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The Wined Up
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AN UNFILTERED & UNAPOLOGETICALLY UNPROFESSIONAL WINE JOURNEY

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Today we’re pairing the iconic Vietnamese banh mi with three very different wines in a blind wine pairing challenge with legendary chef Dan Hong. You’ve seen Dan on MasterChef, The …Streets, and at Mr. Wong, Ms G’s and El Loco — but today, we test his love of wine in the most unexpected way.

We each choose a bottle under $200 and put it to the test with a classic Vietnamese banh mi to see which wine matches best with pâté, coriander, chilli, pork and pickles. Will it be a white, sparkling, or a red wine? The result surprised all of us.

In this episode, we talk food, Burgundy, childhood snacks, Asian flavours, and Dan’s wine journey — along with his thoughts on wine and food pairing, collecting Burgundy, and why wine shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Come hang out, grab a banh mi, pour a glass, and enjoy the ride.

If you love wine pairing, Asian food, banh mi, Burgundy, Champagne, or Dan Hong, you’ll love this one.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to @TheWinedUp — and tell us in the comments: What wine would YOU pair with banh mi? 👇

Thank you to Dan Hong for taking the time to chat with us and share his love of wine and food. We had a great time and a lot of laughs.

Also try Banh Mi Bay Ngo at 49 Bankstown City Plaza, Bankstown, New South Wales 2200. It was delicious!

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

Drink More, Try More, Learn More

#banhmi #danhong #winepairing #banhmiwinepairing #asianfoodandwine #vietnamesefood #champagnepairing #pinotnoirpairing #pinotgrispairing #Burgundywine ,#winechallenge #foodandwinepairing #bestwineforasianfood #sommeliertips #foodchallenge #banhmichallenge #chefdanhong #winelovers #wineyoutubechannel #pairingwinewithfood

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & guest reveal: Chef Dan Hong
00:30 – The Wined Up Icebreaker Questions
08:46 – The Banh Mi Challenge begins 🥖
10:44 – Wine A tasting & pairing reactions
15:54 – What’s in Dan Hong’s cellar 🍷
18:00 – Learning about wine through Instagram & sommeliers
23:20 – Wine B tasting & pairing reactions
25:34 – Top 3 Asian cuisines debate (Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese 🔥)
29:19 – Dan’s guilty pleasure Macca’s order 🍔
33:10 – Best wine pairings for Asian dishes 🍜
35:36 – Wine C tasting & pairing reactions
37:21 – Banh Mi variations & Sydney’s national sandwich
40:46 – Dan’s fitness routine & health balance 💪
45:29 – Best Pho & Vietnamese food spots in Sydney
51:55 – 80s baby food & nostalgia quiz 🎶
54:45 – Wine reveal & tasting verdict
59:37 – Dan’s final message on wine & life 🍷
01:00:57 – Outro | Drink More, Try More, Learn More

ATTRIBUTION

2025, The Australian, Culinary test with a piaquant difference, The Australian 2 November 2025, http://www.theaustralian.com.au%2Farts%2Fthe-chefs-line-sets-culinary-test-with-a-piquant-difference%2Fnews-story%2Fd03782672247d8a2613c8a4d88b66cbd&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPB-Segment-1-NOSCORE&V21spcbehaviour=append

2025, ABC TV, #Shelfie with Dan Hong, ABC T, 2 November 2025, https://iview.abc.net.au/show/shelfie-with-dan-hong

2025, HBO MAX, Watch Streets with Dan Hong, HBOX MAX, 2 November 2025, https://www.hbomax.com/au/en/shows/streets-with-dan-hong/2856ca57-30e9-4378-a3db-13c93331e1ad

2011, Bribosia, J., Ms. G’s, Concrete Playground, 15 February 2011, https://concreteplayground.com/sydney/bars/ms-gs

2014, Asia Bars, Mr. Wong – contemporary Cantonese restaurant – Sydney, 11 November 2014, https://www.asia-bars.com/2014/11/mr-wong-contemporary-cantonese-restaurant-sydney/

2025, Merivale, Sand & Garden Bar, Merivale, 2 November 2025, https://merivale.com/event-planning/event-spaces/slipinn/

2025, Merivale, MuMu, Merivale, 2 November 2025, https://merivale.com/venues/mumu/

2025, Air Auctioneer, Wine with Franck Moreau, Air Auctioneer, 2 November 2025, https://airauctioneer.com/cook-bush

2018, Gibbs, K., The mentors behind some of Australia’s leading chefs, Delicious, 27 May 2018

2025, The Australian, Quiet powerbrokers of the Australian restaurant industry, The Australian, 2 November 2025

2024, Cloros, A., Master Sommelier Adrian Filiuta launches Hunters Hill Wine Room, Hospitality Magazine, 28 March 2024, https://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/master-sommelier-launches-hunters-hill-wine-room/

2022, Kawauchi, I., Toru Takamatsu, World’s Youngest Master Sommelier, is Pursuing New Heights, Dig The Tea, 20 October 2022, https://digthetea.com/en/2022/10/toru_takamatsu/

2025, Reid, C., How Dan Hong lost 10kg in 12 weeks: ‘It wasn’t easy’, Mens Health, 11 April 2025, https://menshealth.com.au/dan-hong-weight-loss-transformation/?page_data=2

2025, Tillers, S., Meet The Press: Merivale’s new late-night music bar, Vogue Australia, 12 September 2025, https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/entertaining/the-press-merivale-sydney/image-gallery/d2ca059c5bc91de1ada5c2a108352e24Show More

Banh Mi & $200 Wine Pairing Challenge with DAN HONG

Today we’re pairing the iconic Vietnamese banh mi with three very …

Curtis Family Vineyards | Roman Roots & 120Yr Old Vines

These vines aren’t just old — they’re ancient. 🍇 Some date back 120 …

These vines aren’t just old — they’re ancient. 🍇 Some date back 120 years, with roots that trace to 1471 Italy and even further back to Roman times. Today, we’re …diving into the incredible story of Curtis Family Vineyards and tasting through their lineup of McLaren Vale reds.

In this episode, we explore Curtis Family Vineyards’ unique Roman history, their migration from Italy to Australia, and how their wines reflect the McLaren Vale terroir. From Grenache Shiraz blends to the iconic Gladiator Shiraz, these wines showcase old vines, Mediterranean climate, and centuries of craftsmanship.

We’ll break down five fast facts about Curtis Family Vineyards, taste through their Small Batch Grenache Shiraz, Cavalier Cabernet Sauvignon, Ancestor Shiraz, and Gladiator Shiraz, and share our honest impressions of fruit concentration, oak integration, and balance.

If you love wine with history, story, and soul, this one’s for you. Stick around till the end to hear our favorites and why McLaren Vale reds might surprise you with their elegance and restraint.

👉 Have you tried Curtis Family Vineyards or other McLaren Vale wines? Drop your recommendations in the comments.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to @The WinedUp for more unapologetically unprofessional—but always passionate—wine adventures!

Browse and shop wines from Curtis Family Vineyards at http://www.curtisfamilyvineyards.com

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

Drink More, Try More, Learn More

Chapters:

00:00 Intro – 120-Year-Old Vines & Roman Roots
01:00 Curtis Family Story: From 1471 Italy to McLaren Vale
02:00 Five Fast Fun Facts About Curtis Family Vineyards
03:00 Roman Branding & Wine Labels Explained
04:00 McLaren Vale Terroir – Climate & Soils
05:00 Tasting #1: Small Batch Grenache Shiraz (2021)
08:00 Tasting #2: Cavalier Cabernet Sauvignon (2021)
10:30 Tasting #3: Ancestor Shiraz (2021)
13:00 Tasting #4: Gladiator Shiraz (2021)
15:30 Comparing McLaren Vale Reds vs Barossa Reds
16:20 Final Thoughts & Favorite Wines
17:10 Outro – Drink More, Try More, Learn More

#curtisfamilyvineyards #mclarenvalewine #romanwinehistory #curtisvineyardsshiraz #mclarenvaleterroir #oldvineshirazaustralia #australianwinedocumentary #curtisgladiatorshiraz #grenacheshirazblendmclarenvale #cabernetsauvignonmclarenvale #ancestorshiraz #romanrootswinestory #australianboutiquewinery #mclarenvaleredwinereview #winetastingmclarenvale #shirazvscabernetaustralia #oldvinegrenache #mediterraneanclimatewine #smallbatchaustralianwinesShow More

How to Properly Smell Wine | Science & Sommelier Techniques

Ever wondered if you’re really smelling wine the right way? 🍷 In this …

Ever wondered if you’re really smelling wine the right way? 🍷 In this video, we break down the science of how to properly smell wine—and trust me, there’s more to …it than just sticking your nose in the glass.

I’ll walk you through five key techniques used by wine professionals and backed by science. From the importance of the first sniff (yes, it’s the most powerful one you’ll take) to the debate between single vs double nostril smelling, we’ll explore it all. You’ll also learn about active vs passive inhalation, the retro-nasal method, and even how to reset your sense of smell mid-tasting.

We’ll also share tips from experts like Tim Gaiser MW, plus a few hilarious attempts at looking like wine nerds while practicing these methods. By the end, you’ll know how to smell wine like a sommelier and unlock up to 80% of wine’s flavours that come through aroma.

Whether you’re training for blind tastings, exploring fine wines, or just trying to impress at your next dinner party, this guide will help you take your wine appreciation to the next level.

👉 Try the techniques yourself and drop a comment: Are you team single nostril, double nostril, or retro-nasal?

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to @TheWinedUp for more unapologetically unprofessional—but always passionate—wine adventures!

Browse and shop wines from Curtis Family Vineyards at http://www.curtisfamilyvineyards.com

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

Drink More, Try More, Learn More

Chapters:

00:00 Intro – Do You Smell Wine the Right Way?
00:18 The Science of the First Sniff
01:00 Resetting Your Sense of Smell
01:30 Grip & Glass Positioning
02:00 Finding the Aroma Sweet Spot (45–50°)
02:30 Sniffing Styles: Gentle Sniffs vs Hoover Method
03:00 The Retro-Nasal Technique
03:43 Active vs Passive Inhalation (Nose + Mouth)
05:00 Single Nostril vs Double Nostril Debate
06:30 Blind Tasting Training Tips
07:10 Summary & Final Thoughts

#howtosmellwine #winetastingtechniques #winesmellingtips #sommelierwinetips #winearomaguide #singlevsdoublenostrilwine #howtouseretronasalwinetechnique #wineeducationvideo #scienceofwinetasting #howtoappreciatewinearoma #winesniffingtechniques #winearomatraining #timgaiser #winetips #howtoresetsenseofsmellwineShow More

Testing the Ah-So Wine Opener

Welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re putting the legendary Ah-So …

Welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re putting the legendary Ah-So Wine Opener (also known as the Cork Saver) to the test. If you’ve ever struggled with crumbling corks or …worried about pushing cork into your wine, this tool might just be your new best friend.

In this video, we’ll walk you step by step through how the Ah-So works—from sliding those famous two prongs down the side of the cork, to the twist and lift motion that keeps the cork completely intact. No holes, no crumbs, no mess.

We’ll compare the Ah-So to the traditional waiter’s corkscrew, lever openers, and even the high-end Durand wine opener, while sharing some fun facts about the Ah-So’s German origins and why collectors and sommeliers swear by it for opening older bottles of wine.

By the end, you’ll know whether the Ah-So is worth adding to your wine toolkit—and maybe even pick up a new wine pun or two along the way. 🍷

👉 Stick around for our Fast Five Fun Facts and join the conversation in the comments: Do you prefer the Ah-So, a corkscrew, or something else entirely?

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to @TheWinedUp for more unapologetically unprofessional—but always passionate—wine adventures!

Browse and shop wines from Curtis Family Vineyards at http://www.curtisfamilyvineyards.com

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

Drink More, Try More, Learn More

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & Wine Puns
00:24 First Impressions of the Ah-So Opener
01:00 Comparing Size & Portability
01:24 Key Benefit: Saving the Cork
01:44 Demo: How to Use the Ah-So Wine Opener
03:00 The Cork Comes Out Intact!
03:21 Standing vs Sitting—Ease of Use
03:37 Comparing Ah-So vs Durand Wine Opener
04:02 Fast Five Fun Facts (History & Origins)
06:09 Final Thoughts & Viewer Question

#wine #winetasting #winesnob #winereview #winelover #wineopener #ahsowineopener #corksaver #winegadgets #sommelier #wineeducation #winecollector #oldvines #redwine #winegear #winetools #wineessentials #winenerd #winefunfacts #winecommunityShow More

Mount Majura Vineyard with Jeremy Nascimben

In partnership with NSW Wine, we are putting a spotlight on NSW …

In partnership with NSW Wine, we are putting a spotlight on NSW Wineries to celebrate NSW Wine Month coming up this November 2025.

Join us on this episode of The Winded …Up as we sit down with Jeremy Nascimben, the 2024 Jimmy Watson Trophy winner and 2025 Len Evans Scholar from Mount Majura Vineyard. Discover the intricacies of winemaking, the unique terroir of the Canberra district, and the innovative approach Jeremy brings to crafting exceptional wines. From his diverse global winemaking experiences to his passion for Iberian varietals, Jeremy shares invaluable insights that’ll fascinate wine enthusiasts and novices alike. Plus, get an inside look at exciting New South Wales Wine Month events and the rich wine heritage of the region. Don’t miss this engaging exploration of wine, place, and passion.

Subscribe to @TheWinedUp and comment on your favourite wine from Mount Majura Vineyard. Let us know below! 👇

Visit http://www.nswwines.com.au to see all the events coming up in NSW Wine month this November. For more details about the big Sydney Cellar Door event on the 8th and 9th of November 2025 go to https://www.sydneycellardoor.com.

Browse and shop Mount Majura wines at https://www.mountmajura.com.au

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Wine Making
00:46 Meet Jeremy Ashen: Award-Winning Winemaker
01:26 Wine Tasting and New South Wales Wine Month
03:33 Icebreaker Questions with Jeremy
07:52 Jeremy’s Wine Journey and Career Highlights
12:44 Exploring Mount Madura Wines
16:38 The Jimmy Watson Trophy and Family Critiques
18:12 Len Evans Scholarship and Future Aspirations
21:56 Exploring Unique Wine Styles
23:12 The History of Mount Madura
25:43 Innovations and Iberian Focus
29:55 The Unique Terroir of Mount Madura
31:59 Future Prospects and New Varieties
39:22 Promoting New South Wales Wines
41:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Follow Us on Instagram (The.Wined.Up) or TikTok (@thewinedup ).

Visit our website https://www.thewinedup.com.au/ or email us at info@thewinedup.com.au.

#winemaking #MountMajura #CanberraWine #NSWWineMonth #JeremyNascimben, #JimmyWatsonTrophy #LenEvansScholar #IberianVarietals #GracianoWine #MondeuseWine #ShirazWine #ChardonnayCanberra #LimestoneVineyard #PremiumAustralianWine #WinePodcast #VineyardTour #AustralianWineRegion #WineEducation #CraftWine #VineyardStories

@‌mountmajuravineyard @wineaustralia

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About Us

The Wined Up Podcast is hosted by two Australian mates on an unfiltered, unapologetically, unprofessional wine journey. Trent is a long-term wine enthusiast inspired through by his families love of wine and trips to wineries whilst living in the UK. Jason is a more recent wine lover who wants to make wine more accessible, less complicated, and less snobby.

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