In this episode of Cabernet Queens, Matt Morgan and Deb Lee ditch the home setup and record live from Chung Ying in Birmingham - prawn crackers in hand, mystery bottle poured and dinner to follow.

Episode 30 is a proper celebration episode. The pair catch up on lodge holidays, surprise birthday weekends, dog dramas and a mystery bottle that neither of them saw coming. There is also a moment of genuine podcast pride as Matt reveals they are now being listened to in 58 countries - which neither of them can quite explain.

Key Takeaways

Getting out of the house changes the energy.

Recording at Chung Ying gave episode 30 a relaxed, occasion feel - wine, dipping sauces, prawn crackers and a meal waiting. Sometimes the best episodes happen when you just go somewhere.

Cabernet Queens is now listened to in 58 countries.

The top 10 includes the UK, US, France, Vietnam, Spain, Australia, UAE, Hong Kong, Ireland and Germany. Matt suspects Brazil found them by accident. They love it either way.

Deb's birthday surprise weekend involves an island and 17 people.

The whole family is in on it except Deb. There is a £700 Tesco shop being delivered to the mystery location. She is just getting in the car and falling asleep.

Getting the wine wrong is still getting it right.

The whole point of Cabernet Queens is the journey, not the result. Being miles off on the grape, country and price does not matter when the bottle is empty and the company is good.

Key Moments

"We're listened to in 58 countries. I think Brazil might have been looking for Carnival Queen."

"I was walking to the toilet with her paws on my shoulder, sidestepping like a crab."

"If it's free, I'll drink it again."

"I'll just get in the car and fall asleep. You know me so well."

About Cabernet Queens

Cabernet Queens is the podcast where great wine meets even better stories. Each episode, hosts Matt Morgan and Deb Lee uncork a mystery bottle, share travel tales and take listeners along for the ride.

Part wine show, part travel podcast, part catch-up between two brilliant friends - grab a glass and drink along.

How to Get in Touch

Follow Cabernet Queens and join the conversation:

Instagram: @cabernetqueens

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe, leave a review and share it with your fellow wine and travel enthusiasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Cabernet Queens Podcast, Matt Morgan and Deb Lee continue their relaxed, outdoor catch-up with a focus on how wine fits into everyday life - especially in the summer months. Moving away from traditional tasting expectations, the conversation explores how personal preference plays a big role in how people enjoy wine.

From chilled reds to mixing wine with soft drinks, Matt and Deb challenge the “rules” around wine drinking and highlight how experimenting can make it more accessible and enjoyable. Alongside the wine chat, the episode keeps its usual easy-going feel with personal stories, humour, and real-life conversations woven throughout.

Key Takeaways

There are no strict rules with wine

Wine doesn’t have to be enjoyed a certain way - personal preference should always come first.

Red wine can work in summer

Chilling red wine makes it a great option in warmer weather, even for those who usually switch to white or rosé.

Mixing wine isn’t off-limits

Adding mixers like lemonade or cola can create longer, lighter drinks that are perfect for social settings.

Experimentation leads to discovery

Trying new ways of drinking wine can open up new preferences and make it more enjoyable.

Wine is part of the wider experience

It’s not just about the drink itself - it’s about the setting, conversation, and people you’re with.

Key Moments

“I only drink red - even in the summer.”

\“You can chill red wine - it actually works.”

“Have you ever had it with Sprite?”

“It’s like a sangria without the fruit.”

“There are no rules with wine.”

About the Hosts

Matt Morgan is a passionate travel specialist committed to turning your dream holidays into reality. Offering expert, impartial advice and 24/7 support, Matt ensures every step of your journey is stress-free. From crafting itineraries across all continents to arranging weddings, honeymoons, cruises, and city breaks, he handles every detail, including visas and check-ins. With strong industry relationships and ATOL protection, Matt delivers personalised, worry-free travel experiences tailored to your needs.

Find out more: https://luxurytravelexperts.co.uk/

Deb Lee is the owner of Aldridge Mortgage & Protection, a family-run business focused on helping clients achieve their property goals. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Deb offers tailored advice on purchasing, refinancing, and borrowing. Based in the West Midlands but serving clients nationwide, she provides flexible support through remote or face-to-face consultations. With a client-first approach and a passion for making the mortgage process simple and stress-free, Deb ensures her clients' property dreams become reality.

Find out more: https://aldridgemp.co.uk/

See the wine they drink and keep up to date with their adventures: https://www.instagram.com/cabernetqueens/

Get in touch with Cabernet Queens with any questions: cabernetqueens@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Cabernet Queens, Matt Morgan and Deb Lee take things outdoors for the first time, recording from the garden while catching up on life, travel, and of course, wine. The episode centres around a mystery bottle brought back from Morocco by friends, adding a new twist as they explore a region not typically associated with wine.

With their usual relaxed and humorous dynamic, Matt and Deb blend light-hearted conversation with travel reflections, sharing personal updates and stories while tasting something a little different. It’s an easy, conversational episode that captures the essence of the podcast - great wine, great company, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Key Takeaways

A change of setting brings a fresh dynamic:

Recording outdoors adds a new, relaxed feel to the episode, making the conversation even more natural and free-flowing.

Wine can come from unexpected places:

Exploring a Moroccan wine highlights how great bottles aren’t limited to traditional regions.

Travel and wine go hand in hand:

The story behind the bottle adds depth, showing how experiences and memories are often tied to what we drink.

Friendship drives the podcast’s energy:

The natural chemistry between Matt and Deb keeps the episode engaging, relatable, and entertaining.

Best Moments

“We’re in the garden recording - this is a first.”

“I’ve missed your face.”

“They brought back a bottle from Morocco…”

“Grab a glass, get comfy and drink along.”

About the Hosts

Matt Morgan is a travel specialist dedicated to creating personalised, stress-free holiday experiences, from luxury escapes to weddings and honeymoons.

https://luxurytravelexperts.co.uk/

Deb Lee is the owner of Aldridge Mortgage & Protection, helping clients navigate the mortgage process with confidence through tailored, client-first advice.

https://aldridgemp.co.uk/

Get Involved

See the wine they drink and keep up to date with their adventures:

https://www.instagram.com/cabernetqueens/

Get in touch with Cabernet Queens:

cabernetqueens@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part of the one-year anniversary episode of the Cabernet Queens Podcast, Matt Morgan and Deb Lee are joined again by their partners Tan and PJ for a continuation of their honest, unfiltered conversation.

This episode leans into relationships - from early dating experiences and red flags to long-term dynamics, communication and what actually makes things work. With a mix of humour and real talk, the group share personal stories and perspectives that are both entertaining and relatable.

Key Takeaways

Red flags matter early on

First impressions and early behaviours often signal deeper traits - and ignoring them can lead to bigger issues later.

Communication is everything

Open, honest conversations are key to making relationships work, especially when navigating challenges or differences.

Relationships evolve over time

What works at the start isn’t always what sustains a long-term relationship — growth and adaptation are essential.

Different perspectives add value

Hearing both sides of relationship experiences highlights how individuals approach situations differently.

Humour helps navigate challenges

Being able to laugh, even in difficult moments, plays a big role in maintaining strong relationships.

Key Moments

“We probably should’ve seen that red flag earlier.”

“That’s when you realise people don’t change - they just show you who they are.”

“Communication solves most problems - when you actually do it.”

“That definitely didn’t go how we expected.”

About the Hosts

Matt Morgan is a passionate travel specialist committed to turning your dream holidays into reality. Offering expert, impartial advice and 24/7 support, Matt ensures every step of your journey is stress-free. From crafting itineraries across all continents to arranging weddings, honeymoons, cruises, and city breaks, he handles every detail, including visas and check-ins. With strong industry relationships and ATOL protection, Matt delivers personalised, worry-free travel experiences tailored to your needs.

Find out more: https://luxurytravelexperts.co.uk/

Deb Lee is the owner of Aldridge Mortgage & Protection, a family-run business focused on helping clients achieve their property goals. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Deb offers tailored advice on purchasing, refinancing, and borrowing. Based in the West Midlands but serving clients nationwide, she provides flexible support through remote or face-to-face consultations. With a client-first approach and a passion for making the mortgage process simple and stress-free, Deb ensures her clients' property dreams become reality.

Find out more: https://aldridgemp.co.uk/

See the wine they drink and keep up to date with their adventures: https://www.instagram.com/cabernetqueens/

Get in touch with Cabernet Queens with any questions: cabernetqueens@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this anniversary episode of the Cabernet Queens Podcast, hosts Matt Morgan and Deb Lee celebrate one year of the podcast with their partners, Tan and PJ, joining them for a special extended birthday edition. Recorded at Matt’s house while his kitchen renovation is underway, the episode is packed with laughter, chaos, stories from the past year, and of course a mystery wine tasting.

Key Takeaways

A year of friendship, wine and laughter:

This special episode marks 12 months of Cabernet Queens, and the chemistry between Matt and Deb is as natural and entertaining as ever. The conversation reflects what makes the podcast work so well: genuine friendship, playful humour and a shared love of wine without taking any of it too seriously.

The podcast is at its best when it goes off-script:

As they look back on favourite episodes, Matt and Deb reflect on how quickly recordings fly by and how often the best moments come from completely unexpected tangents. Whether it is birthday episodes, lunches before recording, or random discussions that have nothing to do with wine, the show thrives on spontaneity.

The best stories have very little to do with wine:

Two standout stories dominate the episode: Tanya’s destruction of a malfunctioning wine gadget with a hammer after it would not stop buzzing, and Tanya and PJ accidentally winning expensive auction prizes at a charity ball. Both stories sum up the tone of the podcast perfectly: chaotic, relatable and laugh-out-loud funny.

Key Moments

“We are celebrating 12 months, our one year anniversary of the podcast.”

“I genuinely think… it’s only because we enjoy doing it.”

“It was less about the wine and more about the stories.”

“That is a lovely glass of wine.”

About the Hosts

Matt Morgan is a passionate travel specialist committed to turning your dream holidays into reality. Offering expert, impartial advice and 24/7 support, Matt ensures every step of your journey is stress-free. From crafting itineraries across all continents to arranging weddings, honeymoons, cruises, and city breaks, he handles every detail, including visas and check-ins. With strong industry relationships and ATOL protection, Matt delivers personalised, worry-free travel experiences tailored to your needs.

Find out more: https://luxurytravelexperts.co.uk/

Deb Lee is the owner of Aldridge Mortgage & Protection, a family-run business focused on helping clients achieve their property goals. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Deb offers tailored advice on purchasing, refinancing, and borrowing. Based in the West Midlands but serving clients nationwide, she provides flexible support through remote or face-to-face consultations. With a client-first approach and a passion for making the mortgage process simple and stress-free, Deb ensures her clients' property dreams become reality.

Find out more: https://aldridgemp.co.uk/

See the wine they drink and keep up to date with their adventures: https://www.instagram.com/cabernetqueens/

Get in touch with Cabernet Queens with any questions: cabernetqueens@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Cabernet Queens Podcast, hosts Matt Morgan and Deb Lee celebrate the clocks going forward and the first proper taste of spring, lighter mornings, longer evenings, and that “wine in the garden” feeling on the way. With cheese on the go and the trusty wine aerator gadget back in action, they tackle a richer, more complex mystery red that has them guessing everything from Napa to Rioja. The chat then takes a spooky turn as Deb recounts an overnight charity stay in an abandoned prison, pitch-black corridors, ghost stories, Ouija boards, and a tarot reading (plus a “mate” jumping out to scare her).

Key Takeaways

Spring energy = better moods (and better wine moments)

Matt and Deb agree the longer days lift your mood instantly, more daylight for dog walks, dinner, and that perfect early-evening glass of red.

The wine gadget is officially part of the show

The aerator/dispenser makes another appearance, with both of them convinced it genuinely improves the taste (decanter vibes, but faster).

Easter food chat: lamb debates and chocolate confessions

Deb is firmly “lamb for Easter” (with mint sauce), while Matt’s household leans away from lamb and into alternatives. They also get nostalgic about Easter eggs, mugs, and why a block of chocolate beats an overpriced egg.

Deb’s overnight prison stay: spooky setting, zero actual ghosts

Deb shares a charity overnight in an abandoned prison (locked in from 8pm–8am): dark tours, hanging stories, wandering corridors with torches, Ouija board attempts in different locations, and a jump-scare from a friend. Despite the atmosphere (and grim history), nobody experiences anything supernatural.

Tarot reading: fun, but “generic”

They discuss tarot/mediums and the idea there’s a “science” to reading people, entertaining, but not convincing enough to change their scepticism.

They toast to a full year of episodes, and reflect that the whole point is making listeners feel like they’re simply having a glass of wine with friends.

Key Moments

“It’s becoming a bit spring-like… it just boosts your mood.”

“Who needs to actually pour a bottle anymore?”

“We had a ball [during lockdown].”

“You were locked in the prison from 8pm till 8am.”

“I’d always said I would never touch a Ouija board…”

About the Hosts

Matt Morgan is a passionate travel specialist committed to turning your dream holidays into reality. Offering expert, impartial advice and 24/7 support, Matt ensures every step of your journey is stress-free. From crafting itineraries across all continents to arranging weddings, honeymoons, cruises, and city breaks, he handles every detail, including visas and check-ins. With strong industry relationships and ATOL protection, Matt delivers personalised, worry-free travel experiences tailored to your needs.

Find out more: https://luxurytravelexperts.co.uk/

Deb Lee is the owner of Aldridge Mortgage & Protection, a family-run business focused on helping clients achieve their property goals. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Deb offers tailored advice on purchasing, refinancing, and borrowing. Based in the West Midlands but serving clients nationwide, she provides flexible support through remote or face-to-face consultations. With a client-first approach and a passion for making the mortgage process simple and stress-free, Deb ensures her clients' property dreams become reality.

Find out more: https://aldridgemp.co.uk/

See the wine they drink and keep up to date with their adventures: https://www.instagram.com/cabernetqueens/

Get in touch with Cabernet Queens with any questions: cabernetqueens@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Cabernet Queens Podcast, hosts Matt Morgan and Deb Lee reunite after a little break, crack open a very drinkable mystery red (with the beloved aerator gadget making a return), and introduce a new “wine-saver” stopper designed to keep open bottles fresh, not that either of them ever needs it. Deb then shares a brilliant birthday surprise: The Traitors Live Experience in Covent Garden, where she ends up as a Traitor (despite Tan saying she didn’t want to be one), gets dramatically banished by Tan herself, and revels in the big reveal.

Key Takeaways

Gadgets are now a core character in the show

The aerator/dispenser is back (and still adored), plus Matt unveils a vacuum wine-stopper that removes air to stop wine from going off, which was quickly agreed to be a pointless but satisfying gadget for two people who rarely leave wine unfinished.

Deb’s Valentine’s tasting menu was next-level (and AI-assisted)

Deb talks through a boxed, seven-course tasting menu at home (including scallops and Beef Wellington), using AI to enlarge the instructions and even generate wine pairings for each course, complete with a Barolo for the Wellington.

Nando’s: loved… but not cheap

Matt treats himself (and Lydia) to Nando’s for Valentine’s, then realises how quickly the bill adds up. The chat spirals into sides, spice levels, and Deb’s genuinely traumatic “corn on the cob dislocated jaw” story.

The Traitors Live Experience is hilariously immersive

Deb and Tan head to Covent Garden for the live game: lanyards, round tables, “Claudia” hosting, blindfolds, missions to build the prize pot, secret Traitor selection… and proper banishments. Deb becomes a Traitor, struggles to follow some of it (part-sighted + a few drinks), then gets voted out by Tan, and loves announcing it.

A clever twist: couples can secretly pretend they don’t know each other

They realise you can book as individuals and play it like the show, including a pair of Americans who came separately and convinced everyone they were mother and son. It sparks ideas for Matt/Deb to go back and pretend to be two couples.

Key Moments

“This is Deb’s favourite gadget… which we absolutely love.”

“I put it into AI… and then I said… give me wine pairings for this menu.”

“I dislocated my jaw trying to eat [Nando’s] corn on the cob.”

“I felt the hand on my shoulder… I was a traitor.”

“I’m a traitor… I was so glad I was a traitor.”

About the Hosts

Matt Morgan is a passionate travel specialist committed to turning your dream holidays into reality. Offering expert, impartial advice and 24/7 support, Matt ensures every step of your journey is stress-free. From crafting itineraries across all continents to arranging weddings, honeymoons, cruises, and city breaks, he handles every detail, including visas and check-ins. With strong industry relationships and ATOL protection, Matt delivers personalised, worry-free travel experiences tailored to your needs.

Find out more: https://luxurytravelexperts.co.uk/

Deb Lee is the owner of Aldridge Mortgage & Protection, a family-run business focused on helping clients achieve their property goals. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Deb offers tailored advice on purchasing, refinancing, and borrowing. Based in the West Midlands but serving clients nationwide, she provides flexible support through remote or face-to-face consultations. With a client-first approach and a passion for making the mortgage process simple and stress-free, Deb ensures her clients' property dreams become reality.

Find out more: https://aldridgemp.co.uk/

See the wine they drink and keep up to date with their adventures: https://www.instagram.com/cabernetqueens/

Get in touch with Cabernet Queens with any questions: cabernetqueens@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Cabernet Queens Podcast, hosts Matt Morgan and Deb Lee catch up on the January/February work rush, share their love of lists (and why being busy makes you more disciplined), and then dive into a new gadget that almost floods the table: an electric wine aerator and dispenser. From there, the chat meanders delightfully through weekend cooking shows, “food heaven vs food hell”, curry cravings, Beef Wellington tips (including a genius pancake trick), and a quick holiday hat question about all-inclusive cocktail habits, before they finally lock in their guesses and reveal a surprise bargain bottle from Aldi.

Key Takeaways

Matt explains why January and February are peak holiday-booking months, while Deb shares how satisfying it is to help clients who think a mortgage is out of reach. Both agree: the busier you are, the more organised you become.

A new electric aerator/dispenser turns pouring into a comedy moment, rapid flow, fizzy-looking wine, and a very nearly disastrous spill. Once mastered, they’re obsessed and start talking about it like it’s wine “on tap”.

Deb’s food hell includes aubergine and corned beef, while Matt can’t stand eggs and has childhood trauma from jellied eels. Food heaven? Deb goes straight to a great curry; Matt’s is a classic Beef Wellington.

Matt shares PJ’s method for avoiding a soggy bottom: wrap the Wellington in pancakes before the pastry to soak up moisture. Deb’s mind is blown, and she immediately wants to try it.

Deb says she’d try loads of cocktails on an all-inclusive menu; Matt avoids mixing because it writes him off too quickly, though he’d happily mix wines by the glass.

Key Moments

“That is an electric wine aerator and dispenser.”

“It’s the height of laziness then.”

“Food hell… aubergine.”

“The way to get around it… he wraps it in pancakes.”

“You’re at an all-inclusive bar… try everything on the cocktail menu?”

About the Hosts

Matt Morgan is a passionate travel specialist committed to turning your dream holidays into reality. Offering expert, impartial advice and 24/7 support, Matt ensures every step of your journey is stress-free. From crafting itineraries across all continents to arranging weddings, honeymoons, cruises, and city breaks, he handles every detail, including visas and check-ins. With strong industry relationships and ATOL protection, Matt delivers personalised, worry-free travel experiences tailored to your needs.

Find out more: https://luxurytravelexperts.co.uk/

Deb Lee is the owner of Aldridge Mortgage & Protection, a family-run business focused on helping clients achieve their property goals. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Deb offers tailored advice on purchasing, refinancing, and borrowing. Based in the West Midlands but serving clients nationwide, she provides flexible support through remote or face-to-face consultations. With a client-first approach and a passion for making the mortgage process simple and stress-free, Deb ensures her clients' property dreams become reality.

Find out more: https://aldridgemp.co.uk/

See the wine they drink and keep up to date with their adventures: https://www.instagram.com/cabernetqueens/

Get in touch with Cabernet Queens with any questions: cabernetqueens@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.