Best Wine For Beginners Podcasts (2025)

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Types of Wine Grapes: Pinot Noir 30:29

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5d ago30:29

30:29

Ep 128 Would you believe that one of the world’s favorite red wines comes from one of the most temperamental grapes on earth? Today’s episode is a fan request and we’re taking a deep dive into Pinot Noir! This grape is known for being both a challenge to grow but also how it reflects where it’s grown. We’ll talk about where Pinot Noir got its start…

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The Non-Fiction of Science Fiction 29:12

5d ago29:12

29:12

We all know that science shapes science fiction, but what happens when the opposite is also true? This episode, senior producer Teresa Carey speaks with legendary science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson about the intersection of science and science fiction and how the latter allows us to think about the effects of scientific advancement. Host, …

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Will AI Ruin Winemaking or Help Wineries Thrive? w/ John Tan (Part 2) 39:09

12d ago39:09

39:09

Ep 127 What if the future of wine wasn’t about choosing between tradition and technology, but finding a way to let both thrive together? In this episode, you’ll hear from John Tan, founder of CorkVision, an AI-powered copilot for wineries. After years in the tech world, John found himself in Napa Valley, blending his expertise with a deep passion f…

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Your Garden Is Not an Island: How to Protect Pollinators 27:56

12d ago27:56

27:56

Humans and nature have always coexisted. But, human intervention makes our modern world look very different than it once did. This episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine digs into how humans are reshaping the wild. Sam speaks to Dr. Harland Patch about the decline of insect populations around the world and how we can provide better environments for pol…

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Can AI Make Your Wine Experience Better? With John Tan (Part 1) 30:02

19d ago30:02

30:02

Ep 126 Can artificial intelligence (AI) really change the way you enjoy wine? In this episode, you’ll meet John Tan, founder of CorkVision, an AI-powered platform designed to help wineries sell smarter, connect with customers, and streamline operations. John’s story takes us from high-powered client dinners in New York to an unplanned move to Napa …

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Your Life Runs on GPS. And GPS Runs on Duct Tape 29:41

19d ago29:41

29:41

GPS runs our world, but the system is far from perfect and much more fragile than people believe. This episode, GPS expert Logan Scott speaks with senior producer Teresa Carey about the past, present, and future of GPS and how to avoid catastrophe when something goes wrong. Host, Dr. Samantha Yammine also explores the first new potential treatment …

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Are Old Vine Wines Really Better? Separating Fact from Fiction 17:20

20d ago17:20

17:20

Send us a text What does "Old Vine" on a wine label really promise? Is “Old Vine Zinfandel” truly better, or is it just marketing? In this wine stories episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield uncorks the truth about old vine wine, decoding industry buzzwords and cutting through the confusion surrounding one of wine’s most romantic—yet u…

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Designing Cities for a Warmer World 27:20

26d ago27:20

27:20

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What Makes Wine Taste the Way It Does? The 3 Key Components 25:14

26d ago25:14

25:14

Ep 125 What if the secret to understanding wine wasn’t memorizing grapes or regions but unlocking just three key components? In this episode, I’m breaking down the building blocks that shape every glass of wine: tannin, acidity, and body. By learning how to identify these elements, you’ll not only know what you like (and don’t like), but also have …

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Why New Zealand Wine Is More Than Sauvignon Blanc 21:44

1M ago21:44

21:44

Ep 124 Did you know there’s more to New Zealand wine than just Sauvignon Blanc? In this episode, we explore the world of New Zealand wine beyond its iconic Sauvignon Blanc. While Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough may have put New Zealand on the map, there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. From Chardonnay and Pinot Gris to Pinot Noir, Syrah, a…

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How Everyday People Power Big Science 20:15

1M ago20:15

20:15

Whether you call it citizen science, participatory science, or community science, research conducted by everyday people has led to major discoveries across a wide range of fields. This episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Caren Cooper to discuss the benefits and mechanics when it comes to public participation in science. Dr. Cooper i…

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Wine Fraud Exposed And How to Buy with Confidence 16:33

1M ago16:33

16:33

Send us a text When even seasoned wine experts and collectors are fooled, how can everyday wine lovers, like you, feel confident that the bottle in their cart (or on their table) is real? This episode of Everyday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield exposes the unsettling rise of wine fraud—from multimillion-dollar counterfeit scandals to fake wine label…

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Who Says Science Can’t Be Silly? 23:23

1M ago23:23

23:23

Some of society’s greatest scientific achievements were made based on research that might sound silly or bizarre to the average person. But curiosity-driven exploration is just as important to science as research that starts out with clear-cut applications in mind. So, this episode, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Carly Anne York. Dr. Yo…

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Sekt: Germany’s Sparkling Wine You Need to Know w/ Lisa Tupetz (Part 2) 34:44

1M ago34:44

34:44

Ep 123 Did you know Germany made top of the line Sparkling wine? In this episode, I’m diving back in with importer and winemaker Lisa Tupetz to explore the side of German wine most people never hear about. We’re talking about Sekt, Germany’s sparkling wine, and how to tell if you’ve grabbed the real deal made in the traditional Champagne method. Yo…

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Coravin’s Greg Lambrecht On Reclaiming Your Wine To Make Every Bottle an Occasion 46:09

1M ago46:09

46:09

Send us a text Tired of letting half-open bottles of wine go to waste—or waiting years to open a special bottle, only to find it’s past its prime? Wine preservation becomes exhilarating as Coravin inventor Greg Lambrecht joins Kristi Mayfield to reveal the transformative power of this breakthrough wine gadget. Uncorking more than preservation, Greg…

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Mapping Minds is the White Whale of Brain Science 25:23

2M ago25:23

25:23

Understanding exactly how the billions of neurons and trillions of connections in our brains could be one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history. And, surprisingly, we’re not as far off from that as you might think. In episode 2 of our brain series, host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Forrest Collman who helped create the most d…

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Why German Wine Goes Beyond Sweet Riesling w/ Lisa Tupetz (Part 1) 37:24

2M ago37:24

37:24

Ep 122 What if everything you thought about German wine was only half the story? Today I am joined by Lisa Tupetz who is sharing her journey to becoming a winemaker and importer who turned a chance trip to New Zealand into a lifelong passion for wine. From vineyard work to building her own import company, she shares how curiosity, setbacks, and per…

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Does Wine Get Better With Age? Unlock The 3 Secret Ingredients For A YES! 22:47

2M ago22:47

22:47

Send us a text Ever wondered if that special bottle in your wine rack is destined to become legendary—or just flat? Let Kristi Mayfield, certified wine expert, arm you with everything you need to confidently answer, “Should I age this wine, or pop it tonight?” Learn why only 1-5% of wines truly benefit from aging, and unravel the confusing myths su…

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Is a Lab-Grown “Brain” Conscious? 16:39

2M ago16:39

16:39

Neuroscience is tricky… to say the least. Dedicated scientists have been exploring the organ since ancient times but there is still so much we don’t know about what goes on between our ears. In part 1 of our brain series, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Toker about his research on consciousness through experimenting …

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How the Heck is Wine Actually Made? 27:11

2M ago27:11

27:11

Ep 121 What if the magic in your glass could be traced step by step from vineyard to bottle? In this episode, I’m giving you a beginner-friendly journey through the winemaking process. From planting the vines to harvesting grapes, you’ll learn the essential factors that shape wine long before it reaches your glass. You’ll also hear how grapevines g…

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These Wine Storage Temperature Enemies Are Ruining Your Wine 20:01

2M ago20:01

20:01

Send us a text Ever wondered if your prized bottles are safe on that decorative wine rack? This episode of Everyday Sommelier reveals the biggest wine storage mistakes most collectors make (hint: that gorgeous spot on top of your fridge is a disaster for your wine) and gives you the wine storage strategy you need—no cellar required. Kristi Mayfield…

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Connection and Play Can Keep the Doctor Away 22:03

2M ago22:03

22:03

There’s no real replacement for traditional medicine, but what if there was an intuitive way to prevent the effects of things like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain? Social prescription is the act of being prescribed activities that center around connection with community, art, and nature. And it’s backed by science! Dr. Samantha Yammine is joi…

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Why Hybrid Grapes Matter More Than Ever 25:16

2M ago25:16

25:16

Ep 120 What comes to mind when you hear the word “hybrid”? Probably a car you can plug in and not a grape growing on the vine! But in the world of wine, hybrid grapes are sparking some of the most important conversations about sustainability, climate change, and the future of winemaking. In this episode, I’m diving into what hybrid grapes actually …

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From Fear to Confidence Unlock the Power of Tannins in Wine 16:27

2M ago16:27

16:27

Send us a text Ever feel overwhelmed when handed the wine list at a business dinner, worried about making the wrong choice—especially when it comes to tannin in wine? This episode of Everyday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield dives deep into what tannins really are, why they’re not the enemy of great wine, and how understanding them can become your su…

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How to Not Raise an iPad Baby 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

Our attention spans are… not doing so great these days. With copious amounts of technology, apps, news articles, and social media posts at our fingertips, it makes sense that a lot of people are noticing how much more difficult it is to get into a state of deep reading. On part two of our literacy series, editorial correspondent Teresa Carey speaks…

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Mr. Cork & Fizz Interviews Me on Wine, Life & Business (& a surprise announcement!) 40:16

2M ago40:16

40:16

Ep 119 What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? For this milestone episode, things look a little different and a lot more personal! In celebration of turning 30, I’m sitting on the other side of the mic while my husband (aka “Mr. Cork & Fizz”) takes over the questions. From how this wine journey began to the lessons I’ve learned r…

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Wine On Tap Anxiety: What To Do When There’s No Wine Bottle in Sight 15:02

2M ago15:02

15:02

Send us a text Ordering wine at a restaurant is changing fast, and traditional glass bottles are no longer the only option on the table. This episode of Everyday Sommelier dives into the hottest restaurant wine trend: alternative wine packaging—from wine on tap and kegs to cans, Bag-in-Box, and eco-friendly recycled bottles. Kristi Mayfield explore…

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A is for Apple… Or is it AI? 22:50

3M ago22:50

22:50

Literacy is murkier than we think. This episode, as a part one of our literacy series, we explore recent research related to one of the most important milestones in our academic lives: learning to read. Host Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Emily Wood, a speech language pathologist who studies the methods we use for testing literacy in kids. She s…

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How this Wine Cuts Emission in Half w/ Currently Wine Co. (Part 2) 41:13

3M ago41:13

41:13

Ep 118 What if the biggest barrier to wine sustainability isn’t the farming, but the bottle itself? In part 2 of my conversation with Daniel Rodriguez, CEO of Currently Wine Co., we dive deep into how wine packaging, labeling, and consumer education all play a role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive wine industry. We explore Currently’s de…

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3 Tips Beyond The Bottle So You Can Embrace Alternative Wine Packaging 19:34

3M ago19:34

19:34

Send us a text Cringe at the sight of boxed wine at a party? Think twice. Episode 41 of Everyday Sommelier breaks down everything you know—and don’t—about alternative wine packaging. Host Kristi Mayfield pulls back the curtain on why glass bottles aren’t the only (or best) way to store and enjoy your favorite wines. Explore the facts behind boxed w…

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And Just Like That, You Have Nostalgia 22:19

3M ago22:19

22:19

Every parent has wondered if their baby’s crying is normal at some point or another. While there is no “normal,” evidence shows that genetics might actually have a part to play in how long babies cry for. And another universal experience, harking back to “the good old days” in pop culture and our personal lives. Senior Producer, Teresa Carey, speak…

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Disrupting the Wine Industry w/ Currently Wine Co. (Part 1) 32:54

3M ago32:54

32:54

Ep 115 What if the wine industry’s biggest problem isn’t quality, but the connection to the wine? Today’s guest, Daniel Rodriguez, saw an opportunity to bring fresh energy and better marketing to wine. With a deep passion for wine and a sharp eye on consumer trends, he's building a brand that meets today’s drinkers where they are. Daniel, the owner…

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Stop Guessing And Start Mastering Your Sauvignon Blanc Wine Style 14:11

3M ago14:11

14:11

Send us a text Wondering why the Sauvignon Blanc wine style you pick never tastes the same twice? If you’ve ever grabbed a bottle expecting vibrant citrus and got stone fruit—or vice versa—this episode is for you. Kristi Mayfield, host of Everyday Sommelier, unpacks the three major Sauvignon Blanc styles: New Zealand’s zesty citrus, a lush oak-aged…

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The La Brea Tar Pits Are a Climate Crime Scene! 27:52

3M ago27:52

27:52

Los Angeles is home to the only place in the world where ancient fossils are being actively excavated in the middle of the city: The La Brea Tar Pits. Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks to the deputy director and assistant curator of the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Dr. Regan Dunn. They talk about what makes this site so fascinating and what w…

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Types of Wine Grapes: Syrah and Shiraz 39:04

3M ago39:04

39:04

Ep 116 Is Syrah the same as Shiraz? In today's episode you are getting a sneak peak inside one of my Cork Crew virtual tastings where we compare Syrah and Shiraz, two names for the same grape, grown in very different parts of the world. This exclusive replay offers a deep dive into the differences between Old World Syrah from France’s Northern Rhôn…

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Breaking Down Wine Discovery Barriers For Modern Drinkers 34:33

3M ago34:33

34:33

Send us a text Struggling to enjoy wine without feeling lost or out of place? Dive into this episode as Kristi Mayfield and sommelier Hennex Vigo confront wine’s intimidation factor and reveal how to make wine approachable for Millennials, Gen Z, women professionals, and curious drinkers. Learn why traditional wine education feels outdated and disc…

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Ozempic & Prescribed Quiet with Dr. Emma Beckett 18:09

3M ago18:09

18:09

Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are everywhere. But with so much information available about this category of drug, it can be hard to know what to trust. Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, to unpack the facts and fictions behind GLP-1s and how we talk about them. Sam also talks with a …