Dan Nicholl’s beloved wine platform, Dan Really Likes Wine, is making a bold leap into the world of podcasts, offering wine lovers a fresh and intimate way to engage with the fascinating stories behind the industry. The Dan Really Likes Wine podcast launches with the same easy-going yet insightful approach to wine culture that has made the original show a staple for enthusiasts.
“The inspiration came from Mike Ratcliffe, owner of Vilafonte and chair of Stellenbosch Wine Routes,” says Nicholl. “He mentioned that while he loved the show, he couldn’t always catch the full episode each week, but he’d love a podcast format to listen to while driving or at the gym. With podcasts growing significantly, and with so many wine stories to tell, launching the Dan Really Likes Wine podcast made perfect sense.”
The move is also supported by the success of The Dan Nicholl Show podcast, reinforcing Nicholl’s confidence in audio storytelling.
The podcast allows for in-depth conversations with guests, offering a level of intimacy that the visual format of the original show can’t always provide. “Sitting down with someone for 30 or 40 minutes, just the two of you, creates space for deeper storytelling,” Nicholl explains. While the weekly show thrives on visual storytelling, the podcast will allow audiences to truly get to know each guest in a relaxed, engaging format.
Expect a wide array of topics and guests – from winemakers and sommeliers to chefs and rock stars who share a passion for wine. “Dan Really Likes Wine has always been about storytelling, and that won’t change,” says Nicholl. “And some pretty special bottles will feature along the way.”
Since its inception in 2016, Dan Really Likes Wine has evolved significantly, adapting to changing audience behaviours. The brand transitioned into a live show during lockdown, expanded to twice-weekly broadcasts, and has now returned to pre-filmed production. With social media amplifying wine conversations, this podcast marks the next step in broadening the platform’s reach.
“I’ve always wanted the show to bring people into wine conversations who might not always have felt comfortable in a wine space,” says Nicholl. “The podcast will certainly be for wine lovers, but I suspect it will also surprise listeners who might not expect to enjoy a wine-focused podcast.”
From Duncan Savage’s surfing tales to conversations with the Swartland aristocracy and top chefs, the podcast promises engaging discussions beyond just the wine industry. “I’m also looking forward to talking about wine with personalities from outside the industry who I’ve got to know through The Dan Nicholl Show,” Nicholl shares.
While the podcast won’t solve major wine industry challenges overnight, it aims to amplify conversations around wine and grow appreciation for South African wine’s unique offerings. “If more people engage with wine, understand its value, and celebrate its exceptional quality, then we’ll be making a meaningful impact,” says Nicholl.
The Dan Really Likes Wine podcast will release every Thursday at 17h00 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other premium platforms.