Wine Guide with Cork & Fizz - Wine education for beginners and enthusiasts – Details, episodes & analysis

Ep 129

Washington may be known for its big-name wineries, but some of the best bottles are coming from the small, family-run spots you’ve never heard of.

In this episode, we’re exploring four boutique wineries that capture the creativity and community behind Washington wine. Discover how a chef’s background in flavor inspires the balanced, aromatic wines at Kinhaven Winery. Learn how Cedergreen Cellars pivoted from restaurant-only sales to a hands-on tasting experience, offering beautifully aged wines that deliver incredible value.

We’ll also explore the organic vineyards and uncommon grapes defining Grosgrain Vineyards, then visit Ducleaux Cellars, where a husband-and-wife team turns personal stories into heartfelt blends. Plus, stay tuned for a few honorable mentions that deserve a spot on your next tasting itinerary.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Walla Walla getaway or just want new favorite bottles to ship straight to your door, this episode will help you uncover the hidden gems of Washington wine country.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!

Resources:

• Kinhaven Winery - https://kinhavenwinery.com/
• Cedergreen Cellars - https://www.cedergreencellars.com/
• Grosgrain Vineyards - https://grosgrainvineyards.com/
• Ducleaux Cellars - https://www.ducleauxcellars.com/
• Sama Cellars - https://samacellars.com/
• Lushington Wines - https://lushingtonwines.com/
• Michael Florentino Cellars - https://michaelflorentinocellars.com/

Episode Highlights:

• The chef-inspired winemaking behind Kinhaven Winery
• Affordable aged wines and hidden value at Cedergreen Cellars
• Uncommon grapes and organic farming at Grosgrain Vineyards
• The heartfelt blends and family story of Ducleaux Cellars
• Quick shoutouts to Sama Sellers, Lushington Wines, and Michael Florentino

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 128

Would you believe that one of the world’s favorite red wines comes from one of the most temperamental grapes on earth?

Today’s episode is a fan request and we’re taking a deep dive into Pinot Noir! This grape is known for being both a challenge to grow but also how it reflects where it’s grown. We’ll talk about where Pinot Noir got its start and how it’s now grown everywhere from Burgundy to Oregon. You'll discover why Pinot Noir is called the “heartbreak grape” and why winemakers everywhere continue to chase its perfection.

We’ll explore the grape’s history, how it’s genetically linked to other famous varieties, what makes it thrive in cooler climates, and the major regions producing outstanding Pinot Noir today. You’ll also learn how oak, fermentation styles, and even your glass shape can change what you taste. 

So, whether you’re a red wine enthusiast or just starting your wine journey, this episode will deepen your appreciation for one of wine’s most captivating grapes.

Don’t miss out on the other deep dives I’ve done on the following grapes - Chardonnay (Ep 6), Cabernet Franc (Ep 14), Chenin Blanc (Ep 21), Riesling (Ep 38), Barbera (Ep 45), Merlot (Ep 57), Sauvignon Blanc (Ep 104)

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!

Episode Highlights:

• The surprising history of Pinot Noir
• Why it’s called the “heartbreak grape”
• How terroir shapes Pinot Noir’s flavor
• Clones, mutations, and grape family ties
• Key Pinot Noir regions in Burgundy
• Oregon vs. California Pinot Noir styles
• Pinot Noir from Germany to New Zealand
• Pinot Noir’s role in Champagne
• Oak aging and whole-cluster fermentation
• Serving and aging tips for Pinot Noir
• Go-to food pairings for Pinot Noir

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 119

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? For this milestone episode, things look a little different and a lot more personal!

In celebration of turning 30, I’m sitting on the other side of the mic while my husband (aka “Mr. Cork & Fizz”) takes over the questions. From how this wine journey began to the lessons I’ve learned running a business, you’ll hear personal stories and reflections I’ve never talked about on the podcast.

You’ll hear how Cork & Fizz was born out of a casual wine club, the challenges of building a business without a formal background, and the pivots along the way that shaped it into what it is today. We also dig into how to host your own wine nights, from picking themes and setting the vibe to keeping guests engaged without overcomplicating the experience.

We also talk about podcasting, the behind-the-scenes planning that keeps weekly episodes flowing, and what it’s really like to show up consistently as a creator. Plus, I open up about big life updates, including a surprise announcement which ties into how I’m navigating tastings without drinking, and my hopes for balancing business and motherhood.

So, if you’re curious how a casual wine night with friends turned into a thriving wine education business and a hit podcast, this episode is full of stories and tips you won’t want to miss!

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

Episode Highlights:

• The story of how Cork & Fizz began during a rainy cabin weekend
  
  
  
• Tips for turning friends into wine drinkers (without pressure)
  
  
  
• Essential skills for starting a wine-related business
  
  
  
• The journey of launching and sustaining a podcast
  
  
  
• Hosting your own wine nights: themes, notes, and tips
  
  
  
• Thoughts on pregnancy, wine, and planning for maternity leave
  
  
  
• Dream wine regions still on the bucket list

• Which wine I would pick if I was on a deserted island
  
  
  

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 29

You loved the last exclusive look into my Cork Crew Virtual Tasting Club so I’m back with another sneak peek! And this time I’m joined by the infamous Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible!

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:

• Who is Karen MacNeil
• Forging her way into the male dominated wine world in the 1970’s
• What it was like to be the first woman in the world of wine
• Drinking wine at 14 years old while doing homework
• Why Karen views wine as non-trendy & why that’s a good thing
• What inspired Karen to write The Wine Bible
• What wine region impressed Karen the most while writing The Wine Bible
• What challenges Karen encountered while writing The Wine Bible
• Has Karen visited all the wine regions she wrote about in The Wine Bible
• Advice on how to expand your knowledge and appreciation of wine

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

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:

• I smell my wine before sipping but I don’t know why I do this. What exactly should I be smelling?
• How can I figure out what wine I like?
• Does red wine really have health benefits?

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:

• Answering your most common wine questions
• What’s the best way to learn about wine and develop the ability to describe wine flavors?
• I smell my wine before sipping, but what am I supposed to be smelling?
• How can I determine what wine I like?
• How can I properly store wine at home?
• What are the basics of pairing food and wine together?
• Do I eat and then sip wine or do I sip wine and then eat?
• Are wine clubs a good investment?
• How long does wine last once it’s open?
• Are there health benefits from drinking red wine?
• Why are some wines specific to some regions?
• Why are some wines so much more expensive than others?
• What are some tips for planning a wine-focused vacation?
• What is a good bottle of wine to give as a gift?
• How do I navigate an extensive or unfamiliar wine list at a restaurant?
• Why does wine give me a headache
• Is wine vegan?

Related episodes

• Episode 1 -  My 4-Step Wine Tasting Method to Build Your Wine Confidence
• Episode 11 - Food & Wine Pairing 101: My Simple 2-Step Signature Process
• Episode 13 - 6 Expert Tips for Planning Your Next Wine Trip

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

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:

• My favorite items from my 2023 Wine Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide
• Favorite wine subscriptions, books and games
• Apparel from the Wino Shop & clay wine bottle earrings
• Stocking stuffer ideas for wine lovers
• Wine gadgets for wine lovers
• Wine flies free Alaska Airlines
• Multiple discount codes for holiday shopping

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

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:

• Meet wine educator and wine influencer Desiree Harrison-Brown
• What is WINO NOIRE
• The key pillars of WINO NOIRE
• Why Desiree created The Wino Shop
• The unconventional way Desiree joined the wine world
• Why Desiree didn’t feel like she fit into the wine world and what she is doing to change that for others
• How we can increase diversity in the wine world
• Why Desiree opted for her WSET Diploma and what does that mean for her in the wine industry
• What the wine scene is like in Maryland
• What’s next for Desiree

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

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:

• Keswick Vineyards 100% Cabernet Franc

• Early Mountain Madison County Cabernet Franc

• Arnaud Lambert Breze Clos Mazurique Saumur Rouge

• Arnaud Lambert Saumur-Champigny Terres Rouges

• DeLille Cellars Chaluer Blanc

• Franklin Tate Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc

• Chateau Haut Guillebot White Bordeaux

Episode Highlights:

• My top picks on the best wine for Thanksgiving dinner
• What wines pair well with Thanksgiving dinner
• What wine to toast with at Thanksgiving dinner
• My favorite sparkling wine to serve at every occasion
• What’s so special about the Champagne method
• What Rosé to have on your Thanksgiving table
• What to look for in your Rosé
• My ultimate pick for a Thanksgiving wine
• What white wine you need to have on your Thanksgiving table
• What wines for Thanksgiving dessert
• What wine to pair with your pumpkin pie

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

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!

Episode Highlights:

• Who is Andrew Sides of Lost Draw Cellars

• How Andrew went from a civil engineering graduate to founder of Lost Draw Cellars

• Importance of farming in Texas winemaking

• Challenges of Texas weather on growing grapes

• Is Texas wine any good

• Unique vintage variation that Texas embraces

• Growing grapes in the Hill Country AVA vs the High Plains AVA

• What makes Texas great for growing grapes

• Why Lost Draw Cellars grows Picpoul grapes

• Common misconceptions about Texas wine

• What wine is Texas known for

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

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:

• Should you drink white wine straight from the fridge

• Should you drink red wine at room temperature

• Should you drink red wine warm or cold

• What happens to the taste of white wine if it’s too cold

• What happens to the taste of red wine if it’s too warm

• Are wines with a screw cap inferior to wines with a cork

• Are screw top wines any good

• Which is better cork or screw cap

• Why screw caps are becoming more mainstream 

• What does it mean when you have a “corked wine”

• How screw caps give winemakers more control over how much oxygen is in the wine

• Can sulfites in wine cause headaches

• What ingredient in wine causes headaches

• Do all wines improve with age

• Will a $5 bottle of wine taste better in 5 years if it ages

• How long does it take most wines to age

• What are the legs of wine

• Do all great wines have legs

• What causes good legs in wine

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com