Vintage Politics
By Abbie Bennington
Where journalists, politicians and politicos share their stories over great wines.
Each week wine educator and former BBC political producer Abbie Bennington sits down with journalists, politicians, and politicos to uncork the wines to match defining moments of their careers.
For every story told, Abbie pairs a wine from the same vintage or a style they enjoy.
Guests also give us an insight into their lives by revealing their midweek supermarket tipple (strictly for show) and take on the ultimate challenge: guessing the current price of a wine from their birth year.
Each week wine educator and former BBC political producer Abbie Bennington sits down with journalists, politicians, and politicos to uncork the wines to match defining moments of their careers.
For every story told, Abbie pairs a wine from the same vintage or a style they enjoy.
Guests also give us an insight into their lives by revealing their midweek supermarket tipple (strictly for show) and take on the ultimate challenge: guessing the current price of a wine from their birth year.
Latest episode
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From Spin Doctor to Baroness: Ayesha Hazarika on Politics, Comedy & Power
From advising some of the biggest names in British politics to finding freedom in comedy, this week on the last Vintage Politics of the series I’m joined by Baroness Hazarika, broadcaster, comedian, former political adviser and now member of… -
Empire’s End: Lessons from Hong Kong and a Life in Power with Lord Patten
In this penultimate episode of Vintage Politics series one I’m joined by Lord Patten, the last Governor of Hong Kong, who oversaw the historic 1997 handover.We look back at that pivotal moment … -
John Pienaar: Brexit, Boris and Champagne at Dawn
A true heavyweight of political journalism joins Vintage Politics.This week, John Pienaar brings decades of reporting from the front line of politics to the podcast — with candid insights on Boris Johnson, Brexit and why i… -
Decca Aitkenhead: Sauvignon Blanc, “weird" wines and conversations with The Chancellor of the Exchequer at his Highland croft
Decca Aitkenhead, Chief Interviewer of The Sunday Times, joins Vintage Politics for a lively, free-flowing conversation over a glass or two. She shares her love of Sauvignon Blanc and is introduced to an aged white from Alsace—an experience … -
Guto Harri: His political broadcasting career, the final days of Boris in Number 10 and a passion for Rhône Reds
Guto Harri, The Savoy, ambition and fine wine collide in this week’s Vintage Politics. The former Downing Street Director of Communications, journalist and strategist spills all over a carefully chosen glass or two or three. -
Jo Coburn: From Kabul to the Commons—and a Glass of Albariño on the Side
This week on Vintage Politics, we’re joined by Jo Coburn a broadcaster whose career has taken her far beyond the Westminster studio. From reporting on a Prime Ministerial Afghanistan visit to travelling with the political press pack during t… -
Dom Joly: Politics, pranks and a love for Lebanese wine.
This week’s guest is better known for his satirical sketches and Trigger Happy TV than his love of politics. That insight would be wrong! Dom Joly is a lover of both wine and politics, which makes him the perfect guest on the show.… -
Missiles & Merlot: Anna Foster on Conflict, Resilience & Wine
Missiles in the sky, stories from the frontline—and a glass of Bekaa Valley red. Anna Foster on reporting, resilience, and wine.In this episode of Vintage Politics, broadcaster Anna Foster reflects on her time reporting fr… -
From Downing Street to the White House: Nick Robinson on Power, Presidents & the Today Programme
In this episode of Vintage Politics, veteran broadcaster Nick Robinson reflects on a career spent covering the people and moments that shape modern history—including his encounters with former US President George W. Bush.W… -
Jon Sopel: Trump, Tensions and a Taste for Fine Wine
In the very first episode of Vintage Politics, broadcaster Jon Sopel—best known for The News Agents and his time as the BBC’s North America Editor—looks back on a career spent at the heart of global power.From covering the…
