Wine Access Unfiltered takes you behind the bottle and into what we really love about wine: the intimate moments, unforgettable occasions, and hilarious stories that the best bottles bring about. Hosted by Certified Sommelier and Wine Personality Amanda McCrossin (@sommvivant) with appearances by our Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin, we’re popping corks in a whole new way: with comedians, star athletes, hit songwriters, and other wine lovers from all walks of life.
Writing for Hollywood with Ken Levine
Ken Levine has written, produced and directed some of television's most iconic shows, including M*A*S*H, Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons, Everybody Loves Raymond and many more. When he is not writing for Hollywood, he has done play by play Major League Baseball for The Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Today, he sits down with Amanda and Vanessa to talk about his one of a kind journey and tell stories from his podcast, "Hollywood and Levine."
8/12/2021 • 54 minutes, 13 seconds
Comedian and Host Anna Roisman
This week, comedian Anna Roisman dishes the dirt on what it’s like to serve Champagne to celebrities, including members of Green Day after their Grammy win. Plus, we reminisce over waiting tables with bottles from our exclusive Michelin subscription, and how restaurants made Anna fall in love with Riesling.
Wines from the show:
2014 Kuentz-Bas Riesling Geisberg Alsace Grand Cru
NV Paul Launois Blanc de Blancs Composition #3 Champagne
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Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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7/29/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 25 seconds
Ben and Ian Anderson
Atlanta Braves pitching phenom Ian Anderson and his twin brother Ben throw Amanda and Vanessa a curve this week, proving they’re anything but wine rookies despite being just 22 years old. “I wish more people would take advantage of wine as a way to get close to people,” Ian told us between stories of growing up with great bottles on the table, and how wine continues to tie this MLB family together.
Wines from the show:
2018 Carter Cellars, Napa Valley
2016 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino
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Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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7/15/2021 • 44 minutes, 38 seconds
John Legend
This week, we sit down with legendary perfectionist and Grammy, Emmy, Oscar, Tony winner AND vintner John Legend. Needless to say, we had a lot to talk about, from the musicality and balance inherent in wine to innovative pairings for Chrissy Teigen's favorite foods, and how rose just "goes with life." Plus, the inside intel on John's partnership with legendary Burgundy vintner Jean Charles Boisset and the duo's incredible LVE wines.
Wines from the show:
2017 Comtesse de Chérisey La Genelotte Meursault-Blagny Premier Cru
2018 Kongsgaard Syrah Hudson Vineyard
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Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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7/1/2021 • 39 minutes, 17 seconds
Will Clark
This week, we sit down with MLB star Will Clark for stories involving “quite a bit of profanity,” and quite a few laughs. From spraying Champagne to giving public apologies, “Will the Thrill” talks about everything from America’s pastime and our favorite pastime, with grand slam wines like Orin Swift’s powerhouse 8 Years in the Desert.
Wines from the show:
2015 Coho Merlot Michael Black Vineyard Coombsville Napa Valley
2018 Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert California Red Wine
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Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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6/17/2021 • 59 minutes, 5 seconds
Peter Billingsley
This week on Wine Access unfiltered we go beyond the leg lamp and Red Ryder BB gun of A Christmas Story with actor-producer Peter Billingsley. From Port and cigars to family traditions and histamines in wine, this episode is anything but “Fragile.” Plus, we open one of the rarest port-style wines in existence from cult icon Williams Selyem.
Wines from the show:
2013 Williams Selyem Vista Verde Vineyard Port San Benito County
2018 Domaine Jean Grivot Vosne-Romanée Burgundy France
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Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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6/3/2021 • 59 minutes, 8 seconds
Jake Steinfeld
While he might be the world’s first personal fitness trainer, “Body by Jake” founder Jake Steinfeld didn’t always have his sights on getting Harrison Ford ready for Indiana Jones or convincing Bette Midler to do a push-up. From accidentally getting drunk and falling asleep next to Andrew Lloyd Webber to developing an affinity for Cristal and caviar with Steven Spielberg, Jake Steinfeld spills his unbelievable stories and hilarious moments — and they always seem to happen around wine.
Wines from the show:
2017 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore DOC
2007 Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs Vintage Brut Champagne
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Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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5/20/2021 • 55 minutes, 37 seconds
Antonio Galloni
For the first time ever, Vanessa and Amanda are joined by another Wine Expert—wine critic and Vinous founder Antonio Galloni. Not only does he share his secrets to finding great wine on a budget, but we dive into Antonio’s linguistic history, background in music, and days as an MIT grad student. Buckle up!
Wines from the show:
2019 Bedrock Zinfandel
2019 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Sonoma Coast
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Twitter: @wineaccesspod
Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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5/6/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 16 seconds
Bert Kreischer
A man with an endless arsenal of stories, comedian Bert Kreischer does standup shirtless on Netflix, has side-splitting conversations on his podcasts, and loves wine (even on the treadmill). This week, we pour a couple of glasses while he shares about breaking into comedy and how a bottle of wine sparked one of his most life-changing conversations.
Wines from the show:
2010 Larkmead Solari
2017 Quinta do Noval Touriga Nacional
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Twitter: @wineaccesspod
Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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4/22/2021 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 20 seconds
Steve Byrne
Comedian Steve Byrne joins us to discuss how to work a room... and dig yourself out. Join us as we give him tips on how to impress his good friend and wine lover Vince Vaughn (who makes a surprise visit), despite not knowing much about wine himself. Just like that time he hosted the CMA red carpet show despite knowing nothing about country music... except Garth Brooks.
Wines from the show:
2018 Teeter Totter, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Masseto, 'Massetino'
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Twitter: @wineaccesspod
Our Hosts: Amanda McCrossin & Vanessa Conlin
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4/15/2021 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 24 seconds
Butch Walker
Pop-rock maestro Butch Walker has written and produced hits by Panic! at the Disco, Avril Lavigne, Pink, and many more—and in the newest episode of Wine Access Unfiltered, we pop a few bottles with him. Butch fills us in the Bordeaux that got him started, his Super-Tuscan splurges, and how the corkscrew only comes out AFTER the studio session is done for the day.
4/1/2021 • 49 minutes, 51 seconds
Stipe Miocic
Episode 16 on Wine Access Unfiltered is a total knockout. We’re joined by firefighter, family man, and 2X reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic, who shares his tips and tricks for doing it all... and keeping wine on the menu.
Wines from the show:
2016 Matt Morris 'Ode to Bonarda'
2018 Radio Silence, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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3/19/2021 • 37 minutes, 53 seconds
Amar'e Stoudemire
Amar'e Stoudemire lives large, and this week he’s sharing everything from his Cabernet savvy to fashion advice with Vanessa and Amanda. The NBA Superstar and modern day philosopher joins us from Brooklyn to dish on all things basketball, becoming a vintner on two continents, and the truth about his infamous pastime: bathing in wine. Pop a bottle and join us for a discussion to remember.
Wines from the show:
2018 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 E. Guigal Chateau D’ Ampuis Côte-Rôtie
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3/4/2021 • 45 minutes, 54 seconds
Dusty Baker
It’s OK to be nervous, but don’t be scared.” That’s Dusty Baker’s advice on baseball and ours on wine—two of America’s favorite pastimes. This World Series champ joins Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin and Amanda McCrossin to dish on everything from the Houston Astros to Mondavi family secrets, his love of Zinfandel, and launching a wine with Hank Aaron not far from our Napa backyard.
Wines from the show:
2015 Portofolio 'Limited Edition' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2018 Williams Selyem Zinfandel, Papera Vineyard, Russian River Valley
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Twitter: @wineaccesspod
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2/11/2021 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 54 seconds
Kamal Hotchandani
This week we’re uncorking the best of the best with Haute Living CEO Kamal Hotchandani. This media mogul not only swears by wine as a “performance enhancer” and is the ultimate entertainer. On this episode, Kamal teaches us the secret to selecting the perfect wine and dishes on star athletes like his wine mentor Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.
Wines from the show:
2014 Heitz Martha's Vineyard, Napa Valley
2018 Cristom Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
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2/4/2021 • 52 minutes, 56 seconds
I Mom So Hard
You may have seen them in the New York Times or at a sold-out show, but we can guarantee you’ve never heard #IMomSoHard hosts Kristen Hensley and Jen Smedley like this. From their tale of the $150 bottle of Barefoot to the value of screw cap wines while juggling toddlers, this laugh-out-loud episode is filled with down to earth alternatives to the same-old wines. Grab a glass, you won’t want to miss this.
Wines from the show:
2017 Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains
2018 Broglia La Meirana Gavi di Gavi Italy
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1/28/2021 • 1 hour, 44 seconds
Maurice Jones-Drew
NFL star Maurice Jones-Drew joins Amanda and Vanessa to discuss the wine culture, the joy of "Rookie Dinners" and his liquid epiphany over a round of one-of-a-kind White Burgundy.
Wines from the show:
2016 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs Brut North Coast California
Domaine Thierry & Pascal Matrot Meursault
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Twitter: @wineaccesspod
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1/14/2021 • 53 minutes, 28 seconds
Adam Davidson
There's more to the wine business than tasting notes and vineyard tours, as NPR Planet Money founder (and wine aficionado) explains on the latest edition of Wine Access Unfiltered. Adam reveals why wine is a "model market" and unveils not just his passion for the good stuff, but the intricacies of the wine biz--including secrets every savvy wine lover should know.
Wines from the show:
2016 Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine de Roure Crozes Hermitage
2017 Domaine Jean Grivot Échezeaux Grand Cru Burgundy France
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1/7/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 27 seconds
Udonis Haslem
Three-time NBA Champion and Miami Heat Captain Udonis Haslem might be the oldest player in the league, but he's the NBA's newest wine aficionado. This week he joins Amanda and Vanessa with the inside scoop on NBA-Wine Culture, his vinous mentors Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade, and how he's scoring major points in the battle against COVID-19.
Wines from the show:
2015 Chateau Pontet-Canet Pauillac
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau
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Twitter: @wineaccesspod
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12/17/2020 • 51 minutes, 3 seconds
Chef Kayla Greer
Chef Kayla Greer caters to the stars: You can count Drake, Diddy and Demi Lovato among her clientele. We're taking this gourmand out of the kitchen--with enthusiasm and charm to spare, Kayla reveals her take on perfect perfect pairings, celebrity tastes and more!
Wines from the show:
2015 San Filippo Le Lucere Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
2019 County Line Rose
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Twitter: @wineaccesspod
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12/10/2020 • 52 minutes, 56 seconds
Tom Papa
Comedian Tom Papa joins today to talk about his new podcast, love of Italian wines, his passion for baking bread and the experience of doing comedy in a pandemic.
Wines from the show:
2016 Benanti Etna Rosso DOC
2015 Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis
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Twitter: @wineaccesspod
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12/3/2020 • 59 minutes, 28 seconds
Baxter Holmes
ESPN's Baxter Holmes joins Amanda and Vanessa to guide us through the NBA's new and intriguing wine fascination. From his own journey of wine discovery, Baxter sets the proverbial table for why the NBA wine craze began... and why it's here to stay. From LeBron to Melo to D. Wade and Chris Paul, we've got the inside scoop on how the the biggest stars are experiencing the world's most diverse beverage.
Wines from the show:
NV Champagne M. Brugnon Selection Brut
2017 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Blend Dry Creek Valley
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11/19/2020 • 58 minutes, 22 seconds
Ian Rapoport
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport talks with Amanda and Vanessa about his rise to NFL insider status and pairing his love of the juice with juicy stories behind the scenes.
Wines from the show:
2018 Spottswoode Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma Counties
2016 Dominus Estate Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley
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11/12/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 2 seconds
Nomar Garciaparra
MLB All Star Nomar Garciaparra famously played shortstop for the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. Did you know he is also a wine geek? Amanda and Vanessa explore his love of the juice and team up for major league wines and major league stories.
Wines from the show:
2016 Dalla Valle Vineyards Collina Red Wine Napa Valley
2009 Weingut Prinz von Hessen Kabinett Riesling Rheingau
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10/29/2020 • 55 minutes, 51 seconds
Brad Williams
Comedian Brad Williams has been making audiences laugh since his teen years, touring clubs and theaters alike. He has appeared on "The Tonight Show" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" His Showtime comedy special "Fun Size" was one of the highest rated on the network in 2015, and he followed that up with another Showtime special and Netflix specials as well.
On this episode, we learn about Brad's love for a little bit of the bubbly, and one thing that a sommelier and a comedian have in common.
Join former PRESS Wine Director and Napa Valley insider Amanda McCrossin and Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin through an episode that could best be described as "a good-natured romp."
Wines from the show:
NV Billecart Salmon Rosé Champagne
2015 Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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10/22/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 35 seconds
Carly Pearce
We are all about budding country music star Carly Pearce, and not just because her hit single "Hide The Wine" is number one on the charts of our hearts!
Carly called her shot early. Declaring she would perform at the Grand Ole Opry and making it happen before she even had a record deal. Since then, she has won a CMT Music Award, toured with Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, and has really developed her palate.
Raise your glass and join former PRESS Wine Director and Napa Valley insider Amanda McCrossin and Master Of Wine Vanessa Conlin as we pour the wine and let the conversation flow. Cheers!
Wines from the show:
2017 Dragonette Cellars Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills
2015 Keever Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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10/22/2020 • 53 minutes, 22 seconds
Tiki Barber
Best known as long time Running Back of the New York Giants, Tiki Barber had a distinguished career on the field and is now behind the mic at CBS Sports Radio.
Tiki opens up about his passion for wine, love of Napa Valley, and how hard it is to get the job done in stiletto heels. Yes. Seriously.
Join Napa Valley Insider Amanda McCrossin and Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin for great wine and great conversation. Raise your glass and lean in. Let's have fun!
Wines from the show:
2016 Joan d'Anguera Finca L’Argata Montsant DO Spain
2017 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
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IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter: @wineaccesspod
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10/22/2020 • 51 minutes, 44 seconds
Introducing Wine Access Unfiltered
Get ready to pop corks in a whole new way! Wine Access Unfiltered takes you behind the bottle and into what we really love about wine: the intimate moments, unforgettable occasions, and hilarious stories that the best bottles bring about.
Hosted by former PRESS wine director and Napa Valley insider Amanda McCrossin with Wine Access Master Of Wine Vanessa Conlin, we'll be talking to sports stars, musicians, comedians, celebrities and more.