Best Wine For Beginners Podcasts (2025)

1
Sekt: Germany’s Sparkling Wine You Need to Know w/ Lisa Tupetz (Part 2) 34:44

Play Pause

3d 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…

1
Who Says Science Can’t Be Silly? 23:23

2h 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…

1
Coravin’s Greg Lambrecht On Reclaiming Your Wine To Make Every Bottle an Occasion 45:31

1d ago45:31

45:31

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…

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

10d 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…

1
Mapping Minds is the White Whale of Brain Science 25:23

7d 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…

1
Does Wine Get Better With Age? Unlock The 3 Secret Ingredients For A YES! 22:09

8d ago22:09

22:09

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…

1
How the Heck is Wine Actually Made? 27:11

17d 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…

1
Is a Lab-Grown “Brain” Conscious? 16:39

14d 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 …

1
These Wine Storage Temperature Enemies Are Ruining Your Wine 19:24

15d ago19:24

19:24

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…

1
Connection and Play Can Keep the Doctor Away 22:03

21d 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…

1
Why Hybrid Grapes Matter More Than Ever 25:16

24d 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 …

1
From Fear to Confidence Unlock the Power of Tannins in Wine 15:49

22d ago15:49

15:49

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…

1
How to Not Raise an iPad Baby 25:58

29d 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…

1
Mr. Cork & Fizz Interviews Me on Wine, Life & Business (& a surprise announcement!) 40:16

1M 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…

1
Wine On Tap Anxiety: What To Do When There’s No Wine Bottle in Sight 14:25

29d ago14:25

14:25

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…

1
How this Wine Cuts Emission in Half w/ Currently Wine Co. (Part 2) 41:13

1M 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…

1
A is for Apple… Or is it AI? 22:50

1M 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…

1
3 Tips Beyond The Bottle So You Can Embrace Alternative Wine Packaging 18:56

1M ago18:56

18:56

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…

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

2M 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…

1
And Just Like That, You Have Nostalgia 22:19

1M 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…

1
Stop Guessing And Start Mastering Your Sauvignon Blanc Wine Style 13:33

2M ago13:33

13:33

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…

1
The La Brea Tar Pits Are a Climate Crime Scene! 27:52

2M 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…

1
Types of Wine Grapes: Syrah and Shiraz 39:04

2M 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…

1
Breaking Down Wine Discovery Barriers For Modern Drinkers 33:55

2M ago33:55

33:55

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…

1
Ozempic & Prescribed Quiet with Dr. Emma Beckett 18:09

2M 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 …

1
A Washington Winery Built on Inclusion w/ AniChe Cellars (Part 2) 36:39

2M ago36:39

36:39

Ep 115 What if the wine industry’s diversity problem isn’t a lack of people but a lack of acknowledgment? Today, I have Anaïs and Rachel from AniChe Cellars back on the podcast and they are sharing their honest take on representation in the wine industry. They share why true diversity in wine goes beyond who owns the winery as well as how much of t…

1
Ditch Learning 200+ Wine Tasting Terms! Do This Instead 31:07

2M ago31:07

31:07

Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed the moment someone starts talking about “lemons, limes, or wet rocks” in your wine glass? You’re not alone. Wine tasting can seem like learning a foreign language—especially if you struggle to put words to what you taste or smell. In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, Kristi Mayfield is joined by neurodiversity e…

1
Inside the Most Underrated Wine Region in Washington w/ AniChe Cellars (Part 1) 38:13

2M ago38:13

38:13

Ep 114 Can grapes truly thrive in a place shaped by fire, wind and water? These winemakers say yes and they have the wine to prove it! In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Horn and Anaïs Mehra of AniChe Cellars, a mother-daughter winemaking team based in Washington’s Columbia Gorge. We dive into what it’s like to build a winery from scratch…

1
DNA Doesn’t Always Solve Crime 26:23

2M ago26:23

26:23

Forensic DNA is supposed to be the end all be all when it comes to solving crime, so why are there so many false convictions when it comes to using DNA evidence? Today, Senior Producer Teresa Carey talks to Dr. Gregory Hampikian about forensic DNA, fingerprints, AI, and the limitations of scientific evidence in criminal investigations. Host, Dr. Sa…

1
Why Dinking Alone Can Be Your Wine Connection Transformation With Tsvety Roo 28:46

2M ago28:46

28:46

Send us a text Feeling intimidated by the idea of solo travel or dining out alone? Episode 37 of the Everyday Sommelier podcast is your go-to guide for transforming solo wine tasting into a gateway for genuine connection and cultural immersion. Host Kristi Mayfield welcomes seasoned solo traveler Tsvety Roo, who shares her real-world experiences le…

1
13 Unique Wines to Sip All Summer: Beyond Rosé & Sauvignon Blanc 31:56

2M ago31:56

31:56

Ep 113 When you think about summer wine, is it all about Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc? Think again! In this week’s episode, we are going beyond those two standbys and digging into some more unique and refreshing options. Today, I’m sharing 13 unique wines that are perfect for those warm summer nights and they might just become your new favorites! We’ll…

1
Sharks Ghosted South Africa and Alison Towner Has the Receipts 29:59

2M ago29:59

29:59

Sharks are vanishing from South Africa’s coast and Alison Towner knows why. One of the world’s top great white experts and a leading woman in STEM, Alison joins Dr. Samantha Yammine to break down her new Shark Week specials: Air Jaws: Return of Colossus and Great White Assassins and reveal what’s really happening to these iconic predators. Then, Sa…

1
Why Pairing Cab Sauv And Bread Pudding Will Always Fail with Richard King 30:48

2M ago30:48

30:48

Send us a text Is your favorite red wine suddenly undrinkable when you pair it with dessert? You’re not alone. Sugar in wine and food is one of the biggest sources of wine pairing fails—and most people have no idea why! In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, expert Sommelier, Richard King, joins host Kristi Mayfield. The goal? To decode the complex…

1
The Truth About the Wine Additives in Your Glass 30:10

3M ago30:10

30:10

There is a lot more in your wine glass than you’ve been led to believe, and most of it never makes it onto the label! From sulfites and oak chips to egg whites, fish bladders and even additives that require hazmat suits to handle, in the episode, I’m sharing what’s actually in your wine glass and why it matters. We’ll dig into the difference betwee…

1
Shark Week Gets Toxic: Forrest Galante Tracks Alien Sharks 31:27

3M ago31:27

31:27

Shark Week returns July 20 on Discovery! This episode is the Shark Week audio companion Part 1! Dr. Samantha Yammine dives into the most surprising shark science of 2025, from sharks that make noise to the nano-scale ‘sharkitecture’ inside their skeletons. Sam also interviews Forrest Galante, wildlife biologist and featured Shark Week expert in Ali…

1
Exploring Acidity in Wine From Bitter Bombs to Balanced Pairings with Richard King 25:09

3M ago25:09

25:09

Send us a text Tired of puckering up when sipping high acidity wines or feeling lost when pairing bright, crisp whites (and reds!) with dinner? You’re not alone. In Episode 35 of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield teams up with wine expert Richard King to break down why acidic wines can taste overpowering and exactly how to make them shine wi…

1
Wine Taxes & Their Impact on the American Wine Industry w/ Erik Segelbaum (Part 2) 41:42

3M ago41:42

41:42

Ep 111 Why are wine tariffs making your favorite bottles of wine more expensive? Do these wine tariffs hurt American businesses and consumers more than our foreign counterparts? Do the words “wine tariffs” make your eyes glaze over or do you low-key panic because you’re not even sure what a wine tariff is? In today’s episode, I have Erik Segelbaum …

1
Busting Skincare Myths with Dr. Michelle Wong 28:18

3M ago28:18

28:18

The skincare industry is riddled with false advertising, misleading labels, and supposed “miracle cures.” So, as a consumer, how are you meant to know what’s fact and what’s fiction? Today, host Dr. Samantha Yammine explores the science behind skincare, from how the collagen industry is causing deforestation in the Amazon for a product that might n…