Wine Enthusiast Podcast

As New World regions grow older and more established, and many areas of the Old World not previously known for wine have come into their own as high-level producers, traditional terminology and boundaries have begun to shift. This may be most prevalent in England, where changing climates, heritage grapes and an ascendant sparkling wine scene have created what some are calling the newest of New World wine. Wine Enthusiast Contributing Editor Christina Pickard talks with Oz Clarke, renowned British wine critic, author, broadcaster and expert on all things fermented grape, about the future of English wine and the how we should approach an ever-changing industry.   FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

In 2011, a case of mistaken identity resulted in hundreds of acres of Graciano being planted on California's Central Coast. The problem? Winemakers thought they were getting something else entirely—Mourvèdre. But in a surprising twist, these vineyards ended up yielding wines more intriguing than anyone expected. Now, thanks to this fortuitous accident, winemakers may have discovered a new superstar grape particularly suited to this California wine region. Contributing editor Matt Kettmann talks to Andrew Jones of Sunridge Nurseries and Justin Smith of Saxum Vineyards about how this strange situation came to be and, a decade later, how the wines have measured up. FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Clean water is critical—for life, of course, but also for beer. This episode of the Wine Enthusiast Podcast explores how beer's most important ingredient is often overlooked by consumers, and why chemistry, conservation and cleaning are front-of-mind for brewers. Beer Editor John Holl speaks with three beer professionals who are working toward making water a larger part of beer conversations: John Kimmich of The Alchemist in Vermont, Cody Reif of New Belgium Brewing in Colorado, and Luke Wortendyke of Wrenhouse Brewing in Arizona. FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

From regenerative farming and eco-friendly packaging to water treatment, wellness-centered employee policies and beyond, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to talking sustainability in wine. In this episode, Assistant Editor Jacy Topps speaks with two industry experts—Katie Jackson of Jackson Family Wines and International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), and Tobias Webb of Sustainable Wine and the Sustainable Wine Roundtable—about the current and future initiatives the wine industry has and/or hopes to implement to mitigate climate change.   FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

In this episode, the last in our three-part series in honor of Women’s History Month, we take a look at the varied yet related experiences of female winemakers.   There are many remarkable female winemakers throughout the wine world that blazed new paths to the benefit of generations to come. As the industry evolves, we assess the similar issues several of them faced, versus what points of differentiation may have affected their vision or outcome.  Senior Editor Stacy Briscoe speaks with Dr. Lucia Albino Gilbert, coauthor of the book Women Winemakers: Personal Odysseys, about the journeys of many of these women, and how they largely demonstrate a commonality of purpose and direction despite occurring in different times and cultures. FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

In this episode, the second in a three-part series on women in drinks history, we take a look at the magnificent grandes dames of Champagne. Many great women have stood behind some of the most prominent Champagne houses in history. Associate Digital Editor J'nai Gaither speaks with Rebecca Rosenberg, author of Champagne Widows, about the role these leading ladies, especially Madame Clicquot, or Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, played in building such sparkling empires, from work in the vineyard and innovations in the cellar to savvy growth and international marketing strategies. Who rules the sparkling world? Grab a glass of bubbly and listen in for the remarkable answer. FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Evidence suggests that humans have been brewing and drinking beer for at least 13,000 years. Whether or not you’re a staunch believer in the theory that it was beer, not bread, that prompted our early ancestors to transition from hunter-gathers to farmers, the beverage has clearly played a key role in mankind’s history. Additionally, while brewing in the United States is largely a male-dominated field, women have been integral parts of the brewing process throughout history. From goddesses to tavern operators, we see evidence of women and brewing throughout the ages. We can see it in ancient religion, art and texts from around the world. In this episode, the first in a three-part series on women in drinks history, we take a look at women’s role in brewing throughout the ages. Digital Editor Kristen Richard, a wannabe history buff, and Travis Rupp, the Beer Archeologist and lecturer in classics, art history, anthropology and mechanical engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder, talk about the magnificence of women’s history in brewing. FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast  

While the idea of a warm alcoholic beverage might be generally unappealing to some, there are classics, like the hot toddy or mulled wine, that have stood the test of time and proven themselves to be very necessary wintertime staples. In this episode, we’re trying to shake off the remaining days of winter by warming up with a tasty hot drink. Senior Digital Editor Dylan Garret and Spirits Editor Kara Newman have a very real, very candid conversation about the powers—and pitfalls—of this unique category of beverage enjoyment. This lively exchange covers the fun, the fandom, the failures, the fantasies and just about everything else in between when it comes to hot drinks. FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast

Three experts from Sheldrake Point Winery, KC Bier Co., and Eden Specialty Ciders discuss the process, history, innovation, and flavors of ice beverages like ice wine, cider, and beer. They explore the techniques used to make ice beer and ice wine, the best grape varieties for these beverages, and the challenges of production. They also touch on topics such as methanol levels in beer, marketing ice cider, and the importance of on-premise sales opportunities. So, grab a glass and learn about the magic of ice drinks!

If you or someone you know isn't drinking alcohol for any reason at all, you have options. The non-alcoholic drinks space is evolving. Bars dedicated to booze-free hospitality offer creative menus, and there are scores of spirit-free bottles of booze, beer and wine at specialty shops and digital retailers. In this episode, Associate Managing Editor Emily Saladino explores non-alcoholic drinks culture with John deBary, a semi-retired bartender who is also an author, creator and CEO of Proteau, and cofounder and board president of Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation. They're joined by Dylan Garret, another semi-retired bartender and senior editor at Wine Enthusiast.  They discuss how the cocktail lounges of the early aughts and 2010s precipitated the rise of non-alcoholic drinks, and how those of us who do and don't drink alcohol can't raise glasses to a more inclusive scene moving forward.  FOLLOW US ON: Instagram: @wineenthusiast Twitter: @WineEnthusiast Facebook: @WineEnthusiast