Wine is finally set to return to British TV

An “informative” new TV series centred on the world of wine will hit British screens this spring – the first show dedicated to wine to be launched in years.

The Wine Show hosts, from left: Joe Fattorini, Amelia Singer, Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys. (Photo: The Wine Show)

The Wine Show will star actors Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys, who will aim to “provide a fresh, informative and entertaining journey into wine.”

The 13-episode series will air on ITV and will feature wine pairings with dishes prepared by some of the world’s leading chefs, who will be tasked with cooking the perfect meal to accompany their favourite wine.

Chefs include Atul Kochhar, Michael Caines, Jose Pizarro, Peter Gordon, Francesco Mazzei, Brad McDonald, Clare Smyth, Dan Doherty, Elena Arzak, Niki Nakayama, Frances Atkins and Stephen Harris.

Along with this weekly segment, viewers will see Goode and Rhys travel to discover more about how wines – from everyday bottles to the world’s most famous labels – are made.

Expert wine contributors Joe Fattorini and Amelia Singer will also feature in the show.

Throughout the series there will be a special focus on Italian wine – commonly considered to be the most difficult in the world to understand due to the various regions and sub-regions, each with their own labelling and winemaking rules.

From their villa in the Italian countryside, Goode and Rhys are set a new challenge every week that sees them explore different parts of Italy to discover the country’s wines.

The Wine Show was acquired for ITV and ITV4 by Angela Jain, director of digital channels and acquisitions. Angela said: “The show is a joyful romp through wonderful landscapes, tasting great wine, enjoying fantastic food and all in the company of our charming, witty and vivacious hosts, the two Matthews. This show is for wine novices, wine drinkers and wine enthusiasts and we are thrilled to bits to have it.”

Russ Lindsay, founder and director of Infinity Creative Media, which created the show, said: “Wine has now transcended culture, class and background and is a part of the lives of millions. The Wine Show is a cultural journey across the world, which is informative, visually entertaining, humorous, engaging and surprising. We are thrilled that ITV have given us the most wonderful home for our series in the UK.”

Infinity Creative Media is also working with Amazon.co.uk to give viewers the opportunity to buy a selection of the wines featured in the series.