In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast we sit down with food critic, author, former MasterChef Australia judge, and wine enthusiast Matt Preston to share his distinctive perspective on the world of wine. From the art of tasting and the magic of food pairings to the crucial role of sommeliers, Matt delves into what makes wine such a captivating experience.

He opens up about his personal journey with wine, memorable moments that shaped his palate, and the evolving landscape of global wine culture. We touch on wine pricing, value, and the joy of discovering new regions and flavours. With quickfire questions and candid reflections, this episode offers both knowledge and entertainment for wine lovers and curious listeners alike.

Connect with us:

Halliday Wine Companion

Halliday Wine Companion on Instagram

Matt Preston on Instagram

Halliday Wine Club

Buy the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

LANGTONS

LANGTONS on Instagram

 

Key Takeaways
Wine is more than a beverage — it’s an art form.
The “oh hello” moment in wine tasting is truly unforgettable.
Comparative tasting (side-by-side) enhances appreciation.
Sommeliers are storytellers who elevate every wine experience.
The right food and wine pairing transforms a meal.
The wrong wine can ruin even the best dish.



Chapters

00:00 – Introduction 
02:53 – The Art of Wine Tasting
06:08 – Matt’s Personal Journey with Wine
08:57 – Wine and Food Pairing Philosophy
11:48 – The Role of Sommeliers
14:54 – Wine Pricing and Value
17:41 – Exploring Wine Regions
20:50 – Memorable Wine Experiences
23:35 – Quickfire Questions
26:38 – Guilty Pleasures and Wine Preferences
29:21 – Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Halliday Wine Companion Podcast we sit down with food critic, author, former MasterChef Australia judge, and wine enthusiast Matt Preston to share his distinctive perspective on the world of wine. From the art of tasting and the magic of food pairings to the crucial role of sommeliers, Matt delves into what makes wine such a captivating experience.
He opens up about his personal journey with wine, memorable moments that shaped his palate, and the evolving landscape of global wine culture. We touch on wine pricing, value, and the joy of discovering new regions and flavours. With quickfire questions and candid reflections, this episode offers both knowledge and entertainment for wine lovers and curious listeners alike.
Connect with us:
<a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/">Halliday Wine Companion</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/winecompanion/">Halliday&nbsp;Wine Companion on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattscravat">Matt Preston on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://winecompanion.com.au/wine-club">Halliday Wine Club</a>
<a href="https://shop.winecompanion.com.au/products/2026-halliday-wine-companion">Buy the&nbsp;2026 Halliday Wine Companion</a>
<a href="https://www.langtons.com.au/">LANGTONS</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/langtonsfinewine/">LANGTONS on Instagram</a>
&nbsp;
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Wine is more than a beverage &mdash; it&rsquo;s an art form.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;oh hello&rdquo; moment in wine tasting is truly unforgettable.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Comparative tasting (side-by-side) enhances appreciation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sommeliers are storytellers who elevate every wine experience.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The right food and wine pairing transforms a meal.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The wrong wine can ruin even the best dish. </li>
</ul>
Chapters
00:00 &ndash; Introduction 02:53 &ndash; The Art of Wine Tasting 06:08 &ndash; Matt&rsquo;s Personal Journey with Wine 08:57 &ndash; Wine and Food Pairing Philosophy 11:48 &ndash; The Role of Sommeliers 14:54 &ndash; Wine Pricing and Value 17:41 &ndash; Exploring Wine Regions 20:50 &ndash; Memorable Wine Experiences 23:35 &ndash; Quickfire Questions 26:38 &ndash; Guilty Pleasures and Wine Preferences 29:21 &ndash; Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

 Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
&nbsp;Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Halliday Wine Companion

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.

Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts – including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more – to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.

From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.

So, pour a glass and settle in.

The Halliday Wine Companion Podcast (formerly known as By The Glass) is back with a new look, a new host, and a bunch of new and exciting guests.
Join Halliday editor Anna Webster as she sits down with industry experts &ndash; including winemakers, sommeliers, distillers, critics, retailers, and more &ndash; to chat about, unpack and explore a range of wine- and drinks-related topics.
From interviews with top producers and the stories behind your favourite bottles, to the science of cellaring, deep dives into wine regions and grape varieties, and much more, this fun and conversational podcast is essential listening for anyone who loves wine.
So, pour a glass and settle in.

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