Wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alcoholic drinks & Aussie wine upheaval

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.British wine writer Matthew Jukes should already be familiar to you, as a Drinks Adventures listener.But if you missed his brilliant masterclass on Australian shiraz cabernet blends, stop what you’re doing and go back to Season Three of the show.Matthew’s back with us to share with you his new non-alcoholic drink brand, Jukes Cordialities, which he’s recently launched into Australia.More must-listen episodes: Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 The market has been inundated with non-alcoholic wines in recent years, but Matthew says he’s yet to find one that’s drinkable, and I’d have to concur with him on that assessment.With Jukes, he set about mimicking the experience of drinking a fine wine in the form of what are essentially deluxe adult cordials designed for mixing with still or sparkling water.Matthew sent me some to try and I have to say, they are astonishingly good. I’m currently having a little break from alcohol and this is by far the best alternative I’ve found to glass of wine at the end of the day. In fact, I’ve already been out and purchased a box of Jukes 6, my favourite of the collection.They’re not cheap, but neither is a decent bottle of wine. And when Matthew explains the ingredients and craftsmanship involved the premium pricing is understandable.Located in Australia? You can purchase Jukes Cordialities online here if you’re interested in trying them for yourself.Later on in this interview, Matthew reveals the pandemic upheaval currently affecting Australian winemakers in the UK.This latest misfortune comes after the Chinese tariffs on Australian wine. The industry can’t catch a break at the moment!Wherever you are, I hope 2022 is treating you well. Welcome to Season 12 of the Drinks Adventures podcast. New episodes should be dropping every Tuesday and hopefully also Thursday some weeks too.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants