How are natural wines different from raw or clean wines? Why do natural wines provoke furious debates in the wine world? Why will you want to read our guest’s new memoir that’s hot off the press (pun intended)? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rachel Signer, who has just published a gripping, addictive memoir, You Had Me at Pet-Nat. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How did a trip to the Loire Valley give Rachel the impetus to start her magazine? What was it like to meet one of the most famous natural winemakers, Nicolas Joly? What role does sulphur play in winemaking? How does ageing differ for a no-sulphur-added wine? Why was living in Spain a life-changing experience for Rachel? Do you need formal training to be a serious wine professional? What is Rachel’s approach to wine self-education? What are Rachel’s top tips for getting the most out of your visit to a wine region? Why does natural wine provoke such strong debates in the wine world? How is Rachel helping bring new people into the world the natural wine? What makes the natural wine world a movement and a culture? Which criteria does Rachel use for natural wine in her magazine? How did a wild bus ride on a Georgian wine trip lead to Rachel meeting her winemaker husband? Why aren’t Rachel’s wines certified organic? Why does Rachel always have her copy of Ernest Hemingway’s memoir with her?   Key Takeaways I usually summarize my take-aways, but today I’m going to share some reviews of Rachel’s new memoir with you as I recommend it highly: "From Paris to Australia, Signer takes us on a gripping journey to reclaim her sense of self through the medium of the natural wine she loves so much. You Had Me at Pét-Nat is a reminder of the importance of rebirth, the restorative power of love, and the invigorating gifts of nature. A must read for bon vivants and explorers alike." — Victoria James, author of Wine Girl: The Obstacles, Humiliations, and Triumphs of America's Youngest Sommelier "I lean more toward Champagne than Pét-Nat, but Rachel Signer’s addictive memoir drew me deep into the world of natural wine and into the company of its eccentric, obsessive and hedonistic citizens. Ultimately, though, it is Signer’s personal journey, her search for love and identity, which makes this such a compelling and moving book." —Jay McInerney, author of Bright Lights, Big City and Bacchus and Me: Adventures in the Wine Cellar “Signer… takes readers on a movable feast… In this love letter to not only natural wines but also the community and ethos that sustain them, Signer shares her wine experiences, from working in a restaurant and wine shop to wine journalism and harvesting grapes, emphasizing both the traditions and environmental impact of vineyards and wine production…Her extensive journalistic experience shines through, and readers will learn never to look at a glass of wine again without considering the people pouring their hearts into every bottle.” —Booklist "You Had Me at Pét-Nat was like my favorite bottle of wine; I consumed it in one sitting. Dive head-first into the natural wine world with Rachel Signer to discover why these wines will deepen your pleasure as you meet the witty oddballs who make them. This is also the story of how one woman found healing and love when she finally let go of who she thought she should be and started living fully, wildly alive, as much as the wine in her glass." —Natalie MacLean, author of Red, White, and Drunk All Over and Unquenchable!   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, November 17th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DfbS5Q6zQNC8dKwd_6svuA. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   Giveaway You could win a one-year subscription to Pipette Magazine, a gorgeously illustrated magazine about natural wines.   How to Win All you need to do is comment on one of the posts on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on November 17th. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!   About Rachel Signer Rachel Signer is a wine writer originally from Virginia, now living in South Australia. She’s written for numerous publications, including The Guardian, Vogue and Eater. She’s also the publisher and founder of Pipette Magazine, an independent magazine about natural wines sold in over twenty countries. She makes natural wines with her husband in the Adelaide Hills under the labels Lucy M and Persephone Wines. Her fabulous memoir, You Had Me at Pet-Nat, has just been published by Hachette Books.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/151.

Unreserved Wine Talk

151: You Had Me At Pét-Nat: Gripping Wine Memoir by Rachel Signer

What do fortune-telling and wine writing have in common? How does wine culture change when women are part of its founding? Should you believe the health claims about clean wines? Are they really better for you? What are the fairy tales we tell about wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer, Felicity Carter who is the Executive Editor at Pix.wine, a global wine discovery platform based in California. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, November 3rd at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   Highlights How did Felicity’s journey from fortune teller to skeptic show up in her wine career? What was the most important lesson Felicity learned in her time as an astrologer? How can Pix help to simplify your wine buying process? What makes Pix different from other review sites? Why was it important to Felicity for Pix and The Drop to be completely independent? Which experience first gave Felicity confidence in her ability as a wine writer? How did Felicity get exposed by Gordon Ramsay? What gruelling assignment did Felicity have to complete for a food magazine? What’s Felicity’s involvement in the German Wine Queen competition? When did Felicity first feel the power of the press? What was it like being editor-in-chief of the prestigious Meiningers magazine for over 12 years? Why are wines marketed as gluten-free problematic? Are there health benefits offered by dry-farmed wines? Should you be concerned about the “goopification” of wine? Why are false advertising and fear-mongering in wine marketing so dangerous? What’s the problem with the gendered marketing of wine? What can wine retailers learn from the adult toy industry? Which terms, tropes and tales do we overuse as wine writers? Why is Felicity excited about audio for the future of wine communication? Is Amazon going to become a big player in the wine world? Why do so few women own and operate wineries? Why doesn’t the fast-food metaphor work for wine? What’s Felicity’s unpopular opinion about sulphur? Which grown-up wine would Felicity pair with her favourite dish from childhood? What was the weirdest wine pairing Felicity had? Who would Felicity love to share a bottle of wine with? If Felicity had a billboard in downtown San Francisco, what would it say? Which wine does Felicity feel a personal connection with? Why would Felicity want bad wine to be served at her funeral?   Key Takeaways The wine industry is long overdue for a shake-up in how we market wine to women, from treating them like cash cows who only enjoy cheap, mommy juice to a diverse group of people who have a range of tastes. Wine culture develops in a profoundly different way when women are part of its founding. My hope is that we can plant those seeds in other pockets of the industry, whether that’s new types of wines or ways to appreciate it. Felicity hits hard against the marketers who make spurious health claims about clean wines. She’s right that if the wine industry itself doesn’t clean up its act, the government will do it for them, the way they did with big tobacco. It’s a clarion call not to be ignored.   About Felicity Carter Felicity Carter is the Executive Editor at Pix.wine, a global wine discovery platform. She was previously Editor-in-Chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International magazine. Her work has appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Guardian and Decanter, among others. Felicity has a delightfully wide range, having also written about astrology, oil and gas, the funeral industry, and skateboarding for boys. As a romance novel editor, her main editorial note was "this is not physically possible." Before becoming a journalist, Felicity worked as an advertising copywriter in blue-chip agencies, doing creative work for clients such as Qantas, Adobe, MasterCard and more.     To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/150.

150: Bottle of the Sexist: Marketing Wine to Women with Felicity Carter

Why are orange wines appealing to beer drinkers? Why does it pay to be promiscuous when shopping for wine? Why is there so much confusion around natural and raw wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Elizabeth Schneider on the Wine For Normal People podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights Why is there so much confusion around natural and raw wine? What is the natural wine movement about? What makes a good celebrity wine? What’s the problem with diet and alcohol-free wines? How is global warming affecting the wine world? Are prominent wine regions taking proactive steps to mitigate the effects of climate change? What makes orange wines great for beer drinkers? How has the wine industry evolved from celebrity-type critics to wine influencers and beyond? What do you need to know about finding a good bottle of wine? Is the wine industry dying? Why do Elizabeth and I love a good wine in a box?   About Elizabeth Schneider After graduating from Wesleyan University (CT) and starting my career in Boston, Elizabeth quickly realized that her heart was more in her hobby than in her high-tech job. Trips to the wine shop often yielded awesomely poor (but hilarious) results, so Elizabeth and her sister finally took a course at the Boston Center for Adult Education to learn how to taste and appreciate wine. And that kicked it all off. A stint in St. John in the Caribbean to wait tables and just unwind for 8 months (yes, she quit my high-tech corporate job, packed two bags, and hopped on a plane), was followed by a great two years completing my MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where she met M.C. Ice, her podcast partner, and husband) and since then her career has been solely about wine.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/149.

149: Promiscuous Wine Buying, Orange, Natural and Raw Wines

What are the latest trends in wine, from blue wines to raw wines? And should you be drinking them? Why are high-tech and wine a perfect pairing? What's it like behind the scenes of the wine writing industry? How do you recover from devastating professional and personal attacks? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Elizabeth Schneider on the Wine For Normal People podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What happy accident introduced me to the world of great wines? How did I go from visiting wineries on the weekend to becoming a wine writer? Why do I think wine and tech are a perfect pairing? What was unusual about my journey to publishing my first book? How have I used storytelling as a common theme throughout my work? What’s the real story behind the challenges and attacks I faced in 2021? How do Canadian and American wine palates compare? Which Canadian wine region am I most excited about right now? Where can you find the best Canadian Pinot Noir? Why is it so difficult to access Canadian wine in Canada?   About Elizabeth Schneider After graduating from Wesleyan University (CT) and starting my career in Boston, Elizabeth quickly realized that her heart was more in her hobby than in her high-tech job. Trips to the wine shop often yielded awesomely poor (but hilarious) results, so Elizabeth and her sister finally took a course at the Boston Center for Adult Education to learn how to taste and appreciate wine. And that kicked it all off. A stint in St. John in the Caribbean to wait tables and just unwind for 8 months (yes, I quit my high-tech corporate job, packed two bags, and hopped on a plane), was followed by a great two years completing my MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where she met M.C. Ice, her podcast partner, and husband) and since then her career has been solely about wine.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/148.

148: Behind the Scenes of Wine Writing + Wine Trends with Elizabeth Schneider

Are you curious about trendy new wines like pet-nats and piquettes? Which lesser-known Croatian wine should you try? What are comfort wines and what do you pair with them? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kate Dingwall who writes about food and drink for Forbes, Toronto Life, The Toronto Star, Wine Enthusiast, among others. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How have restaurant wine lists been impacted by the pandemic? Why have many restaurants had to sell off their cellars? What does the increased consumer wine education mean for restaurants? What are pét-nat wines? Why are pét-nat wines a fun, casual option? Which North American pét-nats does Kate recommend? Why should you try Piquette? What’s Kate’s approach to wine tasting? How can you pair shrimp chips with wine? What’s the weirdest food and wine pairing Kate’s ever had? Which Croatian wine does Kate believe deserves more attention? What’s Kate’s favourite wine book? Why would Kate love to share a bottle of wine with Salvador Dali? Which type of wine does Kate identify with the most? What’s Kate’s top wine tip for you?   Key Takeaways Kate gave a great overview of trendy new wines like pet-nats and piquettes. I also enjoyed her take on Croatian wines to try. Restaurant lists and wine service are changing post-pandemic, from a reduced selection from having to sell off their cellars, to more educated consumers who know what they want. I loved her suggestions for weird wine pairings and look forward to trying shrimp chips.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, September 29th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PXuKYtdmToC7Kl4z3lLsEQ. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   About Kate Dingwall By day, Kate Dingwall is a seasoned writer and editor covering the intersection between spirits, business, culture and sustainability. By night Kate is a working wine professional. She's a food and beverage business contributor at Forbes.com, the drinks writer at Toronto Life and The Toronto Star, a columnist at The Whiskey Wash, wine writer at MAXIM, and a regular contributor to Liquor.com and The Spruce. Her work also appears in Elle InsideHook, The Spruce, Liquor.com, Toronto Life (print + online), Eater, MAXIM, Canada's 100 Best Restaurants (print + online), Porter Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Foodism (print + online), VinePair, DuJour, CultureTrip, and The Bourbon Review (print). Outside of writing, she finished her Masters of Brand Management program with a thesis on innovation in the American wine world. She spent a large chunk of her career working in New York City and consulting with a variety of beverage and hospitality powerhouses in the realm of brand development. She is currently based in Toronto and is a wine server at one of Canada's top restaurants.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/147.

147: Pet-Nats, Piquettes, Croatia & Comfort Wines with Kate Dingwall

What’s it like biking through the Penedes wine region of Spain? How can you find great Georgian wines without leaving North America? What makes a wine kosher, and why should you try kosher wines even if you’re not of the Jewish faith? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kate Dingwall, who writes about food and wine for Forbes, Toronto Life, The Toronto Star, Wine Enthusiast, among others. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What’s it like to spend a week biking through the Penedes region in Spain? What were some of Kate’s favourite Cava finds from her trip to Spain? Which important wine lesson did Kate learn in the Languedoc region of France? Which producer should you visit on a trip to the South of France? What types of Georgian dishes did Kate discover that pair well with amber wine? How can you try Georgian wine without leaving North America? Why has orange wine become so popular? How did Kate’s passion for wine and spirits organically start her food and drink writing career? Are there commonalities between the fashion and wine industries? What’s Kate's take on failure? What would Kate do differently if she were to start over her wine career? How have restaurant patrons' tastes changed since the pandemic?   Key Takeaways I loved listening to Kate’s adventures biking through the Penedes wine region of Spain, as well as her tips on favourite Cavas, such amazingly great sparkling wines for the price. She also had some great tips on finding Georgian wines in North America. These wines are experiencing such a huge revival. It’s worth seeking them out and pairing them with her suggestions. Kate also had some great insights from her trip to southern France as well as a great producer to visit, Gerard Bertrand.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, September 22nd at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_91B7vKhMSliq77btHvXZBA. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   About Kate Dingwall By day, Kate Dingwall is a seasoned writer and editor covering the intersection between spirits, business, culture and sustainability. By night Kate is a working wine professional. She's a food and beverage business contributor at Forbes.com, the drinks writer at Toronto Life and The Toronto Star, a columnist at The Whiskey Wash, wine writer at MAXIM, and a regular contributor to Liquor.com and The Spruce. Her work also appears in Elle InsideHook, The Spruce, Liquor.com, Toronto Life (print + online), Eater, MAXIM, Canada's 100 Best Restaurants (print + online), Porter Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Foodism (print + online), VinePair, DuJour, CultureTrip, and The Bourbon Review (print). Outside of writing, she finished her Masters of Brand Management program with a thesis on innovation in the American wine world. She spent a large chunk of her career working in New York City and consulting with a variety of beverage and hospitality powerhouses in the realm of brand development. She is currently based in Toronto and is a wine server at one of Canada's top restaurants.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/146.

146: Penedes, Spain, Croatia & Kosher Wines with Kate Dingwall

Why are sugar and oak often the ketchup of the wine world, used to hide bad grapes or poor winemaking? How did researching my first book lead to my most embarrassing wine moment? What’s the problem with biodynamic and natural wines? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Paul K on the Wine Talks with Paul K podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How can you navigate the shelves at the wine store when every bottle has a 90+ score? Why do I believe the individual experience is so important when it comes to wine? Why do many celebrity-backed wines seem to perform poorly? What flavours are often used to disguise low-quality wine? How did researching my first book lead to my most embarrassing wine moment? Why is storytelling so powerful? What’s the problem with biodynamic and natural wines? Why is food and wine pairing an important part of what we do as wine professionals?   About Paul Kalemkiarian Paul Kalemkiarian is the host of the podcast Wine Talks with Paul K on which he interviews wine industry royalty as well as Michelin starred chefs. He’s also the owner of America’s oldest wine club, the Original Wine of the Month Club. His expertise in the wine industry spans over 30 years. His father invented the idea of wine in the mail in 1972 and they have been serving wine enthusiasts ever since.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/145.

145: Embarrassing Wine Moments, Oak as Ketchup & Powerful Stories

Why are restaurant wine lists often tricky to navigate, even for wine professionals? Is it worth pursuing wine certifications and courses? Wine is the most value-added agricultural product we produce so why are there so many barriers for these small farmers who try to sell their wines across the country? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Paul K on the Wine Talks with Paul K podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What was my winding journey to sommelier certification like? What is it about wine that can feel so intimidating? Why are restaurant wine lists often tricky, even for professionals? How can you delicately navigate wine prices at restaurants? Should you pursue wine certifications? How can online wine classes help you become an expert on your own palette? Is it okay to throw away wine? How accessible are specialty wines in Canada? How did COVID act as an accelerant in the Canadian wine market?   About Paul Kalemkiarian Paul Kalemkiarian is the host of the podcast Wine Talks with Paul K on which he interviews wine industry royalty as well as Michelin starred chefs. He’s also the owner of America’s oldest wine club, the Original Wine of the Month Club. His expertise in the wine industry spans over 30 years. His father invented the idea of wine in the mail in 1972 and they have been serving wine enthusiasts ever since.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/144.

144: Restaurant List Tips, Wine Courses & Buying Local Wines

What are the six key elements that define a luxury wine? What’ll surprise you about Dom Pérignon that makes it different from other luxury wines? Which two wine gadgets must you own as a wine lover? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What are the six elements that define luxury wine? Which luxury wines are on Robert’s bucket list? What’s it like to have a wine tasting with the winemaker for Dom Pérignon? How is Dom Pérignon Plénitude even more luxurious than standard vintages? Which luxury wine would Peter give a score of 100 points? How does aging on the lees impact a wine’s taste and texture? What makes Dom Pérignon a distinctive luxury brand? Who was Dom Pérignon? What are the four categories of luxury wine buyers? What’s Robert’s approach to buying and collecting luxury wine? What does Peter love about the 2013 Oddero Barolo? Why should you add RAEN wines to your must-try list? How can you pair 2013 Oddero Barolo and RAEN Pinot Noir with food? What are Peter and Robert’s favourite wine gadgets?   Key Takeaways I found their discussion of the elements that make a wine a luxury brand fascinating, especially the psychological motives beyond simply drinking a fine wine. It’s quite a feat for Dom Pérignon to produce 5 million bottles almost every year and still have consumers believe in its rarity and scarcity. Brand stories are central no matter what you’re selling. People relate to people, not things. We remember the story of Dom Perignon even if we get some aspects of it confused like he tried to get the bubbles out of his wine, not in, though he was a master blender. I’ve since purchased a box of Repour closures and I think they are making a difference. I also bought the Durand Corkscrew, though I have yet to use it - hoping for a dried-out cork soon.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, September 1st at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HIjNiuE7R-OexJCsmoPGrg. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   Giveaway You could win a personally signed copy of Peter’s book, Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K.   How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on September 1st. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!   About Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung co-host the XChateau podcast that features insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. Robert is a noted wine blogger who holds the WSET Diploma. Peter is wine business consultant and the award-winning author of Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. He was named one of Wine Business Monthly's 2020 Wine Industry Leaders.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/143.

143: Luxury Wine Marketing, Dom Pérignon, Must-Have Gadgets with Robert Vernick & Peter Yeung

How are podcasts a great way to learn about wine? Which wine books can jumpstart your education about wine and further it as you get more knowledgeable? What’s behind the backlash against wine influencers on social media? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What are Peter and Robert’s first memories of wine? Which scent brings Peter back to his first memorable bottle of wine? What made Robert’s first experience with an old Bordeaux wine memorable? How did Peter and Robert get the inspiration to start the XChateau podcast? Why were Peter and Robert drawn to podcasting in particular? How did a sabbatical from management consulting help to start Peter’s wine career? Which books made a big impact on Robert’s wine career? What did Peter learn about inclusivity in the wine space from his favourite podcast guest, Ikimi Dubose? How did Robert’s favourite guest, Maureen Downey, change his views on counterfeit wines? How is Chai Consulting using cutting-edge technology to combat wine fraud? What surprising facts did Peter and Robert learn about the Brazilian wine world? What does it mean to be a wine influencer? Why is there so much backlash from the traditional wine world against influencers/   Key Takeaways I enjoyed their insights about how podcasts are a great way to learn about wine. Of course, I’m biased, but I think the depth of information you can get from a podcast is unparalleled compared to social media. Each episode can be like one of those condensed summary books for when you don’t have the time or interest to read the whole thing. And finally, I thought they offered great insights as to what’s behind the backlash against wine influencers on social media. It really points to a changing of the guard in the wine industry, which in turn, affects how we learn about wine and new wines to drink. That said, I think wine books can jumpstart your education about wine and further it as you get more knowledgeable. Again, I admit my own bias having published two of them. However, I liked their recommendations for your wine library.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, August 25th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lSLxIw_ESMKpn7AQFXBrhQ. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   Giveaway You could win a personally signed copy of Peter’s book, Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K.   How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on August 18th. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!   About Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung co-host the XChateau podcast that features insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. Robert is a noted wine blogger who holds the WSET Diploma. Peter is wine business consultant and the award-winning author of Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. He was named one of Wine Business Monthly's 2020 Wine Industry Leaders.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/142.

142: Learn About Wine via Podcasts, Books, Influencers with Robert Vernick & Peter Yeung

Why are fruit wines becoming more popular and how do they differ from grape-based wines? What is Pét-Nat-style wine and which ones should you try? What are wines from Slovenia like, and which foods pair best with them? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer and educator, Nikki Goddard. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights Why are fruit wines becoming more popular? Which incredible fruit wines should you try? Why do these newer styles of wine attract lovers of other artisanal beverages? What is Pét-Nat-style wine? How does Nikki put a unique spin on colour descriptors for wines? What’s it like to taste Kabaj Sivi Pinot? Which foods pair especially well with Kabaj Sivi Pinot? What do you need to know about Subject To Change "This is Not Wine"? How did Questions of Taste influence Nikki’s wine career? Why does Nikki love her RBT decanter? Why does Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery hold special meaning for Nikki? What unique way did Nikki permanently commemorate her love of wine? Why does Nikki prefer Napa Cabernets from the 80s and 90s? What was it like for Nikki to meet Jancis Robinson? What are Nikki’s top tips for getting comfortable with wine?   Key Takeaways Nikki gave us an excellent overview of why are fruit wines becoming more popular and how they differ from grape-based wines. She’s made me thirsty to seek these out more often. I also thought she did a great job explaining the Pét-Nat-style bubbly and why it’s so trendy these days. Adding that to my list as well. And finally, she sparked my interest in Slovenian wines. Even though I have tried several, and liked them immensely, I’m looking forward to drinking more of them and experimenting with food pairings.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, August 18th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xmiuNNKRSwm2xEsOaew6Sg. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   Giveaway You can win an exclusive online tasting with Nikki Goddard. Of course, you can invite friends or family to attend. She'll select a theme that suits you and let you know which wines you can buy in advance.   How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on August 18th. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!   About Nikki Goddard Nikki Goddard is a Bay Area wine writer and educator. With over 14 years of wine industry experience, Nikki has written for a wide range of companies and publications including JancisRobinson.com, Vivino, Delectable, Wine Folly, SommSelect, The Spruce Eats, Dry Farm Wines, Liquor.com, Foley Family Wines, Edible East Bay, Beverage Industry News, and more. She is certified through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust at the Diploma level and has taught courses for levels 2 and 3. Nikki worked for several years as a wine buyer and previously co-owned The Barrel Room, a wine bar in San Francisco. Nikki fell in love with wine while studying Textiles and Apparel at Cornell University. Beguiled by the wines of the Finger Lakes and realizing that she had a greater affinity for the laid-back, epicurean lifestyle of an oenophile than for the cut-throat fashion industry, she decided to make wine her life’s career. The more Nikki shared her passion for wine with her friends, the more she became aware of a serious lack of approachable, engaging discussion around the subject—resulting in a lot of intimidation around what should be one of life's greatest pleasures. To make wine more accessible and fun for all, she has committed herself to bridging the gap between knowledge and enjoyment.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/141.

141: Fruit Wine, Pet-Nat Bubbly & Slovenian Wines with Nikki Goddard

When can wine faults actually improve the taste of wine? Does learning about wine decrease your enjoyment of it? Can wine experts really distinguish between different types of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with wine writer and educator, Nikki Goddard. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How did Nikki end up recommending a wine that was a little too close to home for a customer? Which unusual query about palm wine did Nikki receive while working with wine.com? Why should the infamous study showing that wine experts can’t distinguish between red and white wine be taken with a grain of salt? What did Nikki learn from a blind tasting experiment she did with her non-expert friends? Can learning about wine decrease your enjoyment of it? What makes the wine world seem so intimidating? When can wine faults actually improve the taste of wine? Which lesser-known wine regions should you try to experience?   Key Takeaways I like Nikki’s fresh take on how some wine faults may be desirable, and even improve the taste of a wine, or at least, be part of its character rather than a flaw. I love her story about tasting Domaine de la Romanee-Conti as a way of showing how much our expectations and knowledge of wine influence our taste and perception of it. I have to thank Nikki for finally debunking those super annoying studies that say wine experts are easily fooled when the methodology behind is as misleading as the clickbait headlines.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, August 11th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AifT0HiBS_inZ8L8NToJ3A. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   Giveaway You can win an exclusive online tasting with Nikki Goddard. Of course, you can invite friends or family to attend. She'll select a theme that suits you and let you know which wines you can buy in advance.   How to Win All you need to do is comment on my post on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn before 7 pm EDT on August 18th. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck!   About Nikki Goddard Nikki Goddard is a Bay Area wine writer and educator. With over 14 years of wine industry experience, Nikki has written for a wide range of companies and publications including JancisRobinson.com, Vivino, Delectable, Wine Folly, SommSelect, The Spruce Eats, Dry Farm Wines, Liquor.com, Foley Family Wines, Edible East Bay, Beverage Industry News, and more. She is certified through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust at the Diploma level and has taught courses for levels 2 and 3. Nikki worked for several years as a wine buyer and previously co-owned The Barrel Room, a wine bar in San Francisco. Nikki fell in love with wine while studying Textiles and Apparel at Cornell University. Beguiled by the wines of the Finger Lakes and realizing that she had a greater affinity for the laid-back, epicurean lifestyle of an oenophile than for the cut-throat fashion industry, she decided to make wine her life’s career. The more Nikki shared her passion for wine with her friends, the more she became aware of a serious lack of approachable, engaging discussion around the subject—resulting in a lot of intimidation around what should be one of life's greatest pleasures. To make wine more accessible and fun for all, she has committed herself to bridging the gap between knowledge and enjoyment.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/140.

140: Good Wine Faults, DRC, Misleading Wine Experts with Nikki Goddard

Why did I resist scoring wines for the first three years I wrote about them? How do you go from submitting an article to a local publication to publishing your first book? Why aren't press trips to wine regions all they're cracked up to be? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Vanessa Conlin on the Wine Access Author Series. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights How did I go from writing an article for a local publication to publishing my first book? Why do stories make such a great medium for you to learn about wine? How did I get access to prestigious vineyards and wineries while researching my first book? What’s it like to interview A-listers in the wine world like Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson? How can you choose the right wine critic for you to follow? What’s it like working undercover in a wine store and as a restaurant sommelier? Which undercover moment transformed my understanding of service? Which wine regions am I looking forward to experiencing? Who are some of the most fun and interesting people I’ve interviewed so far? Why do I avoid going on press trips? What types of stories can you look forward to in my upcoming book? Which tip can you use to find great bargain wines? How can food and wine pairing help you to get more comfortable with wine? Which food is the most difficult to pair with wine? What type of wine is the easiest to pair with a wide range of foods? Do you need to be an expert to enjoy wine?   About Vanessa Conlin MW Vanessa Conlin MW is the Head of Wine for Wine Access, a national direct-to-consumer e-com wine retailer where she oversees all wine curation and wine content. Vanessa has served as the Director of Sales and Marketing for several of Napa’s most prestigious luxury estates including Arietta Wines and Dana Estates. Previously she was the wine buyer for two prominent Manhattan wine retailers and the Wine Director for a Manhattan-based wine bar. As an avid supporter of charitable causes, Vanessa is the President of the Board for Jameson Humane, a Napa Valley-based animal rescue and sanctuary, and has chaired the organization’s annual charity wine auction four times, raising over 7 million dollars. Prior to falling in love with wine, Vanessa worked as a professional musician, performing internationally and on Broadway, and holds a Master’s Degree in Music. She is an instructor for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and was the recipient of the Niki Singer Memorial Scholarship from the International Wine Center. Vanessa became a Master of Wine in 2020.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/139.

139: Wine Scores, Pairings and Writing with Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin

What's it like to explore Paris by visiting different wine bars? How do you know which company to choose for guided tours? What do you need to know before buying wine from a wine list, whether you’re at a restaurant or a wine bar? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights What’s it like taking a wine tour in Paris? How does Tanisha introduce her clients to hidden gems in Paris? What do you need to know before buying wine from a restaurant wine list? Why does Tanisha especially love the wines of the southern Rhône? What key features should you look for when choosing a tour guide/company? Which Paris-based TV shows and movies should you check out? What makes wine bars the perfect avenue for exploring a new city? How does the terroir impact the tasting profile of Jacques Lurton wines? Which wine books does Tanisha recommend?   Key Takeaways I love the idea of exploring Paris, or any city, by taking a walking tour of its wine bars. This allows you to sample so much more in terms of food, drink, neighbourhoods and conversation than committing to a three-hour restaurant meal. I thought Tanisha’s tips on how to choose a company to choose for guided tours were excellent. You want someone who can show you the hidden gems off the tourist track, the haunts that you wouldn’t discover for yourself. She also had great advice on how to choose from a wine list, whether you’re at a restaurant or a wine bar, as well as pairing French wines with food.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, July 28th at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JrowE0owTjSiFfnZdQYORQ.. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   About Tanisha Townsend Tanisha Townsend is Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. She leads wine classes and tours in Paris as well as online. She also hosts the podcast, Wine School Dropout. Her goal is to empower people with an advanced knowledge of wine and spirits to build confidence in their tastes and make choices when buying wine.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/138.

138: How to Get the Most from Your Wine Bar Visit with Tanisha Townsend

What's it like to uproot your life in North America and move to Paris? What’s the connection between forensic science and wine? What influence has hip-hop music had on wine culture? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.   Highlights Is milk a good alternative to wine? How did a trip to Burgundy change Tanisha’s life? What’s one thing Tanisha would do differently in her early career if she could go back? How did Tanisha gain her confidence as a wine professional? What about Tanisha’s background in computer forensics connected her to wine? What role are NFTs playing in the wine world? Why did Tanisha decide to uproot her life and move to Paris? What’s it like teaching French people about wine as an American woman? How has hip-hop music influenced the world of wine? What culture shifts did Tanisha have to adjust to with life in Paris?   Key Takeaways I loved listening to Tanisha’s story about uprooting her life in the US and moving to Paris. I think it’s a dream many of us have. She had such confidence and boldness though to make the move. I’m fascinated with the connection between forensic science and wine, and particularly how the new non-fungible tokens will soon play a role in detecting wine fraud. We’ll have to dive into that in more depth in a future episode. I thought Tanisha had great insights on the influence that hip-hop music has had on wine culture, particularly when it comes to celebrity wines.   Watch Party Join me for the debut Watch Party of the video of this conversation that I’ll be live-streaming for the very first time on Zoom on Wednesday, July 21st at 7 pm eastern. You can save your spot for free right here. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?   About Tanisha Townsend Tanisha Townsend is Chief Wine Officer of lifestyle agency Girl Meets Glass. She leads wine classes and tours in Paris as well as online. She also hosts the podcast, Wine School Dropout. Her goal is to empower people with an advanced knowledge of wine and spirits to build confidence in their tastes and make choices when buying wine.   To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/137.

137: Paris for Wine Lovers with Tanisha Townsend Part 1

The Unreserved Wine Talk podcast features candid conversations with the most fascinating people in the wine world. Your host, award-winning journalist Natalie MacLean, dives into how it feels to compete in the nerve-wracking World's Best Sommelier Competition, the shadowy underground of wine forgery, the zany tactics of a winemaker who hosted a funeral for cork, and more. Nestled in these colourful stories are practical tips on how to choose wine from a restaurant list, pair it with food and spot great values in the liquor store. Every second episode, Natalie goes solo with an unfiltered, personal reflection on wine. She'll share with you how it feels to be a woman in what is still a largely male-dominated field, her gut reaction to the latest health study that says no amount of alcohol consumption is safe and her journey in writing her next book. She'll reveal these vulnerable, sometimes embarrassing, stories with tipsy wit and wisdom that she's soaked up from 20 years of writing about wine. This podcast is for wine lovers from novices to well-cellared aficionados.

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Unreserved Wine Talk

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