Unreserved Wine Talk

Have wine scores gotten out of control, with higher numbers across the board? Are we oversimplifying wine when we talk and write about it? Is it possible to determine your wine taste by taking an online quiz that asks you about coffee, tea and other things you consume? And should you trust the algorithm that recommends wine to you based on your quiz results? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Paul K, host of the podcast Wine Talks with Paul K. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights What was Paul surprised to learn about Sideways from his interview with Rex Pickett? How did President Eisenhower inspire Paul's father's love for wine? How was Paul's family connected to The Paris Wine Tasting of 1976? What led Paul's father to the innovative idea to send wine through the mail? Why did Paul decide to join the family business? Which 15th-century piece of art inspired the Original Wine Club of the Month logo? How does Paul score wine differently? What type of conversations does Paul have on his podcast? Why shouldn't you use online quizzes to select your wines? What do you miss by relying on algorithms to choose wine for you? How did Paul become fascinated with Burgundy wines? Why are grapes and wine deeply expressive of where they're from? Which wine gadgets does Paul use and love? What should you be aware of when using a Coravin? Which wine gadgets should you be wary of? Why does Paul believe you shouldn't try to simplify wine? Key Takeaways Paul's right that wine scores have got out of hand, with grade inflation across the board. I like the way he approaches tasting wines - it's much more grounded for wine drinkers, especially when he factors in the price of the wine. I agree with Paul that there's something so ethereal, so magical about the grape, among all agricultural products, that it does take you home, that can say this is who we are. To that end, I think there's been an oversimplification of wine, as he says. It's worth learning about. We don't need to make it intimidating, but we do need to acknowledge its wonderful complexity and diversity. About Paul Kalemkiarian Paul Kalemkiarian is the host of the podcast Wine Talks with Paul K on which he interviews wine industry royalty as well as Michelin starred chefs. He's also the owner of America's oldest wine club, the Original Wine of the Month Club. His expertise in the wine industry spans over 30 years. His father invented the idea of wine in the mail in 1972 and they have been serving wine enthusiasts ever since. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, April 21st at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway One of you is going to win a personally signed copy of Rex Pickett's novel, Sideways, which was also made into a hit movie, as well as a bottle of Sideways Pinot Noir. How to Win All you need to do is comment on one of these posts before 7 pm EDT on April 21st: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck! To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/125.

Which wine regions, grapes and styles are under-valued and worth trying? Should you be skeptical about celebrity-endorsed wines? How do you choose a good wine club? What simple strategy can you use to improve your tasting vocabulary? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Paul K, host of the podcast Wine Talks with Paul K. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did an encounter with sulphur dioxide trigger the worst moment of Paul's career? What's the most exciting part of being in the wine business? Why is your local wine shop your best bet for getting out of a wine rut? How has Paul been able to blend his creative side with his wine business? Which bottles of wine did Paul recently sell for a whopping $13,000? Why does Paul mostly focus on affordable wines? What's Paul's system for tasting and scoring wines? How do you choose a good wine club? What might surprise you about wineries and estate bottling? Which simple tips does Paul have for developing your tasting vocabulary? Why should the Canary Islands be on your radar? How does volcanic soil impact wine? How has COVID dramatically changed the wine business? What has changed over the years about celebrity wines? Why was Paul disappointed by an SNL-branded wine? Which undervalued regions should you check out next? How do Georgian and Armenian wines differ? What's Paul's take on organic and biodynamic wines? Key Takeaways Paul offered some great tips on how to choose a wine club, as well as a good local wine retailer. Both can help you with the curation process and get to know your palate. I agree with Paul on how to develop your wine vocabulary - smell and taste everything, well almost everything. It's interesting to hear how COVID has dramatically changed the wine business, from the volume of business done online now to the popular styles, regions and price points. I also liked his suggestions for undervalued regions and vintages. About Paul Kalemkiarian Paul Kalemkiarian is the host of the podcast Wine Talks with Paul K on which he interviews wine industry royalty as well as Michelin starred chefs. He's also the owner of America's oldest wine club, the Original Wine of the Month Club. His expertise in the wine industry spans over 30 years. His father invented the idea of wine in the mail in 1972 and they have been serving wine enthusiasts ever since. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, April 14th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I'll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway One of you is going to win a personally signed copy of Rex Pickett's novel, Sideways, which was also made into a hit movie, as well as a bottle of Sideways Pinot Noir. How to Win All you need to do is comment on one of these posts before 7 pm EDT on April 21st: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck! To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/124.

Only one president made his own wine and it wasn't Thomas Jefferson. So who was it? How did Jackie Kennedy Onassis' love of France shape White House menus? Which famous California winemaker attended a White House celebration and as a result had a falling out with his brother and started his own winery? What would surprise you about what's in the White House wine cellar? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Fred Ryan, publisher and CEO of the Washington Post and author of Wine and The White House. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did Jackie Kennedy Onassis' love of France shape White House menus? What influence did James Bond have on the wine served at one of JFK's state dinners? How did Bill Clinton tie James Bond into his speech at an official dinner? What's the story behind Jimmy Carter's Toast of Insults? Which enduring change did Jimmy Carter bring to presidential toasts? Who did JFK one-up with Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1953? How did a White House event play a key role in the launch of Robert Mondavi's winery? Which wine was served by Gerald Ford for the Queen's visit at the US bicentennial? What does it mean to "pull a Nixon"? Did any presidents make their own wine? How did Ronald Reagan become so knowledgeable about wine? What role did wine play in Ronald Reagan's celebrations? Which bottle of wine has Fred been saving for a special occasion? What diplomatic wine solution did Ronald Reagan find for Jacques Chirac's 1987 visit to the White House? What influence did Michelle Obama have on wines served at the White House? What has Fred learned in his new research on Joe Biden's toasts? How did Ben Franklin pave the way for Thomas Jefferson's exploration of French wines? What might surprise you about the White House wine cellar? How did Ronald Reagan influence guests' wine choices? Key Takeaways I was surprised at just how small the White House wine cellar is. I had imagined it would be on the same scale of French president or the Queen's with thousands of bottles. I love the story about how the White House gala played a key role in the launch of the Robert Mondavi winery. I've long admired the fashion sense of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, especially her love of French haute couture including those iconic Chanel suits and pearls. It's interesting how her style also shaped White House menus and wine choices. I enjoyed the stories about famous toasts, including Jimmy Carter's Toast of Insults to more diplomatic versions from Bill Clinton Ronald Regan and Joe Biden. About Fred Ryan Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., publisher and CEO of the Washington Post, has been an aficionado of both wine and White House history for most of his life. Growing up in Italy and California, he developed an early interest in wine and its production, studied winemaking and its history, and now participates in a joint winemaking venture in Napa Valley. Ryan's fascination with wine parallels his lifelong interest in the American presidency. He served in a senior staff position in the Ronald Reagan White House and as Reagan's post-presidential chief of staff. Ryan currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the White House Historical Association, of the Board of Trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, and of the Wine Committee of the Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, April 7th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I'll also be live-streaming this chat on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I'll be jumping into the comments on all four platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway One of you will win a personally signed copy of Fred's gorgeous, new book Wine and The White House. How to Win All you need to do is comment on one of these posts before 7 pm EDT on April 7th: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn I'll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck! To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/123.

Are you curious about how wine has played an essential role in politics? How did a bottle with Thomas Jefferson's initials become the center of a wine scandal in 1985? What does pulling a Nixon mean? Which wine connected John F. Kennedy and James Bond? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Fred Ryan, publisher and CEO of the Washington Post and author of Wine and The White House. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did Fred develop his fascination with presidential politics? When did Fred start to become interested in the world of wine? What role does wine play in politics? What's the story behind Thomas Jefferson's famous quote, "No nation is drunk when wine is freely available"? How did Thomas Jefferson revolutionize the American wine scene? Where in Bordeaux did Fred find a presidential wine request? How was Thomas Jefferson ahead of the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855? What insider elements did Fred include on the cover of Wine and The White House? What can we learn about wine in the White House from Thomas Jefferson's meticulous records? Why was an FBI forensic team called in to investigate a bottle of Château Lafite wine? How did wine help to break up the drunken free-for-all that was Andrew Jackson's inauguration? How did First Lady Lucy Hayes earn the nickname Lemonade Lucy? Why did Woodrow Wilson have to seek special approval to take his wines to his new home after leaving the White House? What instructions were the White House wait staff given for Winston Churchill's visit? What was the US attitude towards wine after Prohibition ended? Which wine-filled events stood out in Roosevelt's time in the White House? What happened to the wine in the White House cellar when it burned down? Key Takeaways I loved how Fred's stories illuminated how important a role wine has played in US and global politics, from diplomatic dinners and trade disputes. I also liked how handling wine revealed the personalities of the presidents, from pulling a Nixon to Regan birthday celebrations. The history of the US is also revealed through the stories about Jefferson and other early presidents. And the story about the forensic scientists involved in discovering the fake Jefferson bottle is worthy of a CSI episode. About Fred Ryan Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., publisher and CEO of the Washington Post, has been an aficionado of both wine and White House history for most of his life. Growing up in Italy and California, he developed an early interest in wine and its production, studied winemaking and its history, and now participates in a joint winemaking venture in Napa Valley. Ryan's fascination with wine parallels his lifelong interest in the American presidency. He served in a senior staff position in the Ronald Reagan White House and as Reagan's post-presidential chief of staff. Ryan currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the White House Historical Association, of the Board of Trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, and of the Wine Committee of the Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, April 7th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/882152032606638 I'll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway One of you will win a personally signed copy of Fred's gorgeous, new book Wine and The White House. How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before April 7th. Make sure to use these handles and hashtags: Instagram - @NatalieMacLeanWine Twitter - @NataliemMacLean Facebook - @NatDecants Hashtags: #natdecants I'll select the winner from those of you who participate before April 7th. I'll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post! To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/122.

Where do the worlds of wine and high tech collide? Why has the wine industry been so slow to embrace digital offerings? Should you join an online wine class? Are online wine events here to stay in a post-pandemic world? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm sharing my interview on VinePair Podcast with Zach Geballe. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights When did I start bringing my love for wine and tech together? How did my high-tech job give me an opportunity to explore Napa and Sonoma Valley? Is wine a part of the high-tech work culture? How has the pandemic forced the wine industry to embrace the internet and digital platforms? What was the state of wine education pre-COVID? Can you truly engage the senses and have a full experience with online wine classes? What are the advantages of online wine classes? What benefits could you experience from an online class over face-to-face? Is there a community aspect to online wine classes? Are online wine classes here to stay for the long-term? Why should brands and wineries include an online aspect in their offerings? Should you take an online wine class? What's behind my belief in moderation through appreciation? Which wines have I been loving lately? About Zach Geballe and VinePair Zach Geballe is a wine writer and educator based in Seattle. He is a podcast host/producer for VinePair Podcast and the founder/wine educator for Disgorged Wine. VinePair Podcast is hosted by VinePair co-founder Adam Teeter and sommelier and wine educator Zach Geballe. They discuss the latest news, trends, and happenings in the world of wine, beer, and spirits each week. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/121.

Are trends like orange wine and natural wine here to stay? What are the benefits of joining a wine club? How do you get out of a wine rut? Have consumer wine choices changed during the pandemic? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast for part 2 of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights Why did Vanessa decide to pursue her MW qualification? What are the main differences between the MW and Master Sommelier qualifications? Why doesn't Amanda think the orange wine trend is here to stay in the US? Why is there so much confusion for consumers when it comes to natural wines? How does Vanessa identify natural wines? Have consumer wine choices changed during the pandemic? What was the most expensive wine Amanda has ever sold? Why does Amanda have a special interest in unusual varieties of wine from the 1950s and 1960s? Where can you start when you want to try something new? What's the experience like as a member of the Wine Access Wine Club? Does it matter where you buy your wine? Why did Vanessa do a tasting of high-altitude wines? Which type of wine glass does Amanda recommend for California wines? How is Wine Access working to help improve diversity in the wine industry? Key Takeaways I loved the way Vanessa described the master of wine studies as a way to combine all of those pieces of her curiosity and feed her constant desire to keep learning. I feel that way when it comes to writing and researching guests and topics for this podcast. I agree with her that the wine community needs to do a better job of explaining what natural wine actually means and what people should look for. I love her advice to drink promiscuously! The people on the floor - whether it's a restaurant or retail - know better than anybody what's on that list or on the shelves. Talk to them and ask what's interesting. Take a risk, drink promiscuously. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, March 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/483530695981204 I'll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway You can win one of two signed copies of my books, "Red, White, and Drunk All Over" and "Unquenchable" How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 24th. Make sure to use these handles and hashtags: Instagram - @vanessaconlin @sommvivant @nataliemacleanwine @wineaccess @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter - @wineaccess @nataliemaclean Facebook - @hello.wine.access @natdecants Hashtags: #wineaccess #natdecants I'll select the winner from those of you who participate before March 24th. I'll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post! About Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin MW Amanda McCrossin is a sommelier, media personality, wine educator, host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast, & creator/host of the Instagram and YouTube channel "SOMMVIVANT." As the former Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley, Amanda worked with the world's largest, deepest restaurant collection of all Napa Valley wines in the world. Prior to being named Wine Director in 2018, Amanda worked as a sommelier with her mentors and predecessors Kelli White (author, Napa Valley Then & Now) and Scott Brenner to become one of the world's leading experts in California wine. Today, Amanda focuses her efforts on producing wine "edutainment" and digital media content for her social media platforms geared toward both consumers and professionals alike. A frequent speaker, personality, and contributing writer, in 2018 she was named a Wine Enthusiast 'Wine Star' Nominee for Sommelier of the Year and has been featured by numerous publications and media outlets including SOMM TV, Food Network, Wine Enthusiast, Somm Journal, Food & Wine, World of Fine Wine, & Wine Spectator. Vanessa Conlin MW is the Head of Wine for Wine Access, a national direct-to-consumer e-com wine retailer where she oversees all wine curation and wine content. Vanessa has served as the Director of Sales and Marketing for several of Napa's most prestigious luxury estates including Arietta Wines and Dana Estates. Previously she was the wine buyer for two prominent Manhattan wine retailers and the Wine Director for a Manhattan-based wine bar. As an avid supporter of charitable causes, Vanessa is the President of the Board for Jameson Humane, a Napa Valley-based animal rescue and sanctuary, and has chaired the organization's annual charity wine auction four times, raising over 7 million dollars. Prior to falling in love with wine, Vanessa worked as a professional musician, performing internationally and on Broadway, and holds a Master's Degree in Music. She is an instructor for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and was the recipient of the Niki Singer Memorial Scholarship from the International Wine Center. Vanessa became a Master of Wine in 2020. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/120.

Have you ever dreamed of ditching your day job and starting a career in wine? What do wine and music have in common? What's it like to share a bottle of wine with the famous wine critic Robert Parker? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast for part 1 of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights When did Vanessa recognize she had found her place in the world of wine? Why was moving to Napa Valley the best moment in Amanda's wine career so far? How was Amanda impacted by the California wildfires in 2017 and 2020? Are Napa Valley wineries open for visitors? How did a class shift Vanessa's career path from opera to wine? Why was wine an infrequent part of Vanessa's life during her career as an opera singer? How did Amanda make the transition from the stage into her wine career? How are wine and music more similar than you might think? What's behind the perceived barrier to entry for both wine and opera? How are Amanda and Vanessa making wine more accessible? Why did Amanda make the move to Napa Valley from New York? How did Vanessa end up moving to California on a leap of faith? How does Vanessa combine her passion for wine with her love of animals? What was the moment that Amanda knew it was time for her to go all-in on her wine career? What aspects of Vanessa's transition to her wine career were the hardest? Why was working at Press Restaurant such an interesting experience for Amanda? Which first wine experience did Amanda share with Robert Parker? What close call did Vanessa have with sparkling wine? Key Takeaways I love the parallels that they draw between wine and music: both enjoyed individually and evoke all the senses. You can share the same bottle of wine with others but have a very different experience of it from them. What you bring to that wine influences what you take away from it. I love the point about wine, like music, being the sum of art and science. You start with technical foundations, but it's the artistic flourish on top that makes the experience magical. It was great to get an update on Napa Valley and I'm looking forward to visiting the region again. I believe that you can enjoy wine without being an expert, but also believe that you can have a richer, more layered experience with knowledge. That's always optional of course. I agree that a great way to learn about wine is to surround yourself with people who know more about it than you do, whether that's through friends or online courses. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, March 17th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/465681857886314/ I'll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway You can win one of two signed copies of my books, "Red, White, and Drunk All Over" and "Unquenchable" How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 24th. Make sure to use these handles and hashtags: Instagram - @vanessaconlin @sommvivant @nataliemacleanwine @wineaccess @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter - @wineaccess @nataliemaclean Facebook - @hello.wine.access @natdecants Hashtags: #wineaccess #natdecants I'll select the winner from those of you who participate before March 24th. I'll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post! About Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin MW Amanda McCrossin is a sommelier, media personality, wine educator, host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast, & creator/host of the Instagram and YouTube channel "SOMMVIVANT." As the former Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley, Amanda worked with the world's largest, deepest restaurant collection of all Napa Valley wines in the world. Prior to being named Wine Director in 2018, Amanda worked as a sommelier with her mentors and predecessors Kelli White (author, Napa Valley Then & Now) and Scott Brenner to become one of the world's leading experts in California wine. Today, Amanda focuses her efforts on producing wine "edutainment" and digital media content for her social media platforms geared toward both consumers and professionals alike. A frequent speaker, personality, and contributing writer, in 2018 she was named a Wine Enthusiast 'Wine Star' Nominee for Sommelier of the Year and has been featured by numerous publications and media outlets including SOMM TV, Food Network, Wine Enthusiast, Somm Journal, Food & Wine, World of Fine Wine, & Wine Spectator. Vanessa Conlin MW is the Head of Wine for Wine Access, a national direct-to-consumer e-com wine retailer where she oversees all wine curation and wine content. Vanessa has served as the Director of Sales and Marketing for several of Napa's most prestigious luxury estates including Arietta Wines and Dana Estates. Previously she was the wine buyer for two prominent Manhattan wine retailers and the Wine Director for a Manhattan-based wine bar. As an avid supporter of charitable causes, Vanessa is the President of the Board for Jameson Humane, a Napa Valley-based animal rescue and sanctuary, and has chaired the organization's annual charity wine auction four times, raising over 7 million dollars. Prior to falling in love with wine, Vanessa worked as a professional musician, performing internationally and on Broadway, and holds a Master's Degree in Music. She is an instructor for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and was the recipient of the Niki Singer Memorial Scholarship from the International Wine Center. Vanessa became a Master of Wine in 2020. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/119.

Why are podcasts one of the best ways to learn about wine? How do English sparkling wines compare to Champagne, and should you seek them out? Why is the Master of Wine qualification valuable beyond the studies? What's behind the low pass rate for the Master of Wine qualification? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, Masters of Wine for part two of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights Why does Winchester make a great location for a wine festival? How did Susie and Peter adapt their Wine Festival Winchester during the pandemic? How can you get a taste of 2020's Wine Festival Winchester masterclasses? What beautiful experience did Susie have when judging the 2020 WineGB awards? When did Susie and Peter launch their podcast, Wine Blast? What was it like launching their podcast during the pandemic? Why are podcasts such a good match for wine? Which aspects of podcasting are we most interested in? Why are Susie and Peter so excited about English wine? Can you find English wines in North America? What taste profile can you expect from English sparkling wine? Which types of English wine should you look out for? How are climate extremes impacting wine? How do English sparkling wines compare with Champagne? Why is the Master of Wine qualification valuable beyond the studies? What's behind the low pass rate for the Master of Wine qualification? Key Takeaways I love how Susie and Peter pivoted with Covid and hosted their popular wine festival online. You can watch the video recordings of the sessions they hosted. I so agree with them that podcasts are one of the best ways to learn about wine. I'm biased, of course, but it's such an intimate medium that lends itself to more in-depth learning. I found their discussion about English sparkling wines helpful, and I'm determined to taste them when I can find them going forward. Susie and Peter made some excellent points on why the Master of Wine qualification is valuable beyond the studies to achieve the credential. Love that probative skill of asking the question beyond the question and challenging received wisdom. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/216760110179261 I'll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway You could win a prize pack that includes a personally signed copy of their book on English wine, a lovely linen polishing cloth for your wine stemware and a cheeky chef's apron that says on the front "Like it Fresh and Racy?" How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 10th... bonus points if you tag three wine-loving friends and you tell me why you picked that wine, how it tastes and suggested food pairings. Instagram @susieandpeter @nataliemacleanwine Facebook @natdecants Twitter @wineschools @susiebarrie @nataliemaclean LinkedIn @nataliemaclean Hashtags for all platforms: #wineblast #natdecants I'll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post! About Susie Barrie and Peter Richards Susie and Peter are Masters of Wine who happen to be married to each other. It's a strange old household, with a constant soundtrack of clinking bottles and glasses. As TV and radio presenters, event hosts, writers, podcasters, authors and consultants, the pair are renowned for their enthusiastic, thoughtful and articulate style, having been described as, 'Legends: best in the business' and 'What a double act: two stars making a killer constellation.' To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/118.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a career in wine, whether as a TV or radio personality, writer, author, podcaster, event organizer, speaker or consultant? Well, our guests tonight have done it all and you're in for a treat with colourful stories from their brilliant careers! In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, Masters of Wine for part one of our two-part conversation. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights When did Susie decide she wanted to change her career from acting to wine? When was Peter's unorthodox introduction to wine writing? Why should you always keep a bottle of wine in your bag? What was the hardest moment in Susie's journey as a wine expert? What did Peter learn about himself and his writing style from the low points in his career? Why is food such a great place for you to start learning about wine? What have been the highlights of Susie and Peter's careers so far? How do Susie and Peter simplify wine by breaking it down into categories? How did Peter come to recognize the impact of their work? When did Susie develop her Michelin star-worthy cooking style? How has wine impacted Susie and Peter's relationship? What effect does a career in wine have on your children? What has been Susie and Peter's experience with wine-fueled marathons? Why should you wear fancy dress when running a marathon? Key Takeaways I loved listening to the journeys that brought both Susie and Peter from such different backgrounds to the world of wine. I feel we all sort of stumble into this world, and then never want to leave it. I couldn't agree more with their take that a great place to start learning about wine is through food pairing and to heck with those who scoff at the notion. That's why my online Wine Smart Course focuses on pairings. I enjoyed hearing how wine has affected their relationship beyond the shared passion and the stories about running the Medoc marathon that were so amusing. Wine bridges so many cultures, regions and moments. Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/715197649361153/ I'll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway You could win a prize pack that includes a personally signed copy of their book on English wine, a lovely linen polishing cloth for your wine stemware and a cheeky chef's apron that says on the front "Like it Fresh and Racy?" How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- tag us and post a wine you love before March 10th... bonus points if you tag three wine-loving friends and you tell me why you picked that wine, how it tastes and suggested food pairings. Instagram @susieandpeter @nataliemacleanwine Facebook @natdecants Twitter @wineschools @susiebarrie @nataliemaclean LinkedIn @nataliemaclean Hashtags for all platforms: #wineblast #natdecants I'll also reshare your stories and posts with my followers whether you win or not so that you connect with more wine lovers. Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post! About Susie Barrie and Peter Richards Susie and Peter are Masters of Wine who happen to be married to each other. It's a strange old household, with a constant soundtrack of clinking bottles and glasses. As TV and radio presenters, event hosts, writers, podcasters, authors and consultants, the pair are renowned for their enthusiastic, thoughtful and articulate style, having been described as, 'Legends: best in the business' and 'What a double act: two stars making a killer constellation.' To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/117.

Do you have a bottle of wine that you've been holding onto for a special occasion? Are you curious about how much an old bottle you've been keeping in your cellar is worth and whether you should open it soon? Would you like to take a peek behind-the-scenes at how two of the world's most successful wine columnists taste wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, journalists, authors and wine columnists. You can find the wines we discussed at www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks. Highlights How did growing up in the segregated South inspire Dottie to become a journalist? What made John recognize the power of good journalism at a young age? What was the worst moment of Dottie and John's writing careers? Which commencement address was a special honour for Dottie? Which important story made John's proudest moment in his journalism career so far? What was it like becoming part of the Wine Writers Collection at UC Davis Library? What was Martha Stewart's connection to Dottie and John's Wall Street Journal column? Why did Dottie and John end up drinking Château Latour on The Today Show? How did Dottie and John meet? What was the first bottle of wine Dottie and John shared? How did their honeymoon experience of Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve 1968 lead to meeting renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff? How did wine change Dottie and John's lives? What is it about wine that makes us slow down and appreciate the present? Why should you visit winemakers? How did bottles of Taittinger Champagne end up in a birdbath? What role did wine play at the wedding of Dottie and John's daughter, Media? Why should you seek out a wine merchant you can talk to? Why did Dottie and John make the switch from writing about news to wine? What was the unique approach Dottie and John took to their Wall Street Journal wine column? Why is Dottie excited about the proliferation of wine writers and bloggers? How did Oregon Pinot Noirs spur vehement disagreements between Dottie and John? Who are the wine jerks? How does the "exclusivity" of wine still show up today? What has been Dottie's experience as a Black woman participating in industry tasting events? How can each of us play our part in making our worlds more equitable and inclusive? Where did the idea for Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) come from? What was the response to the first OTBN? Where is the most unusual place to have participated in OTBN? Why do we resist opening our special bottles of wine? Why should you do OTBN as often as you can? Which wine will Dottie, John and I open for OTBN 2021? How has OTBN been embraced widely in popular culture and across borders? Key Takeaways I loved their stories about how they met and fell in love with each other and with wine. I also enjoyed going behind-the-scenes with their tasting and writing process. It's as rigorous as their non-wine journalism. I admire how Dottie and John approached Tastings as a column about life, not simply wine. They connected with so many readers because of that and inspired a passion for wine by making it accessible without dumbing it down. I appreciated hearing Dottie's experiences as a Black woman in the world of wine. I'm motivated to interview more people of colour on this podcast. I already have some in mind, but please let me know if you have suggestions. Love the motivation behind Open that Bottle Night! I'm so motivated to participate in OTBN this year! You'll find out which two wines were my finalists for the decision, and why I chose the one I did during our Watch Party on February 24th. I want to know which wine you chose too! Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I'll be live-streaming for the very first time on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video on Wednesday, February 24th at 7 pm eastern. Click on the "Interested" or "Going" buttons below so that you'll be notified when we go live: https://www.facebook.com/events/199960218511080 I'll be jumping into the comments on all three platforms as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What's your opinion of what we're discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn't answer? Giveaway You could win a personally signed copy of Dottie and John's book, Love By The Glass, a beautifully written memoir and love story that also teaches you lots about wine. How to Win All you have to do is just pick your favourite social media channel -- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn -- and post about which bottle you're going to open on Open That Bottle Night, before Saturday, February 27th. You'll get an additional entry for each social post you do, so feel free to post on all four social media platforms. You'll also get a bonus entry for each wine-loving friend you tag. I'll re-share your stories and posts with my followers so that you get more followers! Use these tags and hashtags when you post on your fave social media channel: Instagram @dottieandjohn @nataliemacleanwine Facebook @winecouple @natdecants Twitter @winecouple @nataliemaclean LinkedIn @nataliemaclean Hashtags for all platforms: #otbn #natdecants I'll select the winner from those of you who participate before Saturday, February 27th! Good luck, and I can't wait to see (and share) what you post! About Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher conceived and wrote The Wall Street Journal's wine column, "Tastings," from 1998 to 2010. They've published four best-selling wine books and created the annual, international "Open That Bottle Night" (OTBN), a celebration of wine and friendship. Their column for that first event was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. It's coming up this Saturday, February 27th. We'll dig into what it's all about during our conversation. Before writing about wine, both Dorothy and John had distinguished careers in journalism as reporters and editors at The Miami Herald, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/116.