SOMM TV

For hundreds of years Billecart Champagne has set a standard and remained a family business against incredible odds.  On today's episode Mathieu Billecart, the seventh generation of the Champagne house discusses how this family has defied the odds, survived world wars fought in their backyard, and what it feels like to be the next in charge of the history and future.  We also discuss the new release of their top Champagne.   Watch this episode now on sommtv.com and use code sommtv50 to get 50% off a subscription.

The invention of the cork changed everything for transporting and selling liquid, and in the case of wine, spirits, and beer it created a global culture.  On today's episode we breakdown how the cork became the method to close a bottle and get into the controversy and success that has always surrounded it.  We want you to subscribe to SOMM TV!  we are giving 50% off monthly subscriptions right now with this link:  https://watch.sommtv.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=sommtv50&plan=monthlyOr go to SOMMTV.com and use the code: SOMMTV50Today's episode is hosted by Jason Wise. Expert guest is Armen Khachaturian of Morlet Family Vineyards.  This episode was produced  for SOMM TV by John Adams. This episode's original hand drawn artwork was created by Brandon Lee Wise.

We are all used to grapes, grains, and things like spices flavoring our drinks, but what about olives, tomatoes, or even anchovies? On today's episode we talk to Chris Beyer, a man who has made it his life's mission to explore the far side of whats possible in your drink.  Make sure to subscribe to sommtv.com to watch this episode and go to blindersgame.com to get our blind tasting card game.

2025 James Beard award nominated! Jason Wise talks with winemaker Moe Momtazi as he shares the story of how he and his pregnant wife escaped Iran after the revolution in 1979 and survived against all odds to found Maysara Winery in Oregon.  You will not believe what wine can mean to people and culture in this award nominated episode.  Make sure to go to sommtv.com to watch this episode and also watch "Cup of Salvation" the newest SOMM Film featuring wine made in Iran.

One of the largest wine and spirits event is coming May 6th & 7th to Miami.  On today's podcast we speak to the CEO of Vinexpo, Rodolphe Lameyse about what it takes to put an event this size and how the current economic and political situation will affect large multi national wine and spirits trade shows and wine itself. Members of the wine, spirits and hospitality industry who listen to this podcast will get a free badge to Vinexpo America in Miami May 7-8.  To get a complimentary badge, go to vinexpo-america.com and use the code VAMERICA25 and you get in free!

The government is making cuts to the USDA and the FDA which inspect and regulate our food in the United States, but what does that mean?  On today's episode we speak with 4th generation butcher - Katie Flannery about what these agencies actually do and how they impact her job of making some of the greatest dry aged steaks in the world.  To get 50% off of our blind tasting wine card game ~ go to blindersgame.com

On today's episode Jason is joined by Pat Monahan, lead singer of the band “Train”.   They talk about his wine project and count down their top songs that feature wine.  To the wine and spirits professionals listening... Get ready for Vinexpo America 2025, the premier event http://vinexpo-america.com and secure your place at Vinexpo America 2025 use code VAMERICA25 to claim a complementary badge, on the Vinexpo America website.  

Gamay has graduated from a darling of somms and winemakers to a full fledge wine of casual and regular wine drinkers.  On today's podcast we are re-airing this episode with newly named winemaker at Opus one: Meghan Zobeck and Wildsound Wine winemaker: John Adams to discuss one of their favorite grapes and why it has become so popular.  To get our blind tasting card game “Blinders” for 50% off - go to blindersgame.com and get the best easter gift this season!

Can fine wine be made with more than just grapes?  Today we speak to esteemed Napa winemakers Steve and Jill Matthiasson about the oldest and possibly most under appreciated kind of wine.   Today's episode is brought to you by Auction Napa Valley.  To register for a chance to win a pair of tickets to attend the greatest barrel tasting in the United States, go to this link: https://www.sommtv.com/anv2025. No purchase necessary.   

We are back to break down four films that have important wines in them.  On today's episode: Inglorious Basterds, Ratatouille, Pig, and The girl with the dragon Tattoo and the bottles found in those films are discussed.  Make sure to subscribe to sommtv.com for the best in wine & food!

The heart and soul of the wine and food world is really about where it is grown, made, and ultimately where it comes from. On today's podcast, Jonah Beer of True North imports, a small family importer of Italian and Burgundy wines returns the podcast to put a real perspective on the current trade war and how the threats alone may prove deadly to the way we used to know wine in the United States.  

As the new president begins to make good on many of his campaign promises and threats, economists and business owners wait in fear to hear what will become of “The promise to introduce wide and sweeping tariffs across the board”.  On today's podcast we speak to journalist Jessica Dupuy about how the wine, restaurant, food industry, and yes - your grocery prices will be affected by what looks to be the invasion of tariffs at the borders.  Listeners can get 50% off SOMM TV by going to sommtv.com and entering code: sommtv2025

To honor the legacy of acclaimed filmmaker & wine drinker David Lynch who passed away this week, today's episode of the SOMM TV Podcast will be taken over by winemaker and acting legend Kyle MacLachlan (“Twin Peaks” & “Blue Velvet”) & his good friend and fellow actor Joel McHale of “The Bear” and “Community”.  They open several bottles and have a hilarious conversation about hollywood, wine, and how these worlds collide.  The second bottle opened is the wine director David Lynch gave Kyle before filming and with it comes the story of one of cinema's greatest partnerships to honor the great Director.  You can watch this episode now on SOMMTV.com 

There has been a large amount of anti-alcohol messaging in the last few years and just recently the Surgeon General has made clear the intention to place a cancer warning on all alcoholic beverages including wine, placing wine in the same category as cigarettes.  On the podcast today Jason is joined by wine writer Jessica Dupuy to discuss this massive step and what implications it may have for the drinks business. We also ask the question: is there someone or something else besides health behind this story?

Buckle up friends, because on this episode, we draft wine regions.  Join Jason Wise, sommelier Claire Coppi, winemaker and importer Jonah Beer, and film producer / wine collector Jackson Myers to assemble the greatest wine regions on earth for a chance to win all the glory, also streaming on SOMMTV.com in video form.  All wine regions of the world are on the table and everything is on the line. After listening / watching, vote for who won our second wine draft here:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DEDpY_Sy8Mc/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

What is your relationship with wine critics?  How does one become a person who writes about the quality of a wine?  On today's podcast we are joined by Audrey Frick, one of the leading voices in the field of wine criticism to have a very honest conversation about the profession.  To get 50% off SOMM TV., use this link:  http://watch.sommtv.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=sommtv50&plan=monthly

Jason is joined by wine writer Shakera Jones to discuss what we are doing wrong with wine, what wine may be doing wrong and what we should be drinking for the holidays and beyond.  make sure to subscribe to SOMM TV for hundreds of hours of the best content in food and wine.  want to claim 50% off SOMM TV?  http://watch.sommtv.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=sommtv50&plan=monthly  

“It's 9am… This is a 1955 Margaux.”We are once again asking you to listen to us talk about the movies and TV that feature wines in an important role… we are also drinking.  Today, filmmaker Jason Wise and winemaker Jonah Beer discuss pivotal scenes in “Seinfeld, The English Patient, Steve Jobs, and The Newsroom” that feature wine and we break down if they got it right.  This episode is brought to you by our coverage of the Napa Valley 2024 Vintage report and our original Film “Inheriting the Future” about Bourgogne's next generation ~ both streaming free now on sommtv.com and all of our apps.  

Winemaker Meghan Zobeck makes wine for her own boutique label and also for a historic large American winery.  She is here to talk about what she originally thought this job was going to be and dispel some BS around what she actually does as a winemaker.  Make sure to subscribe to sommtv.com to watch our original shows and award winning films and to watch the 2024 Napa Valley Vintage report free right now.

Wine can be simple if you just want to drink it, but if you drink enough -  it eventually grabs you and begins to whisper about history, geography, and so much more.  Now you, like us are part of a never ending journey to learn about this incredible drink, but where do you start?  On today's podcast we are joined by one of the world's great teachers of wine: Kelli White.  Kelli and Jason discuss her new book “Wine Confident” and how the wine world may have completely messed up how we answer questions and teach about wine.  Don't forget to subscribe to SOMMTV.com where you can watch the best wine shows and movies including the brand new Napa Valley Vintage report where leading winemakers sit down to discuss the 2024 vintage.  Watch the 2024 Napa vintage report free right now:  https://sommtv.vhx.tv/videos/2024-napa-valley-vintage-report

Today we are talking the 2024 Harvest in France and Oregon.  We are joined by Anthony Zhang from Vinovest and John Adams, winemaker at Wildsound Wine in the Willamette Valley to answer how 2024 harvest affect this vintage's quality and pricing for those regions.  Remember to subscribe to SOMM TV at sommtv.com to watch hundreds of hours of the best culinary and wine content anywhere!  

Sommelier Claire Coppi and winemaker Meghan Zobeck reunite to discuss what happened when they took antique Ouija boards into  haunted wineries in the film “Ghosts of Napa Valley”.  Claire talks about the ghost she believes she met as a child and Meg discusses filming the movie and why she did what she did.  There are some spoilers for “Ghosts of Napa” here so make sure to watch the film on SOMMTV.com before listening.  

Today we talk the most respected, most important, most sought after and possibly most misunderstood wine region in the world - a place as deeply entrenched in history as it is in the future. Jason wise joins Winemaker and president of Bourgogne wines:  Laurent Delaunay at 1/5th restaurant in New York City to confirm that people do indeed grow up in those beautiful towns that dot bourgogne and to discuss the future and diversity of this historic icon of wine.  We are spotlighting the wines and stories of this iconic French region and to celebrate,  you can watch this episode and our original documentary “Inheriting the Future” about the next generation of Bourgogne FREE on SOMMTV.com and our YouTube channel right now.

News just broke that one of Napa's largest wine conglomerates, the Duckhorn wine portfolio has just sold for a little under two billion dollars.  We are joined by Anthony Zhang of Vinovest to break down what this means for wine, Napa, and you the drinker.  Do not forget our new film "Ghosts of Napa Valley" is now streaming on sommtv.com and in theaters in Los Angeles 10/15-10/22 - tickets can be found at sommfilms.com 

Today is draft day and we would like to welcome all of you to the very first "Wine draft"!  On today's episode we have assembled the best of the best to draft a team of wine grapes and we will need you to decide who picked the best five grapes.  We have not laughed this hard in a very long time.   Come to our social media @sommtv on twitter and @somm_streaming on instagram to vote on who won after listening.  For those in NYC and LA don't forget our Ghost winery story is coming to theaters in NYC October 10th and across LA beginning October 15th!  get tickets at sommfilms.com the film will stream on SOMMtv.com beginning October 11th

In 2022 one of the world's most famous wines decided to leave their iconic classification throwing the Bordeaux region into a state not seen in generations. On today's podcast we speak to Yves de Launay of the iconic Right Bank Bordeaux “Châteaux Angelus” about why they made that decision and what the effects have been since. We also open a 2016 vintage and discuss the family's move to the future on their own. Don't forget to get Ghosts of Napa Valley tickets if you are in LA at sommfilms.com and for SOMM TV subscribers the film will begin streaming on sommtv.com October 11th.

What would happen if a 6,000 year old wine region disappeared?  Today we talk to LA Times writer Ani Duzdabanyan about an ancient winemaking place that may be gone forever.   For more check out our “Cup of Salvation” collection on sommtv.com

Xander Soren has been famous for creating cutting edge software for apple including “Garage Band”.  Now he will be known for creating one of the most exciting new collections of Pinot Noir with the express mission of pairing with Japanese food.  Today we talk about his story and how he approached this incredible challenge.  This episode is brought to you by our new film “Ghosts of Napa Valley”, a true wine country story  about the past trying to talk to us, go to sommfilms.com to buy tickets and SOMMTV.com for the October 11th streaming release.

A brand new wine film "The Widow Clicquot" is now in theaters around the world based on the life of the woman who founded the modern Champagne house "Veuve Clicquot".  On the first part of the show, Jason is joined by his James Beard award winning producer Jackson myers to discuss what makes a "wine film".  In the second part of the show Jason interviews "Widow Clicquot" producer Christina Weiss Lurie about her ten year journey to make the film, if the Champagne house was involved, and what it means to be able to finally tell this story.  Make sure to subscribe to SOMMTV.com to get access to our films and shows and watch our own new wine film "Ghosts of Napa Valley" premiering October 11th on SOMM TV after select theaters beginning September 3rd 2024. 

Today famed winemaker and wine expert Jonah Beer joins Jason to talk once again (and get ourselves in trouble) about our favorite wine cameos in movies and shows.  Movies talked about where wine plays an important part are The Alien prequel “Prometheus”, The legendary comedy: “Caddyshack, the seminal food film starring Stanley Tucci: “Big Night, and perhaps the most famous American film ever: “The Godfather”.   CANNON BALL COMING! Don't forget to get tickets for our upcoming film about haunted wineries “Ghosts of Napa Valley” at sommfilms.com 

Today we talk ghosts & wine with famed winemaker Megan Zobeck of Burgess Cellars and M Zobeck Wines.  She co-stars in our new film “Ghosts of Napa Valley - A haunted wine story about abandoned wineries in California's premiere wine region. Ghosts of Napa Valley will have its sneak screenings in Napa starting September 3-5 with LA, NYC, Chicago, and much more to follow.   For tickets, go to sommfilms.com  - streaming on SOMM TV this October.  You can watch this conversation now if you subscribe to sommtv.com

Napa Valley as a wine region has had several lives, but also near death experience.  On today's podcast we are joined by Keith Baker, one of the regions foremost historians to discuss how Napa may be setting up its ugliest future by trying to forget its past.  Don't forget to subscribe to sommtv.com for the best in wine & food education and entertainment including “The Ghosts of Napa Valley” - a true haunted winery story coming soon to screenings and digital. 

Unlike the wine regions of Europe, the next generation in Napa is the first generation to take on the wealth and problems of their parents.  On today's podcast, Jason speaks with Grace Corison Martin who will inherit the crown jewel of family wineries in Napa: Corison Winery -  about the future of a region where the land is worth everything and the past is being forgotten by consolidation.  Can Napa survive its own success? 

If you know what Malort is, you have a story - this is ours.  On today's podcast we are joined by Chicago raised sommelier Claire Coppi to discuss the history, uses and personal stories around this wild liquor called Malort we love to hate.  We also discuss the upcoming release of our new film "Ghosts of Napa Valley coming soon to SOMM TV"!  you can watch this episode on SOMMTV.com

What drink did the founding fathers of America choose to toast the deceleration of independence? On today's podcast we chart the path of an unlikely island wine with a strange chemical property from obscurity to becoming the most important drink in America and the face of it's biggest events for over a century.  Don't forget to subscribe to sommtv.com for hundreds of hours of the best content in the culinary world.

The NBA and wine seem to be one and the same now, but one player was way ahead of the trend (being raised in France didn't hurt!).  on today's podcast Jason talks to 4x NBA champion Tony Parker about why Rosé is the most underrated wine on earth,  if Spurs coach Greg Popovich is the best restaurant critic in the United States, and how far basketball has come in the food and wine space.  you can watch this conversation now on sommtv.com or any of our apps.  SOMM TV has won back to back James Beard awards and is the best education and entertainment available on any streaming platform in the Culinary world.

Can America truly compete with Champagne?  There is an argument it's already happening in Oregon.  Today we are joined by Andy Lytle who is at the forefront of putting American bubbles on a world stage and building the next Grand Cru Sparkling region tight here in the USA.  You can watch our documentary special “Behind the Glass” right now on sommtv.com and the SOMM TV app.

A legend of American wine is remembered on today's episode.  Warren Winiarski is best known for making the red wine that won the Judgment of Paris, but he was so much more.  Winemaker Steve Matthiasson joins the podcast to talk about his mentor, the legacy he leaves, and what we have all lost with his passing.

Legendary California winemaker Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards joins the show today to open one of the most famous wines ever made - the 1971 Ridge Montebello.  Paul discusses the history of Ridge vineyards from the 1800s to today and how this iconic bottle of wine fit into the 1976 Judgment of Paris and how it tastes today.  After listening, you can watch this bottle opening on SOMMTV.com and dozens of the most iconic wines from around the world opened by the legends who made them are streaming right now.

Famed Napa Winemaker and star of SOMM TV & the SOMM Films: Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson wines called and asked to take over the podcast to interview Jason Wise about stories told over drinks and years. On today's podcast Steve talks life, wine, and alligators.  On SOMM TV, you can watch our new special “The Lost Winery”, and over 500 hours of the best education and entertainment in the food and  wine world.

Francis Ford Coppola may be known as the director of some of the greatest films ever made, but he also owned one of the most profitable brands in wine - “Coppola Wines”.  On today's podcast, we talk about how the sale of that winery went on to finance one of the craziest films in history “Megalopolis”  which just premiered for the first time in France.  Join us for a wild story of wine, films, and dreams.  Don't forget to subscribe to sommtv.com for the best in wine and food. 

On today's podcast we are joined by one of the smartest wine collectors in Napa to rank the top 10 vintages in the last 100 years of wine.  We also discuss the recent James Beard Award nomination for the newest SOMM Film.  Make sure to to subscribe to sommtv.com to watch the new film and content filmed in dozens of wine regions around the world.

On today's podcast Jason is joined by two moms who know a thing about drinks.  Nicole MacKay, SOMM TV's Magazine editor and Jason's real life mom choose the drinks moms want, the drinks they deserve, and the drinks they will actually get this Mother's day.  don't forget to sign up for SOMMTV.com where you can watch over 500 hours of original content including our 2024 James Beard nominated film: SOMM Cup of Salvation.

Argentina has made wine for hundreds of years, but only recently has the world learned about it.  On today's podcast we talk to one of the country's best sommeliers about history, Malbec, and where Argentina fits in the global wine world.  Don't forget to watch our new documentary special about Argentina streaming now only on sommtv.com.

How much of what we believe about wine is actually true?  On today's podcast Jason Wise is joined by renowned author and professor of the history of science at Harvard University - Steven Shapin.  As a historian and a lover of wine, Steven has asked some profound questions about our relationship with the wine we drink.  Lets go deep into the glass and see what we find.  Don't forget to subscribe to SOMMTV.com to watch all our shows and films on all streaming devices via our app.

What is it like to be single in wine country? Renowned winemaker Megan Zobeck / SOMM TV cast member joins the podcast today to talk about what it's like to date in Napa Valley and why it is hilariously worse than the challenges of making great wine.  After listening, make sure to go to sommtv.com to subscribe to the best streaming service in the culinary world.

We are back!  Filmmaker Jason Wise and wine expert Jonah Beer dive back into famous moments where wine makes appearances in Film and Television.  On today's podcast we breakdown a champagne in “Jurassic Park”, Pierce Brosnan's  wine taste in “Thomas Crown Affair”, Nazi wine in “Band of Brothers”, and a crazy counterfeit wine scene in the famous 90s TV Show: “Northern Exposure”.  Be sure to subscribe to sommtv.com for the best in wine education and entertainment.

Today we tell the story of America's most popular and most drank Chardonnay.  Joining us are educator Gillian Handleman and Wine Master Randy Ullom of Jackson Family Wines to tell us first hand how an idea turned into the biggest most popular wine the United States has ever seen.  Learn more about Chardonnay,  sustainability, and so much more at SOMMTV.com

How is Napa wine Tourism doing so far in 2024? Today we are checking in with creators of the Cuvée app to understand the state of wine tourism and hear about how they are revolutionizing how we visit this iconic wine region.

How do you transition one of the largest collections of the world's top vineyards to certified organic farming and why? Chris Carpenter is leading an amazing charge across 480 planted acres of 15 estate vineyards with some of the most coveted vines in the United States.  On today's podcast he discusses the challenges and reasons why his team is so devoted to organic farming and what it means for the wine we drink.  

Today Jason Wise talks to the main character of his new SOMM Film about how they puled off “that wine” in the movie. If you have seen Cup of Salvation, you know there is a wine that put people's lives at risk, but the story of how they pulled it off in the film has not been told, until now. The new SOMM Film is now streaming on sommtv.com and all devices so make sure you watch that first. If you are looking for the wines in the movie, go to storicawines.com or click the QR code in this podcast image to grab a custom pack of wine from the new SOMM Film delivered right to your door.