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
Ep 543: The Rioja Series - the Rioja Alta Zone with Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner of La Rioja Alta S.A.
11/19/2024
Ep 543: The Rioja Series - the Rioja Alta Zone with Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner of La Rioja Alta S.A.
This show kicks off a multi-part, in-depth series on the Rioja DOCa. We will look at the three major zones of Rioja in the podcasts that follow. In each, I host top producers to tell us their perspectives on their zones and on Rioja at large. To get you up to speed before my conversation with Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner, the Deputy General Director and Director of Public Relations for I start out the show with a quick primer on Rioja. I cover everything from climate and terroir, the grapes, the aging criteria, and the terroir driven designations that were introduced in 2017-2018. Then I get to my lively conversation with Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner. Guillermo is a descendent of one of the founding families of La Rioja Alta and is part of the 6th generation in the business. He educates us on the Rioja Alta zone - its terroir, history, and the grapes in which it specializes. Guillermo then tells us about La Rioja Alta, which was formed in 1890 as a partnership of 5 quality-conscious growers focused on getting the wines of their remote region to the masses. They achieved this by supporting the construction of a rail link from Haro to Bilbao and thus, opened the world to these marvelous wines. They have a laser focus on quality and on maintaining tradition -- the dedication is admirable! The brands of La Rioja Alta S.A. that Guillermo discusses are: Gran reserva 890, Gran Reserva 904 Seleccion Especial, Viña Arana, Viña Ardanza, Viña Alberdi : Finca Martelo, Finca San Martin Crianza Guillermo and I then discuss some of the challenges currently facing Rioja, and we get deep into the analysis of what is working and what isn't. It's a great discussion! As promised, here is the list of producers in 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/33998627
info_outline
Ep 542: Franciacorta -- Italy's Elite Sparkling Wine Region
11/13/2024
Ep 542: Franciacorta -- Italy's Elite Sparkling Wine Region
With the holidays coming, I thought it would be a good time to do a show on a different kind of sparkling wine, so this time I cover Italy’s premier traditional method sparkling wine, Franciacorta. Map: Consorzio per la tutela del Franciacorta Franciacorta is a high quality Italian sparkling wine made in the area of Brescia in Lombardy (the Italian region where Milan is located). Franciacorta, as a sparkling wine, came into being in the 1960s but it didn’t take long for it to gain a favorable reputation, which still holds today. With very distinctive geographical features and a unique microclimate, the wines here are marked by a balance of excellent acidity and lovely aromas of fruit, flowers, nuts and more. The thing that makes Franciacorta stand out among other sparklers from Italy is that wines from this region can only be produced using the traditional method (like Champagne, unlike Prosecco) and must be made primarily from the French grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot nero (Pinot noir), and Pinot bianco (Pinot blanc). Photo: Consorzio per la tutela del Franciacorta Despite the similarities with their French counterpart, the terroir in Franciacorta presents weather patterns that include a lake effect, Alpine breezes, and ample wind. The entire area was formed by glacial movement – no by a small sea receding and leaving a bed of chalky limestone as was the case in Champagne. Priced at a premium, these wines are ideal if you love Champagne or sparkling wine but want something fruitier, fuller, and with less piercing acidity. Photo: Consorzio per la tutela del Franciacorta In this show I cover the history, terroir, grapes, winemaking, and the three types of Franciacorta: nonvintage, rosé, and saten and the overlying classifications of millesimato and riserva. ________________________________________ Main information sources: 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/33907022
info_outline
Ep 541: Top Tips for Attending a Wine Event with Patron Monica G.
11/05/2024
Ep 541: Top Tips for Attending a Wine Event with Patron Monica G.
In this show we answer a question I get asked all the time: how do I even begin to approach a wine event with dozens of producers? Patron Monica G. from @wineshenanigans and @wineopardy (and the Celebrity Wines podcast!) joins to help me break it down! We cover: Finding a worthwhile event to attend Preparing for the event -- both from a logistics and research standpoint What to do at the event Post-event items And we add a bonus section for professionals attending trade events! We hope this is a fun and useful show for anyone interested in going to a wine event. __________________________ Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ They have just what you need for holiday shopping -- gift cards and gift subscriptions (for one or many shipments) of the WFNP wine club! And for 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/33810422
info_outline
ENCORE Presentation: Ep 396 - A Tasting of Halloween Candy Pairings (and why candy and wine don't mix)
10/29/2024
ENCORE Presentation: Ep 396 - A Tasting of Halloween Candy Pairings (and why candy and wine don't mix)
From the archives, I am relaunching the funniest show I've ever done: Ep 396 -Halloween Candy Pairings with Patrons Kelsey and Colby Eliades. We scoured the internet to find commonly recommended pairings, so we could actually try them and tell you if any of these things actually work. The news isn’t great (candy and wine are HORRIBLE together), but we did find a few diamonds in the rough, including an extremely surprising combo that I thought could be lethal! Here are the combos we tested… Pop rocks with Prosecco Candy corn with Prosecco and Moscato d’Asti Gummy worms with Rosé Sour Patch Kids with off-dry Riesling Starburst and Moscato d’Asti Twizzlers, and Swedish Fish with Beaujolais Kit Kat with Pinot Noir Peppermint Patties with Syrah Reese’s Peanut Butter cups and Reese’s Pieces with Lambrusco Hershey's bars and Whoppers with Zinfandel Port-style Zinfandel with M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, Heath bar And, so concludes my attempt at pairing wine with Halloween candy. We did the encore, I am so thankful for Kelsey and Colby for participating, and now I'm never doing this again 😂😂😂! 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/33656892
info_outline
Ep 540: Chile Overview -- The Update
10/22/2024
Ep 540: Chile Overview -- The Update
I haven't done an overview show on Chile in more than a decade so this show is an update on the unbelievable wines of Chile -- I cover new regions, new viticulture and styles, and all the wonderful things this South American gem has to offer. If you haven't had Chilean wine in a while, it's time to take another look. Especially in the last decade, the wines and vines have matured and the diversity, quality, and breadth of what this country has to offer has improved by leaps and bounds. In the show cover: A history of Chilean wine Climate and the east-to-west climate zones Grapes and new viticultural techniques The DO system Regions and Subregions Atacama: Huasco Coquimbo: Elqui, Limarí, Choapa Aconcagua with the Costa areas of Casablanca and San Antonio (with sub region Leyda) Valle Central: Maipo, Rapel (with sub regions Cachapoal and Colchagua), Curicó, Maule Sur: Itata, Bio Bio, Malleco Austral region After the whirlwind wine grand tour of the country, I discuss a few reasons why Chilean wine should absolutely be on our radars and in our cellars (and it's not just for value!). 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/33586107
info_outline
Ep 539: The Grape Mini-Series -Sauvignon Blanc Refresh
10/09/2024
Ep 539: The Grape Mini-Series -Sauvignon Blanc Refresh
This is the third in the series of Grape Miniseries Refreshes to complete the trifecta of Cabernet Sauvignon and parents – Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. The short of it: Sauvignon blanc has character!! Love it or hate it, you know what you’re getting when you have a wine made from this grape. Whether it be citrusy, acidic, and minerally from Loire, fruitier and sometimes oak aged from Bordeaux, or pungent, spicy, and grapefruit-noted from New Zealand, this grape makes and impact wherever it goes. Photo: Sauvignon Blanc. Credit: Grown in more than 30 countries, Sauvignon blanc is the 11th most planted wine grape in the world. (. One third of Sauvignon blanc is in France, with New Zealand a close second. As with every grape, Sauvignon blanc has its quirks, but the grape is all about purity, rather than winemaking magic. With specific soils and sites this grape’s beauty shines through in its crystal-clear flavors. Sauvignon is appreciated for its simplicity, its ease of drinking and its versatility – the grape makes dry whites, oaky whites, simple whites, more complex ones, Sauternes and other botrytis affected wines. Whatever it’s used it, it makes a mark with great acidity and strong flavor. In this show I cover: The origins and DNA of the grape Sauvignon Blanc in the vineyard Aromas and flavors Main Regions: France: Loire (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé), Bordeaux Spain, especially Rueda Italy: Piedmont, Friuli, Alto Adige Austria, especially Styria New Zealand!!! Synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc Chile South Africa United States: Especially California's North Coast -- Napa, Sonoma, and Washington I cover food pairings and serving temperatures too. 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/33386682
info_outline
Ep 538: The Grape Mini-Series - Cabernet Franc Refresh
10/02/2024
Ep 538: The Grape Mini-Series - Cabernet Franc Refresh
The Cabernet Sauvignon refresh was episode 535, so I thought that on the heels of that it was time to do a refresh Cab Sauv's parents. This week is the Cabernet Franc refresh and next week will be Sauvignon Blanc, so you can have the full picture of the parents and the offspring. Cabernet Franc is an underrated grape and things seem to be changing rapidly with it these days. In the past, it has often been used purely as a blending grape, except in the Loire Valley, but today it’s taking center stage. Producers and wine drinkers have realized that if the best wines of Château Cheval Blanc on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, have a higher proportion of Cabernet Franc, maybe there is something to this grape that should be explored. Although Cab Franc still doesn’t have widespread popular acclaim, it is extremely important in the wine world. Today –it grows everywhere from France, Italy, the United States, Chile, Argentina, Canada, Hungary, Washington State, Croatia, Israel, South Africa, Turkey, Slovenia, Uruguay, and more. Plantings are growing and I see a bigger future for this grape. In this show I cover: The origins and DNA of the grape Cab Franc in the vineyard Aromas and flavors Regions: France: Loire, Bordeaux, Southwest France Italy: Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Bolgheri Hungary: Villány Canada United States: Finger Lakes, Long Island, Virginia, and a little bit on Napa, Sonoma, and Washington South America: Argentina, Chile I cover food pairings and serving temperatures too. 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/33291552
info_outline
Ep 537: 10 Outstanding White Wines for Fall
09/24/2024
Ep 537: 10 Outstanding White Wines for Fall
According to all the data – both anecdotal and industry –white wines have staged a huge comeback and are on the way to becoming more popular than red wines. The good news is that there are so many underrated, undiscovered white wines that you can enjoy year-round. Many of us drink seasonally, and when the weather cools down, we shift right to reds. It’s hard to get into the idea that there are also whites for cooler weather. In this show I give you a list of 10 white wines that are great for autumn. They are slightly more robust, are medium to full bodied, and are flavorful and totally satisfying. At the excellent suggestion of the Patrons, I categorized the show by wines that are easy to find, wines for which you may have to go to specialty shop, and those you probably are going to need to order online. Pairings and some producers are mentioned in the show. I got through three categories for your shopping convenience! Easy to find: Among the list is Chardonnay (new and improved!), Portuguese white, and Gewürztraminer Harder to find: I include white Rioja, Austrian Riesling, and more Really hard to find (you probably need to order online): Condrieu and aged Hunter Valley Semillon from Australia make the list. There are so many more but I mention…Soave, Amontillado Sherry, Sauternes and more Happy Autumn! Enjoy these whites and I hope you find new favorites!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/33205722
info_outline
Ep 536: Cinsault Master Alex Milner of Natte Valleij - A winning breakaway for South African Wine
09/17/2024
Ep 536: Cinsault Master Alex Milner of Natte Valleij - A winning breakaway for South African Wine
In this show I host Alex Milner from He is my first South African guest and the first Cinsault-focused producer I've had on the show. Photo: Alex Milner. Credit: I first learned about from a local importer who presented the wine as an option for a wine dinner I put together with a restaurant partner. Among all the wines I tasted that day, the Cinsault from this South African producer stood out and it performed beautifully with the food at the dinner, as well. The wine inspired me to do a Grape Miniseries show on Cinsault (episode 525), and the interest among the Patrons in this grape was very high, so I knew I had to have Alex Milner on the show to discuss his wines and his Cinsault passion. Alex is doing something unusual in South Africa and he is a bit of a wine adventurer, finding old vineyards through is other passion -- cycling! He is energetic, funny, cool, smart, and determined. By pursuing this unsung hero of a grape, Alex has created a small movement of Cinsault rediscovery in South Africa. To use cycling parlance, he has staged the winning breakaway in South African wines: Cinsault! We discuss the importance of Stellenbosch University in the South African wine industry, the history of Cinsault, the differences between the vineyards Alex sources from, and his beautiful . Photo: Natte Valleij Wines Credit: Seek out these wines! They are terrific, as is Alex!! (PS -- the show is marked explicit because Alex drops an F bomb, but it's necessary to his point...) ___________________________________________________ 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/33086302
info_outline
Ep 535: The Grape Mini-Series -- Cabernet Sauvignon Refresh
09/11/2024
Ep 535: The Grape Mini-Series -- Cabernet Sauvignon Refresh
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted wine grape in the world. Loved by winemakers and wine drinkers alike, this grape has the potential to make wines with excellent fruit, power, complexity, and structure with outstanding aging ability. In this show, I do a refresh of a show I did 11 years ago (!), discussing Cabernet in all its glory – from the history, to the vineyard, to the winemaking and regions, it’s a deep dive into this beloved grape. In this show I review: The (relatively recent) history of Cabernet How the grape acts in the vineyard and what growers need to do to get great grapes Winemaking and what Cabernet requires in the cellar The grape’s flavors, depending on where it’s grown and how it has been made The main regions where the grape is grown and the differences between the wines from the major areas I wrap up with food pairing ideas and a promise not to wait another 11 years to take a look at Cab in depth again! 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/33003557
info_outline
Ep 534: Back to Basics...Terms for Describing Wine. Part 2 -Taste & Texture Words
09/03/2024
Ep 534: Back to Basics...Terms for Describing Wine. Part 2 -Taste & Texture Words
In this show, I continue to take a page out of my own book -- literally! In this back to basics show, I return to review basic wine vocabulary from chapter 1 of the "Wine For Normal People" book and introduce a new series that I'll be doing now that I'm hosting the show alone... This Back to Basics series is my updated take on some basics, without distraction or interruption, and with the perspective of 20 years in the wine industry and 16 years of teaching others about wine. In Part 2, I cover "taste" and "structure" words, which are some of the most misunderstood and incorrectly used terms in wine. I try to explain them in a detailed way, so we are all on the same page when we talk about wine, since descriptions are our best form of communication to get more of the wines we want in our lives. I cover terms for acidity, tannin, alcohol, and sugar/dryness levels. Then I define balance, complexity, extracted, flabby, typicity, and classic. I hope this review of the basics is helpful! I think it's always great to review the fundamentals of communication about wine so we can get the bottles that will make us happy! Enjoy this one! _______________________________________ 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/32880722
info_outline
Ep 533: Back to Basics...Terms for Describing Wine. Part 1 -Sight & Smell Words
08/28/2024
Ep 533: Back to Basics...Terms for Describing Wine. Part 1 -Sight & Smell Words
In this show, I take a page out of my own book -- literally! In this back to basics show, I review some basic wine vocabulary from chapter 1 of the Wine For Normal People book and introduce a new series that I'll be doing now that I'm hosting the show alone... Taylor Swift has "Taylor's version" of her songs, and similarly, this Back to Basics series is my updated take on some basics, without distraction or interruption, and with the perspective of 20 years in the wine industry and 16 years of teaching others about wine. This time, I am tackling some essential wine tasting terms that will help you describe what you see and smell in a glass of wine. From science=y to very general, this show covers a lot of ground and will either teach you or remind you of important concepts in wine tasting. In Part 2, I will be covering "taste" and "Structure" words, which are some of the most mis-understood and incorrectly used terms in wine! I try to explain them in a detailed way, so we are all on the same page when we talk about wine, since descriptions are our best form of communication to get more of the wines we want in our lives! 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/32771007
info_outline
Encore presentation of Ep 363: The Personal Side of Loire with Serge Doré, French Importer
08/20/2024
Encore presentation of Ep 363: The Personal Side of Loire with Serge Doré, French Importer
This is an encore presentation of a wonderful show I did with importer of French wine (and American via Quebec…) and friend of the podcast, joins us to talk about the Loire Valley. It's especially relevant for those of you who are part of the , as the "All Serge, all the time" shipment is heading your way soon! Photo: Serge Doré. Credit: Wine For Normal People Serge has been visiting the Loire since 1985 and has seen its evolution over the decades. He joins to give us the world of Loire from his perspective, humanize it with stories of producers he imports and some he has just met, and tell us what we can expect from this sometime confusing but wonderfully beautiful and diverse French wine region. 's wines will are available in New England and New York, and on Wine Access! Some of his producers we mention are: Pascal et Alain Lorieux Domaine Bourillon Dorléans “La Coulee d’Argent” I love Serge! Having him on is such a pleasure and I hope you enjoy his insights as much as I do. 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/32674582
info_outline
Ep 532: The Wines of the French Pyrénées (obscure but very tasty and cool!)
08/14/2024
Ep 532: The Wines of the French Pyrénées (obscure but very tasty and cool!)
Ok, I know this is an obscure show and I promise we’ll get back to mainstream stuff next week, but there is a reason for doing this show now. PLUS, it's super dorky stuff and that's awesome! I was putting together the with Serge Doré that is going out soon and one of the wines was from the small appellation of Saint Mont. I pride myself on having an awareness of most appellations in France, but I didn’t have a clue where or what Saint Mont was, so this show is as much for me as it is for you! In the show, I do an overview of the regions, which have a lot in common, so it won't overwhelm you to listen to (I hope!). Source: _________________________________________________________The foothills or the Pyrénées have six wine regions, all with some similarities. All are in Gascony, a vast area in southwest France that stretches from the Pyrénées Mountains along the French-Spanish border. The regions I discuss in the show are: Béarn, Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, Jurançon, Saint Mont, and Irouléguy. They are linked by common terroir, common history, and common wines. The grapes are mostly all native, unique, and obscure (albeit often they make really tasty wine!) Here are what they share: A mild, consistent maritime climate with a regular foehn wind – a dry, warm southern wind that prolongs the growing season. Varied soil types, but many of the vineyards have some pebbles and stones from colluvial wash of the Pyrénées. Grapes: Reds: Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc (Bouchy, here), and some Pinenc (commonly known as Fer Servadou) Whites: The main whites are Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng. Other grapes used are Petit Courbu (lower alcohol and acidity tames the Mansengs), Courbu (for sweet wines) and grapes like Lauzet and Camarlet. In the rest of the show I get into the details of the regions -- from history to terroir to the interesting wines available. If you are looking to dork out and just learn about something new, this is the show for you. I know it's off the beaten path but there is a lot of history and a lot of great wine. I wanted to learn about this region and I brought you along for the ride -- thank you for indulging me! Full show notes (with producers!) 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/32566322
info_outline
Ep 531: Sicily’s Best Little-Known Winery - Dei Principi di Spadafora with Enrica Spadafora
08/06/2024
Ep 531: Sicily’s Best Little-Known Winery - Dei Principi di Spadafora with Enrica Spadafora
For more than 30 years, has been quietly churning out some of Sicily’s best wines in a tiny enclave of Virzì, about 35 miles southwest of Palermo, on Sicily’s west coast. Photo: Francesco and Enrica Spadafora. The Spadafora family has been in Sicily since 1230, and their family came from noble roots but (Princes of Spadafora) vineyards and winery didn’t really start until the late 1980s, when Francesco Spadafora decided to concentrate full time on growing grapes and making wine from a family property that had previously been designated only for bulk production. Since then, the organically farmed property and minimalist winemaking facilities have churned out spectacular, estate-grown wine, with Francesco at the helm. His daughter, Enrica, joined her father several years ago, doing the hard work of selling and marketing these very special wines from a remote part of Sicily. Photo: The glorious Principe G Grillo with Francesco's gourmet creation. Credit: Wine For Normal People I had the opportunity to meet Enrica and Francesco when I was with the Patron group in Sicily in May. I welcome Enrica (her father does not speak enough English to do a podcast!) to discuss the storied history, how her father left the life of an aristocrat to become a farmer and winemaker, and how they are able to make such outstanding wines (the Grillo and Nero d'Avola especially are magic!) Check them out at Enjoy!
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/32459422
info_outline
Ep 530: The Evolution of the Modern Tasting Room with Jim Morris -- The history, changes, rising costs, possible future, & what it means to us
07/30/2024
Ep 530: The Evolution of the Modern Tasting Room with Jim Morris -- The history, changes, rising costs, possible future, & what it means to us
If you are an avid follower of the show you know that my friend Jim Morris, hospitality guru, and wine industry veteran has been on the show many, many times. His first appearance was on Episode 30 and he has appeared on Episodes 130, 230, and now 530 – as I say, he is the man of the 30s! Photo: Courtesy of Jim Morris This time Jim joins to pull the curtain back on how Napa and Sonoma tasting rooms, the original model for all others in the world, have evolved over the last 40 years. We discuss how tasting fees started and how they have mushroomed out of control, and the tough times tasting rooms, tourism, and wineries in general, have fallen on in the most prestigious wine regions of the US. We touch on the rise of other US industries, and why we don’t include Europe in the equation as well. 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/32356922
info_outline
Ep 529: The Best Wine Storage Solutions with Certified Kitchen Designer and Patron Robin Rigby Fisher
07/23/2024
Ep 529: The Best Wine Storage Solutions with Certified Kitchen Designer and Patron Robin Rigby Fisher
This week I welcome Patron , a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer and Certified Aging in Place Specialist. Robin has a kitchen design firm in the Portland, Oregon metro area (called ). She has been creating award winning kitchen and baths for more than 28 years and she comes to tell us about the various ways we organize our wine storage and her preferred solutions. Once again, this provides us with fantastic expertise and a woman with a great personality who is willing to help us out with her deep knowledge on a subject! Here are the show notes: We first discuss the most important starting point: the top considerations when thinking about wine storage: Budget, number of bottles, how much space you have, and possible locations are some important items! _____________________________________________________ Photo: private wine cellar. Credit: Pixabay We give a run-down of different storage options and locations. We cover: Wine fridges. Basement storage and how to do it right Small apartment storage ideas (don't forget about your fridge!) What to do with bigger spaces and what to think about when you are building out a space for wine storage (don't forget the outlets! And the humidity and temperature control! We talk about the biggest no-nos for storage...listen to find out what they are!! I hope you enjoy this one! Thanks so much to !! This community is amazing! If you want to hire her to get some help, I'm giving her a plug because I believe in her: -- She does virtual consultations too! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ If you want to fill your brand new wine storage solution with amazing wines, join today! And if you want me to help you with that process, join the for wines I personally select (no joke -- I really do it!) delivered to you four times a year! You also get 10% off all other purchases when you join the club! 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/32252487
info_outline
Ep 528: Yakima Valley AVA, Washington
07/17/2024
Ep 528: Yakima Valley AVA, Washington
Washington State is the second-largest wine producing state in the US with about 1,050 wineries making over 17 million cases of wine. In this show I cover the largest sub region of the Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVA (and its sub-AVAs). Yakima is in south-central Washington, at 46˚ N latitude. In 1983 it became Washington State’s first federally-recognized AVA. Responsible for nearly 1/3 of Washington’s total planted land, the major grapes in Yakima Valley are the American standards: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Riesling and Syrah. Photo: Vineyard in Rattlesnake Hills AVA Source: Yakima is on what locals call the ‘dry side’ of Washington state, the high desert east of the Cascade Mountains, which consists of irrigated farmland and sagebrush-covered wild land. The area is known for a handful of very large wineries but is dominated by small family run operations. Photo: Snipes Mountain AVA Source: The podcast includes a review of the region's history, the fascinating geology and climate of this area and then the sub-appellations of this relatively new and somewhat underrated Washington powerhouse region. 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/32135097
info_outline
Ep 527: Vermouth
07/10/2024
Ep 527: Vermouth
Wait, I thought you only covered wine in this podcast? I do! And guess what? Vermouth is wine. Vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine flavored with botanicals like roots, herbs, barks, flowers, seeds, and spices. Although aromatized beverages have been around for millennia, vermouth's origins lie in the Kingdom of Savoie in the 1700s, first in Torino, Italy and then in Chambéry, France. Photo: Botanicals. Credit: Unsplash First offered in apothecaries for the healing properties of wormwood, the main botanical in Italian vermouth, royal courts and then high society took a shine to vermouth in Torino, and its medicinal image was shed and it the wine was served as an aperitif in cafés. Simultaneously, in France, dry vermouth took off and cafes from Lyon to Paris. Although served neat or on ice in Europe, vermouth took off in the Americas and found a place in the bars of the US as a major ingredient in cocktails like the Manhattan, the Americano, the Rob Roy, Negroni, and, of course, the Martini. After some ups and downs, vermouth is trendy again and more producers from around the world -- from Canada to Australia to South Africa, as well as the traditional regions in Italy, France, and Spain are experiencing a revival. Even though it's treated like a spirit more than a wine, I think it's time to cover this historic, interesting beverage. I cover the history of vermouth, how and where it's made, the different types of vermouth, and some of the cocktails that made it famous. _____________________________________________
/episode/index/show/winefornormalpeople/id/32051187
info_outline
Ep 526: Wines to Beat the Summer Heat -- 12 of the most refreshing bottles you can drink
07/03/2024
Ep 526: Wines to Beat the Summer Heat -- 12 of the most refreshing bottles you can drink
Right now, it’s so hot in much of the country, it’s hard to get creative about anything, let alone a new wine that may provide some refreshment. That’s what I’m here for! Ok, maybe not just me…this is a list that comes from the Patrons in answer to our weekly discussion question about what they drink when the weather gets hot. I added a few in for good measure, but this is the list of what the best and smartest community in wine has in their glasses when the sun beats down! In order of popularity… 1. Rosé: Provence, New World, Tavel, Bandol, Rhône, and everything in between 2. Sparkling wine in many forms: Cava, Crémant, sparkling rosé 3. Albariño/Alvarinho -- and the comparison between the Spanish and Portuguese versions 4. Vinho Verde: Look for something beyond just the $8 bottle and you will be surprised at how much this region has to offer – Quinta da Raza, Soahleiro, Quinta da Lixa 5. Riesling – off-dry, dry from Finger Lakes, Australia, Mosel, Rheingau, Alsace and Austria 6. Sauvignon Blanc of all types -- from Marlborough, New Zealand, Loire Versions, Bordeaux Blanc 7. Txakolina 8. Chablis or Unoaked Chardonnay (Especially Oregon Chardonnay, with- herbal and floral notes) 9. Frappato from Sicily 10. Chilled Beaujolais -- especially things like Fleurie, Chiroubles, and Regnie 11. Vermentino- from Tuscany, Liguria, Piedmont, but especially Sardinia 12. Cabernet Franc (just watch the weight and ABV! Loire is best!) 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/32010072
info_outline
Ep 525: The Grape Miniseries -- Cinsault
06/25/2024
Ep 525: The Grape Miniseries -- Cinsault
Cinsault or Cinsaut is a grape you’ve probably rarely heard of, but if you drink Provence or southern French rosé you have it all the time! The grape is planted widely in the south of France, but the grape’s biggest champions are in the New World, where Cinsault is getting new attention for making light, acidic, refreshing reds. This is a warm-climate grape, that actually thrives in dry and hot places. This grape is essential to our changing climate -- it retains acidity with low sugars even in the hottest conditions, providing a lifted, bright note to reds and rosés. Photo: Carignan. Source: Vins-Rhone ___________________________________________________ With typical aromas of ripe red berry fruit, like raspberry, strawberry and cherry, warm spice, and violet or dark flower notes and floral, strawberry, peach, and tea leaf notes in rosé, this is a lovely grape if made well. Where can you find Cinsault as a varietal wine or a big player in a blend? France: Southern Rhône, Provence and the Languedoc have big plantings of Cinsault Other Countries: Italy, Spain, North Africa, Chile, Australia Then we get to the most impassioned fans of Cinsault… Lebanon: In the mountainous region of the Bekaa Valley, Cinsault has thrived for decades. The famed Chateau Musar red relies on Cinsault in its most prestigious blend ________ California, USA: California has the oldest Cinsault vines in the world in Lodi, California at the Bechthold Vineyard which was planted in 1886. ________ South Africa saw growth in Cinsault in the mid 1800s because growers knew it could handle the hot, arid climate around Cape Town. It is a parent of Pilotage. I mention is as a great Cinsault producer. Other producers from many regions in South Africa are also doing great things with Cinsault. 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/31903982
info_outline
Ep 524: The Top 12 Grapes Saved from the Brink of Extinction
06/18/2024
Ep 524: The Top 12 Grapes Saved from the Brink of Extinction
There are a seemingly endless number of wines made from grapes from all over. But, surprisingly, what remains in the world is just a fraction of what once existed. Before downy mildew, powdery mildew, phylloxera, and the World Wars of the 20th century hit the shores of Europe, destroying vineyards of native vines, there were likely hundreds of thousands of grape varieties with millions of clones. The biodiversity and possibilities for great wine were even greater than they are today. But there is a movement afoot to revive grape varieties that are nearly extinct. It started in Portugal, spread to Spain and Italy, and now is a badge of pride for regions that are able to bring these grapes back from the brink. In this show I cover 12 grapes with interesting stories of near extinction and revival: Italy Whites: Arneis - (Bianchetta), Timorasso, Nascetta, Fiano Red: Schioppettino Greece: Malagousia Spain Whites: Godello, Verdejo Red: Graciano Photo: Godello Source: France White: Viognier Reds: Carménère, Tibouren There are so many other grapes out there that have been saved, but these are the stories I find most interesting. 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! 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/31804352
info_outline
Ep 523: Tales from a Trip to Sicily
06/11/2024
Ep 523: Tales from a Trip to Sicily
This show chronicles my recent trip with a group of Patrons to Sicily with my travel partner tour with . I take you through our odyssey, which had us traversing the entire island from west in Palermo to the center of the island to the southeast in Vittoria to Mount Etna. I discuss the themes I noticed throughout like interesting climatic quirks that the quality regions share, the amazing culture and hospitality, and the uniqueness of the wines on this beautiful island and more. I hope you enjoy this recap and it gives you a flavor for what Sicily is like and how awesome it is from a wine, people and place perspective! A special thanks to the Patrons who went on this trip, and to my amazing travel partners, Heather and Beppe, the owners of for making this journey so special! 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/31703277
info_outline
Ep 522: 8 Top Wine Movies with Patron Bevis S.
06/04/2024
Ep 522: 8 Top Wine Movies with Patron Bevis S.
This week I welcome long-time Patron and listener, Bevis Sydney, who is not only a wine educator in the UK, but also a movie buff. He and I give our views on the top 8 wine movies, according to a poll of the Patron community and general consensus from the press on the top wine movies. We discuss: · Sideways (2004) · A Good Year (2006) · Wine Country (2019) · Bottle Shock (2008) · Somm (2012) · A Year in Burgundy (2013) · Sour Grapes (2016) · Mondovino (2004) Remember – movies, like wine, are subjective. You don’t have to agree with us, but you do have to be respectful in your comments! You can always skip to the next movie if you don’t like what we’re saying. It’s just wine and it’s just a movie. Here are some links that we discuss in the show: Somm: 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/31607617
info_outline
Ep 521: The Greats -- Tokaji Aszú
05/21/2024
Ep 521: The Greats -- Tokaji Aszú
As part of the series on the The Greats (the great wines of the world), I cover the complex world of Hungarian Tokaji. As with all dives into “The Greats,” I spend the first half of the show delving into the history of Tokaj and then discuss winemaking, the grapes, and the complex way in which this wine is made. Some notes that may be hard to understand (since I obviously know no Hungarian!): The main grapes in the wine are: Furmint (Foor-mint) 60-70% of Tokaj plantings Hárslevelű (Harsh-level-loo) -- 19% of plantings Sárgamuskotály (Sharga-moose-kah-tie) - 9% of plantings (Muscat Lunel, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) Secondary grapes are: Zéta (Oremus), Kabar and Kövérszőlő (Koo-ver-sue-loo) And just a few words on the wines: Tokaji Szamorodni (sam-or-od-nee) can be dry or sweet. It is made from bunches of grapes with a high proportion of botrytized grapes. These are bunches, not individual berries. Tokaji Aszú is the world-famous sweet wine. Aszu contains exclusively all botrytized grapes, individually hand picked, trampled, and then turned into a paste/dough. The wine is then macerated in must, wine, or partly fermented must, still fermenting must or wine from the same vintage. Aszú ranges from 3 to 6 puttonyos, which indicates sweetness levels Tokaji Eszencia: Is one of the most exclusive wines there is. Eszencia means nectar. It is the free run juice of botrytized aszú berries. It is so sweet that the alcohol doesn’t usually exceed 5-6%. I hope you enjoy this overview of the Great that has one of the longest recorded histories of winemaking! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. _______________________________________________________________ has an amazing selection — once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the in time for the next shipment. As a limited time offer, get $25 off your first TWO shipments of our club! 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/31551702
info_outline
Ep 520: The historic, urban wines of Vienna (yes, the city!) with Alex Zahel of Weingut Zahel
05/14/2024
Ep 520: The historic, urban wines of Vienna (yes, the city!) with Alex Zahel of Weingut Zahel
Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Vienna is the only major city in the world where serious wine grown, with its own appellation, DAC Wien. In the green belt surrounding this very green city, wine grapes grow as they have since at least the Middle Ages. And it’s not negligible -- 582 ha/1438 acres. It’s also not crappy, tourist wine. It’s high quality, interesting wine that’s tasty and different. It’s become such a priority for Vienna and Austria that Viennese state law states that all existing vineyards must remain vineyards protecting valuable viticultural land from real estate speculation! Standing side by side with the wine and with the Gemischter Satz blend is the unique tradition of the Heurige wine taverns. These are such an important part of Austria’s list of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2019. To discuss this amazing tradition that I bet you had little idea even existed, Alex Zahel joins. He's the 4th generation of the Zahel family and is the GM and winemaker of Zahel. A great, eye opening show! 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/31292502
info_outline
Ep 519: A Year in the Vineyard in Sonoma with Brian Callahan of Crux Winery
05/07/2024
Ep 519: A Year in the Vineyard in Sonoma with Brian Callahan of Crux Winery
For this show I ask my friend with Brian Callahan, small vineyard farmer and co-owner of Crux Winery in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma (the Middle Reach though – the warmer part, so they do Rhône varietals) to tell us what a year in a Sonoma vineyard looks like. He takes us through what he has been doing for the last 18 years in his vineyard, a three acre plot that produces the beautiful fruit that turns into Crux wine. This is a real look at what happens in the vineyard over the year to ensure a healthy harvest. We discuss what he can do and what Mother Nature gives or takes away that he may have to deal with! ___________________ 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/31292447
info_outline
Ep 518: Biodynamic, Organic, Sustainable, Regenerative Wine (and more) -- the Update
05/01/2024
Ep 518: Biodynamic, Organic, Sustainable, Regenerative Wine (and more) -- the Update
These categories of "better for the earth" wines are technical, tricky, and ever-evolving, so I felt that it was time to do a comprehensive update! In this show, I do best to break it all down in as simple a way as possible…I cover: Biodynamics Organics Sustainable farming Regenerative agriculture And then, quickly, the loose ends – vegan wine and natural wine I start with an overview of the Pre- and Post- Industrial Revolution types of farming: Traditional farming is original agriculture, by the industrial revolution introduced inorganic sprays, applications, etc -- most of which were not well developed and had serious side effects. This type of farming is called Conventional farming. All current eco-methods of farming are reactions to conventional farming ______________________________________ Biodynamic Wine I discuss Rudolf Steiner's philosophies and the main principles of biodynamic agriculture – essentially that the farm is a single, self-sustaining organism and the farmer must encourage and guide the vines, as well as protect the soil so it stays healthy and provides nourishment for the vines. The main certification for biodynamics is It was founded in 1928, and is the world’s oldest sustainable agriculture organization. _________________________________ Organic Organic farming is traditional farming – this is how farming was always done until the industrial revolution. The new iteration grew out of the biodynamic movement in the 1920s and then experiences more growth in the 1970s. This method took off in the 1970s and 80s, especially in Europe. Different countries have different definitions of organic… European Union Organic Products/”Bio” in France: Organic wine prohibits most synthetic chemicals or GMOs and uses only certified organic oenological products in the cellar, including organic yeast. Sulfites are regulated. Organic wine has the EuroLeaf Logo with a code number of the certifying body or the French AGRICULTURE BIOLOGIQUE label (created in 1985, has been around for longer) United States. This is a program developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are prohibitions on the vineyard and the winery, with the biggest difference with European organics: Added sulfites are prohibited. Because of this last prohibition, certified organic vineyards go in and out of the organic certification To make it more flexible, they added the “Made with Organic Grapes” stipulation, which is looser _________________________________________________________ Regenerative Organic Agriculture Although relatively new, this is likely the future of better for the earth initiatives. Regenerative starts out with the principles of organic but then adds a few other things. Watch this space… _________________________________________________________ Sustainable Winegrowing This is the most popular way to do better for the earth viticulture but it’s squishy. Sustainable is a catchall term that has MANY definitions. It can refer to production, or it can talk about conserving energy. It can be about good relations with employees, or economic viability of the winery. Some of these certifications are better than others. Here are some examples: France… The French Ministry of Agriculture developed the Haute Valeur Environementale Others... And in California... _________________________________________________________ I end with a quick tour of …Natural wine and Vegan wines 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/31062318
info_outline
Earth Day Encore: Ep 440: Jason Haas of Tablas Creek on Regenerative agriculture, alternative packaging, & improving the environmental footprint of wine
04/22/2024
Earth Day Encore: Ep 440: Jason Haas of Tablas Creek on Regenerative agriculture, alternative packaging, & improving the environmental footprint of wine
This is a special re-release of this very relevant and important show on Earth Day. Jason Haas, perhaps the greenest guy in in wine, joins to discuss the challenges the wine industry faces in becoming gentler on the earth. From regenerative agriculture (which is way less woo woo than biodynamics!) to sustainable transport and packaging, we cover the latest thinking of how to make the wine industry greener and better. Happy Earth Day all! 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/31702622
info_outline
Ep 517: Wines that are worth the splurge
04/16/2024
Ep 517: Wines that are worth the splurge
Tax Day in the US has come and gone. Many of us are getting a refund, so if you have a little extra change, here are some great wines to consider. A few on the list are... Burgundy in red and white: Pinot and Chard Pomerol in Bordeaux Syrah from The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater in Walla Walla Washington Old Vine Zinfandel from Sonoma, Napa, and Amador County Châteauneuf-du-Pape BLANC I offer descriptions and explanations of each wine in the show. I hope you enjoy and find a way to spend your tax money! _______________________________________________________________ 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/31292302