Wine for Normal People
A podcast for people who like wine but not the snobbery that goes with it. I talk about wine in a fun, straightforward, normal way to get you excited about it and help you drink better, more interesting stuff. About half the shows feature guests and are informal but educational discussions between me and a passionate wine friend –they aren't interviews. All guests are personal friends or friends of friends in wine so like any conversation between friends, we’ll talk back and forth, interrupt each other, laugh and have fun, debate tough questions, voice our opinions, and most of all, enjoy sharing our time together and with you! The Wine For Normal People book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many local booksellers. Back catalog available on Patreon.com/winefornormalpeople
info_outline
Rerelease of Ep 383: Domaine Wachau of Austria - One of Europe's Best Co-Ops with Roman Horvath, MW
09/16/2026
Rerelease of Ep 383: Domaine Wachau of Austria - One of Europe's Best Co-Ops with Roman Horvath, MW
After Episode 620: The Greats -- the Wachau of Austria, I thought about re-releasing this show but I wasn't 100% sure. I decided to do it because in listening to Ep 383 again, it brought the region to life for me in a different and very useful way. I figured it would be helpful for you as well! In this show I speak with Roman Horvath, a Master of Wine, is the Winery Director of , which is among the leading wine producers in Austria. The is actually a cooperative, meaning it is run by and owned by individual growers, with Roman bringing them all together under his leadership. has been cited as one of the best co-ops in the world and is known for making wines of origin and pure flavor. The has a full range of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling that reflect their unique terroir – from small vineyard plots on steep terraces along the Danube to regional wines. Roman coordinates the vintner families, who work to capture the terroir of the historic wine region of Wachau. These wines are terroir driven and show how the co-op system can work well and produce outstanding regional, village, and single vineyard wines when under the right management. A great conversation and a perfect show to listen to after Ep 620! Enjoy! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42913642
info_outline
Ep 620: The Greats - The Wachau Region of Austria
09/08/2026
Ep 620: The Greats - The Wachau Region of Austria
Austria is a bit off the radar so you may not know its greatest region: the Wachau. This time I cover the region in detail, from its 2000 year history to its unique geological makeup. I explain the region and why it makes some of best Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. While Austria is most certainly on the rise, there is no other region that rises to "The Greats" status other than the Wachau. A truly unique gem, in the world of white wine, this is a region with perfect terroir, a set of producers who have collaborated to do their best, and a set of wines that rank among the best whites in the world. In this show, as in all "Greats" I cover: The history of the Wachau The location, climate, and geography/geology Viticulture that is unique to the area (the dry stone walls, and the inclusion of botrytized grapes by some is fascinating!). The main grapes (Grüner, Riesling) and wine styles Sub regions and their significance Producers Classifications from both the Vinea Wachau AND the DAC system A great show and an even better region. Try these wines and get back to me! A good Smargd is hard to beat!! Source for this show: Great pictures of the Wachau: Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42838215
info_outline
Ep 619: The Wines of Provence - Liz Gabay & Ben Bernheim Return To Discuss Their Latest Book
09/02/2026
Ep 619: The Wines of Provence - Liz Gabay & Ben Bernheim Return To Discuss Their Latest Book
Liz Gabay, MW and her partner and son, Ben Bernheim, come back on the show as dynamic as ever. This time they discuss their latest, wonderful book, “The Wines of Provence,” which was recently published. We broaden our conversation from episode 434, to discuss not just rosé, but also Provence, which is far more complex than I ever knew. We discuss appellations, history, grapes, wine types, producers, and a whole lot more! A great show with some dear friends. Enjoy! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42631765
info_outline
Ep 618: Back to Basics: Structure in Wine Part 2 - Sugar & Alcohol
08/26/2026
Ep 618: Back to Basics: Structure in Wine Part 2 - Sugar & Alcohol
In last week’s show (dorkfest part 1), we discussed two components of structure, acidity and tannin, and how they are like two sides of a picture frame, structure. In this episode (dorkfest part 2), I cover the other two sides of that frame, sugar and alcohol, to complete the picture. For me, these components are the fundamentals and although writers are always trying to add more to the frame, they all can be attributed to one of these four elements. In this show I cover the following topics on sugar and alcohol: What are they? What are their roles in wine? Where do sugar and alcohol come from? How are each measured? How do we perceive sugar and alcohol (there is an especially interesting section about what we perceive as sweet, versus the reality! You may be surprised!) No and low alcohol ‘wine’ – how they are made, what is lost, and why I don’t think they are actually wine! This is really dorky stuff but something that you should dig into if you really want to understand what you’re tasting in wine! Enjoy it in all its dorkiness! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42556155
info_outline
Ep 617: Back to Basics: Structure in Wine Part 1 - Acidity & Tannin
08/18/2026
Ep 617: Back to Basics: Structure in Wine Part 1 - Acidity & Tannin
This time it's Back to Basics -- describing two of the four main components that make up the structure of wine - Acidity & Tannin. It's both simple, and very dorky (I quote the NIH at one point, worth a listen!) In this show I go back to basics and talk about structure. As I said in the book, I think of wine like a picture frame -- the sides have to be even for it to work. I liken the structure of wine to art and talk a little about the Mona Lisa and how it relates to the four main elements of structure: tannin, acidity, alcohol, sugar (or lack of sugar) plus the flavors of wine in my favorite wine analogy. Then I discuss acidity and tannin: What they are Their roles in wine Where they come from How they are measured How we perceive them Examples of grapes with high and low acidity/tannin How these sturctural elements interact with other structural elements in wine Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42492810
info_outline
Ep 616: The Greats – The Chenin Blancs of the Loire Valley
08/12/2026
Ep 616: The Greats – The Chenin Blancs of the Loire Valley
Although the Loire Valley is most famous for the Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé (especially after Taylor Swift drove tons of people to buy Sancerre – thank you Taylor!), there is a white grape that has a longer and more prestigious history in the Loire: Chenin Blanc. Map: Loire Valley Wines Along the longest river in France (the Loire), Chenin can make every style of wine on a multitude of terroir. As part of my series on the greatest wine regions of the world, there is no doubt that Chenin must be featured. And the three regions of the Middle Loire Valley that showcase the greatness of this grape in all styles are: Vouvray, Savennières, and Quarts de Chaume. In Touraine, Vouvray has a long history for making every style imaginable of Chenin. Since Roman times, wines have been made in this region and since the Middle Ages, the area has produced top drawer Chenin Blanc that caught the eye of everyone from Dutch traders to French royalty to the bourgeois. Today more than 50% of what is made is sparkling wine, but Vourvray also produces every style from bone-dry(sec) to very sweet (sec). In the show I talk about how this region can make such a variety of Chenin styles. The other two great regions for Chenin Blanc are west of Touraine in Anjou. The styles couldn’t be more diverse in this section of the Loire. Savennières, grown on schist, produces the region's best dry Chenin, with excellent fruit, minerality, and a multitude of other interesting aromas and flavors, which I describe. In the Coteaux du Layon, the grand cru of Quarts de Chaume produces Chenin's best sweet wines. Special conditions make it possible for Botrytis to develop most years and, although they have been praised and famed for centuries, these wines are some of the least known, yet best sweet wines that exist in today’s wine world. These are wines you need to know about (and try!). They are truly some of the greatest wines in the world and certainly the most prestigious of the Loire Valley. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42397360
info_outline
Ep 615: Felicity Carter Returns: The journalist, writer, speaker taking on the hardest issues in wine
08/05/2026
Ep 615: Felicity Carter Returns: The journalist, writer, speaker taking on the hardest issues in wine
Felicity Carter a journalist, researcher, and analyst who’s spent more than 20 years covering the global drinks industry. Not one to shy away from controversy, Felicity covers some of the thorniest issues in wine: health and alcohol policy, alcohol research and bias, the mainstream media and alcohol, the effect of GLP-1s on drinking, and global wine industry trends overall. She is the best writer in wine – well researched, truthful, credible and very balanced. Felicity was on discussing these issues and revealing the link between the World Health Organization and the temperance group, Movendi. She is on the forefront of investigative journalism for wine and health and she is a persistent and thorough researcher who looks at all sides of the story before writing up what she finds. She’s also awesome. And we’re friends. So, you know how the intro says that we’re wine friends and this is a conversation and we'll interrupt each other and stuff? That’s what you’re going to hear. We are both excited, passionate and both kind of forgot we were recording because when we catch up with each other, we have these conversations. Take it for what it’s worth – a little insight into what two very honest people, each with two decades in wine, have to say about various issues from the WHO to the UN and EU policies, to junk science, and the economics of wine. I loved recording this and listening to it! Hope you do too! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42308535
info_outline
Ep 614: The Alto Piemonte - Piedmont’s Best Kept Secret
07/29/2026
Ep 614: The Alto Piemonte - Piedmont’s Best Kept Secret
Although the best-known wines of Piemonte are in the south — in Alba, Roero, Cuneo, and Asti – there is a treasure trove of excellent Nebbiolo and Nebbiolo blends northeast of the famed Barolo and Barbaresco in the Langhe. These are small DOCGs and DOCs in the foothills of the Italian Alps that are collectively called Alto Piemonte – “higher (or upper) Piemonte.” Greatly reduced in status and size, Alto Piemonte today is a collection of small appellations across the foothills of the Alps, in and around the Sesia River and a swath of forests. The region sits in the shadow of Monte Rosa, which at 4,634 meters/15200 ft is the second-highest peak in the Alps. Map: Alto Piemonte. Credit: Skurnik Wines Because of the cooling breezes and lower nighttime temperatures, Alto Piemonte is cooler than the Langhe and Roero. That means that some Nebbiolo producers are starting to look northeast for new frontiers for growing grapes. Changes are afoot, which make this region worth knowing about now, whereas before it was more of a novelty! In this show I cover it all. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42236910
info_outline
Ep 613: The Grape Mini-Series Refresh -- Nebbiolo
07/22/2026
Ep 613: The Grape Mini-Series Refresh -- Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is one of the oldest and finest red grapes of Italy. Native to Piemonte (Piedmont) in the northwest of the country, it was first mentioned and described by (my boyfriend) Pliny the Elder in the first century AD. After a time of being known exclusively on its home turf, starting in the 1700s, Nebbiolo began to gain status as a wine of Piemontese royalty. When a dry version was made in the mid-1800s, the wine’s place as a great of the wine world was cemented. Nebbiolo sparkles in the epic wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, along with other neighboring areas. But it’s not a good traveler. Others have tried to grow it and make wine from it, but the magic of Nebbiolo is often elusive. So it remains small. With less than 15,000 acres/ 6,070 ha of Nebbiolo planted globally, this is a rare grape and we are lucky to have access to it! Photo: Nebbiolo grape in the Langhe. Source: In this show, as in all grape miniseries, I talk about the history of the grape, how it behaves in the vineyard and winery, there terroir that best suits it, and the places it is grown. I also talk about climate change and what that will mean for Nebbiolo in the future (I’m hopeful. There are lots of options in Barolo and Barbaresco, so don’t get all gloom and doom!). If you’ve never had a Nebbiolo from Piedmont, please do yourself a favor and get one. It’s unlike anything else in this world – pure magic in a glass when it’s from a good producer. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42063920
info_outline
Ep 612: Wine Legends -- André Tchelistcheff, The Father of American Wine
07/15/2026
Ep 612: Wine Legends -- André Tchelistcheff, The Father of American Wine
André Tchelistcheff is a wine legend, especially in American wine. A winemaker, viticulturist and teacher, Tchelistcheff raised the standards for California wine, making it possible for it to become a force in the modern wine world. André Tchelistcheff. Photo: UC Davis Library A lifetime learner, Tchelistcheff said his highest and best title would be "permanent student of the university of California” because he never thought he knew everything about wine and always wanted to discover new ways of doing things. Tchelistcheff's philosophy on wine aligns with that of most of the listeners in this community... "Wine is an intellectual beverage. It does not have the toxicity of liquor. Taken in moderation, it opens the mind. I have seen an introvert, after two glasses of wine, open like a flower." Source: In the show, I go over André Tchelistcheff’s life and all the contributions he made to first Napa, then wider California, and then to Washington State wine and beyond. A gentle, funny, kind, and giving mentor and teacher, the Maestro is definitely someone you should know about in the wine world. Enjoy the wonderful story of this great man's life! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42063880
info_outline
Ep 611: Six MORE Alternatives to Expensive Wines
07/09/2026
Ep 611: Six MORE Alternatives to Expensive Wines
I said in episode 604 that if you wanted my other 6 suggestions, I would do a follow up show! You told me this is what you wanted, so this time I give you six MORE wine regions that make very expensive wines and then provide ideas of less expensive bottles that you could sub in when you don't want to splurge. From Châteauneuf to Brunello I give you some ideas that hopefully you hadn't considered! The wines I find alternatives for (you'll have to listen to hear the wines I recommend as "dupes"): Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grosses Gewachs Riesling (I tell you what it is 🤣) Hermitage (Northern Rhône Syrah AOC) Condrieu (Northern Rhône Viognier AOC) Brunello di Montalcino Margaux (Bordeaux) Enjoy it! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ CHECK OUT MY NEW SPONSOR!!! This show is brought to you by my NEW exclusive sponsor, – an actual brick and mortar store located in White Plains, New York that has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential wine retailers in America. It is a store owned by my friend Daniel Posner, who has been on the show! When I was looking for a new sponsor, I wanted a small retailer who had the flexibility, contacts, and know-how to get us the wines that we really want. I’m so thrilled that Daniel is now a part of our Wine For Normal People community and I hope you will support him by going to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/42018700
info_outline
Ep 610: The Greats - A History of Champagne (How Champagne Became Champagne) Part 2
06/16/2026
Ep 610: The Greats - A History of Champagne (How Champagne Became Champagne) Part 2
This is part two (Ep 609 is Part 1)of a two-part series on the history of Champagne, which tells the story of how Champagne became Champagne! Photo: Champagne Vineyards Credit: WFNP I fell down a bit of a rabbit hole when I discovered an entire encyclopedia of the history of In this show I cover: The innovations of the 1800s that made Champagne sparkle on purpose with consistency and the contributions of the Veuve (widow) Clicquot The effects of phylloxera on Champagne The Champagne Riots World War I and German occupation part 1 The Roaring 20s, the Great Depression, and the effect of Prohibition World War II and German occupation part 2 Post war, rebuilding, UNESCO status, and a commitment to the environment Enjoy! Source of all this fascinating info is... Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ This show is brought to you by my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. Wine Access has highly allocated wines and incredible values, plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more. You can’t go wrong with Wine Access! Go to
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/41656935
info_outline
Ep 609: The Greats -A History of Champagne (How Champagne Became Champagne) - Part 1
06/10/2026
Ep 609: The Greats -A History of Champagne (How Champagne Became Champagne) - Part 1
This is part of a two-part series on the history of Champagne, which tells the story of how Champagne became Champagne! Photo: Champagne vineyards before mechanization. Source: Union des Maisons de Champagne I fell down a bit of a rabbit hole when I discovered an entire encyclopedia of the history of I tried to cull it down, but the information was just too vast and too interesting not to share! So this will be a two-parter. In this show I cover: The origins of the Champagne vineyard with the Romans in the late 400s through the Middle Ages The 13th Century when Champagne was used in the coronation of the French kings and began its life as a wine for royalty The changes from feudalism to sharecropping through the 1500s, with all the ups and downs in the fortunes of the region The grapes of the time and the first major innovation for Champagne – Vin gris – making white(ish) wine from red grapes The contributions of Dom Perignon to Champagne Photo: Statue of Dom Perignon Source: Victor Grigas, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons The role of the English in making a market for sparkling wine, and making the necessary accoutrements to hold a sparkling wine, as well The effects of the French Revolution on Champagne that still exist today The grapes and how they evolved over the centuries in Champagne I take you up to the 1800s, when the real Champagne innovations start to happen. That will be in Part 2, along with details on how Champagne took over the world in the 19th and 20th centuries! Enjoy and Part 2 will be here before you know it! Source of all this fascinating info is... Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ This show is brought to you by my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. Wine Access has highly allocated wines and incredible values, plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more. You can’t go wrong with Wine Access! Go to to sign up!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/41593730
info_outline
Ep 608: The Grape Miniseries -- The Barbera Refresh
05/27/2026
Ep 608: The Grape Miniseries -- The Barbera Refresh
Barbera is one of Italy's most widely planted red grapes and an essential part of Piemontese wine culture. It is native to the Monferrato hills, where it has been grown for centuries and important to the overall wine landscape of the region. Adaptable, drought-resistant, and capable of producing everything from bright, food-friendly, everyday wines to serious oak-aged bottles, Barbera has spread beyond its homeland — to California, Argentina, Australia and more. A grower's and winemaker's favorite grape for its easygoing nature in the vineyard and the winery, in the glass, Barbera takes many forms. From acidic and fruity to oaked with darker fruit and spice, it is food-friendly, pairing with everything from braised meat to pizza. As in all the grape miniseries, I cover the DNA of the grape (a fairly recent discovery and kind of a funny story), its history, its behavior in the vineyard and winery, aromas and flavors of the grape and regions in Italy and abroad that make Barbera. Much has happened with Barbera since I last discussed it in 2018 -- take a listen and hear the latest! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ This show is brought to you by my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. To celebrate the impending end of our partnership, Go to and use coupon code WFNP26 to get a discount of 10% if you've never ordered before!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/41436185
info_outline
Ep 607: Wine Legends - The People Who Solved the Great French Wine Blight
05/20/2026
Ep 607: Wine Legends - The People Who Solved the Great French Wine Blight
In this show rather than one wine legend, I talk about a team of people who saved the wine world from The Great French Wine Blight of the 1860s – 1890s, which turned out to be caused a destructive, insect called phylloxera that came to Europe on American grapevines. I discuss the contributions of eight people who worked together and across continents to collectively save the European grapevine, Vitis vinifera, from extinction. Today, we drink Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah all because of the efforts of these people. This podcast is the story of what they did and how they did it. I discuss the contributions of: Jules-Émile Planchon Gaston Bazille CV Riley Hermann Jaeger George Hussman TV Munson Leo Laliman Pierra Viala All played key roles in identifying the cause of vine death in France, and finding the solutions that would work best. This is an important story of wine legends all wine lovers should know about! Enjoy! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! 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/41355295
info_outline
Re-release of Ep 310: Elena Walch - The Quality Revolutionary of Alto Adige, Italy
05/13/2026
Re-release of Ep 310: Elena Walch - The Quality Revolutionary of Alto Adige, Italy
I couldn't get a new podcast out with my travels from Alto Adige with the patrons, but I thought it was timely I re-released this show since I was just there. It's not ALL old hat -- I did a light edit, improved the sound quality, and recorded a quick intro to this re-release of Ep 310: Elena Walch - The Quality Revolutionary of Alto Adige, Italy. is a winery with an essential role in the quality revolution of Alto Adige, Italy. Alto Adige is in the northeast corner of Italy and although it is one of the smallest Italian regions (0.7% of wine production) it has a nearly unlimited variety of wines that offer delicate, unique flavor profiles. Photo: A view of Alto Adige from my travels Located south of the Alps, in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains (where the !), vineyards here are planted steep slopes, river valleys, and some warmer plains. The vast differences in microclimates and soils in this sloping terrain make wines that have ample fruit but beautiful acidity that keep them crisp and bright. In this show I talk to Karoline Walch, the head of the winery and daughter of founder Elena Walch. She teaches us about Alto Adige, and then discusses the amazing story of her mother and how she changed the orientation of the region from bulk to quality. Photo: Julia, Elena, and Karoline Walch from Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ This show is brought to you by my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. Wine Access has highly allocated wines and incredible values, plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more. You can’t go wrong with Wine Access! to check them out!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/41283410
info_outline
Ep 606: Sally Evans, Owner of Château George7 in Fronsac Bordeaux, & Author of the Bestselling “Make the Midlife Move”
05/06/2026
Ep 606: Sally Evans, Owner of Château George7 in Fronsac Bordeaux, & Author of the Bestselling “Make the Midlife Move”
After a career in global consulting and raising a family, decided to pursue a dream of owning a winery. She took WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) wine courses and traveled to Bordeaux to explore the city and its appellations and discovered Fronsac (on the right bank, Episode 593 is on Fronsac!), which captured her heart. She went for it – she bought a small plot in 2015 and decided to build a new château from scratch. She found the right plot, and the right people and that château today is the award-winning . She makes two other reds besides her main wine and a white Bordeaux. Sally has offered us a discount if you order 12 bottles of wine to be shipped to you from -- you get 15% off and the price on the site includes everything -- wine, shipping, taxes, etc. Code WFNP is good no matter what country you order the wine from! Because she is so smart and ambitious, Sally didn’t stop there, she wrote a best-selling book to help other people who are questioning what to do in midlife, called “.We also discuss her book -- a must read, especially for women making a midlife change. It's a practical guide to help people reimagine their lives. Here's the blurb from Sally on what it covers: "I lead you through: the process of defining your dream, dealing with those inevitable fears then building the confidence to take the leap, and flourish in the new chapter, no matter what your midlife move entails. It shares the realities of a major midlife change - my journey from corporate life and Mum, to creating a wine château in Bordeaux from scratch. I hope my story and the practical guidance in this book inspire you and other women (and why not men?) to embrace your midlife transformations with confidence and passion." Sally was on the podcast previously discussing her project with Wendy Narby, , about how to pair Bordeaux with vegetarian food. In this show Sally returns to share her story with us and talk about Fronsac, one of the most underrated appellations in Bordeaux. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the for wines I select delivered to you four times a year! 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/41149385
info_outline
Ep 605: The Greats - The Grand Cru Whites of the Côte de Beaune, Burgundy (get to know them so you don't miss out if someone offers them to you!)
04/28/2026
Ep 605: The Greats - The Grand Cru Whites of the Côte de Beaune, Burgundy (get to know them so you don't miss out if someone offers them to you!)
This episode is part of "The Greats" series, in which I discuss the greatest wines in the world and what makes them great. This time, I explore the top white Burgundies of Corton-Charlemagne, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet. I address what makes these wines Greats and go into detail on the regions, the vineyards, and the wines. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ This show is brought to you by my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. Wine Access has highly allocated wines and incredible values, plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more. You can’t go wrong with Wine Access! Go to to sign up!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/41043190
info_outline
Ep 604: Six Alternatives to Expensive Wines
04/22/2026
Ep 604: Six Alternatives to Expensive Wines
This time I give you six wine regions that make very expensive wines and then provide ideas of less expensive bottles that you could sub in when you don't want to splurge. From Champagne to Barolo, I give you some ideas that hopefully you hadn't considered! The wines I find alternatives for (you'll have to listen to hear the wines I recommend as "dupes"): Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Champagne Pomerol (Bordeaux) Barolo/Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) Red Bourgogne/Burgundy (Pinot Noir) Chablis I promise -- I came up with some unusual and cool wines for this! Enjoy it! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! 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/40973285
info_outline
Ep 603: The Veneto Region of Italy (2026 Update)
04/15/2026
Ep 603: The Veneto Region of Italy (2026 Update)
I haven’t given an update to the Veneto region in more than a decade. With an upcoming Patron trip to the region, I think it’s high time! Veneto is in northeastern Italy and is famed for wines like Prosecco, Valpolicella (including Amarone), Soave, and Bardolino. With 14 DOCGs, 29 DOCs, and 10 IGPs, covering about 104,400 ha (258,000 acres) of vineyards, the province makes every style of wine imaginable. Approximately 75% of plantings are white varieties—dominated by Glera at around 39% (this is the main Prosecco grape)—while 25% of plantings are red, led by Corvina with Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara. In this show, I discuss the history of Veneto, and then break the province down into three distinct regions, with some star DOCs and DOCGs: Eastern part: Prosecco/ Treviso Province Wine Zones: Valdobiaddene, Conegliano, Asolo, Cartizze Central part of Veneto: Around Vicenza/Padova - Breganze, Gambellara, Colli Berici, Colli Euganei Western Part: In the Hills of Verona: Valpolicella, Bardolino, Custoza, Lugana, Soave, Garda I address some of the unfair criticisms levied against Veneto by certain wine writers, talk about how to find the best of the best wines from this region, and suggest some top producers. A great show and a fun update after all these years! So much has changed and improved! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the for wines I select delivered to you four times a year! 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/40882620
info_outline
Ep 602: Wine Legends - Émile Peynaud, The Father of Modern Enology
04/08/2026
Ep 602: Wine Legends - Émile Peynaud, The Father of Modern Enology
This is the start of a new series, suggested by Patron Keith S.! Thank you, Keith! I'll cover people who have made a huge difference in the wine world —figures whose contributions have shaped how wine is made, understood, and appreciated. I felt the best place to kick this off was with a man who ratcheted up the quality of wine in Bordeaux and then around the world. Through his great scientific brain and his quiet and kind yet convincing style of plain-spoken communication Bordeaux-based oenologist, Dr. Peynaud had an enormous global influence on winemaking and wine appreciation in the second half of the 20th century, earning him the title “father of modern enology.” Through both his research writing, and consulting work, he helped set new technology and quality standards across the industry, and through his teaching and generosity in sharing knowledge, he educated generations of winemakers to focus on quality. In this show I discuss the early life of the man who would bring winemaking into the modern era and then I talk about the three Peynaud principles: 1. Grapes must arrive at the winery in a healthy and mature condition 2. Tannins must be extracted gently but sufficiently through maceration 3. Fermentation temperatures must be controlled throughout and malolactic fermentation should be understood and welcomed in red wines. Photo: Émile Peynaud, the Father of Modern Enology Without Dr. Peynaud, we could not enjoy the clean, consistent wines that come from care in the vineyard, sanitation in the winery, and increased understanding of basic principles of fermentation. We should all raise a glass to Dr. Émile Peynaud and his life’s work, which has made wine so much more enjoyable! Santé! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! 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/40767710
info_outline
Ep 601: Pollak Vineyards – A Leader in the Monticello AVA of Virginia
04/01/2026
Ep 601: Pollak Vineyards – A Leader in the Monticello AVA of Virginia
is a small family-owned winery founded in 2003 when Margo and David Pollak bought a farm west of Charlottesville, Virginia. David’s experience in wine was pretty extensive – he worked in the 1970s in Sonoma's Russian River Valley and was a founding partner and investor in one of Napa Valley’s first Carneros wineries, Bouchaine Vineyards. Years later, when he thought about retirement from the corporate world, he saw huge potential in Virginia and he and Margo took the chance to help shape this emerging region. Photo: Pollak Vineyards. Credit: In this show, I host Ryan Pollak Gardner, Dave and Margo's daughter and their successor, and Benoit Pineau, the long time winemaker. We discuss the story of , the terroir of their site, and what makes their wine so much better than so many others in Virginia. For me, is among the Grand Cru of Virginia – the top of the top. Their wines are stunning, their property is beautiful, and they are doing all the right things to showcase how incredible the wines of VA can be. And I’m not alone: in 2025, Pollak won five gold medals in the VA Governor’s Cup Competition, more than any other winery. A great show on what it takes to run a winery of this caliber in a challenging climate and terroir, and how far Virginia has come, due to places like Pollak. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ This show is brought to you by my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. Wine Access has highly allocated wines and incredible values, plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more. Go to to sign up!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/40678245
info_outline
Ep 600: Nine Short Wine Stories -- How WFNP Listeners Got Into Wine
03/25/2026
Ep 600: Nine Short Wine Stories -- How WFNP Listeners Got Into Wine
600 episodes of WFNP! I am grateful to you for listening, for reading the book, for learning with me and gracefully accepting the changes over the years, and I’m especially grateful to my sponsors, guests, and travel partners. (thanks Heather and Beppe!) over the last 15 years who have supported this show. But most of all, as I say every week, I’m grateful to the Patrons – the people who directly support the work that I do week after week and who have become my friends, and who have allowed me to join them on their journeys into wine. I’m boring and you all know about me so for this episode, I asked the Patrons if anyone wanted to share their story on how they got their start in wine. I culled it down to nine! Each story is so unique and fun. Please make sure you listen to them all. The last story is with one of my very first listeners and we discuss some of the more philosophical things about wine and the show to wrap it up. I owe a debt of gratitude to all these brave people (who I definitely did not compensate for doing this NOR for saying all the nice things they said – I had no idea they were going to say this stuff!): Greg from Colorado Alissa from Los Angeles, California Tim from New Jersey Linda from Maryland Elizabeth from NYC Tina from Massachusetts Lyle from Silicon Valley, California Shana from Pennsylvania Claudette from Cape Cod, Massachusetts Just as a heads up: You’ll hear a brief pause between each vignette, and each varies in length. I hope you’ll laugh, nod your head, and enjoy this wonderful celebration of wine and the WFNP community. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ This show is brought to you by Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. Wine Access has highly allocated wines and incredible values, plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more. You can’t go wrong with Wine Access! Go to to sign up!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/40613625
info_outline
Rerelease and Edit of Ep 181: Laura Catena, The Leading Lady of Argentine Wine
03/18/2026
Rerelease and Edit of Ep 181: Laura Catena, The Leading Lady of Argentine Wine
In honor of Women's History Month, I'm rereleasing a show with one of the most dynamic, intelligent, and all around fantastic women in wine: Laura Catena of Bodegas Catena Zapata in Mendoza, Argentina. Photo from Laura's website: We discuss her life as a doctor, a mom, and the head of a wine empire. We cover the history of Malbec and how her family aided the meteoric rise of Argentine wine and of the comeback of the Malbec grape around the world. A fun, sharp-as-a-tack woman, you'll learn a ton about Malbec, Mendoza, and a few life lessons (it's all about the B+!) from this fascinating podcast! I've edited it to take out some outdated information and for conciseness, but it is well worth the listen -- still a great, educational, and fun show after all these years! Please look at Laura's web site on wine and health for the most accurate, up to date, and factual information on wine and health: Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ 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/40514675
info_outline
Ep 599: The Grape Miniseries Refresh - Malbec
03/11/2026
Ep 599: The Grape Miniseries Refresh - Malbec
This week I cover Malbec, or Côt as it’s known in its native home of Southwest France. This old red grape variety has long history in France and was once one of its most planted grapes. But due to pickiness in the vineyard and harshness in the bottle, Malbec fell out of favor in its native country. Despite being a big component in the Bordeaux blend, the grape remained in relative obscurity until it hit South America, particularly Argentina. Although it wasn’t an overnight success, Malbec hung around Argentina for about 150 years and then got its moment in the sun (literally). Today 75% of the world’s Malbec grows in Argentina. Photo: Malbec grape. Source: Getty Images via Canva From a combination of factors and circumstances that worked perfectly for Malbec, the grape took on premium status in the 1990s in Argentina and rocketed into fame through the 2000s. It was then that Cahors, the native home of the grape changed some of its techniques to make its native grape shine in a different style. Others followed, but these two titans of the grape remain the best. In the show I discuss the history of the grape, it’s not so cooperative nature in the vineyard, the key to making good Malbec in the winery, and then I talk about the regions where it is grown, in detail. As always, I end with food pairings and producers. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! 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/40386530
info_outline
Ep 598: The Médoc and the Haut-Médoc of Bordeaux
03/04/2026
Ep 598: The Médoc and the Haut-Médoc of Bordeaux
This week I cover the regional AOCs of Medoc and Haut-Medoc, which wraps up our exploration of the Left Bank of Bordeaux. These two areas can cover a lot of ground, but they are usually used for discreet geographies in the north and south of the Médoc Peninsula. Because each AOC is so large and varied, I do a deep dive into the whole of the region and then into the particularities of the smaller Médoc AOC in the northwest of the Médoc and the Haut-Médoc in the south, around the city of Bordeaux and to the west of the communal appellations (Margaux, St. Julien, Pauillac, and Saint Éstephe). I review the history, geology, terroir, grapes (including the new grapes for exploration and the new WHITE Médoc AOC as of 2025), wines, and recommended châteaux. Photo: The 1855 Classification, 5th Growth. The Cantemerle write in! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the for wines I select delivered to you quarterly 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/40293470
info_outline
Ep 597: Lodi, California -- The Past, Present, and Future of this Historic Region
02/25/2026
Ep 597: Lodi, California -- The Past, Present, and Future of this Historic Region
This week I cover Lodi, California, an historic wine region in the Central Valley of California that has been growing grapes since the 1850s. Located 40 miles /64 km south of Sacramento and 90 miles/ 145 km east of San Francisco, Lodi is an often overlooked wine region, despite the fact that it has been recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) since 1986. Lodi AVAs. Source: Lodi doesn't lack for vineyard land --today the region has 100,000 acres/ 40,500 ha planted to wine grapes, with 750 growers, 80 wineries, and about 65 tasting rooms. 20% of California’s total wine is made from Lodi grapes. The AVA also has the highest concentration of old vines in California. Photo: Bechthold Vineyard planted 1886. Credit: Randy Caparoso, , via Wikimedia Commons Although Lodi is known for big, juicy, high alcohol Zinfandel Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and red blends, the real secret is that with a library of 125+ different grapes, Lodi is doing a lot of experimentation with alternative varietals and some of it is pretty cool: it has a few tricks up its sleeve. In this show, I cover all of the details of Lodi - from the history, to the climate and land, to the AVAs, and the wine styles. I mention some key producers, and then I wrap with some of the challenges that Lodi faces and the opportunities it has in front of it. Source for this show was primarily the excellent site of the Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the for wines I select delivered to you four times a year! 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/40209280
info_outline
Ep 596: Back to Basics - Defining Old World & New World (and why it still matters)
02/18/2026
Ep 596: Back to Basics - Defining Old World & New World (and why it still matters)
In this show I go back to basics (the last time I covered this topic was in 2011 -- episode 7!!) and discuss the differences between the terms New World and Old World. Although it seems totally basic, there has been controversy over using these terms, with some writers saying they are antiquated, non specific, and need to be replaced. I disagree. I discuss the usefulness of the terms and why they should still exist as terms in wine from three main perspectives: Geographical and historical perspectives REAL terroir differences that make the wines different Differences in regulation make Old World wines very consistent (and they conform to stereotypes!) Here are links to the articles that I mention: _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the for wines I select delivered to you four times a year! 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/40134370
info_outline
Ep 595: Croatian Wine Revisited -- An Overview and Conversation with Patron and Listener Bevis Sydney
02/11/2026
Ep 595: Croatian Wine Revisited -- An Overview and Conversation with Patron and Listener Bevis Sydney
This show is a refresh of Episode 371 with a new take! In October of 2025, I visited Croatia on a scouting trip with my friend Brett from (check them out and take a trip with them! Marija and Barişa are the best guides!) to see if there was a possibility of me hosting a patron trip there! It was a fantastic trip and I learned so much about the country and the wines. Photo: View from Rizman Winery. Credit: WFNP Just two weeks before I went, Patron, listener, wine educator, previous pod guest cohost (Ep 522 -- the Wine Movie Podcast), Bevis Sydney, visited to Croatia on a family holiday. He and I compared notes and they were nearly identical. I enlisted his help to do this show as a look into our shared perceptions -- great and less great. I cover all the basics in a brief review on the country and then Bevis and I do a deep dive into the main grapes of Dalmatia and beyond. We come to the conclusion that the whites Grk and Poşip are the best wines we tasted, and the red Babiç has some potential. Photo: Kastel Sikuli is a great winery in Dalmatia. Credit: WFNP Here are the links to things we reference: (check them out and take a trip with them!) Stockists: (UK and US) Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the for wines I select delivered to you four times a year! 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/40054460
info_outline
Ep 594: Seb Pradal, The Sommelier Consultant Behind Apple TV’s Award-Winning “Drops of God”
02/04/2026
Ep 594: Seb Pradal, The Sommelier Consultant Behind Apple TV’s Award-Winning “Drops of God”
If you haven’t seen the Apple TV Series “Drops of God”, you must change that quickly. This is, in my opinion, the single best wine show/movie ever done. It’s not hokey, it shows wine in a realistic and good light, and it’s a cool story. The show, whose first season dropped in 2023, won the International Emmy Awards for Best Drama Series and has been praised for its beautiful cinematography, skilled acting, and accurate portrayal of certain elements of the wine world. It’s actually based on a Japanese manga series of the same name that was wildly popular. Season one was so successful that Drops of God was renewed for a second season, which is currently unfolding week after week on Apple TV. Season one is still available for you to watch if you missed it. In this show, I sit down with Sebastien “Seb” Pradal, who was the man behind all the wine knowledge in this show. He worked with the writers and actors to get all the facts and details of the wines right. Although he won the very prestigious Best Young Sommelier of France in 1997, Seb took the entrepreneurial route instead of working as a somm. He leads a wine distribution and consulting agency, owns the fine dining restaurant La Petite Régalade in Paris, where he showcases French gastronomy and highlights independent producers and cool wines, and he imports French wines into Mexico and Colombia. He was selected by the writers working on “Drops of God” to help them make the series true to the wine world in a non-snobby way. He was charged with making all wine-related activities authentic, and we worked closely with the actors to teach them about wine, wine tasting, and the wine world (he told me offline that the actors now order and drink wine regularly and know their way around a list!). This podcast will give you a rare glimpse into why this show is so successful in portraying the wine world when many others have fallen short. And that glimpse really is all about Seb Pradal and his contributions to the show. He is a delightful person and shares some fun insider information about the inner workings of how a production of this caliber gets made. As promised, here are the links we mention in the show: Seb's Paris restaurant: Georgian wine Seb calls his "Grail": Information on Lignage grape: Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ This show is brought to you by my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. Wine Access has highly allocated wines and incredible values, plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more. You can’t go wrong with Wine Access! Join the WFNP/Wine Access wine club and get 6 awesome bottles for just $150 four times a year. That includes shipping! When you become a member, you also get 10% all your purchases on the site. Go to to sign up!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/39975855