After Wine School – Details, episodes & analysis

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After Wine School

Wine School Media

Arts

Education

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/10d. Total Eps: 44

After Wine School is where real wine education meets real-world storytelling. Hosted by winemaker Keith Wallace and professor Alana Zerbe, the show cuts through myths, marketing, and snobbery to reveal how wine actually works: historically, scientifically, culturally, and sensorially. Every episode blends sharp insight, deep knowledge, and plenty of irreverence as Keith and Alana explore everything from ancient amphorae and climate change to yeast, psychology, and modern winemaking. Pour a glass, learn something real, and understand wine the way professionals do.

Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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https://wineschool.us/hub
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0Yp1uf5zUV3n7SL5sNRmQ/videos/videos
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Score global : 53%

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Build Your Palate Part 2

Season 2 · Episode 24

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • Duration 19:17

Know Your Palate (Part 2): Sweetness vs Ripeness, Acidity, Tannins & Sensitive Tasters Keith Wallace hosts an After Wine School episode focused on "Know Your Palate" (Part 2), shifting from smell to what happens on the palate. He clarifies the difference between aromas (smelled) and flavors and taste sensations (tasted/felt), then breaks down three core palate elements: sweetness, acidity, and bitterness/tannin.

The episode explains perceived sweetness from alcohol and oak-derived baking-spice flavors versus real sugar, with a home tasting exercise using off-dry Riesling, Chablis, and high-alcohol Zinfandel/Petite Syrah. It covers how acidity underpins fruit flavors, highlights tartaric acid as unique to wine and linked to aging and microbial stability, and offers an at-home comparison of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with unoaked Chardonnay (or alternatives like Marsanne/Roussanne or Albariño).

For bitterness, it explains wine’s condensed tannins, how skin/seed contact affects tannin extraction, and suggests tasting Pinot Noir/Gamay against high-tannin wines like Aglianico or Nebbiolo.

The hosts advise students not to rely on personal “algorithms” and to build tasting skills step-by-step. They also discuss genetic tasting sensitivity (formerly “super tasters”) and an at-home PROP strip test to gauge sensitivity, especially for tannin perception, and close by promoting their Level 2 program, online options, and the Wine School USA podcast/YouTube channel.

00:00 Welcome Back: Know Your Palate (Part 2) — Taste on the Tongue

00:48 Aromas vs Flavors: Stop Confusing Smell with Taste

02:15 Sweetness 101: Sugar vs Alcohol vs “Perceived” Sweetness

04:39 At-Home Sweetness Drill: Riesling vs Chablis vs Big Zinfandel

06:32 Acidity = Fruit Flavor: The Acids Behind What You Taste

08:21 Tartaric Acid & Acid Levels: Why Wine Tastes Like Wine

10:09 Acidity Practice: Sauvignon Blanc vs Unoaked Chardonnay (and Alternatives)

11:25 Bitterness & Tannins: What That Dry, Grippy Feeling Really Is

13:05 Tannin Tasting Exercise + Don’t Invent “Wine Hacks”

15:32 Sensitive Tasters: PROP Strips and the (Very) Memorable Scale

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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Sustainability

Season 2 · Episode 22

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 25:13

Sustainability in Wine: Green Certifications vs Greenwashing (Organic, Regenerative & Biodynamic Explained) Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss what sustainability really means in wine and whether green certifications reflect genuine practices or greenwashing. They define sustainability (long-term ecosystem preservation), regenerative agriculture (restoring depleted soil and water), biodynamic farming (self-sustaining farm inputs with lunar-calendar traditions originating with Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s and later adopted in Burgundy and Champagne), and organic certification (USDA-administered, expensive, recordkeeping-heavy, and focused on avoiding synthetic pesticides/fertilizers and GMOs). They explain why “organic” labeling in the US is complicated by strict sulfite limits that can be exceeded even without additions due to fermentation, and contrast this with the EU’s focus on vineyard practices. They cover certification costs and economics (including Demeter as the main biodynamic cert and other regional programs), and note that small producers may practice near-organic methods without paying for certification. They also highlight gaps in many sustainability paradigms, including labor practices, citing a case of an Italian certified winery found using trafficked/slave labor. Practical winery and supply-chain topics include high water use (up to 10–20 gallons per bottle), dry farming, controlled irrigation using AI, satellite imaging and drones, CO2 capture and reuse/resale, and composting winery byproducts. They emphasize packaging and shipping impacts: heavy glass bottles are energy-intensive, glass recycling has declined due to loss of China as a trade partner, and alternatives like bag-in-box and cans can reduce impact; overseas shipping by boat can be more efficient than trucking, making some imports potentially lower-carbon than domestic wine depending on location. They also mention solar and wind energy at wineries, agrivoltaics (solar panels above vines), cover crops, biodiversity, and integrated pest management (beneficial insects and plantings to divert pests). Consumer takeaways include choosing lightweight bottles, supporting alternative packaging, considering certifications while remembering their cost, visiting vineyards to ask questions, and recognizing that local regional norms and peer pressure can influence adoption of organic/biodynamic practices.

01:26 What “Sustainability” Means in Viticulture (Cover Crops, Soil Health, Beneficial Bugs)

02:51 Regenerative Agriculture: Restoring Depleted Soil & Water

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The Future of Wine Marketing & Branding

Season 2 · Episode 21

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • Duration 21:17

Uncorking the Evolution of Wine Branding: From Prestige to Social Media Welcome to After Wine School with Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe! In this episode, Keith and Alana dive deep into the transformation of wine branding, highlighting how traditional methods like prestige and hierarchy are making way for digital engagement and social media influence. They discuss historical marketing techniques, the impact of wine critics, and the shift towards direct-to-consumer models embraced by companies like Penfolds and Naked Wine. The conversation also touches on personal favorite brands and marketing strategies, offering valuable insights and anecdotes about the wine industry's evolving landscape. Join us for an enlightening discussion that's perfect for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike!

00:31 The Evolution of Wine Branding

00:55 Historical Marketing Strategies

03:47 The Shift to Digital Marketing

05:24 Innovative Wine Companies

07:17 Personal Branding in the Wine Industry

12:18 Favorite Wine Brands and Marketing Techniques

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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The Art of the Seal: Corks & Other Enclosures

Episode 30

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 21:44

Corks vs. Screw Caps: The Ultimate Wine Enclosure Debate Join Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe in this informative episode of 'After Wine School' as they delve into the ongoing debate between corks and screw caps. Learn the history of cork, the rise of alternatives, and how innovations like the Delvin enclosure have impacted the wine industry. Discover the issues with TCA contamination, the pros and cons of various wine closures, and the role of sustainability in this heated topic. Perfect for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike, this episode is packed with practical advice and fascinating insights. Cheers!

01:00 What is Cork?

02:02 Historical Significance of Cork

02:59 Problems with Cork and TCA

07:48 Rise of Cork Alternatives

08:53 Screw Caps and Their Benefits

09:23 Consumer Perception and Market Impact

10:50 Innovative Enclosures

14:19 Sustainability Debate

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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Wine & Health

Season 2 · Episode 19

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 20:10

Wine & Health: Debunking Myths and Embracing Facts | After Wine School Join Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe from After Wine School as they dive into the relationship between wine and health. In this episode, they explore the myths and misconceptions about wine's health benefits and potential risks, discussing historical contexts, scientific studies, and personal experiences. They emphasize the importance of moderation, mindfulness, and enjoying wine as part of a healthy lifestyle. Don't miss their informed discussion on the J Curve, the Mediterranean diet, and the impact of recent research trends. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just curious about the health effects of wine, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Cheers!

01:37 Historical Context of Wine and Health

02:50 The French Paradox and Mediterranean Diet

04:56 Modern Studies and Misconceptions

06:23 Rebuttals and Alternative Health Risks

11:59 Generational Knowledge and the J Curve

16:28 Moderation and Mindfulness

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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Palate Prep

Season 2 · Episode 18

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 30:06

Unlocking Your Wine Palate: Tips from the Pros | After Wine School Podcast

Join Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe in this episode of 'After Wine School,' where they dive deep into improving your wine palate. From first-hand experiences to teaching frameworks, they share invaluable tips on how to enhance your sensory skills and enjoy wine to its fullest. Discover practical exercises like baking an apple pie to hone your tasting abilities and learn why understanding your sense of smell is crucial. Keith and Alana also discuss common roadblocks and the importance of a beginner's mind in the wine journey. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine lover, this episode is packed with insights to further your appreciation of wine.

00:17 Understanding Your Palate 01:29 Practical Exercises to Enhance Your Palate 03:53 The Importance of Smell in Wine Tasting 09:40 Framework for Deductive Tasting 18:04 Overcoming Roadblocks in Wine Tasting 25:19 Building Your Own Wine Knowledge

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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Storing Wine Like a Pro

Season 2 · Episode 17

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • Duration 18:51

Mastering Wine Storage: Do's, Don'ts, and Myths Explored

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith and his guest delve into the intricacies of proper wine storage and debunk common myths about aging wine. They explain that only 10% of wines are designed to age, with specific characteristics required for successful aging. Key factors like temperature, humidity, vibration, and light are discussed to ensure optimal storage conditions.

They cover the types of wines suitable for aging, including Bordeaux, Burgundies, and Barolos, and offer practical advice on setting up a home wine cellar. The episode also touches on wine storage psychology and economic considerations.

00:28 Debunking Wine Aging Myths

01:26 Factors Affecting Wine Aging

03:36 Psychology and Economics of Aging Wine

06:17 Proper Wine Storage Techniques

12:35 Choosing Wines for Aging

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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Wine Shop Confidential

Season 2 · Episode 16

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • Duration 25:42

Mastering Wine Shopping: From Local Shops to Big Chains In this episode of the 'After Wine School' podcast, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Survey dive deep into the intricacies of buying wine. They explore the differences between purchasing wine from grocery stores, independent wine shops, and large chain wine stores, as well as the pros and cons of government-run wine stores. The conversation covers various wine categories from value to icon, emphasizing the importance of understanding price points and wine styles. They also touch on the impact of store types on the wine industry and provide tips for making informed wine purchases. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine buyer, this episode offers valuable insights and behind-the-scenes knowledge.

00:50 Understanding Wine Categories and Price Points

07:15 The Charm of Independent Wine Shops

10:24 The Debate on Grocery Store Wines

15:02 Exploring Chain Wine Stores

20:06 The Controversy of State-Run Wine Stores

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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Restaurant Confidential

Season 2 · Episode 15

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • Duration 25:51

Demystifying Restaurant Wine Lists: Navigating Choices and Strategies In this episode of the Wine School Podcast, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the world of restaurant wine lists. They discuss the roles and day-to-day activities of sommeliers and wine reps, the importance of the restaurant ecosystem, and how restaurant wine lists are curated. They explore different types of wine lists, including corporate, beverage manager-created, and sommelier-driven lists, offering valuable advice on navigating these lists as a consumer. The episode also highlights key economic considerations, the logistics of wine distribution, and career advice for those interested in the wine industry. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:08 The Role of a Sommelier in Creating a Wine List

02:59 Understanding Wine Distributors and Their Influence

05:17 Economic and Culinary Considerations for Wine Lists

16:36 Types of Restaurant Wine Lists

23:42 Careers in the Wine Industry

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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Missing in America

Season 2 · Episode 14

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 22:31

Forgotten Wines of America: A Deep Dive into Regional Treasures

In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe embark on a road trip exploring the often overlooked and forgotten wines of America. The discussion spans a variety of regions, starting with Virginia's troubled history with Vitus VRA vineyards and the rise of Norton and Petit Verdot grapes. They move north to highlight Finger Lakes' Riesling and lesser-known Georgian grape Saperavi, then delve into Pennsylvania's history with grapes like Chambourcin and Barbera. The conversation continues with New Jersey's traditional French-inspired wines, Vermont's hybrid grape success stories, Texas' renowned Tempranillo, and several rich yet underappreciated grape varieties in California. The episode wraps up with mentions of emerging wine regions like Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona, encouraging wine enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the diverse and rich heritage of American wines.

00:00 Introduction to Forgotten Wines of America 01:32 Virginia: The Birthplace of American Wine 05:24 Exploring the Finger Lakes Region 07:07 Pennsylvania's Rich Wine History 11:09 New Jersey and Vermont: Hidden Gems 12:46 Texas: The Tempranillo Territory 13:53 California's Forgotten Grapes 19:06 Shoutouts to Other Wine Regions 20:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

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After Wine School – Details, episodes & analysis

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After Wine School – Details, episodes & analysis

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