Episode 36 - Lions, Leopards and Legs: Matt's Kruger Adventures and a Wembley Night with Harry Styles

In this episode of Cabernet Queens, Matt Morgan and Deb Lee are back together after a summer of adventures. Matt recounts his week in Kruger National Park in vivid detail - bush walks at sunrise and a giraffe encounter nobody saw coming.

Deb, meanwhile, has been to Wembley for Harry Styles, has strong opinions about the support act and is very much still on a high about it. There is also a mystery bottle, climate change, sour milk and the usual chaos. A proper Cabernet Queens episode.

Key Takeaways

The panorama route outside Kruger is non-negotiable.

Matt's first stop before heading into Kruger proper, the canyons and scenery left him genuinely speechless. For anyone planning a South Africa trip, he is emphatic - you just have to do it.

Deb found Harry Styles genuinely brilliant and would go again.

Not her usual musical territory, but an absolutely magnificent show by all accounts. Anya, their thirteen-year-old niece, had the time of her life at her first ever gig.

The one rule on a bush walk is the one you will most want to break.

Do not run. Everything in the bush will outrun you and everything will want to chase you if you do. The rangers say it every time for good reason.

This week's mystery bottle is one of the best they have had on the show.

From the first pour, both Matt and Deb agree it is just how a red wine should taste and smell. Beautifully wrapped by Jay, it goes down far too easily - and Matt gets the closest he has ever come to a perfect guess.

Key Moments

"He just put his hand up and everyone stopped. That's how it works in the bush."

"Just ignore the giraffe. I'm like - what giraffe?"

"He was just walking with such – I’m the dog's bollocks."

"I have just got that bang on. Chris Connolly, eat your heart out."

"It's not my usual listening area. But he was absolutely brilliant."

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 special episode of Cabernet Queens, Matt Morgan is thousands of miles from the usual setup - broadcasting live from Kruger Shalati, a Michelin-keyed lodge elevated over the Sabi River inside Kruger National Park, South Africa.

With Deb Lee back home and a stunning sunset over the bush, Matt is joined by Carmen, Sales Manager at Moths My Collection, and Tinashe Chirukure, resident sommelier at Kruger Shalati, for a three-wine tasting unlike anything the show has done before. Three South African bottles, all hidden in brown paper bags, a sommelier who grew up identifying fruit in his grandmother's garden in Zimbabwe, and a podcast that goes rather later into the evening than planned.

Key Takeaways

Kruger Shalati is unlike anywhere Matt has ever been on his travels.

Elevated directly over the Sabi River, with two Michelin Keys and its own sommelier, it is the kind of property that has to be seen to be believed - and Matt has promised the pictures on Instagram.

South African wine is barely represented in what reaches UK shelves.

Between tax, export logistics and the sheer exclusivity of the estates producing the best bottles, what most British wine drinkers know of South Africa is a fraction of what is actually out there.

The second wine sparks the most debate of the evening.

Both Matt and Carmen suspect Pinot Noir. Tinashe lets them go back and forth before revealing that the grape in the glass has a fascinating South African backstory rooted in a case of mistaken identity that lasted decades.

The third wine comes with one of the most famous names in South African history on the label.

An Italian cultivar, a story that neither guest sees coming, and a bottle that prompts the admission from Tinashe that the best wine is not always the most expensive one on the list.

Key Moments

"If it helps him become impartial with his sound judgement - I can do my job better with wine too."

"The wine they have in the stores is not the wine we actually have here. Don't judge us off that basis."

"Tea time, dinner time, anytime."

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 Cabernet Queens, Matt is away, so Deb is joined by her best friend Jay to relive their unforgettable girls' holiday to Crete. As they taste a mystery wine, the conversation drifts from airport Prosecco and luxury boutique hotels to sourdough starters, delayed flights and a memorable encounter with cabin crew over some rather cheeky miniature bottles of wine. Full of laughter, friendship and travel mishaps, this episode perfectly captures the spirit of Cabernet Queens, great wine, brilliant stories and plenty of laughs along the way.

Friendship Makes the Holiday: Deb and Jay reflect on why travelling with the right person makes all the difference. Their shared sense of humour, relaxed attitude and ability to laugh through every setback turned an ordinary holiday into an unforgettable one.

The Best Trips Don't Need a Busy Itinerary: Rather than filling every day with excursions, the pair embraced slow travel—relaxing by the pool, enjoying exceptional food, reading books and making the most of their boutique hotel.

Travel Doesn't Always Go to Plan: Flight delays, airport chaos and an unexpected overnight hotel stay could have ruined the trip home, but choosing to laugh instead of complain became part of the adventure.

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 catch up after Matt's tenth anniversary party and surprise vow renewal, swap stories about Deb's recent family trip to a private island in Oxfordshire and look ahead to a packed summer of travel for them both.

Between a mystery bottle that goes down rather more easily than last week's, the pair cover everything from ugly crying at weddings to malaria tablets, safari outfits and the early plotting of a spontaneous European getaway.

Key Takeaways

Matt's vow renewal was a surprise to everyone.

Kept secret for weeks, the emotional reveal at his tenth anniversary party left guests and Matt himself in tears, with the night's guitarist providing a standout musical moment.

Deb's family island getaway was the trip of the year.

A surprise organised by her daughter, the private Oxfordshire island slept 22 people across one house, complete with a games room, hot tub, pizza oven and its own boat for supply runs.

This week's mystery wine is going down far more easily than last week's.

Both Matt and Deb are enjoying it from the first sip, with neither needing to reach for the sugar pot this time around.

Matt is heading to Kruger National Park for the first time.

As his biggest selling long haul destination, he is keen to experience it firsthand so he can recommend it with confidence, alongside a Norwegian fjords cruise straight after.

A Spanish or Italian mini break is already being plotted.

A spontaneous three night wine and cheese trip is on the cards for Matt and his husband, with planning starting the moment the episode wraps.

Key Moments

"Someone come up to me and said, God, you're an ugly crier."

"You literally drive up, park your car and get in a boat to an island."

"If I was on my own, I'd have the whole bottle."

"Shall we do it? Should we do a three nighter?"

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 Cabernet Queens, Matt Morgan visits Deb Lee's freshly renovated kitchen for a full house tour, a mystery bottle that nearly gets a record low score, and a catch up before Deb jets off to Crete for a milestone birthday trip with her oldest friend.

It is a classic Cabernet Queens episode - equal parts wine chat, home envy and easy conversation, with a Nigella-worthy pantry stealing the show.

Key Takeaways

Deb's new kitchen renovation has been a long time coming.

Started at the end of March, the build took longer than planned but the result includes a walk in pantry, hidden cutlery drawer and full induction hob setup.

The mystery wine split opinion - badly.

Both Matt and Deb found it surprisingly light and a touch bitter, with Matt going as far as calling it the worst wine on the show besides the alcohol free episode.

Adding sugar genuinely improved the wine.

Inspired by a TikTok tip, Matt stirred sugar into his glass and found it noticeably better, though Deb stuck with her unsweetened glass throughout.

Old, forgotten bottles rarely age well.

Stories of wasted wine from family stashes, including a decades old bottle of champagne from the Ritz, reinforced that most everyday wine is best drunk sooner rather than later.

Deb is off to Crete for her 60th birthday trip.

She is heading away with her oldest friend Jane for four nights, including a Vegas-themed party for Matt's 10th wedding anniversary to look forward to on her return.

Key Moments

"That is the worst one we've ever had on the show, besides the alcohol free."

"I can't believe you're drinking red wine with a teaspoon of sugar in it."

"We can't have wine in the house, it's like having chocolate in the cupboard."

"It's wicked for hide and seek." - Matt, on the new pantry

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 Cabernet Queens, Matt Morgan and Deb Lee are joined once again by returning guest Andrew Downing-Booth - local estate agent, self-confessed non-wine-drinker and provider of this episode's mystery bottle.

Recorded live at Chung Ying in Birmingham with dinner waiting downstairs, episode 31 covers the unexpected hazards of the estate agency trade, the etiquette of double-barrelled surnames and a mystery bottle that turned out to be considerably better than anyone expected. Andrew also brings a story about a loft, some unexplained items and an uncle who may or may not have some explaining to do.

Key Takeaways

Estate agency is a job built on highs, lows and managing expectations.

Overvaluing a property to win the listing is one of the industry's worst habits - sellers get locked in, prices drop and nobody wins. Andrew's approach is no tie-in contracts and honest valuations from the start.

Fall-throughs are the worst part of the job - for everyone involved.

When a sale collapses, it hurts the agent just as much as the client. The phone call to deliver that news is genuinely one of the hardest things about the role.

There are sex toys in a loft in Lichfield and nobody is claiming them.

Current tenants found them during a contractor visit, confirmed they are not theirs, and want it on record. Andrew has volunteered to retrieve them before the property goes back to market. His uncle may be getting an interesting call.

Double-barrelled names come with built-in assumptions.

Andrew's name comes from his grandmother's farming family keeping the Downing name alive through marriage. He acknowledges prejudice exists. Jacob Rees-Mogg was used as the prime example of why.

Key Moments

"They're not ours. Just for the record. When we move out, they are not ours."

"You can tell people whatever they want to hear for 36 weeks and then just keep dropping the price."

"You make an assumption from the name, then how he speaks, and you just think - prick."

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

Guest this episode: Andrew Downing-Booth - Estate Agent, Lichfield

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 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.