VinePair Podcast - podcast cover

VinePair Podcast

VinePairvinepair.com
Join VinePair co-founder Adam Teeter, executive editor Joanna Sciarrino, and sommelier and wine educator Zach Geballe as they discuss the latest news, trends, and happenings in the world of wine, beer, and spirits each week. Now officially New York Times recommended!

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Episodes

How Will Bars and Restaurants Cope With an Exodus From High-Priced Cities?

In light of recent data showing that America's most expensive cities are seeing college-educated residents leave in high numbers, Adam, Joanna, and Zach speculate on how this might affect the restaurant and bar industries - perhaps driving prices even higher in those cities while creating more enticing opportunities in other cities with lower costs of living. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and se...

May 22, 202334 minSeason 5Ep. 42

Have Celebrity RTDs Already Jumped the Shark?

Joanna returns just in time to discuss the recent spate of celebrity RTD launches with Adam and Zach. Will these succeed in the same way that many celebrity spirits brands have? Is it a problem for these RTDs that they likely won't get on-premise placements? Will NPH come talk with us about his espresso martini? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or sugges...

May 19, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 41

Introducing VinePair's Taplines

Introducing Taplines, a brand-spankin’-new podcast about the modern history of American beer, only on the VinePair Podcast Network. Each week, contributing editor and columnist Dave Infante will interview a different guest about a triumph, tribulation, or turning point in the evolution of the United States’ multibillion-dollar beer industry. This week, the Original Lite Beer from Miller hit American supermarket shelves in 1975 — and from then on, nothing was the same. To learn how the beer that ...

May 17, 202356 min

Gin Can't Crack the Luxury Code

Adam and Zach ponder why gin, despite its general popularity, seems singularly unable to break into the luxury spirits space, in particular high-end bottles and the conspicuous consumer set. Is it because it needs to be a cocktail ingredient, or because it's not barrel-aged, or what? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com...

May 15, 202324 minSeason 5Ep. 40

What Can We Learn From the Top 50 Cocktails List?

On the heels of the recently released Top 50 Cocktails list, Adam and Zach discuss what this global survey of top bars and bartenders can tell us about what is going on in the world of spirits, including the continued surge of interest in Italian spirits, the role of tequila in craft cocktails, and much more. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestio...

May 12, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 39

Why is Natural Wine in Decline?

Adam and Zach examine why natural wine's fortunes have reversed so dramatically, including discussing audience fatigue with the style, diminishing coolness, and the perhaps inevitable outcome of every purported wine revolution. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well. Zach is drinking: Ma...

May 08, 202324 minSeason 5Ep. 38

The Tequila Industry Is Being Split Apart

Adam and Zach take a look at the changing landscape of the tequila industry, as celebrity-driven brands continue to surge while collectors, aficionados, and members of the trade look to more traditional expressions. With only so much agave to go around, what does the future of tequila look like? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@...

May 05, 202332 minSeason 5Ep. 37

Who Are Premium Private Label Brands For?

Adam and Zach puzzle over the growing number of higher-end private label wines and spirits on offer at certain retailers, trying to figure out who the audience for these pricey bottles attached to chain store brands is. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well. Zach is drinking: Panic Butt...

May 01, 202327 minSeason 5Ep. 36

Building the Ideal Wedding Bar Program

Adam and Zach respond to a listener question about how to create an optimal wedding bar program, with discussion around pre-batched cocktails, what kinds of spirits to include, and why having multiple bar locations is crucial. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well. Instagram: @adamteete...

Apr 28, 202326 minSeason 5Ep. 35

How Bud Light Screwed Up

Grudgingly, Adam and Zach discuss the recent controversy surrounding Bud Light's association with Dylan Mulvaney and the mealy-mouthed statement the company released in response. After explaining the backstory, they explore why it is that brands can no longer appeal to unity and an apolitical commonality, particularly if they're also interested in marketing to marginalized communities. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever yo...

Apr 24, 202331 minSeason 5Ep. 34

Exploring High Noon's Foray Into Tequila

Adam and Zach discuss the recently debuted line of tequila seltzers from High Noon : why they chose that term instead of "ranch water," why the tequila inside matters, and how come so few other companies or brands have gotten behind tequila seltzers. Then, they taste the grapefruit, passionfruit, strawberry, and lime versions. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, criti...

Apr 21, 202332 minSeason 5Ep. 33

Is Napa's Lack of Nightlife a Problem?

Adam and Zach discuss an essay Adam wrote decrying Napa Valley's lack of nightlife options, and how that could cause the iconic wine tourism region to struggle to attract younger visitors who see a fun night out as a crucial part of a vacation. Can Napa be content being a destination wine region that goes to sleep at 9 pm, or does something need to change? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send ...

Apr 17, 202326 minSeason 5Ep. 32

Why the Wine World Loves to Hate Caymus

Adam is back, and he and Zach are discussing the one bottle the wine world loves to hate , Caymus. Why has this one wine been singled out for so much scorn: is it truly as heinous as some make it out to seem, is this just jealousy talking, or is there more going on? Then, of course, they taste it. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcas...

Apr 14, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 31

Do "Elevated" Versions of Dive Bar Cocktails Actually Work?

Zach and VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy investigate a trend of bars offering "elevated" takes on low-brow cocktails like the Screwdriver and Long Island Iced Tea - do these drinks serve as valuable enticements that bring in would-be drinkers via social media or press coverage, or do they serve to confuse drinkers who find the rest of the bar's offerings to perhaps be incongruous. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify...

Apr 10, 202327 minSeason 5Ep. 30

Do Novel Spirits Need Signature Serves?

Zach and VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy discuss the interesting challenge that new spirits face on the American market through the lens of Singani63 , a Bolivian grape spirit being championed by Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh, then Tim chats with Soderbergh about his lengthy struggle to get this spirit into the domestic market. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get you...

Apr 07, 202357 minSeason 5Ep. 29

The Ethics and Economics of Free Drinks

Zach and VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy answer a listener question about industry discounts, free drinks, and whether they're still something that should be expected or anticipated in the modern bar and restaurant landscape, as well as discuss the ethics surrounding comped drinks and meals as members of the media. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questio...

Apr 03, 202335 minSeason 5Ep. 28

Can a Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Break it Big?

Zach and VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy discuss a recent piece by Aaron Goldfarb about the future of non-alcoholic cocktails, and what it might take for a non-alcoholic cocktail to become a modern classic. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well. Instagram:...

Mar 31, 202334 minSeason 5Ep. 27

So Wait, Is Prosecco a Place or a Grape?

Zach and VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy discuss an ongoing trade dispute between the European Union and Australia centered around the term "Prosecco," and whether it refers to a place, a grape, or both. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well. Tim is drinki...

Mar 27, 202330 minSeason 5Ep. 26

Inside the Drinks Industry's Messiest Divorce

Zach is joined by VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy, as well as special guest Sean O'Leary , about the incredibly messy divorce playing out between Sazerac Company and Republic National Distributing Company, which started with Sazerac terminating its contract with RNDC last December, then filing suit against them for breach of contract in January, and now RNDC countersuing just this past week. Then Zach and Tim get a bit cheeky and drink Sazerac Sazeracs and discuss ...

Mar 24, 202339 minSeason 5Ep. 25

Have We Reached Peak Martini?

With Adam out due to the birth of his daughter (!), Zach is joined by VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy to discuss whether the current Martini craze has gone too far, and what it might mean for the drink if it has indeed done so. Plus, Zach talks about his experience at Taste Washington . Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or s...

Mar 20, 202336 minSeason 5Ep. 24

Is Guinness the Perfect Beer?

Zach is joined by VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy to talk about Guinness's enduring appeal, how daring advertisements helped cement its popularity, and what exactly constitutes the perfect pour. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well. Instagram: @adamteeter...

Mar 17, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 23

Exploring 'La Grande Dame,' a Champagne Icon

Adam speaks with Didier Mariotti, cellar master at Maison Veuve Clicquot , about the iconic Champagne house's approach to winemaking, and in particular how he crafts their tête de cuvée bottlings of La Grand Dame and La Grand Dame Rosé. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well. Instagram: ...

Mar 14, 202330 minSeason 5Ep. 22

The SVB Crash + Is ABI Giving Up on Craft Beer?

In the wake of the stunning news that Silicon Valley Bank was shut down by federal regulators on Friday, Adam and Zach convene for a Sunday evening emergency podcast to talk about how this is affecting a huge number of wineries in California, as well as what it might mean for the famed Wine Industry Report. Then for the normal Monday episode they discuss the recent moves that seem to signal Anheuser-Busch InBev's move away from the craft beer industry, just over a decade after they started buyin...

Mar 13, 202353 minSeason 5Ep. 21

Why Do Movies Get Drinking So Wrong?

You've all seen this in a movie or a TV show: a character pours a slug of whiskey from a crystal decanter, neat, and hands it to another character, as if this is a normal business interaction or custom. Adam and Zach respond to a listener question about the verisimilitude of this kind of act, why it became so common on screen, and why more modern portrayals of drinking might be moving in a different direction. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,...

Mar 10, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 20

Will Drinkers Embrace Machine-Made Cocktails?

In light of the recent announcement that Diageo will be releasing a machine that can make an espresso martini in 20 seconds, Adam and Zach discuss the role this machine could play in a wide range of settings, as well as whether automation more broadly is on the horizon for the bar industry. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinep...

Mar 06, 202325 minSeason 5Ep. 19

When Wine Service Goes Wrong

Drawing from their own recent experiences as well as a listener email, Adam and Zach explore some wine service experiences that left them a bit cold, and try to figure out what might account for it: labor shortages, restaurants desperate to extract every last cent from diners, or just bad luck. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@v...

Mar 03, 202351 minSeason 5Ep. 18

Why is Burgundy Hot and Bordeaux...is Not?

In response to a listener question, Adam and Zach discuss why Burgundy continues to see strong sales and a sterling reputation, while Bordeaux is struggling to remain as popular or relevant in modern wine circles. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well. Zach is drinking: Whiskey cocktail...

Feb 27, 202335 minSeason 5Ep. 17

People Can't Stop Stealing Pappy Van Winkle

In the wake of the wild and sorta funny scandal involving agents of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission using their positions to secure prized bottles of Pappy Van Winkle at standard retail prices, Adam and Zach discuss why this sort of chicanery is inevitable with the bonkers secondary market for these whiskies, and how lobbyists are using stories like this to chip away at public support for state control of liquor sales in the states where it persists. Please remember to subscribe to, ra...

Feb 24, 202326 minSeason 5Ep. 16

How Spirits Conquered the American Drinks Landscape

With the recent news that spirits have surpassed beer as the top-selling drinks category in America, Adam and Zach explore what exactly has driven this transformation: why spirits can be seen as both high-brow and low-brow, and why they're particularly cleaning up in on-premise settings. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair...

Feb 20, 202331 minSeason 5Ep. 15

Why Did the Super Bowl Booze Ads Fall Flat?

With the Super Bowl in the rear view mirror, Adam and Zach discuss why this year's crop of booze ads were surprisingly lackluster, even with more drinks companies advertising than ever before. Have celebrity ads become boring and predictable? Does no one want to take chances on the biggest stage? Or was this just a one-year blip? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, cr...

Feb 17, 202321 minSeason 5Ep. 14
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