Bringing you Wine Without Worry, delivered with an irreverent sip of self-deprecation, humor, and enthusiasm. It's a stress-free space for learning about wine from some of the world's most foremost experts and personalities. Along with friends who I just want to hang out with me and a bottle of wine…
Recorded at Seneca Lake, get to know the wines of New York's Finger Lakes through conversations with five wineries.
Get to know Cynthia Nims, author of "Oysters: Recipes that Bring Home a Taste of the Sea". For the beginner, learn the best way to select, cook, and enjoy oysters. Also, my favorite wine pairings.
Get to know the state of Malbec in Argentina with Dominio del Plata Winemaker José Lovaglio . We also explore Torrontés and find out what grapes Lovaglio considers rising stars.
Go inside Washington wine, particularly Merlot and rosé, with Erik McLaughlin of Seven Hills Winery. Also, restaurant and taco truck recommendations in Walla Walla.
Winemaker Tim Heath talks about the history of Cloudy Bay's iconic Sauvignon Blanc, explains why Pinot Noir is thriving, and reveals his pick for New Zealand's most underrated grape
Get up to speed on a must-know region for Pinot Noir, New Zealand's Central Otago, via a chat with Two Paddocks Proprietor Sam Neill.
Follow former NFL quarterbacks Dan Marino and Damon Huard as they discuss how and why they teamed up to create a Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington State: Passing Time.
Talking (and drinking) summer wines with Marissa A. Ross in a Brooklyn hotel room.
Storyteller and Winemaker Jane Ferrari talks about Yalumba's role in planting Viognier in Australia, diversity in Shiraz, and the vastness and variety of Australian wine. Also, a live food and wine pairing lesson.
A conversation with Kevin White at his winery in Woodinville, WA.
I welcome my Mom on the show to talk about her (and my) history with wine.
Is BBQ all about Zinfandel when it comes to wine? Absolutely not! Explore the wide world of diverse wines you can enjoy with anything and everything that comes out of the smoker. From tri tip to salmon and more.
Founded in 1971, Smith-Madrone sits at 1900 feet up on Napa Valley's Spring Mountain. Stu Smith talks about the place, it's story, and the remarkable wines.
The world of cheese is as complex as that of wine. Find out what wines go best with cheese and why with Henri Schock, co-owner of Bottlehouse. This Seattle wine bar has a focus on cheese and wine from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. And a bonus lesson from a cheesemonger.
Learn how to make great cocktails featuring sparkling wine from Erik Chapman of Seattle's Sun Liquor.
Are you intimidated by making pie from scratch. Meet Kate Lebo, the author of "Pie School: Lessons in Fruit, Flour, and Butter". She has the recipe to get you excited and successful when it comes to making pie. Also: a discussion of what wines to drink with (and add to ) pie.
Does wine service and selection play a big part in a review of a restaurant? Should it? Does it depend on the pricetag of the meal? Food Writer and Critic for the Charleston (SC) Post and Courier Hanna Raskin provides the answers.
When it comes to wine, what do you expect from a restaurant? I speak with Julien Perry about this. We also discuss why we love sitting at the bar, when solo or with a guest.
Put aside your notions of pizza being round. Get to know the Roman-style pizza served up at Seattle’s Pizzeria Gabbiano. Seasonal toppings and a unique crust (and shape) will make you a convert. Also get (some of) the secrets behind its inspiration and creation.
Jack Timmons of Seattle's Jacks BBQ talks Texas BBQ and brisket. And even divulges his secret spice rub recipe. Plus the key to great pulled pork.
It’s science, not magic, that powers Coravin: an invention that allows you to sample wines at your leisure, without fear of oxidation. Founder Greg Lambrecht reveals how it works and talks about the inspiration (and perspiration) behind its development. Also Christopher Gronbeck of Seattle’s The Barrel Thief explains how Coravin allows him to offer over 150 wines by the glass.
What goes into the making of a wine bar? Get to know David Butler, owner of Seattle’s Le Caviste. We discuss the philosophy behind his all-French wine list, a tribute to some of the most notable wines for leisurely enjoyment.
Move beyond Pinot Noir and the Willamette Valley and get to know Herb Quady of Quady North winery. Discover a unique place and surprising wines when you tour Southern Oregon’s Applegate and Rogue Valleys.
Sustainable winegrowing is at the core of what Karl Wente does. The Fifth Generation Winegrower and Senior Vice President of Winemaking for Wente Vineyards explains how he’s committed to the land and a legacy.
Are your photos more like mug shots than memories? Photographer Richard Duval has tips that even beginners with smart phones can use to make photos of vineyards–and people–look distinctive, creative, and impressive.
Headed to Las Vegas and curious about what’s cool in the world of wine? And what wines to drink to keep you cool in the hot weather? Cole Sisson, Head Sommelier at Michael Mina Bellagio, answers.
Explore The World of Sicilian Wine with the authors of the book of the same name: Bill Nesto and Frances Di Savino. You’ll be drinking in the rich history and culture of Sicily through its captivating wines.
Is Sherry one of the world’s most versatile wines? Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe makes the case. Also tune in for a further exploration of Spain, discover the next big thing in Washington wine, and find out how Tanghe’s culinary background informs his wine career.
Get to know the exciting developments when it comes to wine in New York’s Finger Lakes with Kris Matthewson, winemaker at Bellwether Wine Cellars. The focus is on Riesling and Pinot Noir, but find out why fans of all types of grapes should put this exciting region on their radar.
It's time for warm-weather sipping, so I chat and taste with Elaine Chukan Brown of Hawk Wakawaka Wine Reviews. She sent me California wines, I sent her Washington wines, and we share our thoughts. Break out the sunscreen and get on the patio!
How do you learn about wine without memorizing places on a map? Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly shares educational tips combining her graphic design background with her zippy personality. We also share a couple wines from Bellwether Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes and I get introduced to Childish Gambino.
What is Gruner Veltliner? How do you say it? (Seriously!) Why should you drink it? Get to know the white and red wines of Austria with Winebow’s Austrian Import Specialist Melissa Sutherland.
Get to know the wines of South Africa with Jean-Baptiste Cristini, Head of Sales and Marketing for Fairview and Spice Route wineries. We talk about the country’s most famous wine regions, touch on Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, and, naturally, discuss goat towers.
Richard Duval joins me to share his passion--and some of his most practical tips--that will help you take memorable wine-related photos, from the vineyard to your glass.
What's the story behind an image? Wine Country Photographer Richard Duval takes you to a harvest moon over Sagemoor Vineyards in Washington. Plus, my wine pick of the week is from the super cool Fossil & Fawn in Oregon.
What are the highs and lows of being a winemaker? What surprises people about the job? And are you crazy to go it alone? My guest, William Allen of California’s Two Shepherds, (who makes tiny amounts of wine from grapes that aren’t the usual suspects), answers these questions and more. Plus, I taste some of his wines, including a most unique Trousseau Gris.
How and where do you buy your wine? Increasingly, it’s less in person and more over the internet. And it may be via responding to a compelling e-mail detailing a unique selection. So how does that wine offer get into your inbox? I speak with Paul Zitarelli, owner of Full Pull Wines, and chief scribe of their e-mail wine offers. Find out how he chooses wines from Washington State, Oregon, and the world. Plus, wines for the holiday table, from Halloween to New Year’s Eve