An exploration of the wines, grapes, and the gorgeously mountainous region of Valle d’Aosta Italy, where we meet up with a Saint Bernard. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Consorzio Vini Valle d’Aosta https://www.vinivalleda...
Jul 11, 2025•22 min•Season 19Ep. 5
An exploration of the vast, diverse styles of wines, grapes, and the stunning region of Lombardia, Italy Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Britannica: Lombardy https://www.britannica.com/place/Lombardy Italian Wine Central: ...
Jun 27, 2025•28 min•Season 19Ep. 4
An exploration of the wines, grapes, and region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Some serious grape gabbery & cork dorkery in this one! Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Alto Adige Wines: https://www.altoadigewines.com/en/home/...
Jun 13, 2025•26 min•Season 19Ep. 3
An episode chock full of new grapes & places & wine styles unlike other regions of Italy we’ve explored so far. Click play to see what’s unique, yet necessary, to find & sip from Trentino-Alto Adige. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz...
May 23, 2025•22 min•Season 19Ep. 2
Kicking off Season 19 with classic method sparkling wine from Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol: a brief history, style summary and some extras. Quick, dirty, and delicious. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Tom Stevenson’s Champagne and Sparkling Wine Guide 2015, 6th Edition, [Kindle Edition], Stevenson, T. (2014) Websites: Britannica: Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol https://www.britannica.com/pla...
May 09, 2025•14 min•Season 19Ep. 1
In this final episode of this series about wine regions near lakes, we sail to the southern hemisphere to visit Nagambie Lakes in Australia. This lake region is quite different than the others we have explored in this season and in the past; click play to learn more in this short but punchy episode. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Inc...
Mar 28, 2025•11 min•Season 18Ep. 6
Italy’s largest lake is surrounded by vines and three different wine regions. The variety of wine styles, grapes, and scenery - paired with fascinating history - is where we are quenching our thirst this week as we embark on the penultimate episode of Glass in Session®’s season dedicated to wine from regions impacted by lakes. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide ...
Mar 14, 2025•22 min•Season 18Ep. 5
Exploring the wine regions around Lake Constance in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. We find grapes on an island, and wine aged under the lake. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Austrian Wine: The Bergland Winegrowing Area...
Feb 28, 2025•21 min•Season 18Ep. 4
Exploring the wines & region of Lake Neusiedl, Austria. Resources from this episode : Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites: Austrian Wine: https://www.austrianwine.com Austrian Vineyards [wine maps]: https://www.austrianvineyards.com Burgenland:UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lake Neusiedl, https://www.burgenland.info/en/dc/detail/POI/neusiedler-see-seewinkel-national-park-2 New York Times: Scandal Over Poisoned ...
Feb 14, 2025•23 min•Season 18Ep. 3
Exploring the wine, grapes and regions of the Mitten State. What pairs best with a wet burrito, and what does a Cadillac have to do with any of this? Resources from this episode : Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Burea...
Jan 24, 2025•16 min•Season 18Ep. 2
A sail on the Finger Lakes of New York focusing on the lakes, wine regions and grapes. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): AVA Online Reading Room, Finger Lakes, Final Rule (T.D....
Jan 10, 2025•14 min•Season 18Ep. 1
A basic introduction to the wine of the Moldova, this episode explores some of the history, regions, grapes and wines. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) The Wines of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova [Kindle Edition], Gilby, C. (2018) Web...
Nov 22, 2024•15 min•Season 17Ep. 6
A basic introduction to the wine region, history, and grapes Bulgaria. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) The Wines of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova [Kindle Edition], Gilby, C. (2018) Websites: Britannica: Bulgaria (4 November 2024) ht...
Nov 08, 2024•16 min•Season 17Ep. 5
A basic introduction to the wine of the Romania this episode explores some of the history, regions, grapes, and unique wine styles. Dracula stops by for "a taste" and we bring it all home with gods and goddesses. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamo...
Oct 25, 2024•20 min•Season 17Ep. 4
A basic introduction to the wine of the Hungary this episode explores some of the history, regions, grapes and unique wine styles. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Gilbert Gaillard: Hungary, a New, Old World Wine Country, Németh, Á. (26 Au...
Oct 11, 2024•23 min•Season 17Ep. 3
A basic introduction to the wine of the Slovak Republic, this episode explores some of the history, regions, grapes and wine styles. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) The World Atlas of Wine [7th Edition], Johnson, H., & Robinson, J. (2013) Websites: Decanter: Wines from Slovakia - A brief guide and 12 wines to try, Wu, S. (22 February 2023) https://www.decanter.com/wine/wines-from-slovakia-a-brief-gui...
Sep 27, 2024•15 min•Season 17Ep. 2
A basic introduction to the wine of the Czech Republic, this episode explores some of the history, regions, grapes and some of the unique wine styles. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites: Bohemia Sekt: https://www.bohemiasekt.cz/en/about-us/ Brittanica: Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, Preidel, H. (6 September 2024) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-IV-Holy-Roman-emperor Czech Journalist: ...
Sep 13, 2024•21 min•Season 17Ep. 1
This is a bonus episode created from another project I was working on this month. It's got a little less corkdorkery than the original episode from way back in Season 3, but I've linked it up in case you would like to revisit it, as well as the original sourcing material. Wine Caves: Dishing the Dirt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e3-wine-caves-dishing-the-dirt Wine caves aren't just for fancy parties. Some of the most famous caves date back to Roman times and have served mankind honorably ...
Aug 23, 2024•10 min
A light, quick nip at the wines of Belgium, as well as a little corkdorkery on PIWI grapes. *UPDATED with July 2024 stats and information* Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites and Digital Document Files: Belgium Map 360: Belgium Wine Map https://belgiummap360.com/belgium-wine-map Britannica: List of the World’s Largest Countries and Dependencies by Area (1 May 2024) https://www.britannica.com/topic/l...
Aug 09, 2024•16 min
Aquavit or Akvavit or Akevitt: The spirit of Scandinavia, gin’s Nordic cousin, snaps, it goes by many names around the world. Some even sails around the world before it’s bottled. This episode explores some of the history, styles, and origins of the spirit, as well as some tasty tales of potato priests, black death, and drinking songs. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Society of Wine Educators, Nickles, J. (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spiri...
Jul 26, 2024•20 min•Season 16Ep. 6
A quick zip around the North Island of New Zealand’s wine regions, a bit of history, and - well - some silliness, because the host, once again, cannot freaking help herself. Warning: the host was not/NOT involved in the throwing of either fowl or fake phallus, but has marked this episode as explicit due to some adult - stupid & humorous, but adult nonetheless - content. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition (Kindle)], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas,...
Jul 12, 2024•24 min•Season 16Ep. 5
Exploring Washington’s wine regions, history, and grapes. Trivia? Bush flattery? An old hobo ditty about cigarette trees? Yep, got that too. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites and Digital Document Files: Brittanica: Hudson’s Bay Company (4 June 2024) https://www.britannica.com/money/Hudsons-Bay-Company Center for Land Use Interpretation: Northwesternmost Point on the Continental 48 United States, W...
Jun 28, 2024•23 min•Season 16Ep. 4
A light, quick nip at the wines of Belgium, as well as a little corkdorkery on PIWI grapes. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites and Digital Document Files: Belgium Map 360: Belgium Wine Map https://belgiummap360.com/belgium-wine-map Britannica: List of the World’s Largest Countries and Dependencies by Area (1 May 2024) https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-the-total-areas-of-the-worlds-countries-...
Jun 14, 2024•15 min•Season 16Ep. 3
We’re taking off to the great wine north to explore the regions of Canada. Of course we gathered a little history and fun pop culture nuggets along the way. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites and Digital Document Files: Canadian Encyclopedia: Hoser [editorial], Abley, M. (27 June 2019) https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/hoser Canadian Food Focus: What does ‘VQA’ mean on Canadian Wine...
May 24, 2024•20 min•Season 16Ep. 2
We're exploring the early days and styles of sekt: sparkling wine from Austria and Germany. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites and Digital Document Files: Austrian Wine: Austrian Sekt https://www.austrianwine.com/austrian-sekt/ The Drinks Business: Sekt’s Appeal - Why Austrian Sparkling Wine is on the Rise, Thomas, L. (31 October 2022) https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2022/10/sekts-appeal-why-aust...
May 10, 2024•18 min•Season 16Ep. 1
A quick tour of a favorite French tipple, Pastis. It was created to scratch the itch of the once banned Absinthe. How is it different? How should one drink it? Why does the word show up in some political circles? Click play, enjoy. Resources from this episode: Books: Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Websites and Digital Document Fi...
Mar 22, 2024•12 min•Season 15Ep. 6
Another wild ride south of a nuclear plant toward a papal palace takes us through some dramatic landscape, historic vineyards, and surprises in the glass as we explore the white wines of the Southern Rhone. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites and Digital Document Files: AOC Vacqueryras: https://www.aocvacqueyras.com/appellation-des-vins-de-vacqueyras/ Cairanne Cahier des Charges de L’Appellation d’O...
Mar 08, 2024•26 min•Season 15Ep. 5
Exploring the history, region and white wines of the Northern Rhône in this first of a two-part series. Part Two will cover the white wines of the Southern Rhône appellations. Resources from this episode : Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Experi: Complete Guide to the...
Feb 23, 2024•21 min•Season 15Ep. 4
Exploring the history, region & wines of Chablis. The real Chablis. In France. Resources from this episode: Books: Burgundy and its Wines, Faith, N. (2002) The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): Wine Laws, Regulations and Public Guidance [Title 27, Chapter I, Subchapter A, Part 4, Subpart C, § 4.24 - Generic, semi-generic, and non-generic designations of geographic significance https:/...
Feb 09, 2024•13 min•Season 15Ep. 3
We pick up where we left off with a zip around the terroirs, a grape gab, the “cinderella story” of how champagne is produced, and a brief tour of the styles. Resources from this episode: Books: Champagne, Liem, P., (2017) Champagne: How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times, Kladstrup, D. & P. (2005) Champagne Master-Level Study Manual [1st Edition], French Wine Society [Now Wine Scholar Guild] (2014) Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling wine,...
Jan 26, 2024•33 min•Season 15Ep. 2