The Wined Up

Send us a textIn this episode we sit down with Alex Clerch from LeCavist to unpack the real rules of wine storage and why so many collectors get it wrong. Alex helps us break down the basics like steady temperature, low vibration, controlled humidity and proper light management. These may sound simple, but they decide how your bottles age and how your collection holds up over time. We talk through the main types of wine cabinets, what makes each one work, and how LeCavist builds its units so they protect wine the way it should be protected. Alex also shares his own path in wine, from early family moments to turning his passion into a business focused on smart storage solutions.If you are just starting your collection or you already have a few shelves filled, Alex gives practical steps you can follow to avoid the usual mistakes we all see. We also clear up myths around wine fridges, noise levels, shelf materials, warranty, brand trust and the features that matter when you are ready to buy. The talk moves from design to durability, from collecting styles to stacking tricks, and even a look at what storage might look like in the future.Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment on your questions or experience regarding a wine fridge👇Check out LeCavist’s range of Wine Cabinets at LeCavist - Australian Home of Premium Wine Fridge CabinetsChapters:00:00 Preview00:55 Introduction01:04 The Wined Up Ice Breaker Questions01:27 Alex's Wine Journey and Family Traditions05:57 The Importance of Wine Storage08:07 Alex's Business Journey: From Buyer to Wine Storage Innovator10:58 Design and Features of Wine Cabinets15:32 Common Wine Storage Mistakes and Solutions22:58 Myth Busting: Wine Storage27:31 Discussing Wine Storage Options27:40 Noise Levels of Wine Storage Devices28:20 Wooden vs. Metal Shelves29:10 Common Wine Storage Mistakes30:38 Key Factors in Choosing a Wine Fridge31:13 Warranty and Customer Service32:39 Brand Reputation and Manufacturing34:36 Pricing and Accessibility36:07 Direct-to-Consumer Business Model37:11 Wine Fridge Features and Customization43:06 Reliability and Longevity of Wine Fridges43:49 Different Types of Wine Collectors46:01 Proper Wine Stacking Techniques50:53 Building a Wine Community55:23 Future Innovations in Wine Storage57:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections#winestorage #winefridge #winecabinet #LeCavist #AlexClerch #winecollectiontips #howtostorewine #properwinestorage #winehumiditycontrol #winetemperaturecontrol #winefridgebuyersguide #winecabinetdesign #winestoragemistakes #winecollectingbasics #winecellaralternative #bestwinefridgefeatures #winecoolingsystems #winevibrationcontrol #longtermwinestorage #winepodcastFollow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected]. Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Wined Up Podcast, we sit down with Greg Lambrecht, the founder and inventor of Coravin, to explore something many wine drinkers never talk about enough, which is the emotional bond we form with wine. Greg explains how memories, people and places shape the way a single glass can stay with us for years. We also cover how Coravin changed the way we taste wine by letting us explore more variety without ever opening a bottle. We walk through Greg’s full story, from early prototypes to the first time he realised he could taste ten wines in one night without wasting any of them. We also dig into how the Timeless and Sparkling systems work, why cork resealing matters, how pressure is restored in sparkling bottles and why this design took years to perfect. Then we put Coravin to the test in a triangle blind tasting. We compare preserved wines against freshly opened bottles, both still and sparkling, to see whether there is any real difference. We also talk through common myths like the three second screw cap rule, vacuum pumps, decanter lids and gas sprays, and what actually holds up in the real world. If you want to understand wine preservation better, or you are curious about whether Coravin genuinely works, this episode goes deeper than most reviews. Stick around for the full tasting and the results, because they surprised both of us.Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment on your experience with the Coravin products👇Check out the Coravin range of Wine Preservation Products at https://www.coravin.com.auChapters:00:00 The Emotional Connection to Wine00:56 Introducing Greg Lambert and Coravin02:37 Memorable Wine Moments07:41 The Journey to Creating Coravin17:24 The Coravin Sparkling System28:48 Introduction to Screw Cap Adapter29:36 Debunking the Three-Second Rule30:33 Addressing Bubbles and Cork Resealing31:34 Blind Tasting Setup35:03 Blind Tasting Results and Discussion45:37 Comparing Wine Preservation Systems49:56 The Coravin Logo and Future Innovations55:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts#coravin #coravintimeless #coravinsparkling #greglambrecht #winepreservation #winegadgets #winetastingpodcast #sparklingwinetest #blindtastingwine #triangletestwine #winetechnology #winetoolsreview #wineeducation #thewineduppodcast #emotionalconnectiontowine #winestories #champagnepreservation #stillwinepreservation #winecollectortools #tastemultiplewines #thewinedup #podcast #winepodcast #interview #wineFollow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected]. Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Wined Up, we sit down with Douglas Neal, a winemaker with decades of experience across Australia, Burgundy, Bordeaux and California. From the first pour, it was clear Doug is on a real mission making great wines accessible again. We talk about rising costs in the wine world, why younger drinkers are being priced out, and why the industry is struggling to balance quality with affordability. Doug breaks down the actual cost pressures on growers, barrels, labour and fruit sourcing, and explains why so many premium bottles have become unreachable for everyday drinkers.We dive into Shiraz in a big way. Doug talks about why Shiraz is Australia’s most climate suited grape, how it handles heat better than Pinot, and how multi regional blends can still make compelling and consistent wines at fair prices. He explains why he avoids underripe styles, how he builds texture and savoury notes without green stem tannin, and why rocky soils in regions like Pyrenees, Blewitt Springs and Murrumbateman matter so much.We also explore his Chardonnay work with Gaffy and Neal, the differences between clones, the balance of creaminess and acidity, and why oak should support, not dominate. Doug shares insights from years designing barrels, working with cooperages, and testing forests and grain sizes to create finesse and structure.Beyond the technical side, we talk about keeping wines under one hundred dollars, the sweet spot for younger drinkers, the pressure on wineries, the future of Australian wine, and the importance of over delivering with every bottle.Thank you Doug for the great chat!  Check out wines by Doug Neal at https://www.winesbydougneal.com/Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment below on your favourite wine from Douglas Neal?👇CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to High-Quality, Accessible Wines00:47 Meet Doug Neal from Altera Terra02:15 Icebreaker Questions with Doug Neal05:47 Doug Neal's Wine Journey14:46 Exploring the Gaffy and Neal Partnership27:06 The Art of Blending and Shiraz44:16 The Four Building Blocks of Wine45:04 The Importance of Tasting and Note-Taking46:00 The Value of Wine Courses and Self-Study47:07 Learning Through Experience and Travel49:21 The Evolution of Wine Labels52:51 Exploring Murrumbateman and Its Wines01:00:08 The Role of Soil in Wine Quality01:01:56 Exciting Wine Regions in Australia and New Zealand01:06:26 The Debate on Single Vineyard Wines01:17:39 Proudest Moments and Future Aspirations01:19:54 Final Reflections and Gratitude#affordablewine #Australianwine #DouglasNeal #Shirazblend #MorningtonPeninsula #Chardonnay #wineaccessibility #winevalue #youngwinedrinkers #GaffyandNeal #AlteraTerra #AustralianShiraz #winemakingprocess #wineindustryAustralia #climatechangeandwine #wineeducation #bestvaluewinesAustralia #multiregionalblends #AustralianChardFollow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected]. Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a textWelcome to Fix Wine Bar + Restaurant in Sydney! We’re sitting down with the man behind one of Australia’s most iconic wine destinations — Stuart Knox, owner, sommelier, and The Real Review wine critic. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Australian wine, the evolution of Sydney’s wine bar culture, and Stuart’s incredible 20-year journey building Fix into a place “where everyone knows your name.”We talk about what makes Australian Chardonnay world-class, how the wine scene has shifted over the years, and Stuart’s approach to creating a wine list that celebrates both local producers and unique international bottles. You’ll hear his best tips for food and wine pairing, how to read a wine list without fear, and his philosophy on keeping wine approachable — without the pretentiousness.If you love wine, hospitality, and good stories, this chat will give you a whole new appreciation for the craft and community behind the glass.Subscribe to @‌thewinedup and comment on your favourite memory or wine from Fix Wine Bar + Restaurant👇Check out Fix Wine Bar and Restaurant at https://fixwine.com.au/Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at [email protected]:00:00 Preview00:41 Introduction02:31 The Wined Up Icebreaker questions10:13 The Story Behind the Red Shoes11:28 Inside Fix Wine Bar12:25 Tasting: Rivulet Chardonnay 202412:41 Why Australian Chardonnay Is Elite14:31 Expansion of Tasmanian Wine15:21 Current Aussie Consumer Trends15:22 How Stuart Got Into Wine24:49 From London to Level 41 to Fix27:12 The Dine & Drink Licence Shift33:17 The "Cheers" Philosophy33:58 State of the Sydney Wine Bar Scene41:44 Tasting: Vino Volta Grenache43:00 Food Pairing Challenge46:30 Do Sydney Bars Support NSW Wine Enough?51:30 Why Fix Doesn’t Focus on “Big Names”53:16 Wine List Anxiety Explained55:58 Why You Should Always Reveal Your Budget57:00 The Reality of Money & Wine58:56 Inside The Real Review01:04:35 How to Learn About Wine01:07:22 Final Reflections & Thank You#StuartKnox #FixWineBar #Sydneywine #AustralianChardonnay #Australianwinescene #sommelierinterview #wineindustryAustralia #Sydneyrestaurants #winetasting #wineeducation #foodandwinepairing #winebarculture #TheRealReview #Australianwinemakers #ChardonnayAustralia #PinotNoirAustralia #wineinSydney #winecriticsAustralia #Australianwinestories #SydneyhospitalityFollow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected]. Drink More, Try More, Learn More.

Send us a textJoin us as we sit down with Jane Campbell, Managing Director of Campbells Wines, for a deep dive into 155 years of family winemaking in Rutherglen, Australia. From the legendary Bobbie Burns Shiraz to the world-famous Rutherglen Muscats and Topaques, Jane shares stories, lessons, and insights that define one of Australia’s most respected wineries.We talk about the origins of Campbells Wines, their Scottish roots, and how Jane and her sister Jules are shaping its future with innovation, sustainability, and a passion for authenticity. You’ll also hear about the secrets behind their fortified wines, the family’s approach to succession, and what makes Rutherglen’s terroir so special.If you love discovering the heritage behind great wines or planning your next Rutherglen winery visit, this conversation is a must-watch. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, collector, or casual drinker, Jane’s perspective offers a rare look into how tradition meets innovation in Australian winemaking.📍 Visit Campbells Wines: https://www.campbellswines.com.au 🍷 Watch more wine stories here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWinedUpFollow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at [email protected]:00:00 Intro: Why Rutherglen Muscat is Iconic00:31 Welcome Jane Campbell – 155 Years of Winemaking01:42 The Wined Up Icebreakers (first taste, Chardonnay love, QEII dream bottle)06:37 Origin Story: From Gold Mine to Vines08:32 Building the Winery & Early Struggles11:20 Fifth Generation: Family, Succession & Legacy15:16 Sisters in Wine: Roles Across Rutherglen & Barossa17:48 Wine #1 – Trebbiano: Italian Roots & the “Trebio” Cat19:23 Rutherglen Climate & Terroir (hot days, cool nights, loam)24:11 Visiting Rutherglen: Stays, Eats & the Big Wine Bottle29:47 Rhône Whites in Rutherglen (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne)32:07 Wine #2 – Bobbie Burns Shiraz: 50+ Vintages of a Classic37:47 Muscat vs Topaque Explained (grapes, styles, flavors)44:06 Inside the Solera: Layered Fortifieds & Merchant Prince48:39 Trends, Fortifieds & Family Dynamics52:33 Next Gen & Family Business Wisdom55:52 Sustainability: Sheep, Soil & What’s Next01:02:13 Final Reflections & Toast#CampbellsWines #JaneCampbellinterview #Rutherglenwineregion #Australianwine #familywinerystories #fortifiedwineAustralia #Muscatwine #Topaquewine #BobbieBurnsShiraz #winepodcast #winetastingAustralia #winemakinghistory #RutherglenMuscat #AustralianShiraz #heritagewinery #sustainablevineyards #JaneCampbellCampbellsWines #MuscatofRutherglen #visitRutherglen #winetourismAustraliaDrink More, Try More, Learn More. DriFollow Us on YouTube (@TheWinedUp), Instagram (The.Wined.Up), Tik Tok (@TheWinedUp), Spotify (The Wined Up), Amazon Music ( TheWinedUp), and Apple Podcasts (The Wined Up). Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au or email us at [email protected]. Drink More, Try More, Learn More.