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

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

In this episode, we discuss wine pairings on multiple dimensions. First, Bryce Wiatrak interviews Master of Wine Susan Lin about her career as a classical pianist and how her first passion inspired the topic of her MW Research Paper: pairing Champagne with classical music. Then, Bryce and Chris Tanghe dive into a friendly debate to settle the question of whether wine and food pairings are all they’re cracked up to be.

This month’s blind tasting segment with Emily Nixon features sommelier Jonathan Eichholz. Are you able to recognize the wine based on Jonathan’s description alone? Wanda Cole-Nicholson also reveals the wine she tasted in last month’s Managing New & Old Vines episode.

In this episode, we discuss managing a vineyard from the perspective of two winemakers. Bryce Wiatrak interviews Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co. about the benefits and challenges of working with old vines, and Chris Tanghe speaks with Matt Crafton of Chateau Montelena about the technical, environmental, and financial considerations behind repainting a vineyard to new vines. 

This month’s blind tasting segment with Emily Nixon features sommelier and wine consultant Wanda Cole-Nicholson. Can you guess what they're drinking based on Wanda’s description of the wine’s appearance, nose, palate, and structure?  

For more information on this episode, visit GuildSomm’s podcast page. 

In this episode, GuildSomm Interim Executive Director Chris Tanghe interviews two entrepreneurs who specialize in east Asian beverages. Master Sommelier Kyungmoon Kim discusses how his company, KMS Imports, is creating a market for Korean soju and other artisanal beverages in the US. Later, Todd Bellomy describes the production process and styles of sake and the vision behind Farthest Star Sake, his forthcoming sake brewery in the Boston area. 

Emily Nixon continues the blind tasting series with Master of Wine candidate and trade liaison for Hispanics in Wine, Ivonne Nill. Can you guess what they're drinking based on the description alone?

For more information on this episode, visit GuildSomm's podcast page. 

For our fourth and final episode in the series, GuildSomm Director of Strategic Partnerships Emily Nixon interviews Kevin Shaw, founder of Stranger & Stranger, a packaging design and branding company specializing in alcoholic beverages. They discuss the importance of design in making a wine or spirit stand out on a shelf, the jobs that contribute to the production of a label, and Kevin's vision for innovation in wine packaging.

Toward the end of this podcast, they discuss Kevin's cameo in an episode of the BBC show "Britain's Really Disgusting Drinks." Watch the clip here. 

To accompany the careers series, GuildSomm is offering a membership discount to all first-time GuildSomm members. While we work hard to always keep GuildSomm membership affordable at $100, first-time members can now sign up for one year of GuildSomm membership for $79 using the partner code PODCAST79. Register for a year of membership here: https://www.guildsomm.com/new-member-join.

This offer is valid through June 10, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more. 

For our third episode in the series, GuildSomm Director of Operations & Editor Stacy Ladenburger speaks with Marie Keep, founder and Director of the fine wines departments at Skinner Auctioneers. They discuss the operations behind assessing, appraising, and cataloguing a wine cellar for auction, how the secondary market differs from the retail market, the effect of the pandemic on the wine auction business, and more. Marie also offers advice to wine professionals who are interesting in transitioning into the auction space for the first time. 

To accompany the careers series, GuildSomm is offering a membership discount to all first-time GuildSomm members. While we work hard to always keep GuildSomm membership affordable at $100, first-time members can now sign up for one year of GuildSomm membership for $79 using the partner code PODCAST79. Register for a year of membership here: https://www.guildsomm.com/new-member-join.

This offer is valid through June 10, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more. 

This offer is valid through June 10, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more. 

For our first episode in the series, GuildSomm Staff Writer Bryce Wiatrak interviews Alex Schrecengost about her career in wine public relations and learns what it's like to represent some of the best-known producers and regions in the world (how many people can say they've done PR for DRC?!). They also discuss how the challenges of Covid led her to define a new, entrepreneurial path by founding own company in the virtual events space. 

To accompany the careers series, GuildSomm is offering a membership discount to all first-time GuildSomm members. While we work hard to always keep GuildSomm membership affordable at $100, first-time members can now sign up for one year of GuildSomm membership for $79 using the partner code PODCAST79. Register for a year of membership here: https://www.guildsomm.com/new-member-join.

This offer is valid through June 10, 2021 for all listeners who have never previously had a GuildSomm membership. GuildSomm members have access to all of GuildSomm’s educational content, including e-learning courses, study guides, review quizzes, our compendium of wine law, wine seminars, and more. 

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

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

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

Interview with GuildSomm technical writer Jennifer Angelosante on a range of viticulture topics.

An interview with Master of Wine Rosemary George on the wines of Chablis.

Interviews with Mitch Frank of Wine Spectator and Peter Mondavi of Charles Krug on current and historic challenges in the wine industry and how businesses might adapt in a changing market.

Interviews with Will Blackmon and Emily Wines, MS on their visions to expand the reach of wine.

Interviews with Paul Einbund of The Morris on the complexities of Chartreuse and Rupert Symington on Port

Geoff Kruth MS and Ashley Hausman MW discuss their personal philosophies of blind tasting and how they were influenced by the MS and MW perspectives.

Geoff Kruth interviews Jason Jardine, President and Director of Winemaking at Hanzell Vineyards, about his perspective on regenerative farming, and Bryce Wiatrak speaks with Axel Heinz, Winemaker and Estate Director for the iconic Super Tuscan labels Ornellaia and Masseto.

An interview with recent Master of Wine Nick Jackson about his personal approach to blind tasting and his MW Research Paper on wine in 17th-century British poetry.

A look back on the developments in the wine business in 2019 with guests Peter Yeung, Debbie Zachareas, Jeremy Shanker, and Geoff Kruth.

Interviews with Brenae Royal, Vineyard Manager for Monte Rosso Vineyard, and Fernando Franco of Barboursville Vineyards, on the job of managing a vineyard.

Three interviews with producers of Riesling: Chateau Ste. Michelle Winemaker David Rosenthal, Katharina Prüm of Joh. Jos. Prüm, and Jean-Frederic Hugel.

Interviews with Rajat Parr and Drew Hendricks on how they each found their unique niche in the wine industry.

This month, we speak with Mary Margaret McCamic about what it takes to achieve the MW title, including the details of her research paper. In the second half of the podcast, we remember the life of Gerard Basset OBE, MS, MW.

This month, we interview Oz Clarke about his new book "Red & White: An Unquenchable Thirst for Wine" and take a look back at his amazing life and career.

This month we dig deep into a single wine, focusing on Ridge Vineyards' iconic Monte Bello with winemaker Eric Baugher.

Interviews with David Warter of E&J Gallo, Colin Gordon of Lagavulin Distillery, and Andrea Wilson of Michter's American Whiskeys exploring the production of several classic spirits.

Interviews with Dr. Paulo Lopes from the Portuguese Cork Association on faults and taints, MW Michael Brajkovich of Kumeu River Wines on reduction, and Champagne Bollinger Deputy Chef de Cave Denis Bunner on oxidation.

Staff Writer Bryce Wiatrak interviews French wine exporter Becky Wasserman and Geoff Kruth speaks with Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines about their big visions in the wine business.

Chris Tanghe interviews Marco Cirillo, John Duvall, Prue Henschke and Dean Hewitson of the Barossa Valley to discuss the wealth of old vines and the benefits of their age.

Kelli White, Jason Caballero, Stevie Stacionis and Geoff Kruth review key stories from 2018.

Geoff Kruth interviews Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards, John Raytek of Ceritas Wines, and Akiko Freeman of Freeman Winery on the potential new AVA of West Sonoma Coast and the winemaking practices common in the region.

Interviews with winemakers Virginia Wilcox, Mark Porembski, and Jean-Nicolas Méo on the subject of tannin.

An intervew with Master of Wine Sarah Jane Evans on the exciting new styles of Spanish wine.

Geoff Kruth interviews Jason Haas of Tablas Creek and Pax Mahle of Pax Mahle Wines on working with Rhône grape varieties in California.

Interviews with Dave Phinney of Orin Swift and Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon on how they have achieved success with big visions in the wine business.

Chris Tanghe chats with Steven Spurrier about the role of the United Kingdom in the history of the wine trade, and Geoff Kruth interviews Terry Kandylis of 67 Pall Mall for insight on current trends in London.

Geoff Kruth interviews Frédéric Panaiotis of Ruinart and Rodolphe Péters of Pierre Péters on regionality, vintages and current topics in Champagne.

Chris Tanghe interviews fellow Master Sommeliers June Rodil and Brahm Callahan on the topic of running a restaurant wine program. 

An in depth interview with UC Davis Professor of Enology Dr. Andrew Waterhouse on the chemistry of wine.

Geoff Kruth interviews Jim Clarke on the wines of South Africa. Yes 

Geoff Kruth and guests Stevie Stacionis of Bay Grape, Esther Mobley from the San Francisco Chronicle, and Kelli White of GuildSomm review the year in wine.

This month we go back to everyone's favorite topic of blind tasting with Master Sommeliers Chris Tanghe and Geoff Kruth. Each take on three wines and a surprise wine that might be a bit 'off the grid.'

GuildSomm interviews Andre Mack of Mouton Noir and Roger Nabedian of E. & J. Gallo on the topic of how to expand the reach of wine around the world and to new generations.

Geoff Kruth interviews Portuguese wine producers Helder Cunha, Tony Smith, Sandra Tavares and Luis Pato.

Interviews with key producers in four different areas of Oregon, including David Adelsheim of the Willamette Valley, Brian McCormick of Colombia Gorge, Earl Jones of the Umpqua Valley, and Bill Steele from the Applegate Valley.

GuildSomm interviews Laura Catena of Mendoza, winemaker Andres Sanchez from Gillmore in the Maule Valley, and Peter Fraser of Yangarra in McLaren Vale on red grapes thriving in their regions.

GuildSomm interviews winemakers David Ramey from Ramey Wine Cellars, Lynda Hanson from Hanzell Vineyards, and scientist Dr. Torey Arvic of SonomaCeuticals on the complex topic of yeast in wine-making.

Geoff Kruth interviews legendary wine writer and educator Jancis Robinson on the scope of her career.

Geoff Kruth interviews legendary California winemaker Philip Togni on his expansive career—from the 1950's to the present day.

GuildSomm community manager Stacy Ladenburger interviews Master Sommeliers Geoff Kruth, Jim Rollston and Jack Mason on their approaches to blind tasting.

Geoff Kruth interviews Master Sommelier Brian Mclintic, Sommelier Tamara Forward, and Thibault Gagey from Maison Louis Jadot on the wines of Beaujolais

An interview with three American Winemakers on specific elements of white wine making: John Raytek on lees, Ryan Glabb on skin contact and Graham Tatomer on aromatic grapes.

Three former sommeliers talk about their transition from floor service to wine importing, distribution and winery sales.

Geoff Kruth interviews Jason Wise on the process of making a film about wine and discusses the release of his new film "Into the Bottle"

We review the top stories of 2015 for sommeliers with host Geoff Kruth and guests Dan Petroski of Massican, Stevie Stacionis of Bay Grape, and Julia Weinberg from Delectable.

An interview with Kelli White, author of Napa Valley Then & Now on the last hundred years of Napa Valley.

Exploration of the wines of Washington. We interview four producers with a focus on Walla Walla, Yakima, Red Mountain and the Horse Heaven Hills.

Discussion with Master Sommeliers Sabato Sagaria, Laura Maniec and Fred Dame on the Past and Future of the Sommelier Profession.

In this episode we focus on a single grape. We interview two producers and a geneticist in the Rias Biaxas to see what we can discover about the Albariño grape and it's regional character.

For some, sustainability may be an ill-defined buzzword but important segments of the wine business are taking it seriously. We interview three growers and a representive of the County of Sonoma on their efforts.

An In-depth Look at Sake with Master Sake Sommelier Stuart Morris

A detailed look at two of the world's most interesting spirits; Calvados and Rum. We interview Importer and Author Charles Neal on Calvados and Rum specialist Tristan Mermin.

Host Geoff Kruth and guests Matt Stamp and Stevie Stacionis discuss the year in wine and countdown the top 10 stories and themes of 2014.

Geoff Kruth interviews three American winemakers: Andy Erickson, Megan Glaab and Jeff Stewart, explaining concepts in modern winemaking and contrasting their personal approach.

Master Sommeliers Geoff Kruth, Emily Wines and Yoon Ha take questions on blind tasting.

Where do we draw the line of what a sommelier should know? We interview tea specialist Kyle Stewart and Mezcal expert Bobby Heugel

A three-part look at the development of an American AVA. What does it take to propose a new AVA, some thoughts from a pioneer of an up-and-coming region, and a blind tasting of wines from an established but not widely known area.

A discussion of soil and geology with Earth Sciences professor Alex Maltman, Alsace producers Olivier Humbrecht and Phillipe Blanck and Master Sommelier and former geologist Wayne Belding.

Three producer interviews and a comparative tasting with two sommeliers of three great styles of Italian white wines.

Geoff Kruth interviews Tim Mondavi of Continuum, John Williams of Frogs Leap and Kelli White of Press Restaurant on the post-prohibition history of the Napa Valley.

Geoff Kruth interviews Matt Stamp on the wines of Madeira.

An interview with Champagne Ruinart's Chef du Caves Frederic Panaiotis on the Champagne process.

Four sommeliers: Desi Echavarrie, MS, Ryan Stetins, Steve Distler and Kelli White, each tell us about a wine they are currently excited about and answer a host of questions about their selection and the region it comes from.

Matt Stamp interviews Geoff Kruth on his blind tasting techniques follwed by a blind tasting of four wines.

Matt Stamp interviews Tim Gaiser, MS on his blind tasting techniques.

Interview with Anthony Moss, Research & Development Director of the WSET on the topic of Blind Tasting.

A series of interviews with female sommeliers Emily Wines, MS (Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants); Chris Baggetta (Quince and Cotogna); and Shelley Lindgren (A16 and SPQR) about how they got their start, what it's like to be a female in the wine industry, and what the future may hold.

Geoff Kruth interviews Michael Madrigal on one of his favorite wine regions - Alsace.

An in-depth discussion of Sherry with Peter Liem, author of Sherry, Manzanilla & Montilla.

In the second part of our two part series on Chardonnay in California, Geoff Kruth interviews Vanessa Wong, of Peay winery, and Matt Stamp interviews grape grower Lee Hudson.

In the first part of our two part series on Chardonnay in California, Geoff Kruth interviews Ted Lemon, proprietor of Littorai winery, and Matt Stamp interviews Kendall Jackson's Winemaster Randy Ullom, on their long careers working with the Chardonnay grape in California.

Geoff Kruth interviews Matt Stamp about the best ways to expand your knowledge of wine theory.

Geoff Kruth asks Master Sommeliers, Eric Entrikin and Jesse Becker to play the 20 questions game with two blind wines and then each of them take a second wine to task on their own.

An interview with three sommeliers; Desi Echavarrie of the French Laundry, Sur Lucero of Oenotri and Yoon Ha of Benu, with a focus on the art of food and wine pairing.

Geoff Kruth, MS interviews John Hoskins, MW, chair of the tasting examination panel for the Institute of Masters of Wine on the MW tasting exam and how it differs from the approach of the Court of Master Sommeliers.

In this month's podcast we interview Paul Grieco of New York's Hearth Restaurant and Terroir Wine Bars on his professional development, passions, and personal philosophies of running some of America's most unique beverage programs.

Geoff Kruth interviews Master Sommelier Shayn Bjornholm, the Examinations Director for the Court of Master Sommeliers, on higher-level sommeliers certifications and what to consider in preparing for the Advanced and Masters exams from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

This year, in selecting wines for the Top|Somm finals we decided to put ourselves to the test. Matt Stamp, MS and Jason Heller, MS selected four white wines for Geoff Kruth, MS to taste blind and he puts Jason on the spot with four reds. 6 wines from this flight were later used for the competition finals.

Interview with Jean-Marie Fourrier of Gevrey Chambertin on the current state of winemaking in Burgundy, the subtleties of the villages and vineyards of the Côte de Nuits, and his thoughts on the vintages of the last decade.

Interview with Rudi Wiest on 30 years of importing German wine.

An interview on the current state of Greek wine with Sofia Perpera from All About Greek Wine and Yannis Paraskevopoulos, co-owner of Gaia Winery.

An Interview with Master Sommelier Fred Dame on the History of the Court, the Guild and the role of the Sommelier

High Elevation Winemakeing in California with Chris Carpenter from Lokoya, Ross Cobb from Hirsch, Matt Stamp MS and Geoff Kruth MS, from the Guild of Sommeliers.

In depth conversation about blind tasting with Geoff Kruth MS and four new Masters Sommeliers.

Tasting and Discussion of the wines of Sicily with Geoff Kruth MS, Matt Stamp MS, Shelley Lindgren, and Oliver McCrum.