In Episode 20 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia are tackling one of the most famous—and perhaps most polarizing—grapes in the entire wine world: Chardonnay. Often referred to as the ultimate "winemaker's canvas," this highly adaptable grape can take on wildly different personalities depending on where it is grown and how it is crafted in the cellar. The duo breaks down the full spectrum of Chardonnay styles, traveling from the razor-sharp, unoaked minerality of Chablis to the rich, buttery, and oak-driven classics of California. Along the way, they address the infamous "Anything But Chardonnay" (ABC) movement, explaining exactly where those polarizing butter and vanilla notes come from (hello, malolactic fermentation and new oak!) and why there is truly a style of this grape out there for every palate. Whether you are a lifelong fan of this versatile white or a skeptical drinker willing to give it a second chance, grab a glass as Andrew and Lydia pour out the history, science, and undeniable charm of the world's most planted white grape.

In Episode 19 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia take a deep dive into the refreshing world of coastal wines, exploring how proximity to the sea shapes some of the most vibrant and energetic bottles on earth. The duo breaks down exactly how maritime climates—with their cooling ocean breezes, morning fogs, and natural temperature regulation—slow down grape ripening to preserve mouthwatering acidity and impart a signature, thirst-quenching kiss of salinity. To bring this saline magic to life, they travel the globe in their glasses to highlight three iconic coastal styles. They explore the windswept, Atlantic-influenced vineyards of Rías Baixas in Spain, the sun-drenched, Mediterranean island terroir of Sicily, and the lip-smacking, oyster-ready perfection of Picpoul from the coast of Southern France. Grab a glass and pull up a beach chair as Andrew and Lydia guide you through the unique science of seaside winemaking and prove why these ocean-influenced pours deserve a permanent spot in your summer rotation.

In Episode 18 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia tackle the biggest news to hit the wine world this year: the launch of the Michelin Guide's brand-new wine rating system. Moving beyond restaurants and hotels, Michelin has officially introduced "Michelin Grapes", and they are starting right in the heart of France's most prestigious and complex region: Burgundy. The duo breaks down how this new ranking works—from the entry-level "Selected" tier all the way up to the highly coveted Three Grapes—and explores the five strict criteria inspectors use to evaluate each estate. Together, they discuss the inaugural list of 94 recognized Burgundy producers, debating whether these new accolades will shake up the market, help wine lovers discover hidden gems, or just make the region's blue-chip bottles even harder to find. Whether you are a hardcore Burgundy collector or just curious about how the legendary guidebook is shifting its focus to the vineyard, Andrew and Lydia pour out everything you need to know about this historic industry shakeup.

In Episode 17 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia wrap up a stellar month of sipping with Part 2 of the VDV Select July Wine Club. Shifting gears from the all-Rosé first half of the month, the duo explores two distinctly fascinating pours to round out the July lineup. First in their glasses is the 2025 Reeve Sonoma County Vermentino, a bright, zesty California take on a classic Mediterranean grape that bursts with mouthwatering citrus, vibrant energy, and a refreshing coastal salinity. Next, they head to Northern Italy to explore a lighter, incredibly elegant expression of a famously structured red grape with the 2023 Centovigne 'Rosso della Motta' Nebbiolo. Together, they break down how this floral, cherry-laced pour proves that the right red wine—especially with a slight chill—absolutely belongs in your warm-weather rotation. Whether you are already pulling the corks and tasting right along with the back half of your July shipment, or listening leaves you inspired to officially join the wine club yourself, Andrew and Lydia serve up the ultimate guide to finishing the month strong.

In Episode 16 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia are keeping the summer vibes flowing with Part 1 of the VDV Select July Wine Club. Building perfectly off their recent deep dive into the history and production of pink wine, the duo pops the cork on the first half of this month’s lineup, which happens to be a spectacular French Rosé double feature. Starting the tasting is the vibrant 2025 Les Collines du Bourdic 'Sol & Rive' Rosé, a beautifully crisp, sun-kissed pour that captures the essence of a warm July afternoon with its bright fruit notes and refreshing acidity. Next, they travel to the Corbières region to sip the legendary 2025 Domaine Fontsainte Gris de Gris Rosé, unpacking how its unique blend and delicate extraction create an elegantly textured, pale-hued wine that is as complex as it is crushable. Whether you are already pulling the corks and tasting right along with your own July shipment, or listening leaves you inspired to officially join the wine club yourself, Andrew and Lydia serve up the ultimate mid-summer sips to keep your glass full.

In Episode 15 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia are diving headfirst into summer’s most iconic sip to uncover the fascinating, multifaceted world of Rosé. Far more than just a modern, patio-pounding trend, the duo traces the surprisingly ancient history of pink wine, revealing how some of the world's very first wines were actually closer to Rosé than the heavy reds we know today. From there, they break down the science of the shade, explaining the crucial production methods—like direct pressing, short skin maceration, and the saignée (bleeding) method—that dictate a wine's final color and flavor profile. Whether you prefer a bone-dry, pale-hued whisper from Provence or a robust, deeply pigmented Tavel that demands a prominent spot at the dinner table, Andrew and Lydia expertly guide you through the diverse spectrum of styles. Grab a chilled glass and get ready to see the wine world through Rosé-colored glasses as they prove exactly why this versatile, thirst-quenching category deserves your respect all year round.

In Episode 14 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia take a break from the juice itself to examine the fascinating glass vessels that hold it. Have you ever wondered why a Cabernet Sauvignon always comes in a tall, broad-shouldered bottle, while a Pinot Noir rests in gently sloping glass? Or what exactly that deep dimple—the punt—at the bottom of your Champagne is actually for? The duo traces the evolution of glassmaking from fragile, onion-shaped ancient flasks to the standardized, regionally specific designs we recognize today. By exploring the functional and historical reasons behind the classic Bordeaux, Burgundy, and sleek Alsace silhouettes, Andrew and Lydia prove that sometimes you actually can judge a wine by its cover. Whether you are actively organizing your cellar or just want a great trivia fact to share at your next dinner party, this episode will change the way you look at your wine rack forever.

In Episode 13 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia are keeping the summer momentum going with Part 2 of the VDV Select June Wine Club. Journeying to France, the duo explores two distinctly fascinating pours to round out this month’s lineup. First in their glasses is the endlessly refreshing 2021 Château du Cèdre 'Blandine' Le Blanc, a zesty, aromatic blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc from Côtes de Gascogne that delivers a bright, crisp jolt of citrus and green apple. Next, they pivot to an elegant expression of Loire Valley Pinot Noir with the 2019 Jean-Max Roger Sancerre Rouge, proving that vibrant, cherry-laced reds with a slight chill are an absolute necessity for warm-weather dining. Whether you are already pulling the corks and tasting right along with the back half of your June shipment, or listening leaves you inspired to officially join the wine club yourself, Andrew and Lydia serve up the ultimate guide to finishing the month strong.