In this episode of Cabernet Queens, hosts Matt Morgan and Deb Lee return to Birmingham’s beloved wine bar, Arch 13, for another round of laughter, learning, and luscious sips. They're joined once again by Chris Connolly, owner and seasoned wine expert, who shares the fascinating history of Connolly’s, demystifies oak ageing, explains the science behind wine glasses, and gives his take on the trendy “orange wine”. All this, while the trio taste one of their most exceptional wines to date.

Key Takeaways

A Birmingham Staple: Arch 13 is more than a wine bar—it’s part of a family legacy stretching back to 1880, with deep roots in the Midlands and a modern, atmospheric space perfect for wine discovery.

From £1,000 French barrels to oak chips, Chris explains how oak ageing works, what it contributes to flavour and structure, and why winemakers often blend different ages of barrels.

Does the Glass Matter? Absolutely. Wine glass shape can change how a wine hits your palate, balancing acidity and enhancing aroma—something Austrian glassmaker Riedel has perfected.

Orange Wine Explained: Not a fad, but a traditional method of making white wine like red—fermented on skins for tannins and colour. Chris shares how it creates unique mouthfeel and food pairing opportunities.

Best Moments

“Wine glasses aren’t just for drama, they guide the wine to the right part of your mouth.” – Chris

“I like a glass that can hold a whole bottle of wine.” – Matt

“Mother’s being posh again—get the decanter out.” – Deb, quoting her son Tom

About Arch 13

Arch 13 at Connolly’s is a wine bar and retail experience showcasing unique wines, British cheese and meats and a range of small plates. Connolly’s is a family owned and run business with a heritage that dates back to the late 1800’s.

Find out more: https://arch13bar.co.uk/

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.