A new podcast connects political storytelling with wine tasting, led by former BBC journalist Abbie Bennington.
Vintage Politics combines interviews with political figures and journalists alongside discussions about wines linked to their lives and careers. The visual podcast is filmed at The Savoy and HIDE in Mayfair, while remaining fully accessible in audio.
Abbie Bennington, now a wine educator, hosts the series and draws on her reporting background to explore personal experiences behind public roles.
Guests are invited to reflect on moments from their careers through specific wines, moving from everyday choices to more expensive vintages.
The format mixes conversation with tasting, to reveal lesser-heard insights from well-known figures in politics and media.
While the setting adds a visual element, the production ensures listeners can follow the full discussion without watching.
Episode one features broadcaster and journalist Jon Sopel, who discusses his career from local radio to becoming BBC News North America Editor, and his move into podcasting.
During the episode, he recalls an experience while travelling: “You can pay $11,000 dollars in bribes, but $100 on a bottle of wine? You’re only allowed $35 for that.”
The ten-part series also includes appearances from Anna Foster, Nick Robinson, Guto Harri, Dom Joly and Jo Coburn. Each guest brings their own perspective, with conversations shaped by both political context and personal reflection.
The first three episodes are released today, 26 March, with further episodes published weekly every Thursday morning across major podcast platforms.
