Corked with Marc Fennell Audiobook By Marc Fennell cover art

Corked with Marc Fennell

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Corked with Marc Fennell

By: Marc Fennell
Narrated by: Marc Fennell
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About this listen

How can you cheat… at drinking wine? It turns out you can. And when you do, a whole world of power, ego and money will unravel.

Corked is the scandalous saga in the glamorous, competitive and mysterious world of fine wines. Its topmost echelons are fiercely guarded – and harder to reach than outer space.

Join James Beard & Walkley winning journalist (and prodigious drinker of the 2nd cheapest bottle on the menu) Marc Fennell as he steps into a world he patently does not belong to (but clearly enjoys the taste of). Marc will uncork this scandal with —at first— an amusing and lighthearted touch that immerses listeners in the particularities, delights, tensions, and absurdities of this world. Travel across the world as he attempts to learn the florid language of wine, attends exclusive tastings, meets colourful wine devotees in dimly lit cellars. He even takes a gallant stab at being a sommelier himself. But as the podcast goes deeper, the story takes a darker turn, and this scandal unveils a pattern of abused power and authority.

The fallout after the cheating allegations were exposed is our small doorway into a very big story playing out in institutions across the world. Culture is shifting. The old world order is being upended. Is that a change for the better? And are the unintended consequences worth exploring?©2025 Vespucci (P)2025 Audible Australia Pty Ltd.
Editors Select Food & Wine Popular Culture Social Sciences True Crime Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing
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Editorial Review

A fine-wine scandal with a sparkling host
I used to be a bit skeptical about fine wine, until I was lucky enough to spend a week in Napa Valley with some industry elites who schooled me with their blind-tasting skills and incredible knowledge. And yet none had earned the title of Master Sommelier, a distinction so rare that your odds are better of becoming an astronaut or Olympic athlete. I never much wondered why, until James Beard Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell (It Burns, Nut Jobs) did. The ever-relatable Aussie (his go-to wine is the menu’s second-cheapest bottle) investigates a cheating scandal that marred the 2018 Master Sommelier exam, and the resulting documentary uncorks a world of closely guarded knowledge, secrets, privilege, and even ghosts. Once you sample this intriguing saga, you’re going to want to drink it all down.—Kat J., Audible Editor

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I loved it all. Nothing to not love. Best listen in a very long time

Best listen in a very long time. Well done indeed

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I had no idea this event took place and I’m so glad I clicked on this to listen to. Intrigue, scandal, and a new way to look at the bottle of wine and the world that surrounds it. Please make more of these!

It’s more than just wine…

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What spoilage to the world of food and wine! A reflection of our corrupt society in general.

The authenticity.

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I thought this was fantastic from start to finish. I recommend this as a quick listen. I had no idea about this scandal.

Great listen!

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Interesting . I had no idea there was such skull Duggery in the Somalia industry wow!

Wine world scandal

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Who knew that wine was interesting. This was short and to the point. I enjoyed.

Who knew

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Wasn’t what I expected, good quick story about the world of wine. Definitely kept me engaged.

Interesting scandal

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Bold, insightful and great storytelling. The research had depth and added value to content. The narrator grabbed your attention and his welcomed and transparent humor was greatly appreciated

Corked is Bold and Breathable !!

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...and had heard of all of this. it was told in a super engaging fashion. bravo!

I obtained the first level Master Somm

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Very much enjoyed this performance! Just when you thought you knew what would happen next…

Such an interesting topic!

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