In our latest blind tasting episode of the GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Master of Wine Bree Stock about her approach to blind tasting. They discuss why it's an important career skill to continually develop, even after achieving certification goals.   Bree became a Master of Wine in 2016 and has worked as a consultant and education developer around the globe. She and her husband, Chad Stock, are cofounders of Limited Addition Wines and Constant Crush Wine in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.   Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect with and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In our latest episode of the GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Kevin Pike about distilling eaux-de-vie and spirits, and managing a farm to cultivate the materials to make it all happen. Kevin owns Schatzi, a New York–based importing company that started off by specializing in German and Austrian wines but has expanded its focus to include all of Europe. He and his wife, Robin, purchased a farm in the beautiful Hudson Valley in 2014 and have since been cultivating grains and fruit in pursuit of their latest project, the Branchwater distillery. Kevin and Robin collaborated with Reisetbauer, the famed Austrian distiller, to design their still and refine their distilling process.  Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In our latest blind tasting podcast, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Jonathan Eichholz,MS, about proven study methods that have helped both of them develop the skill to not only pass the Master Sommelier exam but also continue to improve their tasting ability and adapt to evolving wine typicity. Working with the GuildSomm team, Jonathan keeps the compendium up to date and occasionally teaches classes. He has worked at the acclaimed New York City restaurants The Modern and Aquavit, and he passed the Master Sommelier exam in 2023.  Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe connects with Greg Lambrecht, the founder of Coravin, to discuss how the Coravin came to be, the science behind it, and how to maximize its efficiency. Greg has a background in medical device design and developed the Coravin prototype while drinking solo when expecting his first child. He wanted to reduce waste by having a glass of wine from any bottle without allowing oxygen ingress. Initially intended for consumers, the Coravin has greatly impacted the wine industry by expanding the possibilities of what a by-the-glass program can be at restaurants and wine bars across the world, with some serving hundreds of wines by the ounce or glass. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe connects with Sother Teague, a bartender and a founding partner of Overthrow Hospitality, in New York City, to discuss all things bitter and the current state of cocktails. The conversation explores the differences between tinctures and potable bitters, the espresso martini phenomenon, and more. Sother is the cohost of The Speakeasy, a podcast on Heritage Radio Network, and author of I’m Just Here for the Drinks,: A Guide to Spirits, Drinking and More Than One Hundred Extraordinary Cocktails. He was named mixologist of the year by Wine Enthusiast in 2018 and has been featured in the New York Times, VinePair, and New York Magazine, among other publications. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In our latest blind tasting podcast, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with two Seattle sommeliers, each working in a different sector of the business, about how they apply blind tasting skills to their daily routines. They taste a white wine that tends to be a bit tricky! Ally Lanoue is the assistant wine director at the Canlis restaurant, a Seattle icon that has been open for more than 70 years on Lake Union. Originally from Massachusetts, Ally studied violin at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and found her way into restaurants while attending school. She moved to Washington in 2018 to take a serving job at Canlis and has progressed through the ranks, turning her career focus to wine. Paul Swanson is the regional account manager for WineBid, where he evaluates and acquires private cellars for the online company. He is also an educator for the wine studies program at South Seattle College. Paul found his passion for wine during college while working at Bern’s Steak House, in Tampa, where he discovered how vast the world of wine is. He moved to Seattle in 2008 and, in 2011, was part of the opening service team of RN74, where he worked with Chris and a team of other talented sommeliers and later became the lead sommelier. Enjoy the show and leave us a review if you found it helpful in your own pursuit of becoming a better taster and beverage professional!

In our latest podcast, the host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe explores the diverse wine styles of Hungary, including the iconic and incredibly complex sweet wines of Tokaj as well as lesser-known dry wines from multiple regions. Our guest this month is Hungary’s first Master Sommelier, Tamás Czinki, from Budapest, who is the wine director of the Felix restaurant and consults for Culinaris Wholesale, where he is developing an extensive portfolio of fine wines. Previously, Tamás spent a decade in the UK, where he was the head sommelier for the Northcote hotel in Lancashire and regularly competed in sommelier competitions, placing second in the 2018 Best Sommelier of the United Kingdom event.  Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!  

In our latest blind tasting episode, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with two talented Canadian wine professionals, Barbara Philip and Élyse Lambert. They taste a red wine blind and discuss how they apply blind tasting in their work and why it’s okay to be wrong from time to time. Barbara Philip is a Master of Wine and is currently a category manager for BC Liquor Stores, a role in which she is responsible for buying all sparkling, fortified, and European selections. She was the first Canadian woman to earn the title of MW, in 2007, and is based in Vancouver. Élyse Lambert resides in Montreal and has been working in the restaurant industry for more than 25 years. She became Canada’s second woman Master Sommelier in 2015 and placed fifth in the Best Sommelier of the World competition in Argentina in 2016. She consults for The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, and other private and corporate clients. Enjoy the show and leave us a review if you found it helpful in your own pursuits of being a better taster and beverage professional!

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe broaches the complexities of pairing wine with cheese as it's often an oversimplified assumption that the two are peas in a pod. Bronwen selected four cheeses and tasked Chris and Francis to each choose an pairing that they thought would elevate the eating experience. Tune in to find out who was victorious! Bronwen Percival is the Technical Director for Neal's Yard Dairy in the UK and co-authored Reinventing the Wheel - Milk, Microbes, and the Fight for Real Cheese with her husband Francis. She oversees the quality, consistency, and integrity of all the cheeses sold by the famed UK dairy which was founded in 1979 and works with more than 40 cheesemakers from Britain and Ireland. Francis Percival is the Food Editor for The World of Fine Wine magazine and co-author of Reinventing the Wheel - Milk, Microbes, and the Fight for Real Cheese. In addition to his writing, Francis is a judge in the magazine's "World's Best Wine Awards" and also teaches about cheese at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In our latest blind tasting episode, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Braithe Tidwell and Sam Bortugno of Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. They talk about their experiences with blind tasting and how they employ blind tasting skills in their current roles. Braithe Tidwell is the corporate beverage director for the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group in New Orleans. Braithe was the first full-time sommelier at Brennan's Restaurant after its 2015 reopening under new ownership, then became the wine director before transitioning to her current role with the broader restaurant group. Sam Bortugno is the wine director for Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans. He is an Advanced Sommelier through the CMS-A and is currently working his way through the Master Sommelier examination process. Sam has spent 18 years in the restaurant industry, transitioning into wine and spirits after initially training as a chef. After their tasting conversations, Braithe and Sam taste the same white wine together. Listen closely and guess along with them! We reveal the wine at the end of the episode.

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with the wine writer and educator Karen MacNeil about the state of wine education today. They cover trends, strategies, innovative approaches, the future of wine education, certifications, and much more. Karen MacNeil is a wine writer and educator who is best known for her award-winning book, The Wine Bible, now in its third edition. Karen is an instructor at Stanford University's Continuing Studies program and the creator of the Culinary Institute of America's Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies. She leads events and tastings for companies and individual groups around the world. Karen's digital newsletter, Wine Speed, offers fast, authoritative information on wine. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In our latest blind tasting episode, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Cokie Ponikvar and Omar Lima. They discuss the importance of blind tasting, the challenges they've faced in their tasting journeys, and how they apply blind tasting skills. Cokie Ponikvar runs the wine education platform @cokiesworldofwine, which has 299,000 followers on Instagram. She began her wine career while studying at the University of Toronto and working as a sommelier at the Four Seasons Hotel. Today, her approachable wine videos have over 52 million views. Cokie is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Omar Lima is a sommelier at Sushi Note Omakase in Beverly Hills. Previously, he worked at several other Los Angeles restaurants, including Augustine Wine Bar, the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, and Spago Beverly Hills. Omar is a Certified Sommelier through the CMS-A and a Certified Sake Advisor through the Sake School of America, and he has the WSET Level 2 Award in Wine. After their tasting conversations, Cokie and Omar taste the same red wine. Listen closely and guess along with them! We reveal the wine at the end of the episode. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Dr. P.J. Alaimo, a professor of chemistry and the chemistry department chair at Seattle University. Chris and P.J. dive deep into wine chemistry, discussing the chemical components of wine and why different wines taste, feel, and look the way they do. They also provide some great exercises and tips for anyone looking to improve their tasting skills. P.J. Alaimo studied chemistry and philosophy as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, then earned his doctorate in organic chemistry at UC Berkeley. Prior to his studies, he cooked in fine dining restaurants. Since 2004, he has been a chemistry professor at Seattle University, where he teaches organic chemistry as well as a popular class on the science of food and cooking. P.J. also consults with numerous Seattle restaurants. Listen in to expand your understanding of wine chemistry! If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In our latest blind tasting episode, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Marissa Kipp and MS Tyler Alden. They discuss their blind tasting journeys, the challenges they've faced while honing their tasting abilities, and the role of alcohol in blind tasting. Marissa Kipp is a sommelier at the retail shop Cru & Domaine in Portland, Oregon. She also works as a consultant, with a focus on hospitality and beverage education. Marissa is an Advanced Sommelier and holds the WSET Diploma. Tyler Alden is the director of food and beverage at Barking Frog and Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington. He has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years and became a Master Sommelier in 2022. He is also a Certified Cicerone. After their tasting conversations, Marissa and Tyler taste the same red wine. Listen closely and guess along with them! We reveal the wine at the end of the episode. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe interviews Taylor Parsons of Whole Cluster Hospitality and MS Gareth Ferreira of Core by Clare Smyth. They discuss what constitutes good service, how service has changed over recent decades, and the logistics of running restaurants and wine programs that place a high value on service.  Taylor Parsons has worked as a sommelier and beverage director for a range of celebrated Los Angeles establishments, including République, Campanile Restaurant, Spago Beverly Hills, and the Mozza Restaurant Group. He is a co-founder and partner of Whole Cluster Hospitality, a restaurant investment and development firm with two restaurants, Dunsmoor and Bar Chelou. Gareth Ferreira is the beverage director at London's three-Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth, where he has worked since the restaurant's opening in 2017. Previously, he was part of the opening team at 67 Pall Mall and worked at hotels around the world. He holds a diploma in tourism and became the first-ever South African Master Sommelier in 2021. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In our first blind tasting episode of 2024, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Clara Klein and Jeremy Schwartz, lead sommeliers with the Frasca Hospitality Group in Colorado. They talk about the role of blind tasting in their work and studies, then tackle the complex topic of minerality in wine. Clara is the lead sommelier at Denver’s Sunday Vinyl, which she helped open in 2019 after working at Frasca Food and Wine and Tavernetta. Prior to these roles with the Frasca Hospitality Group, Clara was a sommelier at The Little Nell in Aspen and Mourad in San Francisco. She has worked harvest in Italy and California. Jeremy is part of the team at Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, where he has worked for 17 years. He transitioned to the wine industry from the medical field and worked most front-of-house positions at Frasca before stepping into the lead sommelier role. Jeremy is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. After their tasting conversations, Clara and Jeremy taste the same wine. Listen closely and guess along with them! We reveal the wine at the end of the episode. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, host MS Christopher Tanghe interviews Kelli A. White, director of education for the Wine Center at Meadowood in Napa Valley, author of Napa Valley, Then & Now, and accomplished wine writer. Kelli discusses the history of Napa Valley, its regions, trends, and much more. Prior to her role at Meadowood, Kelli was the senior staff writer here at GuildSomm, where she wrote articles and expert guides on a wide range of topics and received two Roederer Awards for her work. Her writing has also appeared in World of Fine Wine, Robb Report, Sommelier Journal, Le Pan, and Vinous. Before venturing into writing and education, Kelli was a sommelier at New York City’s Veritas and PRESS in St. Helena. Her acclaimed book, Napa Valley, Then & Now, was originally released in 2015; a reprint was recently issued. Head to GuildSomm.com for links to Kelli’s writing and to learn more about Napa Valley, Then & Now. Listen in for a deep-dive on Napa Valley and great insights into the region. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In the last GuildSomm podcast episode of 2023, Master Sommeliers Chris Tanghe and Jonathan Eichholz address myriad topics related to the past year, from the state of hard seltzer to how to make an interesting wine list for 2024.   Jonathan lives and works in New York City. As an educator for GuildSomm, he maintains the Wine Law Compendium and teaches on various subjects. Previously, Jonathan worked at The Modern. Chris is based in Seattle and is GuildSomm's director of education and podcast host. He spent years working in restaurants across the country and has spearheaded GuildSomm's seminars since 2017.   Thank you to all of our listeners for the amazing support of the show in 2023! We'll be working hard to bring you more fun and educational podcasts next year. Happy holidays!

In our new tasting episode, host Christopher Tanghe speaks with fellow Master Sommeliers Mark Guillaudeu and Chris Gaither. They discuss their tasting journeys; how they recognize texture and, in particular, phenolic bitterness in wine; and the ways they apply blind tasting skills in their current roles. Mark Guillaudeu is a sommelier at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. Previously, he worked at the two Michelin-starred Commis in Oakland. He won the Best Sommelier USA title in June 2022. In addition to achieving the Master Sommelier certification, Mark holds the WSET Diploma and is currently working through the MW program. Chris Gaither and his wife, Rebecca Fineman, also a Master Sommelier, own Ungrafted and GluGlu in San Francisco. Chris worked at Spruce, Restaurant Gary Danko, Michael Mina, and Octavia prior to opening his own restaurants. He is an adjunct instructor at the San Francisco Wine School. After their tasting conversations, Mark and Chris taste the same white wine. Listen closely and guess along with them! We reveal the wine at the end of the episode. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, host MS Christopher Tanghe interviews Annie Shi of King and Jupiter restaurants in New York City about her wine program philosophy. Annie discusses key considerations for bottle lists and by-the-glass offerings, how she thinks about pricing, creativity in spirits selection, and the importance of distributor relationships. Annie Shi opened King in 2016 and Jupiter in 2022 with her partners, Claire de Boer and Jess Shadbolt. She is the beverage director at both restaurants. Prior to opening King, Annie was an associate with J.P. Morgan in New York and London. She is an alum of the James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program and was listed in the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

We're back with a new tasting episode! This week, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe discusses blind tasting practices with MS Steven McDonald and Rachael Liggett-Draper. They explore their tasting challenges, how they have calibrated acid and tannin calls, and the ways they apply blind tasting skills in their everyday work. Steven McDonald is the executive wine director for the Pappas Bros Steakhouses in Houston and Dallas. He moved to Houston from New York City in 2011 to join the Pappas Bros team. Steven passed the Master Sommelier exam in 2018. Rachael Liggett-Draper has worked as a sommelier at The Little Nell in Aspen since 2021; previously, she worked at several restaurants and wine bars in Vail. Rachael is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. After their tasting conversations, Steven and Rachael taste the same red wine. Listen closely and guess along with them! We reveal the wine at the end of the episode. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review to support the show. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe explores the importance of coffee in restaurant beverage programs by tracking it from farm to cup with special guests from the Washington coffee community. Scott Richardson, the co-owner of Herkimer Coffee, explains sourcing and quality, followed by a live roasting session with Herkimer's head roaster, Brian James, and a discussion of coffee grading and service with Ryan Vigil, the co-owner of Carte Coffee. Herkimer Coffee is an iconic roaster of specialty coffees that has been operating in Seattle for 20 years. Carte Coffee in Walla Walla was first established as a food truck in 2017 and now has a brick-and-morter shop. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this is a cost-free way to support the show. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, Seattle wine professionals Erin Lyman and James Lechner discuss blind tasting with host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe. They explore the value of blind tasting, their personal tasting challenges, and how they use blind tasting in their current positions. Erin Lyman is the owner of the long-standing Seattle wine shop Champion Wine Cellars. She took over the business from its founder in 2017. Erin has completed WSET Level 3 and the French Wine Scholar program. James Lechner is the general manager of Domaine & Estates, a division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. He is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, and a board member for SommFoundation. Listen along as Erin and James blind taste a red wine, and see if you can guess along with them. We’ll reveal the wine they’re tasting at the end of the episode. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe interviews Steven Thompson, the cofounder of Analemma Wines. Chris and Steven discuss the history and approach of Analemma Wines and its home, the Columbia Gorge AVA, then dive into a conversation about the requirements, ideals, and challenges of Demeter Biodynamic Certification. Steven Thompson and Kris Fade founded Analemma Wines in the Columbia Gorge in 2010. They received biodynamic certification from Demeter in 2017 and released their first certified biodynamic wines in 2020. Analemma’s 52-acre property, Mosier Hills Estate, is planted to a range of grapes, with a focus on varieties from Galicia, Spain. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, Advanced Sommeliers Matthew Crawford and Cara De Lavallade discuss blind tasting with host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe. They discuss whether blind tasting is useful outside of the exam setting, how they use this skill in their jobs, and the greatest challenges in their tasting journeys. Matthew Crawford is the director of operations for Rocket Farm Restaurants, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Matthew lives in Houston, Texas, where Rocket Farm operates another restaurant, called State of Grace. Cara De Lavallade is the sommelier at Posana Restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina. She previously held wine director positions at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona, and Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington. Listen in as Matthew and Cara blind taste the same red wine, and see if you can guess along with them. We’ll reveal the wine they’re tasting at the end of the episode. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our latest podcast episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe interviews Fred Merwarth of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Fred is the co-owner, head winemaker, and vineyard manager for the estate. Chris and Fred discuss the history of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, the grapegrowing opportunities and challenges in the Finger Lakes, and all things Riesling.  Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our latest blind tasting episode, host MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with New York City sommeliers Andrea Morris and Jonathan Eichholz. Andrea and Jonathan share their blind tasting challenges and strategies before tasting the same red wine. Andrea Morris is the beverage director at Essential by Christophe. Before this role, she managed the beverage programs at Union Square Cafe, Intersect, and Nix. Jonathan Eichholz is currently an educator at GuildSomm, where he oversees the Wine Law Compendium, contributes to content, and teaches classes. Previously, he was a sommelier at The Modern. Listen in as Andrea and Jonathan blind taste, and see if you can guess along with them. We'll reveal the wine they're tasting at the end of the episode. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our latest podcast, MS Christopher Tanghe interviews Ruinart Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis. They unpack the effects of climate change in Champagne and discuss the ways that Ruinart and other Champagne houses are adapting and pursuing sustainability in light of these changes. Applications for the Los Angeles and San Francisco Ruinart Challenge events will be open through Wednesday. All GuildSomm members are eligible to apply. Find more details on the GuildSomm website. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with New Zealand expert MS Cameron Douglas. They cover all things New Zealand, including the country’s winemaking regions, the still-important role of Sauvignon Blanc, and the wide range of styles being produced today. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

Our blind tasting bonus episode is back! In this month's installment, GuildSomm Education Director MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with sommeliers Chuck Nix and Lindsay Thomas about how they approach blind tasting. Chuck is the sommelier and service manager at BRAVO! Italian Restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi. Lindsay is the director of wine and beverage at River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas. Listen in as Chuck and Lindsay blind taste the same wine, and see if you can guess along with them. We'll reveal the wine they're tasting at the end of the episode.

In this episode, MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with Nick Gislason, director of winemaking and viticulture at Screaming Eagle and co-owner and brewer at Hanabi Lager Company, about tannin management in wine. Chris and Nick discuss how tannins in wine are derived from both grapes and wood, and they explain how a range of viticultural and winemaking decisions impact their presence in a finished wine. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, MS Christopher Tanghe discusses the wines of Chile with Elizabeth Butler, the director of wine at importing company Vine Connections. Lizzy oversees education for Vine Connections' wine portfolio, which focuses on Chile and Argentina. Prior to joining Vine Connections in 2013, Lizzy worked for the Catena family in Argentina and Viña Mayu in the Elqui Valley of Chile. Chris and Lizzy dive deep into all things Chile in this wide-ranging conversation. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with Thomas Savre, the director of winemaking and viticulture at Lingua Franca Winery in the Willamette Valley. They discuss reduction, particularly in Chardonnay, unpacking a complex topic that is often oversimplified in wine circles. Chris and Thomas talk about the processes that create aromas such as matchstick, smoke, and flint and outline the distinction between reduction and reductive. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our new tasting episode, GuildSomm Education Director MS Christopher Tanghe talks to Advanced Sommeliers Matthew Dulle and Alexandra Stang about their perspectives on blind tasting. Matt is based in Healdsburg, CA, where he is the director of sales for Rhys Vineyards and Aeris. Alexandra is the beverage director at Seattle’s iconic Cafe Juanita. Listen in as Matt and Alexandra blind taste the same wine. See if you can guess along with them! We’ll reveal the wine they’re tasting at the end of the episode. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our new podcast episode, Christopher Tanghe takes a look back at 2022 with guests Audrey Frick, Jonathan Eichholz, and Samantha Cole-Johnson. They discuss trends in wine and spirits, the state of the hospitality industry, wine law updates, and industry challenges and speculate about what might be ahead in 2023. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our final podcast episode of the year, MS Chris Tanghe interviews Chartreuse expert and sommelier Paul Einbund. Paul is the owner of The Morris and co-owner of Maison Nico in San Francisco. Paul and Chris discuss all things Chartreuse, offering an enthusiastic deep dive on this unique herbal liqueur. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this month’s tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe talks to Justyna Brewczyk and Michael Markarian about their approaches to blind tasting. Justyna is a Houston-based WSET Diploma graduate and a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She recently won the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge in Miami. Michael is the sommelier and beverage director for the H2 Collective restaurant group in Washington, DC, overseeing three French bistros. He is an Italian Wine Ambassador through the Vinitaly International Academy and an Advanced Sommelier. Listen in as Justyna and Michael blind taste the same wine. See if you can guess along with them, and stay tuned until the end of the episode, when we reveal the wine they were tasting. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In our latest Spanish-language podcast, Elisa Errea speaks with Alberto Gil about all things Rioja. Alberto Gil is a journalist and the coauthor of "Rioja: Vinos Silenciosos." Elisa Errea is a Madrid-based wine educator and consultant. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with Alyssa Champagne and MS Jim Bube about their approaches to blind tasting. Alyssa is based in Boston and has worked in various capacities in restaurants and retail over the past decade. Jim is a Chicago-based Master Sommelier. He is the national wine director for the Hogsalt restaurant group as well as a board member and the treasurer of Second City Sommeliers. After their conversations about tasting, listen in as Alyssa and Jim blind taste the same wine. See if you can guess the wine along with them! We will reveal what they were drinking in a future episode. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with MW Nicolas Quillé, co-author with MW David Bird of Understanding Wine Technology, 4th Edition. Nicolas was born in Lyon, France, and has worked as a winemaker across the globe. He is currently the chief winemaking and operations officer for the Crimson Wine Group. In this conversation, Chris and Nicholas discuss some of the key technological developments impacting winemaking today. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe interviews Tony Cha, a consultant for Alfred Technologies, about the state of technology in beverage management. Tony, who previously co-founded BinWise, discusses prior technological advancements for beverage management as well as the new tools, including those that harness AI, impacting the industry today. Stay tuned for our second installment on wine technology! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, GuildSomm board member Daniela Frison and Argentinean sommelier Paz Levinson return to provide a recap in English of their conversation on our first-ever Spanish-language episode last month. Listen in as Paz shares her blind tasting experiences and insights. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, we dive into the complex topic of regenerative agriculture with two experts in the field. First, Jenny Hemmer speaks with Meghan Zobeck, the winemaker at Burgess Cellars in the Napa Valley. Next, MS Chris Tanghe talks to Nate Ready of Hiyu Wine Farm in Hood River, Oregon. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review, as this helps us reach and grow our community. Cheers!

In our first-ever podcast in Spanish, GuildSomm board member Daniela Frison and Argentinean sommelier Paz Levinson discuss all things blind tasting. Dani is the founder of Le Vin Nécessaire, a wine consulting business. Paz is the head executive sommelier for Groupe PIC, which has restaurants in France, Switzerland, and the UK. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with Carlos de Jesus of APCOR, the Portuguese cork association, to discuss the sustainability, new technologies, and future of cork closures. The insights Carlos shares build on our May conversation with Ruinart Chef de Cave Frédéric Panaïotis, who explained how cork closures are being used in Champagne for lees aging today.   Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe sits down with Ray Sholes of Michael's Genuine in Miami. Ray shares his approach to blind tasting and how he applies it to his buying habits for the restaurant's list. Then, GuildSomm Executive Director Jenny Hemmer speaks with GuildSomm alum Kelli White to hear her perspective on the blind tasting skillset. Kelli is the director of education for Meadowood in Napa Valley and the author of "Napa Valley, Then & Now," a magnificent tome on all things Napa.   Following each conversation, you'll hear Ray and Kelli blind taste the same wine. Listen closely and see if you can guess the wine along with them!   Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this episode, GuildSomm Executive Director Jenny Hemmer speaks with Rob McMillan and Philana Bouvier to explore consumer trends in the beverage industry. Rob is the executive vice president and founder of Silicon Valley Bank’s Wine Division, which publishes the annual State of the Wine Industry Report. Philana is a visionary leader and the president of Demeine Estates in Napa Valley. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Thanks for listening, and cheers!  

In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe sits down with Mia Van de Water to discuss her approach to blind tasting, why it’s an important skill to hone as a beverage professional, and how she overcame her own "blind" spots. Mia is the head of beverage operations for COTE Korean Steakhouse and became a Master Sommelier in 2018.   Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect to and grow the community. Cheers!

In this episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Amanda Barnes about what's new and exciting in Argentine wine. Amanda’s new book, “The South America Wine Guide,” offers a comprehensive look at the wines of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. It explores not only regions and producers but also cuisines and places of interest. The book is available in both print and digital versions at southamericawineguide.com. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Cheers!

In this episode of the Tasting with GuildSomm series, longtime member Ryan Robinson speaks with Emily Nixon about the development of his blind tasting methods, how to find mentors and study groups, and how be became the first Idaho resident to pass the CMS Advanced Exam. Ryan also leads a blind tasting of one wine; can you discern the grape, region, and vintage based on Ryan's description? We hope you enjoy this new series. Leave us a comment and review wherever you get your podcasts. Cheers!

In this episode, Chris Tanghe hosts Ruinart Chef de Cave, Frédéric Panaïotis. They discuss the storied past of the Ruinart estate within the broader context of Champagne's history, as well as how the region continues to develop as its producers look to the future. Frédéric also gives a preview of this year's Ruinart Challenge lecture, centered on the topic of cork.     All active GuildSomm members are welcome to apply to the Ruinart Challenge. We're still accepting applications for these events in Dallas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Check www.guildsomm.com for more information on how to apply before June 13.  

We're adding a regular tasting series to the GuildSomm podcast! In addition to our monthly wine topics, we'll be releasing monthly podcast episodes devoted to theme of tasting. We'll cover a wide spectrum of tasting subjects, including blind tasting study methods, challenging comparatives, full-length tasting sessions with GuildSomm members, and more. To kick off the first episode in this new series, Director of Education MS Chris Tanghe introduces GuildSomm's new Executive Director, Jenny Hemmer. They discuss why blind tasting is so much more than a parlor trick and why this skillset is essential for a successful wine career.  We hope you enjoy this new series. Leave us a comment and review wherever you get your podcasts. Cheers!

In this episode, Chris Tanghe discusses pairing food and wine with Master Sommeliers Andrea Robinson and Max Kast. They cover their basic guidelines for selecting pairings, share some favorite pairings that are consistently successful, and offer advice on pairings to avoid. 

In this episode, we continue our Emerging Wine Regions series and explore several states producing wines off the beaten path in the United States. First, Chris Tanghe interviews Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon about the wines produced across Michigan. Madeline is famously the first American woman to pass the Master Sommelier exam, and has witnessed the Michigan wine industry develop since she began her career in the 1970s in Detroit. Then, Chris speaks with Jessica Dupuy, wine journalist and author of The Wines of Southwest U.S.A., about the exciting and unexpected wines being grown in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.  Blind tasting guest Paula de Pano reveals the wine she and Emily Nixon tasted on the Rum podcast episode. Stay tuned for another blind tasting feature in a bonus episode coming soon.  To learn more about becoming a GuildSomm member, visit us at https://www.guildsomm.com/about_us/member-benefits.

In this episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe explores the vast world of rum. First, he interviews Shawn Martin, Distillery Manager of Papa's Pilar Rum in Key West, who discusses the production methods used to make myriad styles of rum. Then, Chris speaks with Ian Burrell, the Global Rum Ambassador, about rum's origins in the Caribbean, how the colonial power of the Royal Navy informs the legacy of rum, and how the category continues to evolve, and more. This month’s blind tasting segment with Emily Nixon features Paula de Pano, proprietor of forthcoming wine shop Rocks + Acid in Chapel Hill. Can you identify the grape and region purely based on Paula's tasting note? Additionally, Kelly Coggins reveals the wine he presented in the Emerging Regions: Vermont & The Finger Lakes episode.  To celebrate the new year, GuildSomm is offering a membership discount to all first-time GuildSomm members. While we work hard to always keep GuildSomm membership affordable at $100, first-time members can now sign up for one year of GuildSomm membership for $79 using the partner code NEWYEAR79. Register for a year of membership here: https://www.guildsomm.com/new-member-join. This offer is valid through February 28, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more.   

In this episode, we explore two wine regions in the northeastern United States. While Vermont and northern New York State are both located in the extremes of viticultural viability, both regions have emerged as hubs of quality wine production. GuildSomm's Chris Tanghe interviews Master Sommelier David Keck about his winemaking venture in northwestern Vermont and then speaks with Meaghan Frank about her family's multi-generational winemaking legacy at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in New York's Finger Lakes.   This month’s blind tasting segment with Emily Nixon features Kelly Coggins. Can you determine the wine purely based on Kelly's description? Additionally, Thatcher Baker-Briggs reveals the wine he presented in last month’s Rosé & Orange Wines episode.

In light of Becky Wasserman’s passing last month, we are rereleasing this 2019 conversation Becky had with our staff writer, Bryce Wiatrak. Becky had a profound impact on the careers, palates, and personal lives of wine professionals across the globe. She will be remembered as a champion of the underdog and a pioneer who opened wine industry doors for small producers, for women, and for Burgundy. At the end of the episode, Bryce will share some thoughts about the impact Becky’s friendship had on his life, including his memories of the first time they met.

In this episode, the GuildSomm team delves into rosé wines and white wines made with skin contact. First, Bryce Wiatrak interviews Master of Wine Elizabeth Gabay about all things rosé. They discuss rosé's varied and often misunderstood production methods, whether a rosé's color connotes quality, and Elizabeth's recommendations for emerging rosé-producing regions. Later, Chris Tanghe interviews Mitja Sirk, a young winemaker from Friuli who made his first vino macerato at the age of 11 and continues to hone his expertise making lightly macerated wines in northern Italy. 

In this episode, we discuss wine pairings on multiple dimensions. First, Bryce Wiatrak interviews Master of Wine Susan Lin about her career as a classical pianist and how her first passion inspired the topic of her MW Research Paper: pairing Champagne with classical music. Then, Bryce and Chris Tanghe dive into a friendly debate to settle the question of whether wine and food pairings are all they’re cracked up to be. This month’s blind tasting segment with Emily Nixon features sommelier Jonathan Eichholz. Are you able to recognize the wine based on Jonathan’s description alone? Wanda Cole-Nicholson also reveals the wine she tasted in last month’s Managing New & Old Vines episode.

In this episode, we discuss managing a vineyard from the perspective of two winemakers. Bryce Wiatrak interviews Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co. about the benefits and challenges of working with old vines, and Chris Tanghe speaks with Matt Crafton of Chateau Montelena about the technical, environmental, and financial considerations behind repainting a vineyard to new vines.  This month’s blind tasting segment with Emily Nixon features sommelier and wine consultant Wanda Cole-Nicholson. Can you guess what they're drinking based on Wanda’s description of the wine’s appearance, nose, palate, and structure?   For more information on this episode, visit GuildSomm’s podcast page. 

In this episode, GuildSomm Interim Executive Director Chris Tanghe interviews two entrepreneurs who specialize in east Asian beverages. Master Sommelier Kyungmoon Kim discusses how his company, KMS Imports, is creating a market for Korean soju and other artisanal beverages in the US. Later, Todd Bellomy describes the production process and styles of sake and the vision behind Farthest Star Sake, his forthcoming sake brewery in the Boston area.  Emily Nixon continues the blind tasting series with Master of Wine candidate and trade liaison for Hispanics in Wine, Ivonne Nill. Can you guess what they're drinking based on the description alone? For more information on this episode, visit GuildSomm's podcast page. 

This month on the GuildSomm podcast, we're hosting a special series focused on careers in the wine industry. We'll release one episode per week throughout the month of May, featuring interviews with wine professionals whose careers highlight lesser-known paths within the industry. In June, we'll get back to our regular monthly podcast, including the blind wine reveal from the "Unexpected Booze" episode. For our fourth and final episode in the series, GuildSomm Director of Strategic Partnerships Emily Nixon interviews Kevin Shaw, founder of Stranger & Stranger, a packaging design and branding company specializing in alcoholic beverages. They discuss the importance of design in making a wine or spirit stand out on a shelf, the jobs that contribute to the production of a label, and Kevin's vision for innovation in wine packaging. Toward the end of this podcast, they discuss Kevin's cameo in an episode of the BBC show "Britain's Really Disgusting Drinks." Watch the clip here.  To accompany the careers series, GuildSomm is offering a membership discount to all first-time GuildSomm members. While we work hard to always keep GuildSomm membership affordable at $100, first-time members can now sign up for one year of GuildSomm membership for $79 using the partner code PODCAST79. Register for a year of membership here: https://www.guildsomm.com/new-member-join. This offer is valid through June 10, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more. 

This month on the GuildSomm podcast, we're hosting a special series focused on careers in the wine industry. We'll release one episode per week throughout the month of May, featuring interviews with wine professionals whose careers highlight lesser-known paths within the industry. In June, we'll get back to our regular monthly podcast, including the blind wine reveal from the "Unexpected Booze" episode. For our third episode in the series, GuildSomm Director of Operations & Editor Stacy Ladenburger speaks with Marie Keep, founder and Director of the fine wines departments at Skinner Auctioneers. They discuss the operations behind assessing, appraising, and cataloguing a wine cellar for auction, how the secondary market differs from the retail market, the effect of the pandemic on the wine auction business, and more. Marie also offers advice to wine professionals who are interesting in transitioning into the auction space for the first time.  To accompany the careers series, GuildSomm is offering a membership discount to all first-time GuildSomm members. While we work hard to always keep GuildSomm membership affordable at $100, first-time members can now sign up for one year of GuildSomm membership for $79 using the partner code PODCAST79. Register for a year of membership here: https://www.guildsomm.com/new-member-join. This offer is valid through June 10, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more. 

This month on the GuildSomm podcast, we're hosting a special series focused on careers in the wine industry. We're releasing one episode per week throughout the month of May, featuring interviews with wine professionals whose careers highlight lesser-known paths within the industry.   For our second episode in the series, GuildSomm Interim Executive Director Chris Tanghe interviews Erik Segelbaum about his wine consulting business, SOMLYAY. They discuss how Erik's sommelier career evolved over the course of nearly two decades, what ultimately drove him to transition into consulting, and how other wine professionals might find success working for themselves. Erik also invites listeners to learn more about the United Sommeliers Foundation, which was founded during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide monetary assistance to sommeliers experiencing financial hardships.   To accompany the careers series, GuildSomm is offering a membership discount to all first-time GuildSomm members. While we work hard to always keep GuildSomm membership affordable at $100, first-time members can now sign up for one year of GuildSomm membership for $79 using the partner code PODCAST79. Register for a year of membership here: https://www.guildsomm.com/new-member-join.   This offer is valid through June 10, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more. 

This month on the GuildSomm podcast, we're hosting a special series focused on careers in the wine industry. We'll release one episode per week throughout the month of May, featuring interviews with wine professionals whose careers highlight lesser-known paths within the industry. In June, we'll get back to our regular monthly podcast, including the blind wine reveal from the "Unexpected Booze" episode. For our first episode in the series, GuildSomm Staff Writer Bryce Wiatrak interviews Alex Schrecengost about her career in wine public relations and learns what it's like to represent some of the best-known producers and regions in the world (how many people can say they've done PR for DRC?!). They also discuss how the challenges of Covid led her to define a new, entrepreneurial path by founding her own company in the virtual events space.  To accompany the careers series, GuildSomm is offering a membership discount to all first-time GuildSomm members. While we work hard to always keep GuildSomm membership affordable at $100, first-time members can now sign up for one year of GuildSomm membership for $79 using the partner code PODCAST79. Register for a year of membership here: https://www.guildsomm.com/new-member-join. This offer is valid through June 10, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more. 

In this episode, the GuildSomm team explores wines made from fruit other than grapes. Stacy Ladenburger interviews Michael Terrien about his Maine blueberry wine label, Bluet, and co-fermentation projects at his Sonoma Winery, Obsidian Ridge, and Chris Tanghe speaks with Alyson Schramm Naeger about her family's meadery in Ferndale, Michigan. The episode closes with another opportunity for listeners to practice blind tasting, in a conversation between Emily Nixon and GuildSomm member Hai Tran.

In this episode, we cover all things Sangiovese. Chris Tanghe talks with Frasca Hospitality Group Wine Director Carlin Karr about the versatility of the grape from the sommelier perspective, and Bryce Wiatrak interviews winegrowers Roberto Stucchi of Badia a Coltibuono in Chianti Classico and Tancredi Biondi-Santi of his family's Il Greppo estate in Montalcino.          

In light of Steven Spurrier's passing last week, we are rereleasing this 2018 conversation he had with our interim executive director, Chris Tanghe. We remember Steven as a humble leader in the industry, whose passion and curiosity for the world of wine inspired countless others in their careers. We hope you'll enjoy hearing Steven's insights about the UK's wine history and its influence on several of Europe's major wine regions. 

GuildSomm Staff Writer Bryce Wiatrak interviews Jasper Morris about all things Burgundy.