SOMM TV wine & food

Introducing SOMM TV’s top wines of the year.  We have argued, laughed, debated, and ultimately agreed—without major injury. Winemakers, sommeliers, writers, and the SOMM TV staff narrowed an entire year of tasting into ten wines that define our shared love of flavor, story, and value. For deeper dives, listen to the podcast, but here are the wines that defined 2025 for us.  Congratulations to the wines that made our list!To learn more about our picks, watch the collection on SOMM TV:https://sommtv.vhx.tv/top-wines-of-2025For the full list:https://www.sommtv.com/2025wines

Egg Nog, that creamy, boozy, sweet drink people either love or hate makes its way down the chimney this time of year to remind us all why we have a gym membership.  Where did this drink come from, and why does it hold such a nostalgic place during the holidays?  On today’s episode join Jason Wise & Forbes writer Jessica Dupuy as they dive into the story of this holiday drink we call Egg Nog. For the base recipe by Morgan Weller of Marfa Spirit Company (https://www.themarfaspirit.com/) mentioned in the episode go here: https://jeffreymorgenthaler.com/egg-nog/For Morgan’s Yoakum Egg Nog mentioned in the episode:5 egg 2 cups bourbon1 cup buttermilk1 cup heavy cream2 oz. sorghum vinegar (2:1 ratio Muddy Pond Sorghum and Steen’s Cane Vinegar)2 oz. corn husk simple syrup*Nutmeg to garnish Be sure to chill all ingredients well before making. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Whisk in remaining ingredients until frosty. Pour into a pitcher and serve with a dash of nutmeg. *Corn Husk Simple SyrupDissolve 2 cups of sugar into 1 cup of hot water in a sauce pan over medium heat to make a rich simple syrup. Remove from heat. Set a dozen dried corn husks into the pan and let steep for thirty minutes. Remove husks and discard. Add 1 tablespoon of Everclear. Chill simple syrup in refrigerator; will keep indefinitely.Don’t forget to go to www.SOMMTV.com or on any SOMM TV app to watch the 2025 Napa Valley Vintage report for free right now!

We are back with another episode spotting wine that appears in movies and streaming!  Jonah Beer of Gabriel glass and Pilcrow wine joins Jason to discuss wines found in: The Sopranos, The Insider, Weekend at Bernie’s, Curb your enthusiasm, The Wire, and the Coen Brother’s film “A serious Man”.  To take advantage of our Black Friday deal of 50% off our blind tasting game - go to blindersgame.com and to get an astounding 70% off a year of SOMM TV ~ a year for only 17.99!!! (do not wait on this deal it ends soon!) go to https://watch.sommtv.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=industrysommtv&plan=yearly and don’t forget you can watch this episode right now streaming on SOMM TV

The simple apple - it is in our lunches, on our teacher’s desk, and occasionally made into a delicious alcoholic drink called Cider.  Did you know that the apple and the drink made from its fruit is hiding one of the greatest stories ever told?  On today’s episode we tell the tale of how America was founded and built using Cider. The incredible origins of the apple, how cider pushed us westward and kept us together as a nation, and how it tore us apart.  We also try to find the long lost apples the founding fathers grew hundreds of years ago.  Join Jason Wise & author Ben Watson as we tell the story of Cider and the American Dream.  If you love this podcast, please be sure to leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts.  Don’t forget to pick up your copy of our blind tasting card game at blindersgame.com and make sure to subscribe to sommtv.com  to watch our films and shows.

Tony and Barbara Laithwaite, the dynamic duo behind a billion bottles of wine, reflect on their 50-year journey in the industry. They share insights on the challenges and triumphs of producing English sparkling wines, the importance of patience, and their family's commitment to the wine business without an exit plan. Discover how the Laithwaites revolutionized wine retail with their innovative club model, and hear their thoughts on wine tourism in England and the stunning pairings with their own sparkling creations.

Dr. Fred Caprasso, a food scientist and former dean, reveals why Halloween candy tastes different today, highlighting cost pressures and the substitution of cheaper fats for cocoa butter. He discusses how these changes affect chocolate's flavor and texture. Meanwhile, Anna and Pete, co-founders of Final Girl Wines, blend their love for horror films with winemaking, discussing varietals like Petit Verdot inspired by iconic characters. They explore how horror themes influence their brand and tasting room experience, creating a unique connection for fans.

French winemaker Alban Debeaulieu of Abbott Claim shares insights on the intersection of wine and art. He contrasts French and American perceptions of wine and discusses how cultural backgrounds influence taste. The duo explores whether wine is art or craft, with Alban recounting moments of transcendence tied to both mediums. They excitingly pair iconic films with wines, linking unique tasting experiences to cinematic masterpieces, from Jaws matched with Napa Cabernet to Psycho with classic Pomerol. A thought-provoking discussion filled with creativity awaits!

Join seasoned winemakers Steve Matthiasson from Napa, Amy Christine from Santa Barbara, and Travis Todd from Willamette Valley as they share wild harvest tales. Steve dives into chaotic logistics and natural pest control methods. Amy reveals her experience with Pierce’s disease and a hilarious mishap involving ants and grape must. Meanwhile, Travis discusses Oregon’s smooth vintage, highlighted by a stolen trailer fiasco. Get ready for laughter and insightful stories from the grape harvest trenches!

Rajat Parr, a renowned sommelier and winemaker, shares the transformative bottles that shaped his journey in wine. He recounts his epiphany with Raveneau Chablis Le Clos 1986, which ignited his passion. A 1978 Chave Hermitage spurred him to become a sommelier, while encounters with notable Burgundies led to his wine bar vision. He reflects on learning winemaking from a Rochioli Pinot Noir and his serious winemaking roots inspired by Jacques Maillet's Otremont. Today, he enjoys simple, soulful wines with friends and highlights his Phelan Farm offerings.

Feeling a little anxious about things in the wine and food world?  Maybe the current situation is as much a matter of perspective as it is real.  On today’s episode Jason & winemaker Steve Matthiasson hold a mirror up to the wine business and cut through the BS & noise to figure out where we really stand and hopefully find some positivity.  This episode is brought to you by our blind tasting card game “SOMM BLINDERS” which is 50% off in time for the holidays.  Go to blindersgame.com to get yours!