Episode 12: The View from London & Old Vines Spain (Beth Willard, Decanter Magazine Contributor and Co-Chair, Decanter World Wine Awards)

This episode is a flight to both Spain and London for a discussion about how, when we look to the future of wine, we can draw from the past. Tania’s guest, Beth Willard, is a contributing writer to Decanter Magazine (one of the world’s leading wine publications) and Co-Chair Judge of this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards. An Aussie who jumps between London and Spain, Beth has particular expertise in Spanish and Central European wines, paired with deep experience in many other facets of the global wine world. Tania and Beth discuss aspects of the current Spanish wine scene, including how a new generation of winemakers is embracing their country’s past through the rehabilitation and nurture of 100+ year vines to respond to extreme heat and drought conditions. The role of cooperatives in the development of Spanish wine production and the power of community (“human geography” elements of terroir) will no doubt support the future crafting of fresh, interesting and sustainable modern wines. Tania and Beth also discuss the connect (or sometimes disconnect) between the wine trade and consumers, through key drivers such as wines clubs, “direct to consumer” channels and consumer trends. What does the everyday consumer really want? What are tasters looking for, and how might you introduce it? This episode is also a chance to get behind the scenes of the world’s largest wine awards and hear first-hand what it’s like to taste (and judge) literally hundreds of wines and whittle down the winners which are ultimately showcased in that coveted glossy Decanter magazine.