Welcome to episode 1116, in which host Polly Hammond interviews Fergus Elias and Lee Isaac, this week on Uncorked. This week we are joined by the Maker and the Merchant -- Fergus Elias and Lee Isaacs. As head Winemaker at Hush Heath Estate in the UK, Fergus is one of the youngest head winemakers on the planet...no surprise given that he’s been working in English Sparkling Wine since he was big enough to walk. Lee, best known by many of us for his zany wit and guitar riffs, has spent over 20 years in working in wine as WSET educator, merchant, presenter, and brand ambassador. Together, they are the team behind The Maker and The Merchant podcast: themakerandthemerchant.podbean.com/ More about today’s guest: Fergus Elias As Head Winemaker at Balfour Estate, Fergus Elias is part of an exciting new generation of young winemakers graduating from Plumpton College, England’s dedicated vinicultural centre. Always looking at how to adapt and innovate, he is continuing the success of his father and creating a brilliant partnership with him. To learn more visit: Insta: www.instagram.com/fergelias/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fergus-elias-2b237b47/ Twitter: twitter.com/ferguselias Lee Isaacs Having been around wine since the age of 5, Lee joined the wine trade in 2002, passing up a place at university in the process, and has remained there ever since. He is a sold out speaker and educator and uses his knowledge to educate, entertain and inspire. He presents to diverse groups of people from consumers to winemakers and runs in the region of 100 tastings every year. To learn more visit: Insta: www.instagram.com/wineman147 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lee-isaacs-5ba42b45/ Twitter: twitter.com/WineMan147 More about the host: Polly is Founder and CEO of 5forests. She splits her time between Barcelona, Auckland, and Napa, consulting, writing, and speaking about the trends that impact today’s wine businesses. She’s an advisor to New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, host of Uncorked with the Italian Wine Podcast, cohost of the Real Business of Wine with Robert Joseph, and, occasionally, a knitter. Polly is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she earned degrees in International Relations and French. Those studies led to a deep and abiding love affair with behavioral Economics, and her wine work is based on insights into all the crazy and irrational reasons consumers engage with brands. With over 20 years’ experience in growing successful companies, Polly knows first-hand the challenges faced by independent businesses. She approaches each client experience with empathy and understanding for what it takes to adapt and thrive in the real world. To learn more visit: Twitter: @mme_hammond Instagram: @pollyhammond_ website: 5forests.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodcast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!