ITV uncorks The Wine Show

ITV has ordered a lifestyle series The Wine Show from Infinity Creative Media, the prodco and financier that is chaired by Michael Grade.

In the series, actors Matthew Goode (Watchmen), and Matthew Rhys (The Americans) look at all aspects of wine from a Tuscan villa, looking at popular wines and famous labels.

Wine experts Joe Fattorini and Amelia Singer will join the pair, as will food expert Gizzi Erskine. In each instalment Goode and Rhys are set a wine challenge that involves them exploring Italy.

Goode said: “Matthew Rhys and I had so much fun pootling around Italy garnering more and more information on this sensational liquid.”

Rhys added:  “I’d never tasted wine before this show, my father always locked it in a cupboard marked ‘Illicit’. As a new fan of wine, I couldn’t endorse it more, it makes any situation fun. This show will help you buy better, especially for high days, holidays and Christmas.”

Angela Jain, director of digital channels and acquisitions, bought the series for terrestrial ITV and digital net ITV4.

“The show is a joyful romp through wonderful landscapes, tasting great wine, enjoying fantastic food and all in the company of our charming, witty and vivacious hosts, the two Matthews,” she said.

Sky Vision has the global rights and will sell the series internationally. Barnaby Shingleton, director of factual and entertainment at the distributor, said: “The combination of delicious wine, fabulous travel and top Hollywood talent in Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys is going to be hugely appealing to viewers across the globe.