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.

May 14

May 14 Hella Chenin

Matthew Gaughan

south africa

Hella Chenin—a first-time event celebrating Chenin Blanc from California and South Africa. A chance to compare and contrast, to appreciate the variety from different regions, and to understand that Chenin is not just the Loire.

Sep 2

Sep 2 Understanding Appellations and Wine Regulations: Outside Europe

Matthew Gaughan

Other Countries

The equivalent of appellation rules outside of Europe are usually much looser. This allows much greater liberty for producers but less information for consumers and a potential unclear identity for regions. It also means greater potential for experimentation for producers. How appellation systems have developed outside Europe gives an insight into the pros and cons of how wine regulations work.

Oct 18

Oct 18 Terroir and Sparkling Wine

Matthew Gaughan

Other Countries

“Can we talk about terroir in the context of sparkling wine?” For those who want to dismiss the concept of terroir, sparkling wine is a convenient weapon because production method is so important. But the quality and style of sparkling wine changes from region to region and within regions. Why? Because of terroir.

Feb 26

Feb 26 Sparkling Wine Blind Tasting

Matthew Gaughan

sparkling wine podcast

Blind tasting is fun, challenging, and humbling - as well as necessary for WSET Level 3 and 4 exams. Find out what students taking the Diploma made of tasting four blind sparkling wines.

Jan 10

Jan 10 Paso Robles Revisited

Matthew Gaughan

USA

Paso Robles is one of my favourite California regions, producing Rhône-style wines as well as Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. A revisit to the area introduced me to some new producers, and confirmed the quality of the wines being made there.