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.

Sep 15

Sep 15 Madeira - Production and Styles

Matthew Gaughan

fortified wine podcasts

The taste of madeira is all about heating the wine to produce a maderised effect. On top of that, the characteristics of the different grape varieties result in a wide range of quality and style.

Sep 14

Sep 14 Madeira: Climate, Viticulture, Grape Varieties

Matthew Gaughan

fortified wine podcasts

The sub-tropical island of Madeira is warm and wet, unique conditions that growers and producers have to factor when planting the classic grape varieties Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, and Malmsey, as well as the commonly planted Negramoll.

Sep 13

Sep 13 Madeira: Introduction

Matthew Gaughan

fortified wine podcasts

Madeira is one of the greatest and most historic styles of wine, but now there are just 4m bottles made a year. The history of the wine accounts for its distinctive style, as explored in this first episode on madeira.