Best Wine For Beginners Podcasts (2025)

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How WeRise Wines is Changing the Wine Industry w/ Diversity & Inclusion (Part 1) 38:44

3d ago38:44

38:44

Ep 106 What does it take to break barriers and amplify underrepresented voices in the wine industry? It takes someone to notice that there is someone missing and then work to bring those underrepresented people to the table. That someone is Jamila Conley. On today’s episode, Jamila Conley, discusses the challenges and opportunities for allyship in …

1
Beyond Sweet Wine for Beginners: Real Struggles and Small Wins with Anna Mpinga 37:14

25d ago37:14

37:14

Send us a text Ever felt out of place swirling a glass of dry white at a business event, wishing you could just order something sweet you actually love—without feeling judged? You’re not alone. In this episode, we're tackling the real-world awkwardness of beginner wine drinkers, especially when surrounded by colleagues who seem to know their stuff.…

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Digital Privacy & Protecting Your Data 28:16

3d ago28:16

28:16

You might think you have nothing to hide on your devices but everyone does. From bank accounts to passwords to travel plans, protecting your digital privacy is one of the biggest issues we face today. Digital privacy expert Eva Galperin joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine to discuss the importance of protecting your data and how to best do so. Sam also…

1
Still Guessing What Wine Barrels Do? Learn the Real Impact from the Source with Guillaume Maugeais 38:25

4d ago38:25

38:25

Send us a text Explore the hidden world of wine barrels on Everyday Sommelier as Kristi Mayfield sits down with master cooper Guillaume Maugier. Dive into critical insights about barrel aging, oak influence, and how coooperage affects every sip. Discover why barrel maturation is as crucial as vineyard terroir for winemaking, and learn the science b…

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Raising the Bar: How Casual Dining Can Elevate the Experience with a Better Wine List 1:01:05

4d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark sits down with Hector Ramirez, the voice behind the popular Instagram account It’s Wine Thirty, to explore why it’s time for casual dining restaurants to stop treating wine as an afterthought. Together, they break down how a well-curated wine list—featuring high-quali…

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The Scramble to Solve Space Scrap 26:21

10d ago26:21

26:21

Looking up at the dark sky on a clear night means seeing the lit up little satellites move their way around the night sky. Those satellites might be pretty to look at but researchers are currently working to solve a decades-old problem: what happens when they encounter space junk? Today, producer Teresa Carey speaks with Dr. John Crassidis from the…

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Inside the World of Wine Certification (Scandals, Myths & Must-Knows!) 34:07

10d ago34:07

34:07

Ep 105 What does it really take to become a wine expert and do you need a fancy certification to do it? And is it really necessary to have one of these certifications? In today’s episode I am breaking down two of the most popular wine certifications, the WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). I’m laying out how each one is structured, the d…

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Think Luxury Wine Experiences Are Beyond Reach? Think Again! with Andre Boada 25:45

11d ago25:45

25:45

Send us a text Ever scrolled through dreamy images of private jets landing at hidden wineries or imagined sipping iconic wines in a vineyard villa—but figured it was all out of reach? Luxury wine travel isn’t just for celebrities! In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, hosts Kristi Mayfield and advanced sommelier Andre Boada, founder of VinoCadre a…

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Uncorking Victoria: A Deep Dive into Australia’s Diverse Wine Scene with Michael Lazarou 57:56

11d ago57:56

57:56

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we head Down Under to explore the rich and varied wine regions of Victoria, Australia. Joining Rob is Michael Lazarou—Instagram’s very own @wines_by_michael—a passionate wine communicator with a deep love for the bottles and stories of his homeland. Together, they break down Victori…

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Climate Change in the Pacific Islands 30:57

17d ago30:57

30:57

It’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we’re using this week’s episode to highlight scientists and researchers from those regions to emphasize their contributions to science across all different fields of study. Then, Sam speaks with Dr. Steven Mana’oakamai Johnson. He explains how people are responding to clim…

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Types of Wine Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc 41:00

17d ago41:00

41:00

Ep 104 What if I told you there’s a white wine that makes “cat pee” an absolute compliment? And you might already have a bottle of it chilling in your fridge! Today, I am continuing my Grape Deep Dive Mini-Series and it’s all about Sauvignon Blanc. The first wine I really fell in love with was the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Noblio. It’s such …

1
Love or Hate Oak In Wine? Here's the Truth No One Tells You 20:12

18d ago20:12

20:12

Send us a text Demystify the myth of “oaky wine” and gain insider secrets to how oak barrels shape the flavor, texture, and style of your favorite wines. Kristi Mayfield breaks down everything from new versus used oak, barrel origins (French vs. American oak), and the truth about those buttery chardonnays. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into w…

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Cocktails at Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your Bar 46:00

18d ago46:00

46:00

Send us a text Ever wondered how to start making great cocktails at home without turning your kitchen into a full-blown speakeasy? In this fun and approachable episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark is joined by his wife, Sandra, for a laid-back conversation on how to set up your home cocktail bar the smart (and stylish) way. Th…

1
The Sweet Spot: Why $20–$60 Is the Magic Range for Wine 47:06

24d ago47:06

47:06

Send us a text Is it worth spending more than $20 on a bottle of wine? What do you actually get when you bump your budget up to $40—or even $60? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob breaks down the value-packed “sweet spot” for buying wine and why this price range often delivers the best bang for your buck. We explore what change…

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The Secret to Drinking Amazing Wine Forever with Tyler Balliet (Part 2) 36:49

24d ago36:49

36:49

Are you tired of feeling lost when choosing wine at a restaurant? Wish you had a sommelier’s secret to finding the perfect glass? Well, we are going to find out the one question Tyler Balliet swears by to uncover hidden gems on any wine list. Today is part 2 of my chat with Tyler and we are diving into why understanding the story and culture behind…

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Birding for Beginners in a Changing World 33:35

24d ago33:35

33:35

Birdwatching has taken off as a hobby in recent years, and for good reason! Birds are vital members of our planet’s ecosystems and are major bioindicators when it comes to understanding how climate change is affecting different environments. Joining host Dr. Samantha Yammine today are two passionate birders who use science to understand bird behavi…

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Will AI Replace Scientists? 22:25

1M ago22:25

22:25

The tasks that AI is able to perform has grown exponentially over the years but there are a few things AI still struggles with, like accurately mimicking scientific methodology. Dr. James Zou joins host Dr. Samantha Yammine today to discuss recent updates in AI’s ability to play the role of scientist. He is an associate professor of Biomedical Data…

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Redefining Wine Culture with Tyler Balliet of Rebel School of Wine (Part 1) 39:14

1M ago39:14

39:14

Ep 102 How does someone from a beer-loving Wisconsin family end up creating a massive Rosé-themed wine playground in New York City? As well as writing a wine-themed book that is challenging the wine status quo? Today’s guest, author Tyler Balliet, is sharing her journey on how she’s helping to reshape the wine industry with events like Rosé Mansion…

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Top Mistakes Holding Back Your Best Wine Tasting Skills —And How to Fix Them Fast 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

Send us a text Feeling left out at wine tastings because you can't detect “forest floor” or “hints of violet”? You’re not alone. Everyday Sommelier host Kristi Mayfield shares no-snobbery, fast-acting techniques to unlock your best wine tasting skills—no superhuman palate required. Ditch the intimidation and learn how everyday wine lovers can confi…

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Indigenous Climate Solutions, Virus Thaw, AI Brain Implant 17:49

1M ago17:49

17:49

When tackling solutions to climate change, we tend to focus on westernized approaches rather than listening to Indigenous Peoples about the best ways to protect our earth. So, today, just in time for Earth Day, Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Myrle Ballard about natural resource and environmental management from Indigenous perspectives. Then, …

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Best Italian Dessert Wines from Vin Santo, Moscadello & More 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

Ep 101 This is the last of my Italian wine mini-series and we have to talk about Italian dessert wines! Plus, I’m going to share with you my favorite dessert wine ever! From the late harvests, noble rot, and even frozen grapes, we will dive into the processes that give these Italian dessert wines their characteristic sweetness. Discover why certain…

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From Myths to Mastery: Selecting the Best Rosé Wine 18:16

1M ago18:16

18:16

Send us a text Navigating the diverse world of Rosé wine can feel overwhelming with its spectrum of colors and flavors. Many mistakenly judge Rosés by their hue, believing deeper pinks to be sweet and lighter shades to denote quality. This episode of Everyday Sommelier unravels these myths and guides you through the complexities of choosing a Rosé …

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Why Stay In? The Case for a Personal Chef 41:58

1M ago41:58

41:58

Send us a text Tired of overpriced appetizers and waiting 45 minutes for a table? Same. In this episode, we dive into the deliciously tempting world of personal chefs — think restaurant-quality meals without putting on pants. From romantic date nights to meal-prepped Mondays, we explore why staying in is the new going out. Spoiler alert: someone el…

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Italian Sparkling Wines: From Prosecco to Moscato d'Asti 32:14

2M ago32:14

32:14

Ep 100 This is my 100th episode of the Cork and Fizz Guide to Wine podcast! How cool is that? To celebrate this huge milestone, we are going to talk about Italian sparkling wine! What would you say if I told you there’s more to Italian sparkling wine than just Prosecco? We are going to dive into the differences between Spumante and Frizzante (spoil…

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Iceberg Ahead, Microbiome Map, Non-Alcoholic Wine 27:51

2M ago27:51

27:51

Icebergs are natural behemoths, littered across the ocean. They are both subjects of awe and fear among sailors so today, Dr. Samantha Yammine discusses the ins and outs of these ginormous monoliths with an experienced sailor and iceberg admirer, producer Teresa Carey. Then, Sam speaks to Dr. Beth Culp, a lead author on a recent study that maps out…

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Your Perfect Wine Travel Getaway: Turning Snags Into Successes 19:30

2M ago19:30

19:30

Send us a text Planning winery travel via a trip to wine country can be a dream—or a nightmare—without the right strategy. Discover how Kristi Mayfield transforms a chaotic wine tour with friends into a memorable journey, emphasizing the importance of structure and planning. Learn from her missteps as she unveils five essential tips to ensure your …

1
Wine Goes With Everything 51:34

2M ago51:34

51:34

Send us a text Is wine really as picky as people make it out to be? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we throw out the old rulebook and dive into the delicious, wide-open world of unexpected wine pairings. From spicy street tacos to sushi rolls, fried chicken to donuts, we explore how wine doesn’t just go with everything—it elevat…

1
Our Top 5 Donuts - Which Picks Will Rise Above the Rest 41:45

2M ago41:45

41:45

Send us a text Not all donuts are created equal. In this episode, we bite into the sweet, sticky world of fried dough and rank our top 5 donuts—from iconic classics to bold, flavor-forward creations. What makes a donut unforgettable? Texture, glaze, filling… or just pure nostalgia? Tune in as we debate our favorites, share a few surprising facts, a…

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Fungal Zombies, Audible Enclaves, mRNA Vaccines 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

Fungal parasites like the ones shown in The Last of Us might not be starting up a zombie apocalypse anytime soon but that doesn’t mean they’re not causing trouble in other ways. Host Dr. Samantha Yammine speaks with Dr. Carolyn Elya, a mycologist specializing in fungi’s unique ability to take over the brains of insects. They discuss how that compar…

1
5 Lesser Known Italian White Wines You Must Try 24:28

2M ago24:28

24:28

Ep 99 Italy tends to be far more known for their red wines, and if I'm being totally honest with you, I used to not think very highly of the Italian white wines. Admittedly, there are a lot of mass produced boring white wines made in Italy that are shipped to the USA. But on the flip side, there are some really incredible Italian white wines that a…

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From Fear to Fun: Navigating a Wine List with Ease 25:45

2M ago25:45

25:45

Send us a text Discover how to approach wine lists with newfound confidence by understanding how they’re structured by color, varietal, region, or style. In this episode we’ll break down simple strategies, such as researching the restaurant's wine list online, understanding wine styles, and setting a budget. We’re also exploring how to evaluate win…

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Adolescent Turtles, Measles, Lab-Grown Diamonds 22:34

2M ago22:34

22:34

We’re all about answering questions here at Curiosity Weekly. Questions like: where do baby sea turtles actually go when they waddle from their cozy beach nest into the ocean? Host Dr. Samantha Yammine explores the mysteries of adolescent sea turtles before bringing on our special guest, Jessica Malaty Rivera, to answer even more questions, this ti…

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A Guide to Tuscany's Famous Sangiovese Wines 36:44

2M ago36:44

36:44

Ep 98 Do the countless names and styles of Sangiovese in Tuscany leave you feeling more confused than confident? Today, we are unraveling the complexities of the famed Sangiovese grape. Due to this grape’s many different names and regional variations, it can often be confusing. We are going to dig into the DOCG classification system in Italy. Tusca…

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Chardonnay Lovers and Skeptics Unite: Exploring Wine Diversity and Trends with Bibiana González Rave 40:26

2M ago40:26

40:26

Send us a text Join us for an engaging discussion on the Everyday Sommelier Podcast as Kristi Mayfield welcomes renowned winemaker Bibiana González Rave, Cattleya Wines, to unravel the complexities of Chardonnay. Known as the "chameleon" of wines, Chardonnay has become a conversation starter in the wine world, and Bibiana’s international experience…

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Our Top 5 White Wines Right Now 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we’re diving into the white wines that have been stealing the spotlight in our glasses. From zippy, mineral-driven favorites to luscious, textured pours, these five bottles are delivering all the right vibes. Whether you’re a die-hard Chardonnay fan or looking to explore something n…

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Unique Sardinian Wines & Behind the Scenes in Winemaking w/ Sip with Nik (Part 2) 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

Ep 97 From starting her own winery to exploring unique grape varietals rarely known outside of Sardinia, Nikki Dickerson, also known on Instagram as Sip with Nik, is back on the podcast today! Today, Nikki is sharing her passion for unique wine varietals and how her love for Sardinian wine was born when she discovered rare wines like Semidano and N…

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Flower Trade, Climate Tech, Aquafaba 33:08

2M ago33:08

33:08

Spring has officially sprung! The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming. But, have you ever wondered the journey that flowers take from the soil to your vase at home? Today on Curiosity Weekly, author Amy Stewart joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to chat about the global flower trade. Sam is also joined by producer Teresa Carey…

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Wine Varietals Uncovered: What 'Varietal' Labels Really Mean for Your Glass with Reid Patterson 42:15

2M ago42:15

42:15

Send us a text Join Kristi Mayfield and guest Reid Patterson from Mount Eden Vineyards as they delve into the nuanced world of wine varietals. Explore wine labeling complexities comparing Bordeaux blends to California's Cabernet Sauvignon and other nuances. You’ll uncover why a wine labeled as one varietal might contain more than just one grape in …

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The Top 5 Breakfast Cereals of All Time – Crunchy Nostalgia & Controversial Picks! 43:01

2M ago43:01

43:01

Send us a text Which breakfast cereal reigns supreme? 🥣 In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we’re diving into the ultimate Top 5 Breakfast Cereals of All Time—ranking everything from childhood favorites to underrated classics. Expect some strong opinions, nostalgic debates, and maybe a few surprises! We’ll cover: 🍯 The best sugary c…

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Women In Science & The Future of Male Contraception 29:15

2M ago29:15

29:15

It’s Women’s History Month and to celebrate we have Katie Hafner on Curiosity Weekly to discuss the history of women in STEM and ways we can highlight their contributions today. Then, Sam looks into the Wooly Devil, aka the first new plant genus found in a national park in almost 50 years. Finally, Sam and producer Teresa Carey talk about what to k…

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