“A Question of Drinks” Podcast by Felicity Carter and Lulie Halstead #175
Unpacking the trends that shape what we drink
Hosted by industry insiders Lulie Halstead and Felicity Carter, A Question of Drinks is a thought-provoking podcast that delves into the fascinating factors influencing our beverage choices. Why do some drinks skyrocket in popularity while others fade into obscurity? What drives shifts in consumer preferences, from the rise of rosé to the slowdown of gin? These are the questions Lulie and Felicity explore, offering a compelling mix of data-driven insights and real-world industry expertise. Dubbed the “Freakonomics of beverages,” the podcast examines the economic, technological, and social forces shaping our drinking habits. Episodes cover a wide range of topics, from whether award-winning wines truly taste better to the global trend toward moderation in alcohol consumption. Listeners can subscribe to A Question of Drinks on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon, or sign up for the free newsletter at aquestionofdrinks.com. Questions and insights are always welcome at aquestionofdrinks@gmail.com.
Meet the Hosts
Lulie Halstead – A leading expert in consumer insights, Lulie is the founder and former CEO of Wine Intelligence, which she transformed into a global research powerhouse before its acquisition by IWSR. She now serves as a Non-Executive Board Director at IWSR and is a Trustee of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. With a deep understanding of market trends, Lulie helps brands future-proof their portfolios.
Felicity Carter – A renowned editor, journalist, and researcher, Felicity is the founder of Drinks Insider media consultancy. She previously held leadership roles as Executive Editor of The Drop/Pix and Editor-in-Chief of Meininger’s International, a trade publication read in 38 countries.
Together, Lulie and Felicity bring expert analysis, engaging storytelling, and sharp industry insights to A Question of Drinks, making it an essential listen for anyone curious about the evolving world of beverages.
Inside the First Three Episodes of A Question of Drinks
- Episode 1: The Hidden Drivers of Fashion in Wine
What makes certain wine styles soar in popularity while others vanish without a trace? This episode unpacks the surprising forces behind wine trends.
“Most people assume taste drives the market, but external factors like technology and social shifts often shape our choices,” explains Lulie. “Innovation happens first – then consumers adopt it.”
- Episode 2: The Surprising (and Sometimes Violent) History of the Gin & Tonic
From its medicinal origins to the modern craft gin explosion, this episode explores how a single legal change reshaped the drinks industry.
“This is one of those cases where a regulatory shift completely transformed the market,” says Felicity.
- Episode 3: Do Award-Winning Wines Taste Better?
The title poses a question that sparks debate. Do medals and accolades truly reflect quality?
“I expect this one to be controversial,” says Lulie.
Future episodes will tackle everything from the unstoppable rise of rosé to the enduring global love for Guinness. Stay tuned!
