The Maker and The Merchant

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.

TRIBUTE

THE MAKER & THE MERCHANT: TRIBUTE 
Hugely aware that TM&TM isn’t the greatest and best podcast in the world, Ferg and Lee start by discussing what happened when Descartes and Sartre walked into a bar, margins on mugs, and non-linear jazz wine tastings. Talking of tastings, Lee highlights the upcoming Grapest Hits event coming up soon involving North South Wines, Condor Wines, and Hayward Brothers. (Apologies to Hayward Bros that Lee forgot you were involved…he is being investigated by TM&TM HR as we speak) 
Lee FINALLY covers off the fabulous Flavours of Spain tasting he attended about a million years ago featuring, amongst others, Xulia Bande, Lar de Maia, Bodega Ojuel, and Garage Wines. Lee sends a huge thanks to Ana and all the producers who took the time to talk to him. Usually he is kicked out immediately. For good reason. 
We ask if consumers and the trade are aligned in their expectations and assumptions and just who is the English Wine Trade’s Captain Cristopher Pike? 
Fergus reviews the English vintage so far and we go on to compare the pricing of ESW and Champagne. He asks for our listener’s ideas for a new vintage t-shirt (send us your ideas by email of through the socials) and we get surprisingly political while Ferg drops some revealing and deeply personal truth bombs. 
Lee recommends 3 great value English Sparkling Wines that you should be tasting…and they’re not all from Balfour. Although one of them is. 
We also review some new stats from WineGB and tease a VERY special guest who is due to appear on our next episode. HINT: He’s just published a phenomenal new book about Vines In A Cold Climate. 

TORTUGA NARANJA

In this episode Ferg discovers that Lee isn’t actually there. But was he ever? Stepping into the huge shoes left by Lee we have the infinitely talented and knowledgeable Janina Doyle. Already a podcaster in her own right on the excellent East,Sleep, Wine, Repeat.
Janina talks us through her start in wine, those Damascene Moments, her celebrity crush, and explains why she's always Russian...especially when it comes to getting stuck into old vines.
Fergus Elias and Janina disagree however upon her Revelation, but reconcile over a shared love of the metaphysical question: just where IS Vinexpo? Ferg and Janina also ask what time is it in Spain?
In this marmalade-packed episode, Janina drinks Spanish, Ferg gets his Riedel out, and there's a deep discussion about wines appropriate for a wedding. In the news Janina and Ferg cover wine regions beginning with 'Ch' while Janina shines a light on the whites of Beaujolais.
We’re delighted to report Mr Isaacs will be back in your ears very soon, as TM&TM without one of the TM’s is like a pencil without a lead…pointless. 
TM&TM: Tortuga Naranja available Thurpod AM from whencever you daycast your load downs.

Handsome Ben

Here at TM&TM Towers we're not frightened to try something new...unless it involves ignorance, heights, or hazlenuts as we're terrified of all 3. For the first time Fergus and Lee left the confines of The Towers and were allowed to venture into the wild. To The People's Republic Of Islington they were welcomed, and with huge thanks to The Sampler, allowed to record in situ.
 
In front of a live studio audience, Ferg & Lee chat to World's Most Handsome Man and Face Of Hattingley Valley, Ben Ludford. Ben discusses his love of data, being a chess prodigy, and does some fabulous impressions. At some point Lee wanders off (you're welcome dear listener) and is replaced by World Winemaker Alex Brogan who touches on his Not Yet Named Wine Company project (and is due to appear on a future episode).
 
As if this wasn't enough, there are further impressions of geese, discussions on why our ELO ratings are so low, and we ask where exactly is Tom Bombadil? Before Lee wanders off he gives thanks to Tim Carlisle, North South Wines, and Cosme Palacios for inviting him to the Gran Caballeros dinner, and to Tim Milford for organising the fandabiedozie YOBA lunch.
 
There is so much more, including The Oastbrook Incident, Yeast Chat, and how to be an Australia.
 
TM&TM: Handsome Ben - available to downcast wherever you podload your audio experiences.

Between two piers

As the show that nobody asked to return returns for yet another episode, Ferg and Lee cover some vital ground: just how many Bruce Springsteen puns are appropriate? How is Ferg's car insurance debacle playing out? What makes a good Alien film?
 
We explore the tricky world of Rondo briefly and think we've discovered those who have figured out the true nature of this divisive variety. Shouts outs go to Ingrid and Dunleavy and Mark at All Angels.
 
Think you have to be posh to be a winemaker? Ferg discusses his newest celebrity friends Joanna Lumley, Victoria Moore, and Oz Clarke while Lee gets all too existential and concerned with the true nature of time...and how he can clear your winery of brett with only his guitar.
 
Eventually we get to some wine. Lee tastes Finca Bacara's 'Time Waits For No One' Monastrell Biologico while Ferg cracks open a can of Howl & Grappa's Elektron via Bin Two's Wonky Post Vineyard.
 
On top of all this, learn our new brand hashtags: #FergsMum #JacksMum #BenLudford and #NotBensMum.
 
TM&TM S2E5: Between Two Piers. Available to castload in your downpods from Thursday morning.
 
When will it end?!

MORE THAN A PODCAST

We're celebrating at TM&TM Towers. Our valiant leader, who is both the brains and the looks of the pod, returns triumphantly from a trip to Portugal. Hear all about Ferg's adventures involving copious amounts of Port and seafood. Lee, who has been manning the fort, is overjoyed.
In this week's thrilling episode we go in depth on the new exciting releases from Balfour and learn a little more about Ferg's approach to making top notch, boundary pushing English still wine. We also discuss the runners and riders at the recent Wine Garden of England event which took place at Balfour. How many of these producers do you know?
We highlight great achievements by friend of the pod Jessica Summer and hopefully a friend of the pod Sam Povey, who have both been named in Harper's '30 Under 30'. Congratulations also to FOTP Libby Brodie for her placing in The Drinks List Top 100 Most Influential People In Drinks.
Ferg and Lee discuss the recent MW exams and send their hearty congratulations to all those who have endured, battled, and worked their way through one of the world's most challenging qualifications.
Lee talks about his time judging at this year's IEWA and we cover off the big winners including Busi Jacobsohn, Oastbrook, and Biddenden.
As if that wasn't enough for you, there's the usual nonsense including chesschat, cattalk, and a theatre recommendation.
TM&TM: More Than A Podcast, available to castdown wherever you loadpod from Thursday morning.