Introduction How did The Wine Bible get its name? How was it unlike any wine book of its time? What was it like as a young woman trying to break into the male-dominated New York wine scene in the 1970s? Why are there significantly fewer women than men with the Master Sommelier designation? How does wine help you to immerse yourself in other cultures? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible, former wine correspondent for the Today Show, the first Food and Wine Editor of USA Today, and […]
Restaurant Wine Lists
Wine Girl Reveals the Wine World’s Dark Side and Hope for the Future with Sommelier Victoria James
Introduction What’s it like serving wine to celebrities like Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus? How is being a sommelier different when you work at a Michelin-starred restaurant, especially when you’re just 21 years old? Why is the wine world still largely an old boys club and how does that impact the wines you drink? Which shocking ingredients might you find in some non-organic wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Victoria James, author, restauranteur and the youngest person in the world to pass the certified sommelier exam with the Court of Master […]
Orange Wines are Trending with Winemaker Ann Sperling
Introduction What is orange wine? How does fermenting with the stems and leave give you a more complex flavour profile? Can you find orange wine on restaurant wine lists? Which types of food should you pair with orange wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Ann Sperling, winegrower and Director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Southbrook Vineyards. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights What is orange wine? How does orange wine give you a glimpse into ancient wines? Why would you see less waste from the winemaking process with orange […]
Frog’s Leap Winemaker John Williams Shares Witty & Wise Stories
Introduction Do all wines taste better with time? What similarities are there between winemaking and cheese-making? Why is Zinfandel your perfect summer drink? How does dry farming impact the flavour of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with one of the wittiest, smartest winemakers, John Williams, winemaker and owner at Frog’s Leap Winery, about the unique benefits of organic winemaking and dry farming. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights What makes Napa Valley such a diverse region despite its small geographical area? Why should you visit Rutherford in the Napa […]
How is the Coronavirus Impacting Wineries and Wine Lovers?
Introduction Should you hold firm to plans for travelling to wine regions in the near future? How are winery visits being impacted by the threat of COVID-19? Can you still attend major wine events during the coronavirus pandemic? How can you take advantage of online classes to continue to enjoy wine tasting experiences? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re talking about how wineries and restaurants have been impacted by the Coronavirus, and what we can do to support them and still maintain our safety and health. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights How can […]
Pairing Spicy Dishes & Wines with Vikram Vij and Sean Nelson
Introduction How sparkling wine spice up your menu? What complementary taste rule can you use to pair your food with wine? Which wines should you never pair with Indian food? Which red wine should be at the top of your list for pairing with spicy food? Does ambiance affect your wine tasting experience? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, Celebrity chef and author Vikram Vij and Head Sommelier Sean Nelson share their insider tips and tricks to help you pair wine with spicy, complex food like a pro. You can find the wines we discussed here. […]
Become a Better Wine Taster with Master Sommelier Elyse Lambert
Introduction What’s the one thing you can do when visiting wine regions to make it your best trip ever? How can yoga help you become a better wine taster? How do you calibrate your palate and why should you do it? What’s it like competing in the World’s Best Sommelier Competition? How can you develop your wine tasting vocabulary? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, Master Sommelier Elyse Lambert shares tips on how you can become a better wine taster. You can find the wines we discussed here. Highlights Why does competing make you a better […]
Pairing Wine and Cannabis with the Herb Sommelier Jamie Evans
Introduction What does a wine enthusiast have in common with a cannabis user? How can you pair wine with cannabis? What do you need to know about terpenes and wine pairing? How do infused beverages bring together the cannabis and wine industries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Jamie Evans, founder of The Herb Somm, a cannabis blog and lifestyle brand that is focused on the gourmet side of the cannabis industry. Enjoy! Highlights What health and lifestyle benefits can you experience from using cannabis? What does a wine enthusiast have in common […]
Mark Oldman: The Wine World’s Greatest Showman
Introduction In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we’re chatting with Mark Oldman, New York-based wine best-selling author, speaker and entrepreneur and one of the liveliest and wittiest guests I’ve had on the show. Enjoy! Highlights What insider tip can you use the next time you’re faced with a restaurant wine list? How can you signal to restaurant staff that you’re a wine insider (even if you’re not)? What should you do if you think your restaurant glassware or wine has a fault? What do billionaires look for in wines for daily drinking? How can a label […]
BYOB Wines to Restaurants
Introduction What does BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) to a restaurant really mean? What special laws and etiquette do you need to know about it? Which provinces and states allow it? How does BYOB benefit you as a wine lover, aside from reducing your restaurant bill? How should you calculate the tip when you bring your own wine? On today’s episode of Unreserved Wine Talk, I’m sharing everything you need to know, plus my best tips for enjoying BYOB wines at restaurants. Enjoy! Highlights Which provinces and states allow you to BYOB to restaurants? Why is BYOB perfect for […]
