Wine for Normal People

A podcast for people who like wine but not the snobbery that goes with it. We talk about wine in a fun, straightforward, normal way to get you excited about it and help you drink better, more interesting stuff. The Wine For Normal People book is available on Amazon! Back catalog available on Patreon.com/winefornormalpeople

Ep 509: Felicity Carter Exposes the Jaw-dropping Truth of Who is Guiding Global Wine & Health Policy 02/14/2024

Ep 508: Armenian Wine - Ancient Grapes, Modern Innovation, True Excellence with Aimee Keushguerian of Zulal & Keush 02/06/2024

Ep 508: Armenian Wine - Ancient Grapes, Modern Innovation, True Excellence with Aimee Keushguerian of Zulal & Keush In this show we explore the world of Armenian wine, which has roots in the ancient world and may be the oldest winemaking region in Europe. To tell us about these wines, the terroir, and the regions, I welcome Managing Director & Founder, Aimee Keushguerian. Aimee educates us on Armenian wine and tells us about the projects she and her family are undertaking to shape the modern Armenian wine industry, which is definitely getting noticed for its high quality and interesting grape varieties. Aimee Keushguerian, founder of Managing Director of Armenia is located in the Caucasus region bordering Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Vineyards are in the mountains with very high elevations -- some of the highest in Europe. Source: As a guide, here are some of the grapes we mention: Areni is the spicy, medium bodied, lovely main red grape. Vayots Dzor is the main quality region for Areni. Tozot from Vayots Dzor is like a Grenache and has great potential Voskehat is Armenia’s most promising white grape. Producers can make sparkling, still, and dessert wine all from Voskehat. It is non aromatic. Chilar: is another promising white grape with great structure that does well with oak From geopolitical concerns to terroir studies, this podcast has it all! Take a listen -- you will learn a TON! Photo: Zulal. Credit: Wine For Normal People Full show notes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ has Armenian wines before they even made a splash in the wine magazines! They have their finger on the pulse and connect with wineries and regions you need to know about! Make sure you join the in time for the first quarter shipment (it's shaping up to be outstanding AND one of the shipments is likely to have an Armenian wine...hint, hint! ). Get 10% your first order with To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: /episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/29833133

Ep 507: Innovative Pairing with Plant-based Food with the founders of Wineand2Veg.com 01/30/2024

Ep 506: The Wines of the Côtes de Bordeaux -- The Secret Best Value Wines of the Region 01/24/2024

Ep 506: The Wines of the Côtes de Bordeaux -- The Secret Best Value Wines of the Region This time we explore the hidden gems of Bordeaux -- the Côtes de Bordeaux -- which make superb wines that few people know about. With an easy-drinking style, the are the hidden, affordable wines of Bordeaux. These historic vineyards are a collection of AOCs around eastern Bordeaux on sunny hillside slopes that grow a majority of Merlot and have similar soil types. These are not second or bulk wines – rather family-owned, often sustainable wines that are always a good value for money. This group of appellations under the marketing umbrella of Côtes de Bordeaux covers 9 - 10% of the total production of Bordeaux. Faced with lots of competition from the named communes of Bordeaux (Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, etc), and the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs, efforts started in 2004 to create the Union des Côtes de Bordeaux (UCB) to create a collective “brand” of recognition: the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux with 6 terroir: Côtes de Bordeaux - umbrella appellation Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux· Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux (joined in 2016) In 2009, the went into effect. They must all use the logo below on the bottle to reinforce the association: This is the wine we were drinking... I hope this opens your eyes to some new, fantastic, affordable Bordeaux wines! Take a listen and put this to use -- there is a lot of goodness to discover here (and it won't hurt your wallet)! Full show notes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ is my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. Make sure you join the in time for the first quarter shipment (it's shaping up to be outstanding!). Get 10% your first order with To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: Sources: /episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/29585223

Ep 505: Alternatives to a Favorite -- Grenache (Garnacha) 01/16/2024

Ep 504: A Normal Wine Person Perspective on Greek Wine -- Patron Lindsey Miller Shares Her Love and Knowledge of Greece 01/10/2024

Ep 504: A Normal Wine Person Perspective on Greek Wine -- Patron Lindsey Miller Shares Her Love and Knowledge of Greece For the first time, we have a on the show to share her passion and expertise! This week is a follow-up to This time, long time listener and friend, Lindsey Miller, joins as our guest, to talk about her passion for and knowledge of Greek wine. She helps bring this topic to life, giving us background on how she fell in love with Greece, got to know its wines, and developed some expertise on the subject. Lindsey shares tips and tricks on how to get the best Greek wine, talks about the challenges for the country’s wines in English-speaking markets, and makes helpful suggestions on where to start – from a grape AND region perspective – with Greece. I had so much fun with Lindsey and she did a great job “humanizing” the topic and getting me motivated to explore even more of Greece! Let’s raise a glass (of Greek wine) to her for being the first brave soul to come on the show and share her passion and smarts with us! Lindsey Miller in Pylos. Credit: Lindsey Miller As we mentioned in the last show, here is a list of places and grapes we mention: Notable Appellations and Grapes we cover... Xinomavro PDO appellations: Naoussa, Amyndeo Agiorgitiko appellation: Nemea PDO Moschofilero: Mantinia PDO/Peloponnese Assyrtiko appellation: Santorini Liatiko, Vidiano, Vilana, Kotsifali: Crete Store shelf Lindsey mentions in the show. Greek wines with Hungarian wines thrown in. Credit: Lindsey Miller Full show notes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ is my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. Make sure you join the in time for the first quarter shipment (it's shaping up to be outstanding!). Get 10% your first order with To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: /episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/29406463

Ep 503: Greek Wine -- The Updated 10,000 Foot Overview 01/03/2024

Ep 503: Greek Wine -- The Updated 10,000 Foot Overview This show is an update to our previous shows on Greece. We hope to get you (re)started on your exploration of this ancient winemaking nation that has been reborn in recent years. Greek wines are unique, terroir-driven, and they harken back to the nation's ancient past and the very foundations of wine as a major part of the history in western civilization. With recent investments and modernization, the wines are better than ever and are worth exploring. Map from the Wines of Greece Although the places and grapes can be hard to pronounce (we did our best 🤷🏻‍♀️), they are easy to love. Take a listen and then seek these out -- you won't regret it! Here is a list of places and grapes we mention: Notable Appellations Xinomavro PDO appellations: Naoussa, Amynteo, Rapsani, Goumenissa Agiorgitiko appellation: Nemea PDO Mavrodaphne appellation: Patras/Peloponnese Moschofilero: Mantinia PDO/Peloponnese Assyrtiko appellation: Santorini Liatiko, Vidiano, Vilana, Kotsifali: Crete White grapes: Assyrtiko, Aidani, Moschofilero, Vidinao, Villana, Malagouzia, Roditis, Debina, Malvasia, Muscat of Alexandria, Savatiano, Sauvignon Blanc Red grapes: Xinomavro, Agiorgitko (St. George), Mavrodaphne, Stavroto, Krasato, Limnio, Liatiko, Kotsifali, Mandelaria, Negoska, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc Full show notes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ is my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. Make sure you join the in time for the first quarter shipment (it's shaping up to be outstanding!). Get 10% your first order with To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: ______________________________ Main Sources: "The Wines of Greece", Konstantinos Lazarakis. Infinite Ideas; January 22, 2018. /episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/29319323

Ep 502: Stu Smith of Smith-Madrone -- Why Napa County is Strangling Small Wineries 12/19/2023

Ep 501: Winemaker Thomas Bianciardi of San Filippo - Award-Winning Wines of Brunello di Montalcino 12/12/2023

Ep 500: Listeners Ask About 500 Episodes of WFNP 12/06/2023

Ep 499: The Impacts of Smoke on Wine with Professor Tom Collins of Washington State University 11/29/2023

Special update to Episode 327: Wine ingredient & nutrition labeling goes live in the EU (and what it means to us) 11/21/2023

Ep 498: Terrific Thanksgiving Food and Wine Pairings 11/13/2023

Ep 497: The Grape Mini-Series -- Blaufränkisch (AKA, Lemberger) 11/07/2023

Ep 496: Sherry Refresh Part 2 - Oxidatively Aged Wines, Style Categories, Food Pairing, and Serving Ideas 10/30/2023

Ep 496: Sherry Refresh Part 2 - Oxidatively Aged Wines, Style Categories, Food Pairing, and Serving Ideas Sherry is a complex wine with lots of terroir, tradition, and winemaking possibilities. In , we go over the stats on the region, the history, the terroir, and details on winemaking, including the solera system. We then describe the biologically aged wines – Fino and Manzanilla. This show is a continuation of episode 495 but after listening to the show I did with MC Ice, I realized it was too meandering, so I recorded this version on my own. This second part of the Sherry refresh has many aspects to it, and I do my best to be as clear as possible with it all. Here are the topics we cover: First, I give a 5 minute review of Sherry winemaking. I explain, anew, the biological aging process and then explain the Oxidative aging process of Olorosos and other wines I explain, in greater detail, the “in between” styles – Amontillado and Palo Cortado, which have been made by a combination of biological and oxidative aging but are slightly different Photo: Different types of Sherry. Source: I talk about the three categories of Sherry styles: Vinos Generosos: the dry styles of Sherry – Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso Vino dolces Naturales: Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel Vinos Generosos de Licor: Pale Cream, Medium, Cream Sherries I discuss the aging categories, which have been effect since 2000: VOS: Vinum Optimum Signatum or Very Old Sherry that has been in a solera for 20 years VORS: Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum or Very Old Rare Sherry that has been in a solera for 30+ years Photo: Legal age statements in sticker format from the Consejo Regulador I wrap with some small this year, sent to me by Patron Chaim G (thanks to Chaim!). I give a thanks to the mixologists for keeping Sherry alive and then sign off! Here is the show with Tio Pepe I mentioned... Full show notes are on Patreon. Most information for the show from the _______________________________________________________________ I love my exclusive sponsor, my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. The holidays are almost upon us -- don't forget to stock up for your holiday feasts and get a Wine Access gift card for everyone in your life! Get 10% your first order with To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth go to: /episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/28467563

Ep 495: Sherry Refresh Part 1 --History, terroir, and Biologically Aged Wines 10/23/2023

Ep 494: Wines for Fall 10/16/2023

Ep 493: Marina Marcarino of Punset; Barbaresco's Most Forward-Looking Producer Returns to WFNP 10/10/2023

Ep 493: Marina Marcarino of Punset; Barbaresco's Most Forward-Looking Producer Returns to WFNP . We became friends and I’ve visited her over the years and keep in touch with her for a pulse on what is happening in the vineyards and wineries of Barbaresco, where is located. As a recap of , when Marina Marcarino was in her early 20s, she took over the family vineyard in Neive, Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) and named it . She had a revolutionary idea for the 1980s: to turn the vineyard organic. Marina became the first organic producer in Barbaresco. Her vineyards look different, her practices were strange to most back then and when she started using biodynamic in the 1990s, her reputation as “la pazza” – the crazy, was cemented. Fast forward to today, and everyone has followed Marina and she has become one of the thought leaders in environmental stewardship of vineyards in Barbaresco. Those who once mocked her, now use the very same practices she pioneered and she has gained the respect of them all. When I was visiting Piedmont recently, I was able to catch up with and ask her for an update about the region and about . She is such a forward looking person -- this is a real opportunity to hear about what will likely be happening in wine and in Piedmont in the future. We discuss controversial topics and general ones, and her insightful answers will have you thinking more deeply about the entire region and about farming, winemaking, and a little of life philosophy thrown in. She is the president of , a consortium of quality producers who seek to educate and properly market the wines of the Langhe, and she shares some of the things she's done and is doing in that role as well. I hope you find her passion and intelligence as awesome as I do! Enjoy this one – you’ll learn so much! Don't forget to listen to the OG with Marina that goes over her story.. Full show notes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ I love my exclusive sponsor, my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. You HAVE to check out our Halloween pack at -- Spooky wines for my favorite holiday! GREAT Wines and a ton of fun. Get 10% your first order with my special URL. To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth go to: /episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/28282076

Ep 492: Polly Hammond of 5Forests -- The Esteemed Wine Marketing Innovator Shares Trends We Should Know 10/03/2023

Ep 491: The Grape Mini-Series -- The Pinot Noir Refresh 09/25/2023

Ep 490: Tasmania, Australia 09/19/2023

Ep 489: Madeira -- The best wine you may be missing out on... 09/12/2023

Ep 489: Madeira -- The best wine you may be missing out on... As suggested by patron Keith S, this week we take a detailed look at Madeira, the Portuguese island that makes a unique and delicious fortified wine! We discuss the very important history (it’s why the wine is made the way it is, so even if you hate history, don’t skip that part!), the geography and climate of this far-flung island, the grapes that thrive here, and the unbelievable way this fortified wine has been made for centuries. Photo: Frasqueira Madeira, Boal 1977. Source: Getty Images (canva) From the single varieties, to dryness levels, to aging levels, we give a broad overview of this complex wine. We share the facts about the wine and sprinkle in commentary about why we love it so much. There is always a bottle around here for a reason (and part of that reason: you can open it and it won’t spoil for months and months…!). Ditch your idea of cheap cooking versions, this is the real Madeira and we hope this inspires you to try it! As promised here is a list of the Madeira brands: HM Borges, Henriques & Henriques, J. Faria & Filhos, Justinos, Don Pablo, Pereira d’Oliveira, Barbeito, Broadbent, Madeira Vintners, and Madeira Wine Company (owns Blandy’s, Cossart Gordon, Miles Madeira, Atlantis) Photo: The HM Borges Sercial and the Caracol from FitaPreta, DOC Madeirense. Credit: WfNP Full show notes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ I love my exclusive sponsor, my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. Go to to join my co-branded wine club with Wine Access and so see a page of the wines I'm loving right now from their collection. Get 10% your first order with my special URL. The holidays will be here before you know it -- plan ahead and order great wines for the season today! To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth go to: /episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/28015833

Ep 488: Wine Travel -- The Inside Scoop on How to Have an Awesome Trip 09/04/2023

Ep 487: New Zealand -- The Overview 08/28/2023

Ep 486: The (REAL) Inner Workings of the Wine Industry with NY Retailer Daniel Posner of Grapes, The Wine Company 08/21/2023

Ep 486: The (REAL) Inner Workings of the Wine Industry with NY Retailer Daniel Posner of Grapes, The Wine Company In this show, I welcome my friend and wine industry guru Daniel Posner, the owner of the prestigious New York retailer, . Daniel joined in 2000 and was the managing partner by 2004. For the past 23 years, he has been a wine consultant, with clients from all over the globe. He travels to wine regions to meet with producers, winemakers, winery owners, especially in his favorite areas of Burgundy, Piedmont, Tuscany, and California. He knows the ins and outs of the New York wine scene, and the inside dirt that is pretty fascinating to those of us on the outside. Daniel also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Wine Retailers, a national trade organization founded in 2006, for which he served as President from 2011 to 2019. I met him at the NAWR conference, where he and frequent podcast guest were gracious enough to have me. Daniel has been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wine Spectator, Food & Wine Magazine, Forbes Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal referred to him one of the most influential wine retailers in the United States. From how companies in Europe get their wine to the us, to pricing and how the producers and consumers lose out through layers upon layers of markups, to the murky politics of wine and international wine scandals, in the last 20+ years, has seen it all and he shares it in this show. This podcast will teach you more about the business of wine than almost any other I’ve done. I often talk about the shady underbelly of wine – here it is, exposed in all its glory! Check out Daniel's amazing, curated selection and order wine for shipping (where legal!). Full show notes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ I love my exclusive sponsor, my go-to source for the best selection of interesting, outstanding quality wines you can’t find locally. Go to to join my co-branded wine club with Wine Access and so see a page of the wines I'm loving right now from their collection. Get 10% your first order with my special URL. today! To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth go to: /episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/27806721

Ep 485: The Grape Miniseries -- Marsanne 08/14/2023

Ep 484: Alternatives to a Favorite - Riesling 08/07/2023

Ep 483: A Trip to Portugal -- Wine Insights & Travel Tips 07/31/2023

Ep 482: Antonio Capaldo of Feudi San Gregorio Returns 07/24/2023

Ep 481: Eva Martinelli - Chianti Classico Winemaker & Region Expert 07/17/2023

Wine for Normal People

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