Wine and Wimples: How Blue Nun sparked a Global Wine Revolution

It was the wine that took the world by storm—then became a punchline. But behind the once brown and now blue bottle’s retro reputation lies a fascinating story of global wine culture, clever marketing, and unexpected historical twists.In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles dive into the rise and fall (and maybe rise again?) of Blue Nun, the German white wine that introduced millions to the joys of wine drinking. From Hollywood stars and rock legends to aspiring dinner party hosts in the 1970s, Blue Nun was once the go-to drink for those looking to add a little European flair to their glass.But how did a once-respected Riesling turn into a supermarket staple? Why did British wine drinkers move from Blue Nun to bold Australian reds? And what does a Cold War spy and CIA operative have to do with its success?Expect hilarious anecdotes, surprising history, and a few shocking revelations as we uncork the past of one of the world’s most famous (and infamous) wines.Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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From the rise and fall of empires to the birth of modern diplomacy, civilization's greatest moments have been shaped by an unlikely force: what filled our glasses. 

Join award-winning author Henry Jeffreys and renowned food writer Tom Parker-Bowles as they pour through history's most intoxicating stories. From Charles Dickens's beloved punch to the royal family's legendary drinks trolley, discover how alcohol has shaped civilizations, sparked wars, and sealed peace treaties.

Each episode finds our convivial hosts uncorking a different chapter of human history through the unique lens of alcohol. Whether they're recreating Dickens's beloved punch recipes, infiltrating the closely-guarded royal wine cellars, proving that the English invented champagne or discovering how Portuguese port sparked an international alliance, Henry and Tom blend scholarly insight with irreverent wit and a shared passion for historical peculiarities.

Authoritative yet wonderfully entertaining, Intoxicating History serves up serious history with a generous measure of irreverent humour. Through revolutions and peace treaties, cultural upheavals and technological breakthroughs, your hosts reveal how the contents of the glass have steered the course of history – usually while sampling the evidence, (purely for research purposes, of course!)

Whether you're a history buff, food and drink enthusiast, or simply love a well-told tale, raise a glass with us as we explore civilization's most intoxicating moments.

Pour yourself something suitable and join us for a journey through time, one drink at a time.

New episodes served weekly.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.