Wine stories and films to help you taste better.

For pleasure, palate & repertoire 

Wine Education Blog: From Curious to Confident Taster

A beginner's guide to wine – never mind the bollocks

, and 8 other countries with our complete regional guides

 Read our practical guides for real-world wine selection and tasting techniques

 (founder, Sager + Wilde) | 6 episodes - watch part 1 

 (ex-host, The Wine Show) | 7 episodes - watch part 1 

 (Food Writer, The Financial Times) | 3 episodes - watch part 1 

 (founder, Max's Sandwich Shop) | 4 episodes - watch part 1 

Complete guides to the world's greatest wine regions: 

 Wine basics → Tasting techniques → Selection skills

 Country guides → Appellations → Producer profiles

 Expert techniques → Vintage analysis → Industry insights

Learn wine from experts with 80+ guides covering regions, varieties, tasting, and pairing. From beginner basics to sommelier-level knowledge.

Wine Education Blog: Expert Guides & Tasting Tips | Ourglass

Blog | stories, taste, perspective

Taste is the only sense that demands ingestion. Not observation, but incorporation. Discover how your brain constructs wine flavour through evolution, culture, and memory - and why context changes everything you taste.

Discover the science behind how we taste wine. From evolutionary survival tools to memory triggers, learn why context changes flavour and how to develop your wine palate. Includes taste exercises.

How Taste Works: The Science of Wine Flavour and Memory

Michael Sager talks openly about learning wine from scratch, the power of shared knowledge, and why humility builds deeper connections.

Michael Sager reflects on his journey into wine, the joy of sharing knowledge, and why being open about learning is more powerful than posturing.

Michael Sager on Wine, Humility & Shared Discovery

Ourglass Tapes | Michael Sager on Wine & Shared Experience

In this episode, Michael Sager reflects on the influence of Noma and the value of classical wine training in shaping natural wine culture.

Michael Sager unpacks how Noma shaped global wine culture and why classical training still matters in natural wine.

Michael Sager on Noma, Natural Wine & Classical Training

Ourglass Tapes | Michael Sager on Noma & Natural Wine

Ourglass Tapes | Michael Sager on How to Taste Wine

Michael Sager breaks down how he tastes wine, what he looks for in the glass, and why memory matters more than method.

Michael Sager on Tasting Wine Like Music

In this episode, Michael Sager strips wine back to its essentials and makes the case for drinking with joy, not judgement.

Michael Sager challenges wine dogma, criticises exclusivity, and reminds us that wine is living food.

Michael Sager on Wine Snobbery & What Really Matters

Ourglass Tapes | Michael Sager on Wine Without Dogma

In this episode, Michael Sager recalls his path from bartender to sommelier, how Raj Parr shaped his view of wine, and why he never chased status.

Michael Sager shares how he got into wine, what he learned from Raj Parr, and why status is irrelevant.

Michael Sager on First Dates, Wine Careers & Raj Parr

Ourglass Tapes | Michael Sager on Wine, Mentors & Origin Stories

From centuries-old cellars beneath Charing Cross to cutting-edge natural wine haunts in Dalston railway arches, London's wine scene offers extraordinary diversity. Our comprehensive guide reveals 33 essential destinations where serious wine meets genuine hospitality, covering everything from £15 lunch spots to Michelin-starred temples of vinous worship.

Discover London's finest wine destinations from historic cellars to natural wine bars. Expert recommendations for every budget, with insider tips and hidden gems.

London's Best Wine Bars & Restaurants 2025: Expert Guide

London's Best Wine Bars and Restaurants: The Complete Guide

In Part 3 of Ourglass Tapes, Tim Hayward delves into the interplay of wine, cheese, and the shifting landscape of taste. Over a glass of oxidative Jura and aged cheese, he discusses the nuances of flavour and the importance of embracing new perspectives in wine appreciation.

Tim Hayward explores wine, cheese, and evolving taste, reflecting on how younger generations approach wine differently.


Tim Hayward on wine, cheese, and generational taste

Ourglass Tapes | Talking Taste with Tim Hayward | Part 3

In Part 2 of Ourglass Tapes with broadcaster and columnist Tim Hayward, we explore one of the most unexpected food icons: the Big Mac. Over a glass of Jura at Noble Rot, Tim lays out the engineering logic behind its success – from Maillard-seared patties to its famously unremarkable bun – and why calling it ‘just fast food’ misses the point.

Tim Hayward explains why the Big Mac might be the most perfectly engineered food ever made – function, flavour, and form in one.



Tim Hayward on the Big Mac as perfect food | Ourglass Tapes

Ourglass Tapes | Talking Taste with Tim Hayward | Part 2

Tim Hayward joins us over a bottle of Jura to reflect on hospitality, humility and why diners still set the standard for honest restaurant culture.

Tim Hayward explains why great restaurants are not exclusive. They are open, democratic and built on comfort.



Tim Hayward on Diners, Class and Real Hospitality

Ourglass Tapes | Talking Taste with Tim Hayward | Part 1

From overwhelming wine shelves to award-winning curation, discover the story behind Ourglass Wine Club and how we're transforming wine discovery one bottle at a time.

Discover how Ourglass Wine Club was born from frustration with wine shopping and grew into an award-winning service connecting would-be wine lovers and authentic wine.

Down the Rabbit Hole: A Founder's Wine Club Journey

Down the Rabbit Hole: New Adventures in Wine-Fi

The why's and what-have-you's of wine subscriptions – a guide

Discover if wine subscriptions really deliver. Learn about quality, costs, and how to find your perfect wine club match.

Guide: Are Wine Subscriptions Worth It?

Is a Wine Subscription Worth It? A No-Nonsense Guide

Skip the last-minute dash for wine gifts this Christmas. From crowd-pleasing bottles to transformative wine subscriptions, this guide helps you gift with confidence and style.

Discover why wine subscription gifts outshine one-off bottles. From lasting joy to effortless giving, find the perfect wine club gift this Christmas season.

Ultimate Wine Subscription Gift Guide for Christmas & Beyond

The ultimate guide to wine subscription gifts: Perfect for Christmas and beyond

Argentina's winemaking tradition spans over 200 years, offering a remarkable diversity of styles from a continent that encompasses nearly every possible growing climate. This comprehensive guide explores the distinctive regions, classic and emerging grape varieties, and standout producers that make Australian wine one of the world's most exciting and value-driven wine categories.

Discover Argentina's wine regions, grape varieties, and producers in this expert guide.

Argentinian Wine Guide: Regions, Varieties & Producers

The complete guide to Argentinian wine: Regions, grapes and producers

A shortish guide to help you navigate the great wine regions of Spain

A short guide to help you navigate the great wine regions of Spain.

A brief guide to the wine regions of Spain

Guide: The wine regions of Spain

A shortish guide to help you navigate the great wine regions of Austria

A short guide to help you navigate the great wine regions of Austria.

A brief guide to the wine regions of Austria

Guide: The wine regions of Austria

South Africa's winemaking tradition spans over 350 years, combining Old World elegance with New World fruit-forward character. This comprehensive guide explores the diverse regions, indigenous and international grape varieties, and standout producers that make South African wine one of the world's most exciting and value-driven wine categories.

Discover South Africa's wine regions, grape varieties, and acclaimed producers in this expert guide.

Guide: South African Wine Regions, Varieties & Producers

The complete guide to South African wine: Regions, grapes and producers

A shortish guide to help you navigate the great wine regions of Germany

A short guide to help you navigate the wine regions of Germany.

A brief guide to the wine regions of Germany

Guide: The wine regions of Germany

Australia's winemaking tradition spans over 200 years, offering a remarkable diversity of styles from a continent that encompasses nearly every possible growing climate. This comprehensive guide explores the distinctive regions, classic and emerging grape varieties, and standout producers that make Australian wine one of the world's most exciting and value-driven wine categories.

Discover Australia's wine regions, grape varieties, and producers in this expert guide.

Australian Wine Guide: Regions, Varieties & Producers

The complete guide to Australian wine: Regions, grapes and producers

Understanding Red, Rosé, and White Wines: A Guide for Every Wine Enthusiast

Understanding red, rosé, and white wines: A guide to make the most out of them

Guide: Understanding red, rosé, and white wines

Some useful guidance to discover your palate

How to discover your wine palate in 5 simple and easy steps

Guide: Five ways to discover your palate

A beginner’s guide to wine – 10 things to level up your wine game

A beginner’s guide to wine – never mind the bollocks

A beginner’s guide to wine – never mind the b*llocks

10 common grapes and how to approach them

10 most common wine grape varieties and how best to taste and understand them

10 of the most common wine grape varieties

Insight: 10 common wine grape varieties

What Makes Wine Good: Beyond Scores & Marketing

What defines a truly good wine? Beyond scores and prices, explore how farming, terroir, grapes, and craftsmanship combine to create wines of genuine quality and character.

Insight: How do you define good wine?

Some useful guidance on how to develop your wine palate in 6 simple steps

Guide – how to train your palate in 6 simple and easy steps

Guide – how to train your palate

Guide: How to train your palate

Some useful guidance on discovering great wines without breaking the bank

Guide: How to discover reliably affordable quality wines

Guide: How to discover affordable quality wines

Burgundy 2023 surprises with fresh, charming wines despite record heat. Juicy reds and vibrant whites offer drinkability over power—perfect for near-term enjoyment. A vintage of balance and pleasure!

Burgundy 2023 Report – read what the critics thought on this vintage of contrasts

Report: Burgundy 2023 – The Critics' View

Deciphering the wine label's code can be difference between deliverance or damnation

Guide: How to read and decipher wine labels and language from across the world

Guide: How to read wine labels

Insight: How to read wine labels

Some useful guidance on how to find fault with wine

Article: Five common wine flaws explained so you can avoid them

Article: Five common wine flaws explained

Insight: 5 common wine flaws explained

A guide to matching wines with today's finest television.

Discover the perfect wines to pair with popular shows like Succession, White Lotus, and Shogun. Expert recommendations from budget-friendly options to luxury bottles for every genre.

What to Drink While Watching: TV & Wine Pairing Guide

Screen Time & Wine: A Wine Streaming Companion Guide

An informal guide to navigating the social minefield that is dinner party wine.

Navigate dinner parties with confidence. From perfect pairings to foolproof crowd-pleasers, this guide ensures you bring a bottle that speaks well of you. No last-minute panic buys—just great wine.

Insight: A Guest’s Guide to Getting Dinner Party Wines Right

Expertise in wine is the same as anything else – it rewards application

Guide - How to become a wine expert in 5 simple and easy steps

Guide - How to become a wine expert

Guide: How to become a wine expert

Navigate London's best BYOB spots – maximising pleasure, minimising expense, all without pissing anyone off.

Navigate London's best BYOB spots, from hidden Thai gems to wine-focused British dining. Expert tips on corkage fees, etiquette, and perfect wine pairings for every cuisine.

The Complete Guide to BYOB Wine Restaurants in London

Guide: London's Best BYOB Restaurants – A Wine Lover's Guide

100 wine questions to take anyone from zero to hero

A fun, no-nonsense guide to wine! 100 essential questions answered—ordering tips, myths debunked, best regions, perfect pairings, and more. Sip smarter, no snobs required!

Everything You Wanted to Know About Wine (But Didn't Ask)

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Wine* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) 

Guide: Matching cuisines of the world and wine

Guide: Matching the great cuisines of the world with wine

Guide: Matching cuisines and wine

How to match wine and food like a pro – a comprehensive guide

How to match wine and food like a pro – a course by course guide from starter to sweet

Guide: Matching wine and food 

Insight: How to match wine and food

Some useful guidance on navigating a wine list like a pro

How to choose from a restaurant wine list like a booze soaked veteran

How to choose from a restaurant wine list

Insight: How to choose from a restaurant wine list

Five common and unhelpful wine myths debunked once and for all

Insight: 5 common wine myths debunked

A shortish guide to help you navigate the wine regions of USA

A short guide to help you navigate the great wine regions of USA.

A brief guide to the wine regions of USA

Guide: The wine regions of USA

In Part 4 of our series, Max Halley pits one of the UK’s great culinary icons — the full English, in sandwich form – against a bottle of La Dilettante sparkling from the Loire. It’s fizzy, orchard-fruited and razor sharp, and proves that French finesse has a place at even the most proudly British tables.

Max Halley pairs a full English fry-up sandwich with Loire sparkling wine from C&P Breton. High-acid fizz meets British comfort food.

Ourglass Tapes | Fry-Up Sandwich & Loire Fizz | Part 4

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Max Halley | Part 4

Max Halley pairs fine Burgundian Pinot and German Mosel Riesling with curry-in-a-sandwich and a generous side of irreverence.

Sandwich genius Max Halley returns to taste Burgundian Pinot and Mosel Riesling with supermarket curry and unexpected joy.

Max Halley on pairing sandwiches with wine | Ourglass Tapes

Ourglass Tapes | Talking Taste with Max Halley | Part 2

In Part 3 of Ourglass Tapes, sandwich legend Max Halley pushes the boundaries of pairing logic, bringing fish finger sandwiches to the table alongside a zippy South African Sauvignon Blanc by Duncan Savage and Le Vendangeur Masqué 'Caravan' NV from De Moor. What sounds like chaos delivers pure palate joy.

Max Halley matches fish finger sandwiches with Duncan Savage Sauvignon Blanc and De Moor’s Caravan in this playful, palate-expanding episode.

Max Halley on pairing fish fingers and wine | Ourglass Tapes

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Max Halley | Part 3

In Part 7 of Ourglass Tapes, Amelia Singer pours Once & Future Zinfandel and pairs it with cured meats including chorizo, lomo, prosciutto and salami.

In Part 7, Amelia Singer pours Once & Future Zinfandel and pairs it with chorizo, lomo, prosciutto and salami.

Ourglass Tapes: Amelia Singer on Old Vine Zin & Charcuterie

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Amelia Singer | Part 7

In Part 5 of Ourglass Tapes, Amelia Singer pours Bandol Rosé from Domaine Tempier and pairs it with olive tapenade.

In Part 5, Amelia Singer pours Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé and pairs it with olive tapenade.

Ourglass Tapes: Amelia Singer on Bandol Rosé & Tapenade

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Amelia Singer | Part 5

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Amelia Singer | Part 6

In Part 6, Amelia Singer pours COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria and pairs it with bresaola and sun-dried tomato.

Ourglass Tapes: Amelia Singer on Sicilian Red & Bresaola

In Part 4 of Ourglass Tapes, Amelia Singer pairs Raúl Pérez Godello with Basque sheep cheese and Acacia honey.

In Part 4, Amelia Singer pairs Raúl Pérez’s Ultreia Godello with Basque sheep cheese and Acacia honey.

Ourglass Tapes: Amelia Singer on Godello & Spanish Cheese

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Amelia Singer | Part 4

In Part 2 of Ourglass Tapes, Amelia Singer pairs Loire fizz with Crunchy Nut Cornflakes — and somehow, it works.

Part 2 of Ourglass Tapes finds Amelia Singer pairing Loire fizz with Crunchy Nut Cornflakes — and loving it.

Ourglass Tapes: Amelia Singer on Loire Fizz & Crunchy Nut

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Amelia Singer | Part 2

In Part 3 of Ourglass Tapes, Amelia Singer pairs Chablis Premier Cru with homemade guacamole and corn chips.

In Part 3, Amelia Singer pairs Moreau-Naudet Chablis Les Forêts Premier Cru with homemade guacamole and corn chips.

Ourglass Tapes: Amelia Singer on Chablis & Guacamole

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Amelia Singer | Part 3

In Part 1 of Ourglass Tapes, sandwich maestro Max Halley shares his experience with Ourglass wines. Over a candid conversation, he delves into how Ourglass bridges the gap between familiar favourites and new discoveries, making wine approachable for all.

Max Halley discusses how Ourglass introduces both novices and enthusiasts to exceptional wines.

Max Halley discovering wine with Ourglass | Ourglass Tapes

Ourglass Tapes | Tasting Wine with Max Halley | Part 1

Ourglass Infographic | Wine Flavour Tasting Assessment Chart

Wine Education Blog: From Curious to Confident Taster

Wine education blog

Ourglass Tapes: Pros & Punters

Global Wine Regions

Learning Pathways