The Buyer | Abbie Bennington on wine, politics & her Vintage Politics podcast

Tell us about Vintage Politics and what you are trying to do?

Vintage Politics brings together two worlds that often overlap but are rarely explored together politics and wine. At its heart, it’s a storytelling podcast, pairing a guest’s life and career with wines that reflect key moments along the way.

It creates space for more open, reflective conversations, moving beyond the headlines to the human side of people close to power. And, of course, it helps that there are some excellent wines along the way.

Why did you want to do this type of podcast bringing wine, politics and journalists together?

All three are rooted in storytelling. Politics is about big moments and decisions, journalism is about interpreting them, and wine carries its own history and narrative.

Bringing them together creates a different kind of conversation - less combative, more candid. As Guto Harri, former communications director to Boris Johnson, put it: “wine lubricates life.”

It certainly helps these conversations flow.

How did you decide which guests to have on the series - you have to go back into your old contacts book?

I did dip into my contacts book. Having worked with some great names in journalism, it was a natural place to start.

It wasn’t a hard sell once I mentioned good wine and beautiful settings like The Savoy or Hide, people were keen. It’s also been a great opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and friends who immediately understood the concept.

What is the format for the podcast - how does each episode unfold?

Each guest brings their midweek wine of choice something simple and familiar which gives insight into their everyday preferences. That usually goes home with them, as on the day we explore something more special.

We taste three vintage wines, each linked to a different vintage and moment in their life, which I’ve matched in advance. We’re also joined by some of London’s best sommeliers, who bring real expertise to the table.

Finally, guests are shown but sadly don’t taste (many are beyond our budget!), the wine from their birth year. Then they must guess its value from three options. So far, only one guest has got it right.

A sort of Desert island Discs but with wine rather than music?

That’s probably the closest comparison. The wines act as markers for different moments, much like music does on Desert Island Discs. Although thankfully, our guests don’t go thirsty.

Who is it aimed at?

If you’re interested in news, politics and current affairs and enjoy wine then it’s for you.

If you listen to The News Agents, The Rest Is Politics, or Wine Blast, you’ll find something here. Crucially, it works whether you know a lot about wine or very little you can come for the politics and stay for the wine, or vice versa.

How are you funding the podcast as it has very high production standards?

It is a high-production show a three-camera, filmed shoot. We’ve been fortunate to work with a very talented team, built through both old and new contacts in news and current affairs.

We’ve also had fantastic support from venues like Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay and Hide, who saw the potential early on. Alongside that, we secured private investment for the first series.

Now, as the podcast grows, we’re exploring partnerships for series two.

Tell us about your background in politics and journalism?

I started as a local reporter in Middlesbrough before getting my big break, working on the BBC Six O’Clock News and then the Ten O’Clock News.

I later became Nick Robinson’s producer when he was BBC Political Editor, which was an extraordinary period; covering major government policies at home and abroad together with a new Prime Minister taking office.

Why did you want to move away from that world and go into wine?

After my time at Millbank, I could see my career moving towards becoming a news output editor which didn’t really appeal to me.

Food and wine had always been a passion, so I took the Leiths Diploma. I even considered becoming a chef before realising I’d just be swapping one set of long hours for another. It was the WSET Level 3 at the end of the course though that really made me think seriously about wine as a career.

After that wine events and the WSET Diploma beckoned.

Vintage Politics is clearly a great way of bringing your two careers and those worlds together?

It really is. It has allowed me to combine my background in journalism with my passion for wine in a way that feels natural and creative.

Who can we expect to see on future episodes?

I won’t give too much away, but the first three guests Jon Sopel, Anna Foster and Nick Robinson launch on March 26. And keep an eye out for comedian and satirist Dom Joly shortly after.

Any other podcasts out there that have inspired you and that you like and have learnt the most from?

I love The News Agents, and if I’m feeling more serious, The Rest Is Politics and Political Currency. From a wine perspective, Wine Blast and The UK Wine Show have been great. They’re all very different, but each has something to teach in terms of engaging an audience.

Having worked in broadcast before what lessons have you learnt in order to make an effective podcast?

That storytelling is everything. Structure, pacing and tone all matter but ultimately, it’s about keeping the audience engaged.

We’ve also focused heavily on production quality, because how something looks and sounds really shapes how it’s experienced. We also use graphics for maps and some great Top Trump style card effects for the wine facts. Hopefully this helps with the look, feel and experience for viewers and listeners alike.

Looks like you are having a lot of fun along the way?

It’s hard not to when you’re talking to some of the most interesting people in politics and journalism while enjoying great wine.

And as Jon Sopel says in the first episode “what’s not to like?”

Anything else to say?

Yes—the first three episodes are available from 01:00am on March 26. Follow wherever you get your podcasts, and the filmed versions are on YouTube under Vintage Politics.

If anyone is interested in partnering with Vintage Politics, we are already looking at guests for the second series.

* You can subscribe to Vintage Politics on YouTube here.