GuildSomm Podcast

Doug Frost, a Master Sommelier and Master of Wine, and Jonathan Eichholz, a Master Sommelier and educator, dive into the nuanced world of blind tasting. They discuss the foundational practice of this skill, emphasizing humility and adaptability. The duo explores the unique characteristics of Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Rioja wines, comparing them to nostalgic video games. As they toast to the wine community, they share insights on connecting with customers and the evolving landscape of fine wine, making for an engaging and informative conversation.

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with newly minted Master of Wine Amanda Barnes about the state of the Chilean wine industry. They discuss how to understand Chile's geography and wine regions, the country's wine history, and grapes to know.   Amanda Barnes works as a freelance writer, covers South America for JancisRobinson.com, and consults for restaurants. She wrote The South America Wine Guide, which is one of the best guides to the wines of the continent.    Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Learn more about this topic and read Amanda's bio on our site: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/podcasts/b/guild_podcasts/posts/chile-with-amanda-barnes-mw   Listen to our interview with Amanda on Argentinian wine: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/podcasts/b/guild_podcasts/posts/argentina-with-amanda-barnes   GuildSomm members receive a discount on Amanda's book: https://www.guildsomm.com/about_us/member-discounts/ Not yet a member? Learn more here: https://www.guildsomm.com/recurly/v1/join

In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours the always-tricky-to-parse Gamay and Pinot Noir comparative for Advanced Sommelier Max Goldberg. Max is based in Los Angeles and is currently the sommelier at Santa Monica's SELINE, a fine-dining restaurant from Chef Dave Beran that opened last year. Previously, Max curated the beverage programs at The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Peninsula Beverly Hills. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.   Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!   Listen to more tasting podcasts: https://www.guildsomm.com/tags/Tasting_2D00_Podcast   Read our Science of Tasting expert guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/research/expert_guides/w/expert-guides/2441/the-science-of-tasting   Dive into more blind tasting resources on the GuildSomm site: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/blind-tasting/       Explore GuildSomm membership: https://www.guildsomm.com/recurly/v1/join

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Seth Kitzke of Upsidedown Wine about all things Grenache. Seth and his family farm vineyards in Washington's Candy Mountain AVA, among other areas, and focus on Rhône varieties. Chris chats with Seth about Grenache's virtues, challenges, and future in Washington State and beyond.   Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!   Learn more about this topic and read Seth's bio on our site: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/podcasts/b/guild_podcasts/posts/grenache-with-seth-kitzke    Explore Upsidedown Wine: https://upsidedownwine.com/   For more resources, become a GuildSomm member: https://www.guildsomm.com/recurly/v1/join

In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours the dreaded so-called Bermuda Triangle of white wines for Texas sommelier Skyler Ring.   Skyler has quickly risen through the sommelier ranks and has passed both the theory and service portions of the Master Sommelier exam, with just the tasting portion remaining before he becomes Austin's next Master Sommelier. Skyler began his hospitality career in New York City managing restaurants, and his focus shifted exclusively to wine after moving to Texas, where he has worked at Jeffrey's in Austin and Mastro's Steakhouse in the Post Oak Hotel in Houston. He currently works for importer Wilson Daniels.   Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Los Angeles-based Lukas Dempsey, Assistant Vice President and Wine Specialist for Sotheby's wine division. They discuss how wines are acquired, valued, and authenticated for auction, as well as how restaurants can leverage auctions to create more dynamic beverage programs. Prior to joining Sotheby's, Lukas was a floor sommelier at some of New York City's top restaurants, including The Modern, Masa, and Le Bernardin. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe mixes up the format of the blind tasting series. This and upcoming episodes will feature single blind comparatives, which help tasters overcome common misidentifications of similar wines and develop a better understanding of the data points that drive cause and effect.   For this episode, three Chardonnays are poured for Advanced Sommelier Wendy Shoemaker, the Western Regional Sales Manager for Frog's Leap Winery in Napa Valley. Wendy, who has a chemistry background, has also worked in some of San Francisco's great restaurants, including Californios and the St. Francis Yacht Club.   Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Jean Trimbach, 12th generation of the iconic estate in the village of Ribeauvillé, Alsace. They review the history, climate, winemaking, and wines that define the Trimbach house along with a look at several grand cru sites, unpacking what makes them special. Jean and his brother, Pierre, run the estate with their children, who will carry the torch into the 400th year in 2026!    Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

Join Torrey Lewis, a former pastry cook turned wine director at Willows Lodge, and Chris Lara, the wine director at Metropolitan Grill with 30 years in the industry, as they dive into the art of blind tasting. They share techniques to enhance tasting skills, exploring the intricate traits of Syrah and its chemistry. The duo passionately debates a specific wine's characteristics and origin, uncovering complexities that challenge traditional classifications, especially with a focus on the 2016 Vega Atelier Valbuena.

Gus Zhu, the first Chinese national Master of Wine and a research scientist at Cork Supply, shares insights into the burgeoning wine scene of China. He traces the historical evolution of winemaking in the country, spotlighting the rise of Riesling and the promising Marcellon grape. Zhu discusses regional challenges like extreme climates and frost management, and highlights innovative practices by wineries. He also unveils the unique characteristics of the Great Shangri-La region, revealing how China aims to make its mark on the global wine stage.