Everyday Sommelier - Wine Stories with Kristi Mayfield – Details, episodes & analysis

Send us Fan Mail

Forget what you know about Champagne and mass-produced bubbly—Texas is rewriting the rules with grit, creativity, and uncompromising passion. In this episode, Kristi Mayfield goes deep into the real story inside a bottle of Torr Na Loch’s traditional method sparkling wine.

If you’ve ever questioned why some sparkling wines are $10 and others command triple digits, you’ll uncover the true, labor-intensive journey that creates those signature tiny bubbles and creamy texture. Blake DeBerry and Colby O'Brien of Torn Na Loch share how they overcame million-dollar equipment costs, leaning into their engineering backgrounds to invent a made-in-Texas, hand-riddled approach—cutting startup costs by over 90%—and creating a boutique sparkling you can actually taste the effort in.

Learn how Malvasia Bianca grapes are hand-harvested and nurtured for acidity, why every bottle is touched by human hands up to 86 times, and how artisan riddling racks and cattle dosers for dosage dosing become tools of the Texas wine revolution. Understand how manual production and long aging translate to a richer, more meaningful glass (and a much fairer price tag).

This episode is a must-listen for wine lovers looking to decode wine pricing, discover Texas craft winemaking, or simply sip with more confidence—knowing exactly what’s gone into their glass.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why hand-crafted, traditional method sparkling wine costs more—and why it matters for taste and quality
• How Torn Na Loch engineered their own production revolution for Texas sparkling wine, reducing costs and maximizing flavor
• The behind-the-scenes secrets of riddling, aging, and the sheer number of skilled touch points in every bottle
• How sparkling wine is far more than just a celebration treat—it's a story of passion, innovation, and Texas grit you can taste

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:30] “From Red to Bubbles: Why Torn Na Loch Chose the Hardest Wine to Make in Texas”
Discover why a Texas winery ditched convention and bet big on

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Ever felt Champagne prestige was out of reach or reserved only for special occasions? This episode dismantles the intimidation factor and reframes Champagne as an approachable drink for any day of the week. Kristi Mayfield is joined by David Aferiat, luxury Champagne importer, who reveals why you should enjoy bubbles with pizza, chips, or even burgers—not just weddings and milestones. 

Dig into the secrets behind grower Champagne, what separates it from the big brands, and why sustainable, organic farming makes a difference in taste and headache-free enjoyment. Learn procuring tips, label-reading strategies, distribution hurdles, and the crucial shipping truth that impacts every bottle. 

Discover how Champagne’s history shaped its “special occasion only” reputation and actionable steps to unlock your own Champagne journey. As always, sip smarter with Kristi’s top empowering takeaways for high-impact wine fluency.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why Champagne’s reputation as “special occasion only” actually holds you back—and how to enjoy bubbles any night.
• The difference between big brand Champagne and authentic grower Champagne (and how to shop with confidence).
• Secrets of organic, sustainable farming practices that impact taste, health, and your next wine headache.
• Actionable steps for sourcing better Champagne, making informed buying choices, and pairing bubbles with everything from steak to potato chips.

Episode Timestamps:

• Unlocking Champagne’s Everyday Charm (00:00:00)
  Rethink sparkling wine: how to pair Champagne with pizza, burgers, and weekday life.
• Deconstructing Champagne Intimidation: Price, Perception & Marketing (00:02:31)
  Why Champagne feels unreachable—and real reasons Americans hesitate to drink it more often.
• Grower Champagne vs. Big Brands: Taste the Difference (00:08:19)
  Learn why authentic grower Champagne redefines flavor and experience compared to mass-market bottles.
• How to Shop Smarter for Champagne (and A

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Wondering why the Sauvignon Blanc wine style you pick never tastes the same twice? If you’ve ever grabbed a bottle expecting vibrant citrus and got stone fruit—or vice versa—this episode is for you. Kristi Mayfield, host of Everyday Sommelier, unpacks the three major Sauvignon Blanc styles: New Zealand’s zesty citrus, a lush oak-aged warm climate version, and France’s mineral-driven Sancerre.

Unravel how key factors like climate, winemaking method, and blending dramatically change a wine—even when “Sauvignon Blanc” is the only thing on the label. Learn why reading wine labels is a guessing game and why region often matters more than grape variety. Kristi arms you with simple strategies to crack the code, taste like a pro, and finally choose bottles you’ll love every time—without fear of wasting money or guessing wrong in the wine aisle.

Perfect for anyone seeking real-world wine knowledge—minus the snobbery—this episode is packed with actionable tips, region recommendations, and a roadmap to track your preferences for every grape (not just Sauv Blanc).

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• Why Sauvignon Blanc can taste radically different depending on region and winemaking—even with the same grape
• The three biggest mistakes wine lovers make when shopping by varietal labels
• How to decode regional clues for your perfect Sauvignon Blanc style (think Sancerre, New Zealand, Napa).
• Kristi’s top strategies to track what you love and avoid wine-buying disappointment.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:01:00 — Wine Label Lies: Why Grape Alone Won’t Tell You the Style
00:03:30 — Unlocking Sauvignon Blanc: Climate, Oak & Blending Explained
00:06:45 — The Pain Points of Wine Shopping: How to Stop Wasting Money on Bottles You Don’t Love
00:09:50 — Taste-Test Like a Pro: The Side-by-Side Sauvignon Blanc Method
00:10:50 — Master Regions, Master Your Palate: Using Geography for Wine Success
00:11:50 — Finding Affordable Alternatives: Sancerre vs. Pouilly Fu

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Struggling to enjoy wine without feeling lost or out of place? Dive into this episode as Kristi Mayfield and sommelier Hennex Vigo confront wine’s intimidation factor and reveal how to make wine approachable for Millennials, Gen Z, women professionals, and curious drinkers. Learn why traditional wine education feels outdated and discover actionable strategies that empower you to discover new wines, trust your palate, and sidestep wine snobbery for good.

Explore how communal tastings, flavor exploration, and wine confidence-building can help even beginners break down barriers. Kristi and Hennex explain why “failures” are part of the journey—even for experts—and how embracing curiosity can unlock a world of wine discovery without the pressure of memorizing grapes or vintages.

Discover real-world tips for shopping at wine stores, approaching restaurant lists, and hosting your own wine tastings—plus, learn which lesser-known affordable wines will impress your friends. This episode is packed with insider tools, book recs, and easy ways to deepen your wine appreciation—no jargon or gatekeeping required.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• Why wine feels intimidating to a new generation—and how to break through the barriers holding you back. 
• How to ditch the fear of “getting it wrong” and trust your personal palate preferences. 
• Actionable wine tasting exercises and events to boost your confidence in every setting. 
• Myths about “expensive” wine and top sommelier-approved recommendations to get started.

Timestamps:

00:03:18 — Why Wine Intimidates New Drinkers: Breaking Down Barriers
00:07:39 — Even Sommeliers Get It Wrong: Building True Wine Confidence
00:12:26 — How to Host a Judgment-Free Wine Discovery Night
00:15:11 — How to Navigate Wine Shops: Tips for the Novice and Curious
00:18:44 — Unexpected Wines to Try: Beyond Chardonnay and Cabernet
00:23:42 — Simple Steps for Creating Your Own Wine Discovery Path

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Feeling overwhelmed the moment someone starts talking about “lemons, limes, or wet rocks” in your wine glass? You’re not alone. Wine tasting can seem like learning a foreign language—especially if you struggle to put words to what you taste or smell. In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, Kristi Mayfield is joined by neurodiversity educator, Russell Van Broecklen, to reveal revolutionary, science-backed techniques to help you learn how to taste wine, decode aromas, and master wine vocabulary—faster than you ever thought possible.

Learn how the same strategies used to help students with dyslexia can empower any adult wine lover to bypass overwhelm and confidently identify and remember key wine flavors. Discover Kristi’s signature Flavor Decoder (the wine wheel) and how you can personalize wine learning to make it stick—whether you’re learning 12 core flavors or want to master more than 200 wine aroma terms. 

From AI hacks for memory retention to practical, approachable steps that work even if you have limited time, this episode breaks down wine tasting for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How to use neuro-based memory techniques (like word analysis + personalized stories) to permanently remember wine aromas and flavors.
• Ways to leverage Kristi’s Flavor Decoder (wine wheel) to simplify complex wine vocabulary—so you can confidently talk about any bottle.
• Simple AI-powered steps to quickly learn and retain 12 essential wine tasting terms (and grow your vocabulary from there).
• The mindset shift and practical process for enjoying wine learning at your own pace—without fear, snobbery, or overwhelm.

TOP TIMESTAMPS:

00:04:16 | From Intimidation to Confidence: The Science-Backed Shortcut to Learning Wine Tasting
Russell recounts feeling lost in a wine conversation and introduces his neuroscience-based method for rapid flavor memory.

00:09:19 | Lemon, But Make It Personal: Building Lifetime Wine Memories With Storytelling
Learn why connecting pe

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Feeling intimidated by the idea of solo travel or dining out alone? Episode 37 of the Everyday Sommelier podcast is your go-to guide for transforming solo wine tasting into a gateway for genuine connection and cultural immersion. Host Kristi Mayfield welcomes seasoned solo traveler Tsvety Roo, who shares her real-world experiences leveraging wine tasting as an effortless “ice breaker” on journeys across Spain, Portugal, South Africa, and beyond.

Learn how to break through the awkwardness of dining solo, shift from loneliness to empowered solitude, and use the communal spirit of wine to meet locals and fellow travelers—no matter where your journey takes you. Get practical, confidence-boosting strategies to help you put down your phone, strike up meaningful conversations, and make every glass of wine a celebration of both self-discovery and connection.

If you’ve ever worried about being “that person” alone at the bar or felt anxious booking a wine tour solo, this episode will give you the actionable wine travel tips and mindset shifts you need to create memories (and friendships) that last a lifetime.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How solo wine tastings can transform loneliness into meaningful connections and community—anywhere in the world
• Practical strategies to overcome common fears of eating or drinking alone, including actionable conversation starters
• Why putting down your devices is key to creating both self-connection and real-life interactions over wine
• Proven tips for booking wine tours or tastings solo—and how to make the most of every experience, even as the “odd one out”

TIMESTAMPS:

00:08:14 – Overcoming Fear: How to Stop Feeling Judged When Dining Solo
Discover the mindset and simple steps to escape the fear of being alone—and turn solo dining into a confidence-building experience.

00:11:28 – From Loneliness to Empowered Solitude with Wine
Learn the powerful distinction between loneliness and solitude, and how solo win

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Is your favorite red wine suddenly undrinkable when you pair it with dessert? You’re not alone. Sugar in wine and food is one of the biggest sources of wine pairing fails—and most people have no idea why! 

In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, expert Sommelier, Richard King, joins host Kristi Mayfield. The goal? To decode the complexities of sweet wine pairing and how sugar changes everything you thought you knew about enjoying wine with food.

Ever wonder why that big, bold red you loved with steak turns to “tree bark” when paired with cake, how hidden sugars in sauces and cuisines can throw your wine off balance, and why embracing dessert wines is the game changer your palate craves? We've got you covered!

Kristi and Richard break down the differences between entry-level sweet wines and complex, intentionally crafted dessert wines, reveal how to choose the right sweet wine (even on a budget), and share why acidity is the unsung hero of the best dessert wines.

Plus, get practical tips for trying new wine styles, avoid the classic wine-with-dessert disaster, and discover why dessert wines can be both the finale and the star of your meal.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why pairing dry red wines with sweet desserts is a recipe for disappointment—and the science behind it
• The difference between everyday sweet wines and true dessert wines (and why it matters for your pairing)
• How acidity and balance in dessert wines keep them from being sugar bombs
• fProven strategies to find your favorite dessert wine—and make every pairing a memorable one

TIMESTAMPS & KEY TITLES

00:00 – Avoiding Wine and Dessert Fails: Why Your Red Wine Tastes Terrible with Sugar
04:00 – Why Most People Hate Sweet Wines (and How to Rethink Them for Food Pairing)
11:00 – The Truth About Dessert Wines vs. Sweet Table Wines: What Sets Them Apart
17:00 – Top 3 Dessert Wines You Should Know for Perfect End-of-Meal Pairings
24:15 – Rule #1 for Pairing Sweet Wines with Food: How to Never Ruin a Dessert Pairing Again
27

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Tired of puckering up when sipping high acidity wines or feeling lost when pairing bright, crisp whites (and reds!) with dinner? You’re not alone. In Episode 35 of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield teams up with wine expert Richard King to break down why acidic wines can taste overpowering and exactly how to make them shine with the perfect culinary match.

Get expert, step-by-step strategies to decode wine acidity, recognize those “acid bombs,” and turn them into your menu’s best friend. Find out why that glass of Sauvignon Blanc or zesty Chablis feels like fireworks after brushing your teeth—and what you can do about it. Learn the science behind mouthwatering whites and reds, the #1 pairing mistake even seasoned wine lovers make, and how regional traditions like “what grows together goes together” can save your next dinner party.

Whether you’re struggling to make sense of wine tasting reactions, seeking foolproof food and wine pairing formulas, or just want to fearlessly serve high acid wines at your next gathering, this episode delivers practical, no-nonsense answers for real wine lovers.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• The simple trick to instantly recognize high acid wines and what your palate is telling you
• Why mismatched acidity ruins both food and wine—and how to avoid flat or flabby experiences
• Classic and creative food pairings for high acidity wines that work every single time
• Pro-level secrets for prepping your palate, making winning wine choices, and taking notes like a sommelier

TIMESTAMPS

00:03:26 – Why Acidic Wines Taste “Off”: Avoiding the Number One Food and Wine Pairing Mistake
00:06:47 – Reset Your Palate: Sparkling Wine as the Ultimate Acidic Wine Solution
00:08:16 – Chardonnay Risks: What Happens When Wine and Food Acid Levels Clash
00:12:31 – Pair Like a Pro: “What Grows Together Goes Together” Regional Pairings
00:17:34 – Pinot Noir with Wild Game: Surprising High Acid Red Food Pairings
00:22:52 – Asian Food & High Acidity Wines: Out-of-the-Box Pairing for M

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Can artificial intelligence truly enhance your wine experience, for example in food wine pairings? And where does human intuition still reign supreme? This episode dives into the fast-evolving world of AI in wine—from vineyard management and weather prediction to the rise of AI-powered wine recommendations and digital pairing apps like Wine Wize. Kristi Mayfield unpacks real fears about losing authenticity, job displacement, and generic wine content, revealing how to balance smart technology with the irreplaceable human touch that gives wine its soul.

Learn how AI-driven vineyard tools can save harvests and support sustainable farming, while new wine recommendation engines are making food and wine pairing more accessible than ever. Explore the pitfalls of over-relying on automated content and why your palate is still the ultimate authority. Kristi dispels common myths, guiding you through making smarter choices and demystifying the tech, all while keeping your wine journey deeply personal and joy-filled.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• How AI wine pairings can make selecting your next bottle easier without sacrificing authenticity. 

• The real benefits and limitations of AI-powered vineyard tools and personalized wine apps. 

• Key mistakes to avoid—like relying solely on AI-generated tasting notes or scores.

• Practical strategies to combine AI-driven suggestions with your own palate and preferences for the best food and wine pairings.

Top Timestamps & Key Messages:

00:01:52 – AI Crushes the Master Sommelier Exam: What This Means for Wine Lovers
00:04:37 – Precision Agriculture: How AI Saves Crops and Elevates Sustainability
00:07:12 – Personalized AI Recommendations: Can Tech Really Find Your Perfect Food Wine Pairing?
00:10:06 – The Downside of Algorithm-Generated Content in Wine
00:12:08 – From Overwhelm to Confidence: Making Smart Choices with AI Wine Pairings
00:13:19 – Balancing Technology and Tradition: Your Palate Always Comes First

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

Send us Fan Mail

Feeling overwhelmed by complicated wine lists and want nothing more than your own personal wine selector? Defaulting to cocktails, beers, or seltzers because wine just never seems “right” for your palate? If wine shopping feels as tricky as assembling furniture without instructions, this episode of Everyday Sommelier is for you. Host Kristi Mayfield breaks down the confusion and helps you bridge the gap from your favorite familiar drinks—be that IPAs, margaritas, or citrusy seltzers—right into your perfect glass of wine.

Forget the pressure of loving bold Cabernets or oaky Chardonnays. Instead, leverage the flavors you already love. Kristi dives deep into translating your go-to drinks (from sparkling seltzers to craft beers and classic cocktails) into approachable wines you’ll actually enjoy. Discover the best wine recommendations for seltzer lovers, beer aficionados, and cocktail enthusiasts and learn why your taste preferences matter more than tradition.

Kristi also shares how to avoid rookie wine mistakes, the power of shopping for wine by flavor and texture (not just by label), and why wine in cans might be the best low-risk way to start your journey. Skip wine snobbery and say yes to finding a wine that finally fits your taste.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to map your favorite cocktails, beers, or seltzers to wines you’re guaranteed to love
• The key mistakes beginners make with wine—and how to avoid them
• Easy pro tips for shopping confidently at any wine store
• Why enjoying wine is about your preferences, not following rules or “developing a taste”

TIMESTAMPS & KEY MESSAGE TITLES

00:00 – Why Picking the Right Wine Feels Overwhelming (and What You Can Do About It)
04:46 – Seltzer Lover? Here Are the Wines That Match Those Flavors
09:27 – Beer Fan? These Wines Speak Your Flavor Language
13:00 – Love Cocktails? Find Wines That Mirror Your Favorite Drinks
18:18 – Canned Wine Revolution: The Low-Risk Way to Expand Your Palate
19:58 – Ditch Wine Snobbery & Start With What You Love

Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.

Cheers to many more years! Kristi

It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!

Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!