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.