Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Wine Guide with Cork & Fizz - Wine education for beginners and enthusiasts
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Virginia Wine to Burgundy Wine w/ Hanna & Michael Shaps (Part 1) | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:31:17 | |
Ep 76 What is it like to master winemaking in both the historic vineyards of Burgundy and the dynamic terroir of Virginia? That’s exactly what today's guest, Michael Shaps, has done. Shaps and his daughter, Hanna, are navigating French wine traditions and pioneering diverse varietals in Virginia. Maison Shaps is a french-american winery that currently owns four hectares in the Côte de Beaune. Founded by Michael Shaps after his studies at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune, Maison Shaps focuses on making low-intervention wines. Currently managed by Hanna Shaps, Michael's daughter, Maison Shaps produces between 25 and 30,000 bottles each year. Michael also owns a winery in Virginia where he is considered one of the key figures in the modern Virginia wine industry. In addition to Burgundy traditions and extreme climate changes in Virginia, Michael dives into his excitement around the creativity and innovation of Virginian wine. Hanna shares how she is leading the way in Burgundy with enhanced tasting experiences. So, if you are ready to learn about the intricacies of Virginia and Burgundy wine production and how Hanna and Michael Shaps are at the forefront of the winemaking industry, press play! Connect with Hannah and Michael: Burgundy Website: www.maisonshaps.com Virginia Website: https://www.virginiawineworks.com Cheese and Wine Pairing with Hanna: https://www.lactique974.com/ Episode Highlights:
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| The Light, Crisp French White Wine You’re Missing out on | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:36:20 | |
Ep 75 Ever wondered how the Melon grape from Burgundy transformed into the acclaimed Muscadet wines of Nantes? While in France, we visited Nantes! Located in the westernmost part of the Loire Valley, it is also home to the Muscadet region. Muscadet has some of the most intriguing, affordable and delectable grapes, primarily crafted from the Melon grape. I’m diving into the grape, Melon, which is known for producing high-acidity wines. We’ll discuss how this grape unexpectedly found its perfect home in Nantes and what gives it a distinctive, refreshing character. I’m also sharing my personal tasting notes from our amazing tasting experience at historic winery, Domaine Landron. So, if you are curious about Muscadet wines, their unique terroir, and the fact that these wines are just stupid good, this episode is for you! Episode Highlights:
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| Ukrainian Wine: Bold Flavors from an Unexpected Region | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:26:48 | |
Ep 66 Have you tried a Ukrainian wine? Yes Ukraine, as in the country of Ukraine, makes wine! While Ukrainian wine isn’t in the mainstream wine world yet, they have been making wine for a very long time. In today’s episode we will dive into the history of Ukrainian wine that dates back to the 8th Century BC. Despite numerous political and historical challenges and the devastating effects of the ongoing war, Ukrainian winemaking has seen an incredible revival since the recent Russian invasion. I’ll dive into the unique geographical aspects of Ukraine’s wine regions and highlight the diverse grape varieties grown in the Ukraine, including indigenous ones like Odessa Black and Telti Kuruk and so much more. So, if you are ready to broaden your wine knowledge with a region that’s making waves despite incredible challenges, and whose wines are a true testament to resilience and passion - press play and listen in! Resources: Maps: Where to buy Ukrainian wine
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| Synthetic Wine and Thrilling Stories with Jupiter’s Blood Author Steven Laine | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:39:05 | |
Ep 65 What if science could perfectly replicate a bottle of Grand Cru Burgundy, so that our grandkids' grandkids could discover exactly what a 2020 vintage tasted like? This was the idea that initially sparked today’s guest, author Stephen Laine's, latest novel, Jupiter's Blood. Steven Laine, Wine Scholar and author of 'Root Cause,' ‘Dragonvine,’ and 'Jupiter's Blood' is an award-winning restaurateur and hotelier. He's worked two harvests at Canadian wineries as a winemaker-cellarman at Mission Hill Family Estate in 2020 and Trius Winery in 2021. He's the only North American to be invited to join the Champagne Academy in France and is completing his Diploma in Wine with WSET in London. Steven dives into synthetic wine in this latest novel, making you wonder: Is it possible to replicate wine? You may be surprised by his answer during this interview! We discuss how he created Jupiter’s Blood and what made him start writing stories centered around the world of wine. He also gives us a sneak peek of his new book coming out next year: Heist Bordeaux. So, tune in as we unravel the intersection of lab-made wine, storytelling, and real-life experiences in Steven’s novels, and the remarkable stories behind his thrilling books!
Website - www.stevenlaine.com Purchase Steven’s novels - Root Cause, Dragonvine and Jupiter’s Blood -https://www.stevenlaine.com/books Episode Highlights:
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| Tips for Serving Wine: From the Temperature, to the Glass, to Decanting | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:38:46 | |
Ep 64 Summertime means lots of get-togethers with friends and family and the perfect time to serve some great bottles of wine! But, how do you properly serve wine? What temperature should wine be served at? Do I have to have special glasses to serve it in? How do I know if I should decant the wine first? As a wine expert I’ve learned a lot about serving wine and while it’s second nature to me, I know that it’s not for everyone and that is what today’s episode is all about! We are diving into what type of wine glasses to use and why I use those types of wine glasses. Why you should not be filing an entire wine glass with wine. Also: what order you should serve the wine in and how many bottles you should buy for a party. As well as, what is the best temperature to serve wine at and the basics of decanting wine. So, if you are ready to look like a wine expert at your next get-together press play and listen in! Episode Highlights:
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| Wine Aromas 101 | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:35:31 | |
Ep 63 There's something undeniably alluring about the aroma of a fine wine, isn't there? It's an experience that can transport us to various places and evoke a myriad of emotions. Before I really understood wine, I had a glass of Chardonnay and I was convinced that there was pineapple and coconut in it. And when I asked the winemaker if they had added those flavors to the wine she said “no, that’s just the way wine works.” Ever since then, I’ve been enthralled in the world of wine! And one of the things I find absolutely fascinating about wine are the wine aromas. Today, we are going to get a little bit nerdy and talk about the science behind smells and why you are smelling aromas in your wines and how they got there. We will also dive into the aroma classification system and expound on the various categories of primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas in wine, shedding light on their origins and significance in shaping the multifaceted bouquet of flavors found in wines. So, grab a glass of your favorite wine, give this episode a listen, and get ready to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of wine aromas! Episode Highlights:
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| Tips for Navigating Small Wine Shops with Desirae Ballard (Part 2) | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:24:18 | |
Ep 62 When you walk into a wine shop do you immediately feel intimidated about the selection of wines? Is wine more expensive at a small wine shop? What if you can’t find something in your budget? According to today’s guest, Desirae Ballard, if the small wine shop is doing their job right then you will absolutely find something within your budget! And the best part is that with a small wine shop you will be able to get recommendations tailored to exactly what you are looking for! In today's episode, Desirae is dispelling the misconceptions about small wine shops being too expensive, why you will see a slight price difference between a small wine shop and a big box store like Costco, and how she matches the right wine to a customer. After this episode you will be excited to visit your local small wine shop! And if you missed last week's episode go back and listen to Episode 61! It was Part 1 with Desirae where she talks about how she became the owner of the Grape Choice in Kirkland, WA, how she kept it alive during the pandemic, and how she chooses which wines to sell in her shop. Connect with Desirae Website: http://www.thegrapechoice.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrapechoice Instagram: @thegrapechoice Episode Highlights:
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| Building Community Through Wine at The Grape Choice (Part 1) | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:37:32 | |
Ep 61 From bartender and manager to wine shop owner, Desirae Ballard is on a mission to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all wine lovers at The Grape Choice in Kirkland, WA. Desirae is the owner of The Grape Choice Wine Store and Wine Bar in Kirkland, Washington. Since purchasing The Grape Choice in 2023, Desirae has taken this 40 year old wine store and made it her own! She expanded the food menu to include incredible charcuterie boards that complement the wine selection as well as increased seating and created a welcoming environment for families (plus they’re dog friendly!) Wine and dogs?! Yes please! Today, Desirae is sharing the behind the scenes of what owning a wine shop truly looks like. How did she acquire the wine shop? How does she choose what wine to sell? How did she keep her shop going during the pandemic and make changes to accommodate a new generation? She’s answering all these questions and more today! So, if you are ready to hear about Desirae’s journey, dedication, and ongoing efforts to provide a warm and inclusive space at The Grape Choice and leave us with a deep appreciation for the art of wine and the community it fosters - press play and listen in! Then be sure to tune in next week to hear the second half of our interview! Connect with Desirae Website: http://www.thegrapechoice.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrapechoice Instagram: @thegrapechoice Episode Highlights:
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| The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Wine Tasting Party at Home | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:26:17 | |
Ep 60 So, you want to host a wine tasting party at home but you have a lot of questions? And the biggest question is where do you even begin!? Plus: How many people should you invite? What kind of wine should you have and what order should you sample it in? I’m answering all of these questions and more on today’s episode! We’ll dive into how to choose a theme, how to set the scene for your party, how to select which wines you will have, how to approach the tasting process with enthusiasm and moderation, and so much more! So, if you are ready to avoid the common mistakes that I often see during a wine tasting party and you are ready to throw a fun and educational event for you and your friends, press play and listen in! Are you ready to host a wine tasting party in your home but don’t want to do it on your own? Book a Cork & Fizz tasting!
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| Santa Barbara Wine Travel Guide! | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:36:39 | |
Ep 59 Why do I love Santa Barbara wine country so much? Aside from Walla Walla, which you know I love so much, Santa Barbara is my second favorite wine region in the US. It’s not pretentious at all. It’s just a bunch of wine lovers making wine that they love that they then want to share with other people who love wine. Santa Barbara has lots of smaller amazing wineries, top notch restaurants and it’s next to the ocean so those views are ah-mazing!! This is why I’m excited to share all about Santa Barbara wine country with you today. We will dig into the travel logistics - how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, and what restaurants to visit. And of course, the best part, I’m sharing the wineries I visited and what I loved about each one! Are you ready to discover the unparalleled charm of Santa Barbara wine country? If so, press play and listen in and I guarantee at the end of this episode you will be excited to plan your trip to Santa Barbara! Resources:
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| Croatian Wine: Exploring Indigenous Grapes and Unique Flavors w/ Jennifer Kerum | 26 Jun 2024 | 01:01:25 | |
Ep 58 When we think of wine, countries like France, Italy, and Spain often come to mind as the leading producers of the world's finest vintages. Resources
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| Types of Wine Grapes: Merlot | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:34:25 | |
Ep 57 I’m back with another wine grape deep dive and this time it’s Merlot! If I’m being honest, I tend to skip right over Merlot when I see it on the menu. However, after a lot of research, I think I’ve changed my own mind about this grape! Join me as we dive into the rise and fall of the Merlot grape! We’ll get into how Merlot went from being a superstar to shunned, how it is often mistaken for Cabernet Sauvignon, its mysterious parentage, the unique characteristics of Merlot grapes, and its global prominence. We’ll discover the impact terroir has on Merlot from the clay limestone soils of Bordeaux to the mountainous regions where rocky, well-draining soil produces high-quality grapes with concentrated flavors. If you are ready to have your mind blown about this grape and have Merlot back in the spotlight, press play and let’s go! Other Grape Deep Dives
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| My Trip to France: An Overview with Travel & Planning Tips | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:31:21 | |
Ep 74 I have wanted to visit France since I first fell in love with a white Burgundy. Mr. Cork & Fizz and I planned this bucket list trip in 2020. Of course that didn’t happen and since I don’t love to fly, it kept getting pushed down the list of places to visit. My final push to get this bucket list item back on my calendar came when my Mom and Dad gifted me a basket of wonderful French goodies because they knew how much I wanted to visit France. And I’m so grateful for that push they gave me! So, today I’m sharing my experience of the French wine country. We’ll dive into how I planned our trip and if you are a spreadsheet nerd like myself, you’ll want to check out mine at the link below. We’ll discuss the best time to visit France, how to get around to the different wine regions, and two amazing places to visit in Paris for wine. And I’m sharing all about the different regions we visited, including Nantes, Lyon, Burgundy, and Jura. So, if you are ready to plan a visit to French wine country and want insider tips on planning your perfect wine adventure, press play and listen in! Resources: Ep 19 - French Wine 101 Ep 35 - French Wine 101 Part Deux - The Lesser Known Regions Ep 70 - The difference between Organic, Biodynamic, Natural and Clean Wine Hailey’s Travel Spreadsheet for France - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dlhWkCENNcqWd4XcBqAjcSI7zS_9Y7T6y0VUOcM0EHE/edit?usp=sharing Episode Highlights:
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| My Go-To Chillable Red Wines for Summer | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:27:33 | |
Ep 56 The clouds have started to break. The sun stays out longer. And the weather is getting warmer, which means that summer is finally here! And with summer here, I feel like a lot of people lean towards Rosé and White wines but there is another style of wine that you are not going to want to miss out on…and that is chillable red wines! Chillable red wines typically have higher acidity, are lighter bodied, low in tannins, plus they taste great now so no need to age them. And they are a great value! From the beloved Gamay which is often considered the OG chillable red, to Refosco, which is gaining popularity here in the US with its unique flavors, to Cinsault with its bright red fruit aromas and herbaceous spice notes. I’m sharing 6 of my favorite chillable red wines that you will for sure want to be on the lookout for this summer! So, which of these chillable red wines will you be pouring into your wine glass? I’d love to know! You can send me fan mail with the link above or send me a DM on Instagram @corkandfizz Resources Episodes Mentioned:
Blog Post: Chillable Red Wines (2 Bonus Wines) Cinsault Producers:
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| Esja Wines: A Micro Winery Crafting Wines From Their Garage | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:54:13 | |
Ep 55 When you think of a winemaker you typically think of wines being produced in a winery, right? Well Esja wines are doing things a bit differently and crafting Washington wines that are funky, fresh, and fun and doing so out of their garage! Today, I’m joined by Tanya Bjornsson, an Icelandic-American winemaker who is the owner of Esja wines, a small batch winery making wines with a light touch that result in lean, elegant, and acid driven wines. Esja sources their fruit from sustainable and organic vineyards, and has a policy of minimal intervention in the winery. Their goal is to produce fun wines that you want to open up and drink! Tanya is diving into challenges of sourcing specific grapes for her wines, her challenges of being a one-person winery and her aim to create light-bodied wines that are approachable and enjoyable for all wine lovers! So, tune in and join us as we explore Tanya’s journey into winemaking and how she crafts her distinctive wines. Want to give Esja wines a try? Head to https://www.esjawines.com/ and receive 10% off Esja wines with the code CORKFIZZ24 Connect with Tanya Website - https://www.esjawines.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/esjawines/ Episode Highlights:
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| Celebrating One Year! Your Fav Episodes, My Fav Episodes, the Future of this Podcast and more! | 29 May 2024 | 00:48:03 | |
Ep 54 It’s time to raise our wine glasses and celebrate!! The Cork & Fizz Guide to Wine Podcast is one year old!!!! This episode means so much to me and I’m reflecting on my favorite moments, challenges I’ve encountered along the way, your top 5 favorite episodes to listen to, and my top 5 favorite episodes to record. I’m giving a behind the scenes peek into what the future holds for The Cork & Fizz Guide to Wine, and don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere because the future of this podcast is incredibly bright! I have so many ideas that I can’t wait for you to hear them! Thank you so much for being a part of my community and for sharing your enthusiasm for the world of wine with me. As I continue to grow and improve I’d love to hear your feedback on what you would like to hear more about in the future. If you are ready to listen in as I reflect on what the last year has meant to me and where I see us heading in the future press play and listen in. Cheers! Your Top 5 Favorite Episodes Ep 31 Exploring Virginia Wine with Sarah And Nate Walsh Ep 1 My 4-Step Wine Tasting Method Ep 19 French Wine 101 Ep 22 Interview with Natural Wine Expert Molly Ringe Ep 37 Navigating Challenges and Crafting Boutique Wines My Top 5 Favorite Episodes Ep 5 Tips for Smelling Wine Ep 15 Producing Wine in the Rocks District Ep 20 Creating a Luxury Wine Experience Ep 47 4 Up and Coming Wine Regions Ep 8 The Story Behind Cork & Fizz Episode Highlights:
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| Greek Wine: A Hidden Gem - A Wine Region Miniseries | 22 May 2024 | 00:39:16 | |
Ep 53 Even as a wine enthusiast myself, I sometimes find myself drinking the same wines all the time. Lately it’s been a lot of California and Washington wine and while they are absolutely delicious, when Mr. Cork & Fizz suggested going wine shopping for something new, I didn't hesitate to say yes! So, it was that conversation that inspired me to dig deep into Greek wine and to share this inspiration with you, so that if you were looking for something new to try, then maybe you would be inspired to try some Greek wine as well! I’m digging into the history of Greek wine as well as 5 must try Greek wines, from the Assyrtiko which is known for its bone-dry, high-acid, and sometimes salty style to the aromatic Moschofilero - a white wine meant to be enjoyed young, with its floral aromas to the Barolo of Greece: Xinomavro! You’ll also learn about the unique kouloura technique of growing grapes to protect the vines from the powerful sea winds and the unique geographical location of Greece and how that impacts the flavors of the wine. After you listen in, I hope you are inspired to go out and try a bottle of wine from Greece! If you do, head over to instagram (@corkandfizz) and let me know what you tried and what you loved about the wine! Resources: Wine growing method kouloura https://winesofgreece.org/articles/the-santorini-kouloura/ What is an Orange Wine? https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-18 Wine Folly Map of Greece Wine Regions https://media.winefolly.com/Greek-wine-Greece-map-wine-folly.png Episode Highlights:
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| Exploring Australia's Unique Wine Varieties with Kim Chalmers of Chalmers Wine | 15 May 2024 | 00:54:10 | |
Ep 52 The Chalmers family’s wine business is nothing short of extraordinary. They place an emphasis on sustainable practices and family-owned values as well as being advocates for broadening perspectives on Australian wine. Australian wine is more than Shiraz or Sémillon. Chalmers is leading the way with their unique flavor profiles. However, those unique flavor profiles come with their challenges when it comes to growing and introducing new grape varieties and how Australian weather shapes the taste of the grapes. Today’s guest, Kim Chalmers, is a managing director of her family vine, grape and wine business in Victoria, Australia. Kim and her family work to import, promote, propagate, and sustainably grow grape varieties new to Australia. The Chalmers Family has imported more than 50 grape varieties over the past two decades, helping shape the modern face of Australian wine. So, press play and tune in to discover the intricate world of Australian wines, the passion behind the Chalmers family's vineyards, and the hurdles they faced in their pursuit of wine innovation. Connect with Kim: Website: https://www.chalmers.com.au Instagram: @chalmerswine Mother Block: https://motherblock.com.au Related Links: Exploring Australian Wine with Jane Lopes - https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-34 Legend - Australian Wine Imports - https://legendaustralia.com/ Episode Highlights:
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| Top 10 Most Common Wine Questions I’m Asked During a Wine Tasting | 08 May 2024 | 00:35:28 | |
Ep 51 As a wine educator I hold a lot of private tastings, virtually and in person, and I’ve noticed the same questions tend to pop up over and over. So, I thought it would be fun to answer the most common wine questions I’m asked because you may have some of these very same questions! Some of the questions I’m asking in this episode include: the connection between smell, taste, and memory in wine perception; how I select the bottles of wine for my tastings; the significance of wine and food pairing; and my personal favorite and least favorite wine at the moment! Ready to hear the most common questions I’m asked? If so, press play and listen in! And if I missed a question that you would love answered, send me a DM on Instagram (@corkandfizz) or send me an email (hailey@corkandfizz.com) because I’d love to answer your questions!
My 4-Step Wine Tasting Method to Build Your Wine Confidence - https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-1 Wine and Food Pairing 101: My Simple 2-Step Signature Process - https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-11 What Factors Influence the Cost of Wine? - https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-48 Episode Highlights:
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| My Favorite Picnic Wines for Spring | 01 May 2024 | 00:36:06 | |
Ep 50 As the sun starts to shine brighter and the weather warms up, there's no better way to embrace the beauty of spring than by enjoying a delightful picnic with friends and family. And what better way to elevate your outdoor gathering than by pairing it with the perfect wines? I may not be super outdoorsy but I can definitely appreciate a great picnic and today, I’m sharing 5 of my favorite wines to take on your next picnic. Blaufränkisch is an ideal pairing for intense-flavored foods such as for a BBQ and I bet you probably didn’t think about taking Champagne on your next picnic but it’s a perfect spring picnic pairing! Or maybe you need the perfect wine for your next seafood meal or for some of your favorite fried foods. What about grabbing a bottle of what I call sunshine in a bottle? Or the wine I call lemonade for adults! I mean yum! So, if you are ready to find the next perfect wine for your springtime picnic press play and listen in! And after you listen in I’d love to know which of these you tried on your next picnic! You can message me on Instagram @corkandfizz because I’d love to know what you tried! Related episodes: French Wine 101 - https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-19 All about Sparkling Wine - https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-44 Episode Highlights:
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| Behind the Scenes of the Punk Rock Side of Wine with Paul Greico, Owner of Terroir Tribeca | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:57:04 | |
Ep 49 What would you do if you were asked to leave your college and your punishment was to work in your parent’s restaurant and go to Italy for 28 days to visit wineries. Would you go? You better believe that is what today’s guest Paul Greico did and it set a chain of events into motion that would ultimately culminate in Paul becoming the founder and owner of the punk inspired wine bar, Terroir Tribeca in New York. Paul is dropping all the tea when it comes to owning a wine bar and running it in an unconventional way. How unconventional? Well, one summer he only served Riesling. Yep that’s it and since then he’s done something Riesling inspired every summer. He’s coined it “The Summer of Riesling”. Paul is going beyond just the glass of wine in this episode. In fact he thinks the whole idea of describing wine by its acidity, body, and aromatics is ridiculous because it’s so subjective! He’s diving into the emotional connections of wine, the historical significance of wine and sharing misconceptions when it comes to wine prices in restaurants.
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| What Factors Influence the Cost of Wine? | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:25:35 | |
Ep 48 Does price matter when it comes to a bottle of wine? Is a $10 bottle really that different from a $50 bottle of wine? What about a $50 bottle versus a $500 bottle? And what goes into the cost of wine anyway? I’m breaking it all down in today’s episode! From costs involved in grape production and harvesting…to the markups added by distributors, wine shops and restaurants. I’m sharing the many pieces involved that make up that final price of your favorite bottle of wine. I’m also digging into the additional elements that contribute to wine pricing. These include the impact of supply and demand, skill and experience of the winemakers, and prestige associated with different wine regions, among others! So, if you are curious what goes into the cost of your favorite bottle of wine, or you’ve wondered why wines are priced the way that they are, press play and listen in!
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| 4 Up and Coming Wine Regions You Don’t Want to Miss | 10 Apr 2024 | 00:40:52 | |
Ep 47 I’m so excited for today’s episode on 4 up and coming wine regions! And what I love most about this topic is that a listener proposed this idea! I love chatting about anything you’re interested in hearing about! Now, these regions may not necessarily be new in making wine (in fact some are quite old) but they ARE rising in popularity. Join me as we explore four regions that each have a unique story and distinctive terroir that is catapulting them into the forefront of the wine industry We will learn all about how Armenia is re-building their wine industry and producing wines that are the perfect combo of familiar and unique. Then we’ll head back to the states to talk about wine being made in none other than New Jersey. Finally we’ll discuss the amazing sparkling wines being made in England and why Elim, South Africa is being watched by the wine producing regions of the world due to its geographical location. And you’ll want to listen to the end where I mention 11 more regions that you should be watching! (Because you know I can’t stop at just 4!) So, are you ready to find a new region of wine to fall in love with? If so, press play! Don’t forget to check out Storcia Wines where you can find Armenian wines https://www.storicawines.com/ Related episodes
Embracing hybrid grapes and creating unique wines with Wisconsin winemaker Erin Rasmussen https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-10 Episode Highlights:
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| Exploring Underrated French Wine Regions & Pronunciations w/ Katie Melchior (Part 2) | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:43:13 | |
Ep 73 Are you curious about lesser known French wine regions and mastering tricky pronunciation? Today, I have Katie Melchior back on the podcast with me and she is helping us master French wine region pronunciation. Katie shares how to pronounce regions such as Champagne, Bourgogne and the tricky Languedoc-Roussillon. And how to understand letter combinations to get that French sound. She shares her top 3 regions that she feels deserves more attention, which one she considers the underdog of French wine, and where you want to get your Rosé from (and it’s not Provence). So, if you are ready to explore some lesser known French wine regions and how to pronounce those trickier French wine names then today’s episode is for you! If you haven’t listened to Episode 72, go back and listen in! In Part 1 of my interview with Katie Melchior of the French Wine Tutor, we talked about the intersection of language, culture and wine. Connect with Katie: Website: www.frenchwinetutor.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/frenchwinetutor Episode Highlights:
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| Learn About Burgundy Wine with Wine Expert, Alex Lopez | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:52:18 | |
Ep 46 Located in the heart of France is the renowned region of Burgundy. Burgundy is famed for its vineyards and diverse terroir. From Cote d’Or which is dominated by the Pinot Noir grape to the Cote de Beaune characterized by an abundance of Chardonnay, each sub region holds its own allure and unique varietals. And with such a large region it’s easy to get confused by all the Burgundy has to offer! (Even if it’s mostly only two grapes!) So, I’m so excited to have Burgundy expert Alex Lopez (@drinkswithalexlopez) on the podcast today to teach us all about this region! Alex has focused his career on wine and spirit education while keeping accessibility as key. In addition to his numerous wine certifications, he has recently completed an MBA in Wine and Spirits from the Burgundy School of Business in Dijon. Alex dives into the historical evolution of Burgundy, explains the different sub-regions, the classification system, and even touches on tips for buying wine and what to do and where to stay while visiting Burgundy. Are you ready for this deep dive into the French region of Burgundy? If so, grab a glass of your favorite French wine and listen in! Connect with Alex: Instagram - @drinkswithalexlopez Website - www.drinkswithalexlopez.com This episode of the Cork and Fizz podcast is sponsored by Repour - save 10% off your next order with code CORKANDFIZZ and the Cork Crew Virtual Wine Club - grab your free class pass at www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Episode Highlights:
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| Types of Wine Grapes: Barbera | 27 Mar 2024 | 00:22:28 | |
Ep 45 I first fell in love with this grape at my local wine shop and now it’s my go-to for pizza night since they pair so well together! I just love how approachable and fruity this grape is and the fact that you can get an amazing bottle of wine for only $15! Today, I’ll share with you the mysterious origins and scandalous past of the beloved Barbera grape in Piedmont, Italy. From fraudulent winemakers to its transformation in the 1980s, this grape is fascinating and was the catalyst for the more stringent control measures in winemaking that we see today. Learn about the vibrant flavors and food pairings that make Barbera a favorite among locals and a perfect match for your next pizza night. By the end of this episode I know that you will be excited to try Barbera when you are out shopping for your next bottle of wine! Episode Highlights:
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| All About Sparkling Wine (Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and more!) | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:40:32 | |
Ep 44 Did you know that one of my very favorite styles of wine is sparkling wine?! It’s absolutely delicious and I find the history behind sparkling wine so intriguing….especially since it started as an accident, or more accurately, a HAPPY accident! Today’s episode is essentially my Sparkling Wine 101 Tasting that you would get if you booked a private tasting with me but you are getting exclusive access to this on the podcast! I’m sharing how to open a bottle of sparkling wine (if you’ve ever tried to open one then you know there is a science to it!) To go along with my advice on the pod, you can check out my IG and TikTok @corkandfizz for video clips showing how to open a bottle of sparkling wine. Why was Sparkling Wine once called the devil’s wine? Mostly because of the destruction it caused! Intrigued yet? I’m also diving into how sparkling wine is made, what makes sparkling wine so special, the different levels of dryness to sweetness in sparkling wine, and finally: the different types of sparkling wine! Are you ready to learn all about sparkling wine? If so press play and listen in! And after you have listened, head over to my instagram @corkandfizz and let me know what sparkling wine you are excited to try! Episode Highlights:
Listen to French Wine 101 Part Deux This episode of the Cork and Fizz podcast is sponsored by Repour - save 10% off your next order with code CORKANDFIZZ and the Cork Crew Virtual Wine Club - grab your free class pass at www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass What did you think of the episode? Text me!
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| Elevating Everyday Wine with Hand-Blown Glasvin Wine Glasses with Founder David Kong | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:46:56 | |
Ep 43 Does a beautiful hand-blown wine glass make a difference when it comes to drinking wine? Are different glasses good for different kinds of wine? Or is it just all a marketing strategy? Today, I have David Kong, founder of Glasvin Stemware, with me. David is changing the game for wine and cocktail lovers everywhere! And he is giving us all the details on those questions. David dives into how a wine glass can or can not impact a wine. He’s sharing what he thinks are marketing tactics when it comes to glassware and what actually matters. David also dives into his direct to consumer business model that allows him to offer affordable wine glasses as well as his mission to responsibly source his products and why that is so important to him and his company. I know after listening to this episode that you will want one of those beautiful hand-blown wine glasses for your collection so head to https://glas.vin/ and use code CORKFIZZ for 10% off your order! This episode of the Cork and Fizz podcast is sponsored by Vochill wine chiller - save 15% off your next order with code CORKANDFIZZ and the Cork Crew Virtual Wine Club - grab your free class pass at www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Episode Highlights:
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| 4 Underrated Wine Varieties | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:22:42 | |
Ep 42 Do you find yourself drinking the same wine all the time? Even as a wine enthusiast, I’m guilty of this myself! And while I know how easy it is to gravitate towards the same wines, I’m here to help you find some fun and interesting new wines to try! Today, I’m introducing you to 4 of my favorite wines that aren’t quite as well known…but they must go on your list of new wines to try! From the spicy Grüner Veltliner and refreshing Soave to the fruity Mencia and earthy Carménère - get ready to discover amazing new flavor profiles! Find out what my go-to bottle of wine when shopping at a wine shop or while out to dinner is, how to pair these wines with food, and so much more! In a world where it is so easy to stick to the familiar, I hope you will try one of my favorite lesser known wines that I mentioned today. When you do, please send me a DM on Instagram and let me know which one you tried! This episode of the Cork and Fizz podcast is sponsored by Repour - save 10% off your next order with code CORKANDFIZZ and the Cork Crew Virtual Wine Club - grab your free class pass at www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Episode Highlights:
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| Spanish Wine 101 | 28 Feb 2024 | 00:37:58 | |
Ep 41 I love French wine…but I also REALLY love Spanish wine so I knew it was time to do a Spanish Wine 101 episode! Spain has some of the most budget friendly, age worthy wines and if you aren’t drinking Spanish wine yet you will want to by the end of this episode! Today, we are diving into the captivating world of Spanish wine. From the rolling vineyards of Rias Baixas to the rugged terrain of Priorat, we are exploring the distinctive flavors, traditions, and classifications that make Spanish wines truly exceptional. We’ll learn about Spain’s impressive grape varietals, unique labeling system, distinct characteristics of wines and the rich history and transformation of Spain's winemaking industry. So, listen in and then send me a message on Instagram, @corkandfizz and let me know what Spanish wine you are excited to try! This episode of the Cork and Fizz podcast is sponsored by Vochill wine chiller - save 15% off your next order with code CORKANDFIZZ and the Cork Crew Virtual Wine Club - grab your free class pass at www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Episode Highlights:
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| What Sets Camins 2 Dreams Apart from other Wineries? | 21 Feb 2024 | 00:50:59 | |
Ep 40 What happens when two friends who are passionate about traveling, chemistry, and wine fall in love with each other? They get married and open a winery together! Wife and wife team, Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribó, are the winemakers and founders of Camins 2 Dreams Winery in Santa Rita Hills, California. Camins 2 Dreams sources their grapes from vineyards in Santa Barbara County with a focus in Santa Rita Hills. Tara and Mireia feel that wine is made in the vineyard and want to showcase the typicity of each site where the grapes are sourced from. But, what does that mean? Camins 2 Dreams’ philosophy is to make handcrafted terroir driven wines that are fermented with natural yeast, minimum amounts of sulfur dioxide, use minimal intervention in the winery, and are unfiltered and unfined. Listen in as Tara and Mireia share how they started their winery with two barrels of wine and watched their production grow from 90 cases of wine to an impressive 1500 cases! Discover why they chose Santa Rita Hills, California as the location of their winery and how the diverse microclimate makes it an ideal location for their winemaking endeavors. They also share why they focus on experimenting with and showcasing underrepresented grape varieties and their commitment to bringing diversity to their winemaking process and so much more! So, if you are ready to hear the remarkable stories of two female winemakers and their dedication to representing underrepresented vineyards, experimenting with diverse grape varieties, and creating exceptional wines–press play and listen in! Episode Highlights:
Check out Go There Wines to try Camins 2 Dreams wines along with other wines from around the world! Connect with Mireia and Tara Website: www.camins2dreams.com Instagram: @camins2dreams What did you think of the episode? Text me!
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| Why You Must Visit Walla Walla on Your Next Wine Trip | 14 Feb 2024 | 00:44:46 | |
Ep 39 Today, I’m sharing with you one of my favorite wine regions in the entire world, Walla Walla, Washington! To me this region is like a secret little getaway. Like many of you I spend so much of my time feeling stressed out and worrying about everything that needs to get done. And every time I visit Walla Walla I feel so relaxed and chill and it’s like my worries just disappear when I am there. I want to share this amazing region with you so you can ditch Napa and visit Walla Walla on your next wine trip! One of the most special places in Walla Walla is a sub-region called The Rocks District. The wines from this region have distinct and diverse flavor profiles, think bacon fat and black pepper but also ripe fruitiness with blackberries and blueberries. And since this is one of my all time favorite places I’m diving into its history, its unique climate for growing grapes, as well as how to travel to Walla Walla, where to stay while you are there, when is the best time of year to visit, which wineries to visit, and where to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner! Walla Walla is an ideal destination for wine lovers who are seeking an immersive and authentic wine-tasting adventure so if that sounds like you: press play and get ready to plan your visit to Walla Walla! And if you would like to enjoy this amazing wine country without having to do any of the planning, come join my April 2024 Walla Walla retreat! I still have a couple spots left! Book your spot here: corkandfizz.com/2024-walla-walla-wine-retreat Or grab my entire West Coast Wine Guide here! https://corkandfizz.myflodesk.com/lqfp4htxut Related episodes: Ep 7 - So You Want to be a Winemaker with DamselCellars’ Mari Womack https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-7 Ep 20 - Creating a Luxury Wine Experience with NFL Star Sidney Rice & Entrepreneur Tim Lenihan of Dossier Wines https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-20 Ep 29 - Cork Crew Q&A with Karen MacNeil, Author of The Wine Bible https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-29 What did you think of the episode? Text me!
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| Types of Wine Grapes: Riesling | 07 Feb 2024 | 00:29:02 | |
Ep 38 My grape deep dive is back and this time it’s all about the misunderstood Riesling grape! You may already be thinking: I don’t like Riesling! Either because you think it’s too sweet or it’s too acidic. But here’s where Riesling’s unique characteristics shine…this grape can do both! It can be sweet or acidic and it’s all dependent on where it’s grown and how the winemaker chooses to make the wine! Today, we are going to take a deep dive into Riesling and dispel the myths of this grape. I’ll share the incredible diversity of this noble and distinctive white grape because it can produce wines across a wide spectrum of sweetness levels from bone dry to lusciously sweet. And by now you know that I love history, so I’ll dive into the fascinating history of Riesling and its German origins. We’ll also discover how the Blue Nun had a less than positive effect on people’s view of Riesling. I can’t wait to share the complex aromatics that set Riesling apart from other grapes. Think petrol (oh yes, gasoline), mineral notes, vibrant fruit aromas. You’ll also learn how adaptable and resilient Riesling is when it comes to the climates it’s grown in. Are you ready to dive into this versatile Riesling grape? If so press play and listen in! And if this episode has inspired you to try Riesling I’d love for you to head over to Instagram and let me know what you think! Episode Highlights:
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| How One Colorado Winery is Navigating Challenges and Crafting Boutique Wines | 31 Jan 2024 | 01:03:35 | |
Ep 37 What’s it like owning a winery in Colorado and growing grapes at 6,000 feet above sea? For Jayme and Steve it’s been fraught with surprising challenges and extravagant wins! Today I’m talking with Colorado winemakers and founders of The Storm Cellar, Jayme Henderson and Steve Steese. The Storm Cellar is a boutique winery, located in Hotchkiss, Colorado, specializing in high-quality, aromatic White and Rosé wines. They are a husband-and-wife team with a shared goal of showcasing the attributes of their unique, alpine-desert terroir, bringing the West Elks AVA into the national wine spotlight, and becoming a premier destination for an elevated Colorado wine experience. But they’ve certainly run into a couple challenges. When Jayme and Steve purchased their winery they had no way of knowing that 4 months later a Phylloxera infestation would have them replanting their vineyard. Or that two bears would invade their vineyard in 2022 and eat their grapes! But Jayme and Steve managed to turn this into a positive thing because they were able to harvest the remaining grapes early to create a sparkling wine! And of course, they also have to deal with the unique microclimate of Colorado that involves both desert and below freezing temperatures which present unique challenges all on its own! Are you ready to dive in and discover the world of winemaking with Jayme and Steve, and explore the unique characteristics of Colorado wines, their passion for blending and their vision for a thriving wine industry? And if you would like to try the unique wines from The Storm Cellar head to https://stormcellarwine.com and use the discount code STORMLOVE10 for 10% off any three or more bottles! Episode Highlights:
Connect with Jayme and Steve The Storm Cellar - https://stormcellarwine.com Instagram - @stormcellarwine Holly and Flora blog - https://hollyandflora.com/ What did you think of the episode? Text me!
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| A Unique Path into French Wine Education w/ French Wine Tutor Katie Melchior (Part 1) | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:32:08 | |
Ep 72 Who knew a road trip with influencers through the Loire Valley could ignite a passion for making French wine accessible? On this trip through the Loire Valley, Katie noted the poorly translated materials that were being used to educate the influencers. This would ultimately lead to Katie launching the French Wine Tutor! Katie Melchior, the founder of French Wine Tutor, is an American who has studied French since she was 11 years old and lived in France several times. After pursuing use of her French language in the professional world, she noticed that the wine industry had a general lack of understanding on how the French language worked. As a result, fewer people chose French wine to drink. In July of 2019, she started French Wine Tutor to help fellow Americans through her blog and instagram. The goal was to educate everyone, from U.S. consumers to sommeliers, about French wine – notably, how to pronounce all those tricky words on the bottle. Today, Katie is sharing her journey into the wine industry, where she found herself quickly learning to create wine content for social media and educating others about French wine. Katie shares invaluable insights into the art of French wine pronunciation. She notes how it’s more than just getting the names right, it’s about connection and appreciation. She also discusses the differences between how we learn about wine in America and in France. Listen in as Katie and I explore the intersections of language, culture, and wine. And don’t miss next week's episode where Katie shares practical tips on French pronunciation and insights into lesser-known wine regions. Connect with Katie: Website: www.frenchwinetutor.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/frenchwinetutor Episode Highlights:
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| 5 Simple Tips for Ordering Wine at a Restaurant | 24 Jan 2024 | 00:25:53 | |
Ep 36 Does the wine list at your favorite restaurant overwhelm you? Ordering wine at a restaurant can be an overwhelming experience, especially when faced with a lengthy wine list that’s multiple pages long and in a language that seems foreign! If you can relate then you are going to be so excited for today’s episode! I’m sharing my best tips on ordering wine at a restaurant because I know how scary it can be when you sit down to have dinner and have no idea how to choose a wine you’d like. By the end of this episode I want you to be able to confidently open a wine menu and understand how to navigate it and how to best ask for help. I’m covering everything from my 5 top tips that will help you confidently navigate the wine menu as well as how a wine list is organized, how to decide if you should order by the glass or by the bottle and how to utilize a sommelier to get the best wine choice for you. So friend, if you’ve ever looked at a wine list and been insanely overwhelmed then this episode is for you! Episode Highlights:
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| French Wine 101 Part Deux - The Lesser Known Regions | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:36:23 | |
Ep 35 I promised you a part two to my French Wine 101 episode and it’s finally here! If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go back and listen to Episode 19 - French Wine 101. There we talked about the most popular and well known regions of France - Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley, and the Rhone Valley. Today, we are going to go off the beaten path to explore six of the lesser known, but just as wonderful (or possibly even more wonderful), regions of Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Alsace, Beaujolais, Jura and Corsica! We are discussing the unique characteristics of each region, uncovering the specific grapes grown there, and talking all about the types of wine they produce. You’ll also get a peek into the diverse and historical backgrounds that have shaped the wine production in each region! Are you ready to uncork the mysteries of Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Alsace, Jura, Beaujolais, and Corsica? Grab a glass of wine and let’s sip our way through France together! Episode Highlights:
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| Exploring Australian Wine with Jane Lopes - Importer, Sommelier and Author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles | 10 Jan 2024 | 00:57:40 | |
Ep 34 Are you ready to uncork a wealth of knowledge and passion for Australian wine? In today's episode, Nashville-based sommelier, author and importer Jane Lopes takes us on a journey through the lesser known wines of Australia! Jane shares with us what sparked her interest in Australian wine and how that spark led to her and her husband importing Australian wine into the US and the formation of their import business, Legend Jane also shares her passion for education in the wine industry and how that led to her authoring the book Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles and later, the book How to Drink Australian that she co-authored with her husband Jonathan Ross. Her approach to writing these books was to weave wine education with captivating storytelling to make wine knowledge accessible and enjoyable And you won't want to miss when Jane takes us on her journey through her time working in some of the top restaurants where she would get creative in her approach to pairing wines with dishes, including unique combinations like mixing wine with sour beer or sake. She may just inspire you to elevate your dining experiences with out-of-the-box pairings!
Connect with Jane Website - https://janelopes.com/ Import Company - https://legendaustralia.com/ Buy Vignette - http://smarturl.it/VignetteBook Buy How to Drink Australian - https://howtodrinkaustralian.com/ Episode Highlights:
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| Non-Alcoholic Wines (Let's Talk About Them) | 03 Jan 2024 | 00:35:19 | |
Ep 33 Or perhaps you simply enjoy non-alcoholic wines? Whatever the reason, you may be curious about some of the most common questions regarding non-alcoholic wines such as: Are they any good? Are they really alcohol free? Is non-alcoholic wine just grape juice? Today, we are diving into the complexities of dealcoholized wine and wine alternatives. How are they different? Are they truly 100% alcohol free? Is a wine alternative really wine? I’ll also share how the alcohol is removed and what research says about drinking non alcoholic wine if you’re pregnant or living a sober lifestyle? And of course one of the most important questions you may have is - do they taste good?! I experimented with 5 non-alcoholic wines and 1 wine alternative and I’m ranking them from my least favorite to my favorite! As well as sharing what I did and did not like about each one. Whether you're participating in Dry January, pursuing a sober lifestyle, or simply intrigued by non-alcoholic wine, this episode offers valuable insights and recommendations for your non-alcoholic wine exploration. And I’d love to have you join the conversation over on Instagram! Send me a DM about your favorite non-alcoholic wine or wine alternative! Additional Resources: Bevzero Dealcoholization Videos: https://bevzero.com/services/dealcoholization/ 2022 Non-Alcoholic Wine Blog Post: https://www.corkandfizz.com/wine-blog/a-definitive-ranking-of-non-alcoholic-wine Episode Highlights:
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| Wine Faults 101 - How and Why Does Wine Go Bad? | 27 Dec 2023 | 00:24:19 | |
Ep 32 A bottle of wine can go bad before you even open! We call the things that make it go bad wine faults. Wine faults are often caused by poor storage and handling however there are other cases where damage happens to the wine through no fault of our own! It’s good to know what these wine faults are and understand what to do when you notice them. Many of us drink faulty wine and just think it’s bad wine, when that’s not the case! We are discussing common wine faults such as cork taint, reduction, oxidation, UV damage and heat damage. We will discuss what causes these wine faults, what these wine faults smell like, and how to remedy these wine faults. We’ll also dive into herbal aromas, aka smells green, and wine diamonds. These are often misunderstood as wine faults, however, they aren't! So, if you are curious about wine faults and how to identify them then this episode is for you! Grab a glass of wine, press play, and enjoy! Episode Highlights:
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| Exploring Virginia Wine w/ Sarah & Nate of Walsh Family Wine | 20 Dec 2023 | 00:55:58 | |
Ep 31 That’s exactly the phone call Sarah received from Nate, the passionate husband and wife duo behind Walsh Family Wine in Virginia! Sarah Walsh comes from a background of fine dining, fine wine sales and wine education. She manages the Northern Virginia sales team for Winebow, a wine importer and distributor and holds a diploma Wine and Spirits Education Trust, an accreditation held by only 9,000 people worldwide. In both 2014 and 2016 she was awarded Winebow’s President Award, the company’s top distinction recognizing excellence, given to only one person each year company-wide. Nate is an English major turned winemaker who’s worked at wineries in Oregon and New Zealand but is proud to be farming grapes in Virginia. Join in as Sarah and Nate share their unconventional path to starting their own winery without a business plan, the diverse geographical features of the region, the unique climate similarities to Bordeaux, and the small batch wines being produced. They also emphasize the strength of direct-to-consumer sales and the potential for Virginia to become a standout region for Cabernet Franc. And don’t miss out on how Walsh Family Wine is committed to creating innovative ways to support and collaborate with other producers in the area. Are you ready to explore everything from vineyard management to winemaking techniques and the unique characteristics of Virginia’s wine regions? If so, grab a glass of wine and press play! Episode Highlights:
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| If You Like This…Try That! Alternatives to Your Favorite Wines | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:33:30 | |
Ep 30 Does this sound familiar? You discover you like a certain style of wine and from that point on you look for that wine at the store or when you go out to eat. And it’s always the same style of wine. But you can see that there are so many other options! You want to try something new but how do you know if you’ll like it? Maybe it’s just safer to stick with what you like because you know you like it. Believe it or not, this used to be me! My go-to was Sauvignon Blanc and that was all I drank. That is until I became interested in wine. And it was then that I found so many delicious varieties and now I want to help you discover your new favorite wine! In this episode I’m going to help you discover new wines based on your current favorites. I’ll be sharing two new wines to try based off of the six most popular wine varieties. For white wine we will talk about alternatives to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. And for the red wines we will talk about alternatives for Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These alternatives will give you a great starting point. This way you’ll know what to try when you are shopping for your next bottle of wine and you can be confident that you’ll like the wine because it’s similar to a style you already drink! After you listen to this episode I know you will be inspired to try a new wine and I hope you’ll head over to @corkandfizz on Instagram and tag me and let me know how much you love the wine you chose! Episode Highlights:
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| Cork Crew Q&A with Karen MacNeil, Author of The Wine Bible | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:34:14 | |
Ep 29 In today’s world we often take for granted the fact that we can walk into a winery and order a glass of wine or that we can join wine classes for tastings, and really learn about wine in so many different ways! But what was it like to be in the wine world back in the 1970’s? Back then the wine world was dominated by white men and it was not an easy feat for a female to be able to gain some footing in that space. That was the hurdle that today's guest Karen MacNeil faced. Karen had to forge her way into a male dominated space in order to learn about wine. And her only way into this wine space required her following a rule set by these men…and you won’t believe what it was. Since that time Karen has gone on to author The Wine Bible, won every major wine award given in the English language including the James Beard award for Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year, the Louis Roederer award for Best Consumer Wine Writing, and the International Wine and Spirits award as the Global Wine Communicator of the Year. If that isn’t impressive enough, TIME Magazine called Karen “America’s Missionary of the Vine” and she has been named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Wine.” So listen in on this Q&A held for my Cork Crew Tasting Club as Karen discusses her love for wine as a companion, its transformative nature, and the awe-inspiring mystique of wine that keeps her captivated. And if you are intrigued by what you heard in this sneak peek of the Cork Crew you can become a member by using the code WINE101 to get your first month free! Episode Highlights:
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| Answering Your Most Common Wine Questions | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:40:54 | |
Ep 28 Today’s episode is a fun one because I’m answering your most common wine questions! I recently posted a question sticker in my Instagram stories asking you to send me all of your wine related questions and boy did you deliver! It makes me really happy to answer your questions so I had so much fun with this! If you missed that question sticker on my Instagram stories I’ll be doing it again soon, so make sure you are following me here so you don’t miss it! So, what are your most common wine questions? Well, in today’s episode I took the top 16 questions I received and we are going to dig into them to help you understand wine a little bit better. Some of the questions include:
And the questions don’t stop there! Get ready to sip and learn because this episode is full of fascinating facts and tips that will elevate your wine game! And don’t forget to head to https://www.corkandfizz.com/ scroll all the way to the bottom and join my mailing list where you will also receive my free shopping guide that has 15 of my favorite wines under $15. Episode Highlights:
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| Wine Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide 2023 | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:45:02 | |
Ep 27 ‘Tis the season for giving and what better gift to give than the joy of wine? If you are looking for the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life then this episode is for you! This is my absolute favorite time of year and I have just released my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Wine Lovers! So, before you go any further go ahead and download the guide here. It’s packed full of all of my favorite wine gifts as well as several discount codes that you can only get inside the gift guide. PLUS there is a very special bonus Black Friday deal in the guide from me as well! In today’s episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite wine gifts and some unique wine gifts as well! I touch on a few of my favorite wine subscriptions such as the Master the World blind tasting kit or the Crunchy Red Fruit wine club. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my amazing virtual tasting club the Cork Crew! The Cork Crew includes several gifting options including 3, 6, or 12 month memberships or a punch card! I share some of my go-to books when it comes to wine such as the Wine Folly: The Master Guide which is a great starter book for those looking to get into wine. And my favorite cookbook - Wine Food! Next up is some of my favorite apparel from shops like The Wino Shop which offers a more sophisticated style of wine apparel and my very own Cork & Fizz Signature Clay Wine Bottle Earrings! If you struggle with stocking stuffer ideas I have several for all of the wine lovers in your life! Gifts like Repour and the WineWash as well as wine gadgets. And more unique gifts like the Wine Calendar from Elysia Myers that includes 12 art prints made by painting with wine! And if you are looking for a truly unique and unforgettable wine lover experience I also talk about my private wine tasting vouchers! What’s mentioned here is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what is inside the Wine Lover’s Gift Guide. Don’t forget: when you download the guide there are also many discount codes. Go to www.corkandfizz.com/holidaygiftguide to check it out! Episode Highlights:
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| A Guide to Lebanese Wine | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:21:25 | |
Ep 71 You’ve probably heard of old world and new world wines but have you heard about the ancient world? Lebanon is one of the lesser known winemaking regions, however, historians date Lebanese wine making back to 2700 BC with the Phoenicians! Today, we are going to explore the unique geographical and climatic nuances that make Lebanese wine so special, from its Mediterranean climate to the chalky limestone soils of the Bekkah valley. You will also learn about France’s influence on Lebanese wine and discover local grape varieties, including Merwah and Obaideh. So, if you are ready to take a journey through Lebanese wine, from its ancient origins to its more modern roots, and discover if your favorite wine may be from Lebanon, press play and listen in! Episode Highlights:
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| Embracing Diversity in the Wine World w/ Desiree Harrison-Brown | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:45:16 | |
Ep 26 You are in for a real treat today because I’m chatting with Desiree Harrison-Brown, a wine educator and influencer! After working part-time doing tastings at local grocery and liquor stores Desiree left her 9-to-5 corporate career in project management to pursue her love for wine education. It was during these tastings that customers would ask Desiree questions about wine to which she would reply “I literally do not know. You can taste it and if you like it then buy it.” But it was then that Desiree’s interest was piqued and she started researching the wines before the tastings. And that was that, she was officially bitten by the wine bug and hasn’t looked back since! Desiree went on to create WINO NOIRE, a lifestyle brand and community. She uses her platform to make wine accessible to a diverse population and highlight black and woman-owned wine brands. But Desiree didn’t stop there! She is also the owner of The Wino Shop, an online retailer of wine accessories for the modern wine lover. She’s also on her way to receiving her WSET Diploma to soak up as much as she could when it comes to her wine education. If you are ready to hear about Desiree’s inspiring journey, her dedication to diversity in the wine industry, and about her passion for wine education, then grab a glass of wine and press that play button! Be sure to check out The Wino Shop and save 15% off apparel with code CORKANDFIZZ. The code is good through 12/31/2023 Connect with Desiree The Wino Shop - https://thewinoshop.com/ Wino Noire - https://winonoire.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/winonoire/ Episode Highlights:
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| 5 Wines Every Thanksgiving Dinner Table Needs | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:33:37 | |
Ep 25 The air is crisp and Thanksgiving is on its way. You’ve planned your food menu for Thanksgiving but now the question is…what wine do you pair with it? When thinking of the perfect wine for Thanksgiving dinner, I think a lot of people reach towards big, powerful red wines. And while you can do that, you also want to think about the food that is on the table. If you have the traditional dinner of turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and potatoes like me, none of those foods are overly powerful. Thus you don’t want an overly powerful wine. It’s not like we are having steak for Thanksgiving dinner (unless of course, you are, in which case, please save me a seat so I can join you!) So, let's move beyond those big powerful red wines into something a little more delicate and balanced for a Thanksgiving dinner. Today, I’m sharing with you my 5 favorite wines for Thanksgiving dinner. We’ll start with a sparkling wine to toast with, as well as my ultimate wine pick for Thanksgiving dinner. We can’t forget dessert so stick around to the end and I’ll tell you what wine is best to pair with pumpkin pie! I’d love to hear what wine you choose to be on your Thanksgiving table! Take a picture and tag me on Instagram (@corkandfizz) so I don’t miss it! Specific bottles mentioned in this episode:
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| Cork Crew Wine Q&A w/ Texas Winemaker, Andrew Sides | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:47:54 | |
Ep 24 We are switching things up this week and doing things a little differently! Every month with the Cork Crew I host a virtual community event and in September I had the pleasure of bringing Texas winemaker, Andrew Sides of Lost Draw Cellars, into the Cork Crew for a Q&A! Wait! Texas produces wine?! Yes you read that right! Texas does produce wine and I wanted to share this conversation with you and give you an exclusive sneak peek into the Cork Crew Virtual Tasting Club! Join me as I chat with Andrew Sides of Lost Draw Cellars. After earning his civil engineering degree and working his “big boy job,” as he calls it, for a couple years, Andrew found himself being pulled back toward the passion he’d cultivated for growing grapes and making wine. Andrew believes that Texas can produce the highest quality wine, as high quality as anywhere in the world. And once you try his wines, you’ll have a hard time arguing with that. In this episode, Andrew dives into the importance that farming has in Texas winemaking as well as how the continental climate affects the growing conditions in Texas year after year. He also explains how it differs grape growing in different areas of the state from the Hill Country to the High Plains (two of Texas’ AVAs). Discover why Texas is better off growing grapes like Picpoul and Viognier over more popular varieties like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio! Gain insight on the misconceptions surrounding Texas wines. Are they flawed? Are they too sweet? Well, Andrew has all of the answers during this conversation! If you are ready to be inspired to try wines from Texas press play and listen in!
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| 5 Wine Myths You Need to Stop Believing | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:25:46 | |
Ep 23 If there is one thing I know to be true it’s that the wine world can be incredibly intimidating for beginners. And all the wine myths out there certainly don’t help! I remember it felt incredibly overwhelming to me when I first started learning about all things wine. Turns out, a lot of the things the media and marketing of big time wineries led me to believe about wine simply weren’t true. Which is why I’m going to debunk 5 of the top wine myths that you have most likely heard about! Is it really true that you should enjoy white wine straight out of the fridge? Or that you be drinking red wine at room temperature? And what about screw caps for wine? One of those pesky wine myths has us wondering about the screw cap vs cork debate and if a screw on top of a bottle of wine makes for an inferior wine. Are sulfites causing you to get headaches when drinking wine or is it something else? And what about the wine myth that all wines improve with age? Is that really true? And if a wine has great legs does that mean it’s a high quality wine? What the heck are wine legs even? If you are ready to dispel some of the top wine myths and rumors that have been perpetuated over the years press play and listen in! Episode Highlights:
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