A quick tour of a favorite French tipple, Pastis. It was created to scratch the itch of the once banned Absinthe. How is it different? How should one drink it? Why does the word show up in some political circles? Click play, enjoy. Resources from this episode: Books: Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Websites and Digital...

Another wild ride south of a nuclear plant toward a papal palace takes us through some dramatic landscape, historic vineyards, and surprises in the glass as we explore the white wines of the Southern Rhone. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites and Digital Document Files:  AOC Vacqueryras: https://www.aocvacqueyras.com/appellation-des-vins-de-vacqueyras/ Cairanne Cahier des Charges de...

Exploring the history, region and white wines of the Northern Rhône in this first of a two-part series. Part Two will cover the white wines of the Southern Rhône appellations. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Experi: Complete...

Exploring the history, region & wines of Chablis. The real Chablis. In France. Resources from this episode: Books: Burgundy and its Wines, Faith, N. (2002) The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): Wine Laws, Regulations and Public Guidance [Title 27, Chapter I, Subchapter A, Part 4, Subpart C, § 4.24 - Generic, semi-generic, and non-generic designations of geographic...

We pick up where we left off with a zip around the terroirs, a grape gab, the “cinderella story” of how champagne is produced, and a brief tour of the styles. Resources from this episode: Books: Champagne, Liem, P., (2017) Champagne: How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times, Kladstrup, D. & P. (2005) Champagne Master-Level Study Manual [1st Edition], French Wine Society [Now Wine Scholar Guild] (2014) Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and...

Part 1 of this 2-part series will explore the Champagne region, history, the significance of the chalk, and some stories that bring us up to modern times. Part 2 will focus on production, grapes, and styles. This is how we’re doing Dry January.  Resources from this episode: Books: Champagne, Liem, P., (2017) Champagne: How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times, Kladstrup, D. & P. (2005) Champagne Master-Level Study Manual [1st Edition], French Wine...

From the South Island of New Zealand to New South Wales in the land down under we wrap up this season with the wines from the diverse zones and regions from this corner of Australia. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) The World Atlas of Wine [7th Edition], Johnson, H., & Robinson, J. (2013) Websites: Australian Wine: Our Places - New South Wales...

A quick zip around the land of zippy Sauvignon Blancs, characterful Pinot Noirs, serious Chardonnays & lofty aromatics is on deck this week. We pay homage to a few historic characters, geological features, and pop culture references, once again, because the host cannot help herself. Resources from this episode: Books:  The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)  Websites: Bragato Research Institute: Romeo Bragato...

One word, many things. This episode explores the history of the South African wine region and the iconic wines still produced today. Let’s not forget the juicy end bits. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [4th Edition], Robinson, J. & Harding J. (2015) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Britannica: Constantia, South...

One more beverage from South America to talk about this week, Cachaça, takes us to Brazil. We explore the spirit's history, styles, & some intriguing cultural references to the spirit.  Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) Distilling Knowledge: A professional guide to spirits and liqueurs (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Broom, D., (2013) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails...

Still hanging out in the southern hemisphere, we travel to Uruguay to explore the history, wines, grapes & other fun nuggets. Resources from this episode: Books: The South America Wine Guide: A definitive guide to wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, & Peru, [Kindle Edition] Barns, A. (2021) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Wines of South...

Kicking off Season 14 with bubbles from the southern hemisphere is a great way to welcome fall and the harvest in the northern hemisphere. This episode shines a light on Argentina’s sparkling wine, history, and styles, as well as a grape gab. Resources from this episode: Books: Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) The South America Wine Guide: A definitive guide to wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, & Peru, [Kindle Edition]...

Back to the roots of where America can trace a good chunk of its booze history. From traditional 'old world' wine grapes to exciting hybrids and styles, Virginia wine is rich in history, variety, and fun when it comes to beverages. Resources from this episode: Books: Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB):...

An exploration of bourbon’s origins, some crazy history bits, and the whiskey's standing as a uniquely American spirit. This also is probably the most excited a podcast host has ever gotten about corn, so there’s that. Resources from this episode: Books: Big Whiskey [Revised Edition], DeVito, C. (2021) Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Society of Wine Educators, Nickles, J. (2020) The History of Bourbon [Audible Edition], Albala, K. (2019) The Oxford Companion to...

Meritage is a unique American expression of traditional French blends. We explore the history and make-up of Meritage wines. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J. (2017) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): Agreement Between the United States of America and the European Community on Trade in Wine (10 March...

Amador county’s history is rooted not only in gold mining but in zinfandel pioneers. This wine region is rich in American spirit, tenaciousness, and the mother lode of award-winning, quality wines.  So here we are: talking about why j’adore (I love) Amador County and its wines, and why we wine lovers should pay more attention to it. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J. (2017) Oxford Companion to Wine,...

This episode explores the history of American rosé wine culture and the events that led to the blush rush of the last three decades of the 20th century. When is it blush, when is it rosé? We tackle these questions in this story of America’s pink kink or crush on the blush. Resources from this episode:  Books: Exploring Wine, 3rd Edition, Kolpan, S. Smith, B., and Weiss, M. [The Culinary Institute of America] (2010) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J....

The thread of creative spirit, dedication, and good old American grit weaves the tapestry our America’s sparkling wine history. More intriguing than we originally thought it would be, the “freedom fizz” story bubbled up a few surprises, improbable characters, and some riotous strands of pop culture. Resources from this episode: Books: Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (2014) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau...

From ancient vineyards still in operation today, to dozens of original grape varieties, wines, and styles, Croatia is a heavenly haven of corkdorkery and winegeekery. We take a quick spin through the varied regions, and learn a little bit about Zinfandel’s home base. This is the Season 12 finale. Season 13 will pick back up in May. Resources from this episode: Books: Croatian Wine: Regions, Grapes, and History, Viola, G. (2021) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J.,...

Exploring the winemaking islands off the Tuscan coast. Whether these gems were, as fabled, from Venus’s crown as she rose up out of the sea, or not, we did find some jewels as far as the wine goes. Resources from this episode: Books: Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J., Harding, J. (2015) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours, Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Cucina d’Italia: Tenuta Isola...

Exploring the world of rum and rum around the world: history, places, people, and the etymology of the word booty ... because pirates. The Moghuls (?!) make a surprise appearance, we talk Navy rum rations, and Chat GPT lays a rum history "masterpiece" on us. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide (Society of Wine Educators), Nickles, J., (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N.,...

Sailing through Madeira’s history into the grapes, styles, and cultural references. This is a fun way to learn about Madeira, unless you're sipping it. Your host even had Chat GPT write a special Madeira rap for the occasion. Resources from this episode: Books: Madeira: The Mid-Atlantic Wine, Liddell, A. (2012) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J., Harding, J. (2015)  WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits: Unit 6 Fortified (Liqueur) Wines [issue four], Wine and...

This episode winds its way through Algerian’s long, controversial wine history to the present day efforts to revive it. Only 100 years ago, Algeria overcame everything from jackals, fungus, phylloxera (complete with phylloxera deniers), colonial infighting, slander, war, and a plague of locusts to rank among the top four wine-producing countries in the world. Now efforts to produce and export quality wines often face an economic and political challenges fraught with ideology. Your host...

Bugey-Cerdon is tucked away in a sub-alpine region of France between Jura and Savoie. We explore the wine, the region, and, of course, a tiny bit of history. This is a bubbly we should really give more props to, or just find more reasons to celebrate more stuff … so we can drink more bubbly and more kinds of it. Resources from this episode: Books: Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine, Stevenson, T. & Avellan, E. (2014) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition,...