is that Lee's Not Yet Comedy night in support of The Not Yet Named Wine Company goes well; head to NYNWC's website to grab yourself one of the few remaining tickets. Ferg talks up three exciting new releases from Balfour, while we also explore a brand new potential fault in wine that neither of us have heard of. This involves some serious, big league named dropping by Fergus.
 
We touch on the very serious issues facing catering and hospitality and urge you to get out to support your local bars and restaurants as well as the usual mixture of chat, horrendous jokes, and wondering how Ferg can top this year's Christmas present he gave to our dear listener.
 
Wishing you all a wonderful 2024...let's be honest, if it's starting here, it can only get better.

Chasing zero

Quelle surpise! Ferg and Lee have actually managed to fulfill their contractual duties by recording an episode. We know, who would have thought the most basic requirment of hosting a podcast is to record a podcast?
 
You'll be equally surprised to know this is a topsy turvy episode. We start with Lee sharing some genuine and heartfelt thanks to a great many people before we talk up our recent competition winner, the amazing Alice. Huge thanks To Csaba at Daddy Wine Club for not just creating us a range of merch, but for sponsoring this competition. We can't wait to see Alice in her full TM&TM regalia and wonder if she'll be incorporating it into her act? 🙂
 
We then tackle, or rather gentle prod, the perennial 'indies vs supermarkets' title fight event. Who is better? Is there a reason for choosing one over the other? Just how far would Ferg be prepared to travel to visit an indie?
 
This moves effortlessly, well, with some tremendous effort actually, to a discussion about what we'll be drinking for Christmas. 
 
This episode is perhaps our most political, and be prepared for some industrial language as things get heated at TM&TM Towers. There's a surprise feature with Nicole Scherzinger too. Don't worry, we can't see it becoming a regular event.
 
Finally, Lee talks up his event working with Alex and The Not Yet Named Wine Co. Have you ever seen wine standup? Do you want to? We can guarantee it will be 'an experience' Check out Not Yet Named Wine Co's events page for further details and tickets.
 
With our sincere thanks and gratitude to all our listener for their constant support of the pod, and wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and happy new year. Thanks for sticking with us.

Das Ist Nummerwang

The moment nobody was hoping for, and perhaps feared most of all...this winter, only on a hosting site near you comes a podcast so irrelevant that almost nobody has noticed its existence. Fergus and Lee are finally reunited and continue their efforts to provide a stream of wine related nonsense.
 
It's been some time since our valiant cohosts recorded together, mainly as Ferg was so exhausted after their last episode he had to take a break. He did so through the medium of winemaking. Lee just faffed about and contributed nothing. Yes, he's lazy like the yeast. In a triumphant return to TM&TM HQ, Fergus talks us through the facts, stats, and numbers of his 2023 vintage and we attempt to explore how this year looks, and how it may compare to other vintages. Do you like numbers? Do you like nonsense? Then you're going to love this.
 
We also send a hearty thanks to Mr Mike Boyne for stepping up to the plate on our last episode in a substantial way, as well as issuing a formal apology to our dear listener. Lee pays a small tribute to Oddbins and we look ahead to the coming weeks.
 
Thanks for sticking with us despite the radio silence and our babblings.
 
TM&TM: Das Ist Nummerwang, available to lodpod from wherever you cod your pasts this Thursday. May whatever you deity you believe in have mercy on us all.

Nos Bergatu

"The worst deception is self deception. Plato" Mike Boyne.
Dear listener, be under no illusion that we at TM&TM Towers do not deceive ourselves. We know that nobody is asking for more episodes or content. But we play by our own rules, not yours, and we just keep on going. Well, some of us do. On the latest episode of TM&TM, the pod's favourite host, as voted for by the TM&TM hosts, Bergus Elias, did not turn up to the recording. Apparently he's "busy with harvest.". No, we don't know either. For a deep dive into the life of one of the UK's best winemakers, head over to Balfour's social media channels for a daily update. They really are great videos and give you an insight into the life of a VERY BUSY winemaker.
 
Valiantly stepping into the plate and up to the fold then, we are delighted to introduce FotP, Mr Mike Boyne of Bin Two fame. He's also very busy as he too has a vineyard and makes wine. Not quite as much as Ferg but who said that size mattered? Initially the plan was to discuss small versus big winemaking and just how nice people in English wine really are. However, the episode took a turn very quickly as Mike and Lee end up talking about mental health generally, and frame it in the context of the wider drinks industry. Mental health has rightly become a more important and less stigmatised subject, yet still needs more discussion. What are your experiences of the treatment and discussion around mental health in the drinks industry? We would love to hear your thoughts.
 
Serious stuff aside, we quickly delve into the Mike's itch (we advised seeing a specialist), Lee's morning routine, and a reference that probably only Paul Mabray stands a chance of catching.
 
With huge thanks to Mike Boyne for being an exceptional cohost, and indeed, wonderful human being. Head to Bin Two's website to grab some great wines, and some of that awesome merch that we mention.
 
For anyone struggling with mental health challenges, speak up. We're here to listen and you can always contact the NHS, The Samaritans, or MIND. Sending our best TM&TM vibes to anyone finding it hard.
 
The Maker And The Merchant: NosBergAtu, available to loadcast wherever you downpod on Thursday morning. 
 

Valance

After a week’s delay that we’re sure no one noticed, the pod that just won’t go away returns with more deep insights, rational thought, and nuanced discussion. No, wait, it’s very much the opposite of that. Many would argue that the first 20 minutes of this episode are hard going. 
What is the difference between a scarf and a cravat? What exactly defines Disney as opposed to Pixar? And just how rational is it to put Holly Valance around your bed?  
In a desperate attempt to stay niche and avoid the mainstream, Ferg and Lee start to alienate as many potential sponsors as possible. You can rest assured we won’t become corporate shills for the world of Big Sugar. 
Lee quizzes Ferg as to whether this English vintage will be Apocalypse Now and we take an in depth look at just what winemakers wear on their feet. We know what the audience wants: #BootsChat (that’s boots as in footwear not the high street pharmacy) 
The wonderful Tim Carlisle did raise some issues and concerns with TM&TM Customer Service following our last episode and we tackle these points. We also take the opportunity to wish friend of the pod Leila KIlloran a speedy recovery…which also contractually obliges her to be a guest in the future. 
Finally Ferg talks about his recent experiences at the WineGB tasting, which Lee couldn’t attend as he seems to be trapped in Scotland for most of this month. 
The Maker And The Merchant: Valance…available to loadcast wherever you downpod this Thursday.

Obeisance 52

In a first for The Maker And The Merchant, the name of the episode appears in the audiogram. What more could a pod hope to achieve? We start with Lee dropping a bomb about one of the UK’s favourite beers; he attempts to recover the situation by talking up St. Austell’s delicious Mena Dhu stout. Whilst in the Cornwallshire he visits FotP (Friend of the Pod innit) Bin Two. Was he welcomed or politely asked to leave or arrested on site? Listen in to find out. 
We reveal the time-travelling nature of TM&TM HQ and our company vehicles. Meanwhile, Fergus talks about his great escape to Germany and discusses the complexities of winemaking adjustments and bottling…whilst being in 2 separate countries…in a single day. We wonder who else can live at this speed? (the speed specifically being 88mph) 
In a first for TM&TM we tough on the world of Low and No. Is this a category for you?  
Back to the alcohol-containing liquid, Lee finally gets a taste of Tim Carlisle endorsed, North South imported, Champagne Mandois. Thanks to R And R PR Lee also gets to talk us through 2 wines from Chile’s Errazuriz; the Reserva Chardonnay and Carménère each get a thorough tasting note and review. 
We also ask just how good 2023 is looking for English wine. Is it great or is it all a bit of PR spin? 
We then ask the biggest question in English wine: Who are The Fab Four whom we could put together and send to America to break their market? We’re throwing this over to you dear listener, send us your suggestions for English wine’s Fab Four* 
Amongst our suggestions, you’ll find Dermot Sugrue, Gareth Maxwell, Zoë Driver, Emma Rice, and Julia Trustram Eve. Who are we missing? 
We also think about the best way to celebrate our first anniversary. Do you have any suggestions? 
*We can’t and won’t actually fund an American tour for the chosen four. 
So strap in and enjoy a time-travelling episode of the pod that just won’t go away. the Maker And The Merchant: Obeisance 52 – available to loadcast wherever you downpod on Thursday morning. 

TM&TM: Vines in a Cool Climate

We have a TM&TM Super Magnificent Incredible Special for you. Due to our powerful connections (by which we means Ferg's phone book) we have managed to convince wine writer extraordinaire Henry Jeffreys to join us. 
 
From his days in the wine trade drinking top notch Rioja with Oddbins to becoming a fully fleded wine writer via the medium of publishing, we uncover a little of Herny's back story. We then dive deep into his wonderful new book Vines In A Cold Climate (available from all good digital and analogue book retailers). From its inception, concept changes, to final tome, Henry shares with us his English wine journey.
 
Covering American founders, Sussex's Caesar, and Norfolk priests, this book has it all (even Tibetan bowls). We also try to uncover who is the English winemaker most likely to win a fight.
 
During our recording, Fergus's headphones and mic were so overwhelmed by Henry's presence that they stopped working. Hence Ferg's silence for a chunk of the interview. This also explains why Herny starts talking about cars seemingly apropos of nothing.
 
A fabulous book based around the personalities involved in pioneering English wine, this is an absolute must for your home library. With huge thanks to Henry for giving up his valuable time to talk to a pair of numpties.
 
Give this one a listen; it's a real cracker.