Hey, friends! Welcome to the Taste Toast Travel Podcast! We're your hosts and resident foodies, epicureans, and lovers of all things travel and exploration, John and Tara. John is a certified Sommelier and a Certified Specialist of Wine, and has worked in the wine and hospitality industry for over 10 years. Tara has worked in the wine industry for eight years both in hospitality and digital marketing. When we first met, we bonded over our love of eating, drinking, and traveling the world. Th ...
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Interviewing cidermakers importers, orchardists, foodies, farmers and cider enthusiasts around the world. Let’s delve into the semantics of cider…or is it hard cider, cidre, sidra or fermented apple juice? The truth is out there in Ciderville and we are going to find it. We toast in celebration of cider; As a libation, a gift from the gods, a taste of terroir, and a hard pressed good time. Ready to quench your thirst? Grab a glass and join this chat! See you in Ciderville!
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CowboySomm: The 50 State Wine Challenge. Lets see what wines America is pouring for us.
Cowboy Somm
Join me on an epic journey across the United States as I embark on the 50 State Wine Challenge – a quest to taste the finest wines each state has to offer. From renowned vineyards in California’s to hidden gems tucked away in the most unexpected corners of the country, I’ll be exploring the diverse and captivating world of American wine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious to discover the unique flavors of your own backyard, this blog is for you. I’ll guide you throug ...
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027. Exploring the UK vs. US Wine Industry & Mastering Wine Marketing with Gemma Soley
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1:01:50Send us a text Today we’re welcoming Gemma Soley, a freelance social media marketer specializing in the UK wine industry. From this conversation you’ll gain insights into various facets of the wine landscape, focusing on the differences between the UK and US markets, cultural perceptions of wine, the influence of Gen Z on the alc/bev industry, and …
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458: Sodo Sidriné and the Rise of Lithuanian Craft Cider
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56:08Donatas Genys didn’t set out to launch Lithuania’s first keeved cider. But after trips to England and Normandy, years of experimentation, and the planting of over 6,000 cider apple trees, that’s exactly what he’s doing. At Sodo Sidriné, located just a few kilometers from the city of Kaunus, Donatas is into a whole new era for cider Lithuania’s cide…
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457: Snow Capped Cider: A Family Legacy at 7,000 Feet | CO
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1:01:08At the base of Colorado’s Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, five generations of fruit growers have worked the land. Today, Snow Capped Cider carries on that legacy, crafting estate-grown ciders from fruit nurtured at elevations between 6,130 and 7,000 feet. The high desert sun, volcanic soil, and pure snowmelt water combine to crea…
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026. Alcohol Tariffs, Splitting the Bill Etiquette, New Flights & the Pope's Death
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49:02Send us a text We're digging into several pop culture topics and headlines in food, drink, travel industries! ✈️ The significant impact of tariffs on the alcohol industry, focusing on the ongoing U.S. and Canada tensions. ✈️ The etiquette of sharing appetizers and splitting bills at restaurants. ✈️ The best airlines for nervous flyers in 2025. ✈️ N…
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456: From Oregon to Norway: Abram Goldman-Armstrong’s Cider Journey
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1:00:19This episode of Cider Chat, was recorded in person with Abram Goldman-Armstrong at CiderCon2025 in Chicago. Hear his journey to cider. From growing up in Oregon’s Yamhill County to his current work in Norway’s Hardanger region at Alde Sider. Abram began fermenting cider as a student in Minnesota and went on to found the cidery known as Cider Riot i…
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025. Your Go-To Wine and Food Pairings (from a Sommelier)
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57:29Send us a text We’re going back to our roots (working in the wine industry) and digging into the world of wine and food pairings! We're chatting about the fundamental principles of pairing wine with food, both from a theoretical and a practical perspective. John shares his expertise as a certified Sommelier, explaining why certain wines enhance spe…
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455: Zero Percent Sh*t | John Edwards Returns
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49:50John Edwards, longtime cider maker and integral team member at Ross on Wye Cider & Perry Co., and the creative force behind his personal label Fly be Night Cider was last on the podcast in 2019. John Edwards In this Cider Chat with John Edwards ohn is part of the tight-knit crew at Ross Cider who keep things running from orchard to bottle. The team…
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024. Unlocking Personal Growth Through Travel, Mindfulness & Wellness with Grace Simmons
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51:49Send us a text Today we’re chatting with Grace Simmons, Confidence & Mindset Coach and founder of Amethyst Palaver Hut. In this episode you’ll gain practical tips for easing into solo travel, and how to make the most of those experiences so it’s as empowering and enriching as possible. You’ll also get Grace’s valuable perspective on the benefits of…
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454: Wild Ferment Meets Fine Cider: Inside Oliver’s Barrel Room
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1:02:43Rainy Days Goes Best with Dry Cider in the Barrel Room Walking into the barrel room at Oliver’s Cider and Perry Company, you might think you know what to expect. But surrounded by whitewashed stone walls, standing beneath the old Hessian sacking floor, and facing rows of aging barrels, I quickly realized this wasn’t just a cidery—it’s a living, bre…
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023. Parking Lot Etiquette, Digital Nomads & Visa Updates, and Traveling with Kids
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45:21Send us a text We’re digging into a variety of topics in this episode! 🎧 Current events in Formula 1 🎧 Our BIGGEST pet peeve when it comes to parking lot etiquette (and the psychological reasons behind them) 🎧 An update on new travel regulations for Americans traveling to Europe 🎧 Digital nomad Visas 🎧 New ways the wine industry is trying to revita…
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453: Homage to Perry Legends by Tom Oliver at AppleFest | UK
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27:38Celebrating Perry’s Past, Present, and Future Tom Oliver began his keynote by saying, "At this year’s Applefest Banquet, I had the honor of lifting a glass to the people behind the pear—specifically Perry. It wasn’t just a toast to the drink itself, but to the incredible commitment behind its preservation and craft." Tom Oliver Three Perry Legends …
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022. Have Air Travel Anxiety? Here's How to Stay Calm While Traveling!
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24:43Send us a text Tara’s taking over the podcast with a solo episode all about air travel and flight anxiety. Given recent aviation incidents and the overall atmosphere of uncertainty in the air travel industry, we’re offering some practical tips to help you manage your travel anxiety and make any upcoming trip you have more enjoyable—and, more relaxi…
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452: Mac to Redfield: Four Phantoms Brewery Embraces Cider | MA
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52:18Drew Phillips opened the doors of Four Phantoms in Greenfield, Massachusetts in 2021. He began his fermentation career in the Pacific Northwest, and while waiting to open his own brewery, he took on the role as cider maker at Artifact Cider Project. Drew Phillips Known for his creative ciders and beers, Drew blends tradition with innovation, sourci…
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021. Wine Tasting Dos and Don'ts (from Wine Industry Insiders)
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47:37Send us a text If you or someone you know is planning a trip to Napa or Sonoma, you NEED to hear this episode! We’re putting our wine industry insider hats on and sharing our tips (and essential etiquette) for wine tasting in Sonoma and Napa! We’re chatting about the importance of making reservations, the courtesy of showing up on time (shocking we…
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451: Hello Season 10 and The Berkshire Roundtable
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1:00:32In this Season 10 premier of Cider Chat, "Introductions" are featured from over 40 persons in attendance at the annual 2025 Berkshire Roundtable. Kicking off Season 10 of Cider Chat The opportunity to begin Season 10 with "Hellos" from a wide range of people in the cider community is the perfect fit for this milestone episode. Here at Cider Chat Ce…
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020. Our Formula 1 Grand Prix Experience in Italy & Predictions for the 2025 Season
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55:42Send us a text If you’re a Formula 1 fan, you’re going to love this episode! We’re breaking down our F1 Grand Prix experience in Monza, Italy that we went to on our honeymoon. Join us as we recount this incredible experience, but also hear about things we wish we would have done differently—or would do next time—so you can learn from our mistakes. …
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Looking back at Season 9 and Forward with Roger Wilkins In this season ending episode we visit Roger Wilkins at his Lands End Farm. Cider King – Roger Wilkins Roger Wilkins, is known globally as the “Cider King,” and is a legendary figure in Somerset cider-making. He has been running Wilkins' Cider Farm in Mudgley since taking over from his grandfa…
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019. Lessons from a Global Citizen and Expat Parent with Angela Vitiello
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51:10Send us a text Today we’re joined by Angela Vitiello! She is the founder and owner of Expat Parenting Collective and Vitiello Consulting—two organizations focused on self-leadership, thought leadership and leadership development. Angela is also a true citizen of the world who is passionate about travel, culture and intercultural connections, lifelo…
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449: Exploring Hereford’s Museum of Cider with Elizabeth Pimblett
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43:05The Role of the Museum of Cider Elizabeth Pimblett’s background and her journey to the museum The history of the museum, founded in 1887 by the Bulmer brothers The significance of the building and its historic cider cellars What Visitors to the Museum Can Expect Permanent exhibits: farmhouse stone press, cider brandy distillery, archival collection…
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Send us a text If you haven’t heard about the biggest wine fraud in history, buckle up… because this story is a doozy. We’re putting our true crime hats on today and diving into the enthralling story of Rudy Kurniawan, one of the most notorious wine fraudsters in history. This episode will speak to the heart and mind of crime fanatic as we recount …
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448: Cider Institute: New Name, New Reach, and More Cider Education
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48:31The Cider Institute: Training the Next Generation of Cider Makers The Cider Institute, formerly known as the Cider Institute of North America (CINA), is the premier resource for cider education. Founded in 2016 at CiderCon, the Institute focuses on training cider makers of all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. With a growing global …
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017. To Italy and Beyond: The Art of Exploration and Travel with TV Host & Travel Expert Kathy McCabe
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48:13Send us a text Today we’re welcoming special guest Kathy McCabe, the creator of Dream of Italy and her newest show on PBS, Dream of Europe! In this inspiring episode, Kathy shares her incredible experiences and insights from over two decades in the travel journalism and TV industry. Here we dive into the inception of Dream of Italy, the significanc…
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447: Inside the Michigan Cider Association with Executive Director Paula Englin
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58:53Michigan Cider: The Great Cider State with Paula Englin Michigan has earned its place as a leader in the cider industry, boasting the highest number of hard cider businesses in the U.S. In this episode, Paula Englin, Executive Director of the Michigan Cider Association, discusses the state’s growth in cider, the role of education, and how Michigan …
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016. Is Wine a Dying Breed? A Realistic Picture of the Alcohol Industry
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1:05:13Send us a text We’re digging into a huge question being posed right now: what’s the future of the wine and alcohol industry? Is it truly a dying breed? As wine industry insiders, we’re exploring the current state of the wine world and spilling ALL the tea (or wine, we should say) in the process. The world is facing the biggest lack of wine consumpt…
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Nevada's Hidden Gem - Wine Tasting in Pahrump! (State 5)
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8:13Just outside of Las Vegas is a little bedroom town known as Pahrump, Nevada. Don't let that fool you though - we won't be sleeping on Sanders Family Wine! Join us as we dive into Jack Sanders' winery! ----------------- VISIT Sanders Family Winery: https://sanderswinery.com/ Check out PAHRUMP, NEVADA: https://www.pahrumpnv.gov/ ------------------ Jo…
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015. Major Starbucks Changes & Questionable Coffee Culture
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48:33Send us a text We're digging into the current state of coffee culture in America (and how far we have to go) with a particular focus on good ol' Starbucks, which has experienced some slumping sales and unfavorable customer experiences. With their new CEO Brian Niccol now in charge, we're dissecting some new and noteworthy changes Starbucks is makin…
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446: Monica Cohen, the New CEO of the American Cider Association
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45:58Monica Cohen on Leading the ACA Monica Cohen, the new CEO of the American Cider Association (ACA), stepped into her role at CiderCon 2025 in Chicago. With a background in dairy marketing and a passion for helping craft industries grow, she brings fresh energy and a bold vision to the cider world. Her introduction to cider mirrors a challenge the in…
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014. Healing Through Travel: How Exploration Can Help Us Grieve and Transform
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40:44Send us a text We have a really special episode of Taste Toast Travel for you today! For those who don’t know, Tara is also a Certified Grief and Transformational Life Coach and got into this work after losing her parents to cancer several years ago within six months of each other. She also hosts another podcast called Life With Grief (available wh…
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445: Unspoken Creed | Stories in Ciderville /Denmark
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28:06An Unspoken Creed By Sune Kroghansen Enjoy this special Story in Ciderville from Denmark! “Roedding The restart of the cider adventure in Rødding. In the mid-00s, the villagers of Rødding had begun making cider. It faded due to the focus on grafting, planting and nursing the thousands of apple trees in the apple village. In the fall of 2018, focus …
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013. Mindful, Sustainable, and Positive Relationships with Food with Nutritionist Aderet Dana Hoch
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59:38Send us a text Welcome to our first guest episode of the Taste Toast Travel Podcast! Today we’re joined by Aderet who is a Registered Dietitian and Founder of her private practice, Dining With Nature. She’s an advocate for mindful, sustainable eating, and specializes in working with women from fertility through family life. With over a decade of ex…
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444: Worleys and Honey’s: Somerset Cider Makers
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57:07A sit down Cider Chat with the makers behind Worleys and Honey’s Cider! Neil Worley was last on this podcast back in 2016 on episode 26! He and Ria met up at CiderCon which was being held that year in Portland Oregon. Neil’s episode on Keeving, a basic how-to, has been a perennical favorite for listeners. Kimberly Jones took over Honey’s Cider in 2…
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012. Becoming an Italian Citizen by Descent (and an important new eligibility update!)
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42:35Send us a text Curious about the process of becoming an Italian citizen by descent? Well, John went through this (lengthy) process, and we’re breaking it down for ya today! But more importantly, we’re digging into this because there’s been an important update to this process in late 2024 that, unfortunately, is probably going to limit many people f…
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443: Cider’s Single Varietal Capital | Ross on Wye Cider and Perry Co.
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56:14Albert Johnson on Ross on Wye Cider & Perry Offerings This is the 3rd time we have featured Albert Johnson because it is always a treat to hear about the happenings at Ross on Wye Cider and Perry. In particular, we catch up on the accommodations on site for visitors and of course the wide range of single varietal ciders. Albert Johnson In this Cide…
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011. The Process of Becoming a Certified Sommelier
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53:30Send us a text We’re digging into one of John’s most FAQ’s: what it was like to become a Certified Sommelier! John, with over 10 years of experience in the wine and hospitality industry, shares his unexpected beginnings with a criminology degree and his transformation into a wine expert, of sorts. We’ll chat about the details of the Sommelier certi…
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The Surprising Place That Makes FANTASTIC Champagne (State 4)
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14:26Okay, maybe it should be called Sparkling Wine, but Gruet is related to a champagne house in France. This New Mexico wine producer was a wonderful surprise.By Cowboy Somm
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Utah's Thriving Wine Scene: A Toast to the Unexpected (State 3)
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9:39There is only one state you cant ship wine to from Utah....and its Utah. However, the wine at IG Winery impressed, and the Shakespeare Festival was a great find.By Cowboy Somm
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Is This the Best Wine in Colorado? (State 2)
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13:57Bookcliff Vineyards in Palisade, Colorado was a great find. I had tried wine in Palisade nearly 10 years earlier, boy has the wine improved since then.By Cowboy Somm
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442: Bob Cork: 40 Years in Cider | Shepton Mallet, England
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1:05:03Bob Cork’s Cider Career Bob Cork Bob Cork has 40 years of experience in cider making, starting in 1980. Initially an apprentice engineer, he transitioned to cider making, thanks to his engineering background. He now works as a cider-making consultant, still contributing to the legacy of Showering Cider Mill. The Evolution of Showering Cider Mill an…
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010. Unpacking Our Trip to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, & Italy (with an 8 month old)
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1:10:33Send us a text Buckle up! We’re recounting our two-week trip that began in Tara’s home states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where she born and raised for the first ten years of her life. We continue on to Florence and Rome, Italy for six days. We’re sharing the highs, lows, do’s and dont’s of this trip's planning and execution, along with persona…
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The 50 State Wine Challenge: Arizona's Surprising Contribution (State 1)
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16:19The Cowboy Somm saddles up for an epic journey across America, one state, one wine at a time. Our first stop: Arizona's Verde Valley, nestled beneath the majestic red rocks of Sedona. We'll be exploring DA Ranch, a renowned vineyard on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, and discovering the unique flavors of Arizona's burgeoning wine scene. Join me for th…
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441: Wilding Cider and the Rural Method | Somerset, UK
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1:08:21Wilding Cider, founded by Sam and Beccy Leach in 2019, uses Regenerative farming practices and a “rural method” to cider making. Based in Somerset the culinary skills of Sam blend with Beccy’s Sommelier palate. Their dedication to traditional orchards and natural fermentations has led to the creation of their standout orchard based ciders and perry…
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009. Wine Tasting Horror Stories (from Winery Insiders!)
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37:32Send us a text As seasoned veterans of the wine and hospitality industry, we have MANY stories of wine tastings gone wrong. In this episode, we’re spilling the tea (or wine, we should say). We’re sharing some of our most unforgettable and amusing horror stories from our years working in wine tasting rooms in Napa and Sonoma. From intoxicated elemen…
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440: Jane Peyton Keynote |Hereford AppleFest Banquet
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47:55Jane Peyton, author of The Philosophy of Cider and founder of the School of Booze, brings her deep knowledge of cider and its cultural history to the forefront in this enlightening conversation. Jane Peyton at Hereford AppleFest Banquet 2024 Key Points Covered Cider’s Cultural Significance The apple as a symbol in global traditions and languages. H…
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008. Airplane Etiquette (and Not Being THAT Passenger)
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1:05:11Send us a text Let’s talk airplane etiquette! We’re airing out common pet peeves and filing our grievances with air travel. From how to handle security lines to packing and overhead bin protocol, to the do’s and don'ts of seat reclining, arm rest usage, and being kind to parents traveling with kids—this episode covers all aspects of flying from sec…
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439: The Night Before the Holiday Pressing
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21:20The magic of Ciderville awaits you. In this special holiday episode, Cider Chat invites you to step into the enchanting world of the Talking Pommes. The Night Before the Holiday Pressing is more than just a story—it’s a celebration of all things pome, community, tradition, and the joy that comes with every glass of cider. The cider house hums with …
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007. What's ACTUALLY in Your Wine? We're Spilling!
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53:13Send us a text What’s REALLY in your wine? As your two California wine industry insiders, we’re spilling the tea (or wine, in this case). We kick off the conversation by digging into a recent controversy in the wine industry: winemaker Adam Lee's provocative ad comparing sugar levels in his Dial Tone Pinot Noir to the popular Meiomi Pinot Noir. Thi…
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438: The Secret Sauce to Cider's Growth is #XPromoteCider
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31:14The Recipe for #xpromotecider Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the recipe for growth. In this episode of Cider Chat, we explore how the #xpromotecider campaign over the course of 2024. What is #xpromotecider? The #xpromotecider campaign started as a way to encourage cider brands and enthusiasts to cross share episodes of Cider Chat so that …
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006. Traveling to Napa & Sonoma: What to Do and What to Avoid (From Locals!)
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56:36Send us a text Traveling to Napa or Sonoma wine country, or know someone who is? This is an episode you’ll want to hear! We’re using our insider knowledge as locals (and the fact that we grew up here) to give you our top tips and recommendations for visiting Napa and Sonoma that you won’t want to miss. Here we’re getting into things like the import…
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437: Parting Cheers with CEO Michelle McGrath of the ACA
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54:05After 8 Years at the helm Michelle McGrath is switching gears Michell McGrath Michelle McGrath, CEO of the American Cider Association (ACA), reflects on her impactful leadership, the growth of the cider industry, and her next chapter. In this episode, Michelle shares insights into her journey, upcoming transitions, and the exciting plans for CiderC…
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005. Debunking 9 Wine Myths and Misconceptions
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51:33Send us a text Join us as we debunk nine common wine myths and misconceptions! With 17+ years in the wine and hospitality industry, we’re bringing you our insider knowledge and and stories into this episode. We’ll dig into topics like whether older wine is always better, if expensive wines guarantee higher quality, the truth about sulfites and wine…
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