Ep 113

When you think about summer wine, is it all about Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc? Think again! In this week’s episode, we are going beyond those two standbys and digging into some more unique and refreshing options.

Today, I’m sharing 13 unique wines that are perfect for those warm summer nights and they might just become your new favorites!

We’ll explore zesty white wines like Picpoul de Pinet, Roussanne, Godello and Txakolina, along with crisp Italian Gavi and even the lesser-known Viura grape (a key player in Spanish Rioja Blanco). If you thought Sauvignon Blanc was your only option for warm weather sipping, think again!

And for all the red wine lovers out there, I’ve got you covered with chillable, grill-worthy reds. Think Blaufränkisch (your new BBQ bestie), elegant Etna Rosso from Sicilian volcanic soils, and bright, floral Cinsault, a grape that always brings the party. Plus, a special shoutout to Cabernet Franc and Chile’s rustic Pais for those looking to branch out even more.

So, if you’re tired of grabbing the same bottle every time it gets hot out, this episode will give you a whole new summer wine shopping list.

Ready to join my summer wine challenge?! You can learn more here!

Resources

White wines: Picpoul, Roussanne, Godello, Pouilly-Fumé, Txakolina, Viura, Gavi

Red wines: Blaufränkisch, Etna Rosso, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, País

Other: Pet Nat Rosé, Bugey-Cerdon

Episode Highlights:

• 2025 Summer Wine Challenge: how it works & what you can win

• White wines that deserve your attention: Picpoul, Roussanne, Godello, Txakolina, Viura, Gavi

• Chillable reds you’ve probably never tried: Blaufränkisch, Etna Rosso, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, País

• Sparkling wines for summer: Pet Nat Rosé & Bugey-Cerdon

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

There is a lot more in your wine glass than you’ve been led to believe, and most of it never makes it onto the label!

From sulfites and oak chips to egg whites, fish bladders and even additives that require hazmat suits to handle, in the episode, I’m sharing what’s actually in your wine glass and why it matters.

We’ll dig into the difference between common additives that help stabilize and shape wine and the corrective additives used to “fix” flaws or standardize mass-market bottles of wine. We’re talking about everything from yeast cocktails to Mega Purple and powdered tannins, plus the surprising ingredients that make some wines non-vegan

I’ll share why your favorite red blend tastes the same year after year, and what’s really behind those wine headaches (spoiler: it’s probably not sulfites).

So, if you’re curious about what’s really in your wine glass and want to easily understand the world of wine additives, then this episode is for you!

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding wine additives

• Common additives in winemaking

• The role of sulfites in wine

• The importance of yeast in winemaking

• Fining and clarifying agents in winemaking

• Corrective additives in winemaking

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 111

Why are wine tariffs making your favorite bottles of wine more expensive? Do these wine tariffs hurt American businesses and consumers more than our foreign counterparts?

Do the words “wine tariffs” make your eyes glaze over or do you low-key panic because you’re not even sure what a wine tariff is?

In today’s episode, I have Erik Segelbaum back on the podcast and we are discussing all things wine tariffs! Erik is laying out, in an easy-to-understand way, what wine tariffs are, where they came from and most importantly, why they might hit your wallet way harder than you think.

Erik shares why these tariffs, especially with the US’s unique three-tier alcohol distribution system, end up hurting American small businesses and wine lovers more than they do those of our foreign counterparts.

So, if you are curious about how wine tariffs really affect your wallet, your choices at the store, and the entire American wine industry, then this episode is for you!

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Don’t miss part 1 of my interview with Erik where we talk about the generational wine differences in wine consumption and drinking habits of millennials, Gen Z and boomers.

Connect with Erik

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik4wine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodsomm/

Website: https://www.thesomlyay.com

Website: https://goodsomm.com/

Skip the waitlist and join GoodSomm: https://goodsomm.com/secret/

Discover Beaujolais in 5 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkfGzptxBk8&ab_channel=DiscoverBeaujolais

Episode Highlights:

• What wine tariffs are and their origins
• Retaliatory vs blanket wine tariffs
• The three-tier alcohol distribution system
• Economic effects on tariffs
• Domestic economic damage from tariffs
• Why foreign produ

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 110

Why do millennials and Gen Z approach wine so differently from previous generations and what does that mean for the future of wine?

And what does it really take to go from line cook to award-winning sommelier and industry leader?

Today’s guest, Erik Segelbaum, is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Food & Wine Magazine 2019 Sommelier of the Year, and 2020 Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40 Tastemaker with over 3 decades of industry experience. Erik is the founder of GoodSomm–a luxury lifestyle wine club, is the co-owner of Amalfi Beverage Company–luxury RTD cocktails, and SWIG Partners–an import and distribution facilitation agency. Plus, he has been Smithsonian’s national wine educator since 2019, hosting monthly consumer classes!

Erik pulls back the curtain on what it really means to be a sommelier in today’s world and candidly shares the realities beyond the glamour, from managing wine lists and training staff to accounting and clogged toilets.

Erik shares his thoughts on the generational differences between millennials and Gen Z in wine consumption and drinking habits. We talk about why these groups are adventurous yet disloyal to brands, and how their priorities, such as sustainability and social ethos, differ from the boomer generation. And, we dig into how the psychology of social media has shaped younger generations' approach to wine, often placing values and image above just the taste itself.

So, if you are ready to dive into the ever-evolving tastes of today’s wine drinkers, then this episode is for you.

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Connect with Erik

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik4wine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodsomm/

Website: https://www.thesomlyay.com

Website: https://goodsomm.com/

Skip the waitlist and join GoodSomm: https://goodsomm.com/secret/

Episode Highlights:

• Erik’s journey from chef to Sommelier
• Realities of working as a Sommelier
• Wine consumer psychology by generation
• How different generations select, app

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 109

What makes wine from high altitude mountain vineyards taste so unique? How does elevation, sunlight, and dramatic temperature swings turn an ordinary grape into an amazing bottle of wine?

I was inspired by a recent wine tasting that Mr. Cork & Fizz and I hosted with some friends. We hosted a wine tasting 40 floors up at a high rise in Seattle and the goal was for our friends to try and find wines that were made with grapes grown at higher altitudes. And what was really interesting was that everybody loved almost all of the wines and this does not always happen. Interestingly, there was somewhere there that is not usually a big fan of red wine but she loved all of the higher altitude red wines!

This got me thinking, what is it about these wines that makes them different from wines that she’s possibly had before? So, today we are diving into how altitude impacts grape growing and winemaking as well as the 4 key elements that affect grapes at higher elevations. And I’ll share fun facts such as where you’ll find the world's highest vineyard (and it’s not where you might expect it to be).

So, if you are ready to take your wine to new heights, learn which grapes and regions excel at high altitudes, and how elements like thick grape skins and diurnal shifts affect the taste of wines, then this episode is for you!

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Episode Highlights:

• Do high altitudes always produce better wine?

• Where high elevation works best for wine

• Defining high altitude vineyards

• Where is the highest vineyard in the world

• 4 elements of high altitude vineyards

• Major challenges of high altitude vineyards

• Effects of high altitude on wine production

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 108

Curious about which 2025 wine trends are truly worth the hype and which ones might fall flat?

In today’s episode I’m discussing 7 trends in the wine industry and my hot takes on them!

We will dive into questions like are natural and organic wines a passing trend or a lasting movement? Are low and no-alcohol wines really a good idea? What about sustainable and eco-friendly packaging? Is this a good idea and what if it compromises the wine? And wine lovers are moving away from faceless wine brands and craving connections through stories and hands-on-learning.

So, if you are excited to stay ahead of what’s trending in wine and want to hear my hot takes on these current trends then this episode is for you!

Resources

Understanding the Differences: Organic, Biodynamic, Natural and Clean Wines Explained - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-70

Exploring Sardinian Wine with Nikki Dickerson (Part 1) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-96

Unique Sardinian Wines with Sip with Nik (Part 2) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-97

Embracing Hybrid Grapes & Creating Unique Wines w/ Erin Rasmussen - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-10

Episode Highlights:

• Why the natural and organic wines are trending upwards

• My feelings about low and no alcohol wines

• Trend towards sustainability, waste reduction and practicality

• Reasons for increased interest in regional and lesser-known wines

• Hybrid and experimental varieties

• Younger generations seeking depth, stories and human connection through wine

• Debate over oversimplification versus making wine accessible

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 107

Are you curious about how one woman is shaking up the wine world by amplifying underrepresented voices and redefining what it means to be a wine lover?

Today, I’m back with Jamila Conley, the founder of WeRise wines, a wine bar and movement dedicated to amplifying diverse winemakers and challenging the status quo in the wine industry.

Jamila is sharing how she chooses the incredible wines, winemakers that are featured at WeRise wines, and four talented winemakers from Washington and South Africa.

Jamila dives into what she looks for when partnering with wineries. Hint: It’s not solely about diversity but it’s also about quality and amazing stories. She also shares her ambitious dream for the future of WeRise wines.

So, if you are ready to discover some incredibly diverse winemakers, learn what it takes to curate an inclusive wine selection, and get inspired by Jamila’s vision for the future of WeRise wines, then today’s episode is for you!

This is part 2 of my conversation with Jamila so make sure you don’t miss part 1!

Resources

So You Want to be a Winemaker with Damsel Cellars’ May Womack - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-7

Connect with Jamila

WeRise Wines - https://www.werisewines.com/wine-bar

Instagram - @werisewines

Facebook - @werisewine

Episode Highlights:

• WeRise wines mission

• Jamila features 4 winemakers focusing on diversity and style

• How to access wines from WeRise wines

• Jamila’s criteria and philosophy behind the wine she selects

• Future goals and vision for WeRise wine

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 106

What does it take to break barriers and amplify underrepresented voices in the wine industry?

It takes someone to notice that there is someone missing and then work to bring those underrepresented people to the table. That someone is Jamila Conley.

On today’s episode, Jamila Conley, discusses the challenges and opportunities for allyship in the wine industry which has long struggled with representation. She touches on what true allyship looks like both behind the scenes and as everyday consumers.

Jamila dives into how WeRise Wines came to be and why her focus is not just on diversity but is also committed to making wine approachable and accessible to everyone.

Jamila Conley is the founder of WeRise Wines, a new concept in wine and a movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented winemakers and reshaping perceptions of the wine industry. With a rich career spanning over 25 years in executive roles across technology, business transformation, and strategic leadership, Jamila has now channeled her passion for wine, social justice, and impactful leadership into creating a unique space that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and success for all.

So, if you are ready to discover how the wine world is being reshaped by passionate changmakers like Jamila Conley and want to learn how you can be part of building a more inclusive, welcoming wine community then this episode is for you!

This is part 1 of my conversation with Jamila so make sure you don’t miss part 2!

Connect with Jamila

WeRise Wines - https://www.werisewines.com/wine-bar

Instagram - @werisewines

Facebook - @werisewine

Episode Highlights:

• Jamila Conley’s career transition story

• Comparisons between tech and wine industries

• Practical ways to advance diversity and inclusion in wine

• Founding WeRise wines

• Challenges for small and diverse wineries

• Navigating wine industry logistics

• Opening and operating WeRise wine bar

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com