Smokin' hot summer edition of the #W25BookClub. This week, die-hard listener, Meg Hansen, CSW, CSS, joins us to discuss "Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California" by Frances Dinkelspiel. But of course there is one prevailing theme: wine. Photos, links, more at winetwofive.com "Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California" by Frances Dinkelspiel....
Jul 26, 2018•49 min•Season 4Ep. 172
Joining us from Mexico City is superstar sommelier & owner of SFG Public Relations for Premium Wine & Spirits, Sandra Fernández Gaytán. Not only did she guide us on an audio tour of the Mexican wine producing states, geography, history, wine styles & grapes, but she brought lessons in coffee & tequila! Bonus! She's been recognized for her outstanding contributions as a leader in the wine industry by the Association of Mexican Sommeliers, El Conocedor Magazine, Oaxaca City, & ...
Jul 19, 2018•53 min•Season 4Ep. 171
We love Barbera. It responds well to different wine making processes to result in a great variety of styles. We hate to put it in a style box, but we love to sip it in its many forms. Also, what is a cherry bounce, and what does it have to do with George Washington? Yes, a history lesson too. Much to learn and love in this episode! Pics, links & more at winetwofive.com ! Wine Podcast, Education, Edutainment, Wine, Grapes, Barbera, Italia, Cherry Bounce...
Jul 12, 2018•26 min•Season 4Ep. 170
This spirited discussion focuses on the flavoring, characteristics, and botanical foundations of anise or licorice-based spirits. What's fascinating is the variety of plants, seeds, roots and fruits that make up these beverages, as well as the lore, culture and traditions behind them. We also share some hot news for our wine lovers to take the summer quarter of the podcast to the next level for listeners and supporters! Links, photos, and more at www.winetwofive.com Anise & licorice spirits,...
Jul 05, 2018•27 min•Season 4Ep. 169
Provence. Bucolic images of lavender fields, stone farmhouses, Pastis, bowls of mussels … or Russell Crowe slowly unrotting his soul in uncle’s vineyard in the movie "A Good Year" may come to mind. But there is more to the story. Sun, a patchwork geology, and that wind - along with a magic blend of innovation and tradition - aid the vines in the varied regions in producing wines that are now superstars on the world stage.
Jun 28, 2018•29 min•Season 4Ep. 168
Just when you think the online wine community couldn't get any cooler, the ultimate online wine community comes along - and it's pretty darned cool. We're talking with CEO of My Wine Society, Sean Evans, and the Director of Channel Content and Brand Ambassador - Christine Havens to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek and preview of the My Wine Society app launching in July 2018. Pics, info, and more at winetwofive.com
Jun 21, 2018•50 min•Season 4Ep. 167
We are getting to know Nebbiolo in June's Grape Gab. Also, we deliberate a Burning Wine Question on knowing when to open your bottles versus saving them for future enjoyment. Photos, links & more on www.winetwofive.com. June Grape Gab on Nebbiolo, Wine Education, Wine Podcast, Burning Wine Question, Aging Wine
Jun 14, 2018•38 min•Season 4Ep. 166
Côtes du Rhône wines were recently paired with London artist Joe Cruz's art for a creative tasting. Sommelier, wine writer, educator & prophet, Jonathan Cristaldi, & Rhône Valley Wines Trade Marketing Manager, Eileen Fabunan, were the orchestrators of this feast for the senses, & they joined forces us to take us all behind the scenes. This was a unique, elevated wine discussion that we know you will want to experience for yourself ... in one way or another. Photos, links, more at www...
Jun 07, 2018•38 min•Season 4Ep. 165
Jameson Fink, creator of Wine Without Worry, joins the Wine Two Five ladies for some conversation about Chablis, oysters, and learning about wine when you're just beginning. Then he lays down a brilliant, convincing defense of the Champagne flute that you won't want to miss. This? Was way too much fun! Cheers ~ Photos, links, and more on winetwofive.com Wine Education, Wine Culture, Wine Podcast, Chablis, Oysters, Stemware
May 31, 2018•44 min•Season 4Ep. 164
We are geeking out on the Verdicchio grape in May's Grape Gab. Verdicchio is important to Italy's Le Marche, and makes diverse, interesting styles of wine. There were also some fun tidbits that emerged from this discussion. What else emerged? This month's giveaway winner! Show notes, links, photos & more at www.winetwofive.com . Wine Podcast, Grape Gab, Verdicchio, Marche, Italy, Wine Education, Wine Edutainment, Wine
May 24, 2018•29 min•Season 4Ep. 163
As the weather warms up, it's a good time to chill down with some ice wine - or Eiswein - or Icewine. Believe it or not they are not all the same thing. Also, we are announcing the next #W25BookClub book and upcoming educational events. Show notes & links at www.winetwofive.com Eiswein, Ice Wine, Icewine, wine education, podcast, Germany, Canada
May 17, 2018•31 min•Season 4Ep. 162
Martin Ward is the owner of Wine Educators International, a company focused on touring, learning about, and enjoying the finer aspects of food, wine, and culture. In this episode Martin gives us an overview of Mallorcan wine and food, as well as his inspiration for introducing these wines and wines of the world through entertaining presentations and fine dining and luxury travel experiences. Mallorca, wine, podcast, wine education, Wine Educators International, Dining With Style, Wine Podcasts, ...
May 10, 2018•39 min•Season 4Ep. 161
From inside the beltway to outside in wine country - wine grape growers Clark and Bonny Lystra talk with us about finding their dream home in the Russian River Valley. There was only one small add-on: 35 rows of Pinot in Siduri's Betty Ann Vineyard. In this episode we sat back and sipped along. This interview has something for everyone - including those of you who like to geek it up with enology and viticulture. Shownotes, photos, & more at www.winetwofive.com Wine, Winemaking, Wine Grape Gr...
May 03, 2018•40 min•Season 4Ep. 160
It's time for the April Grape Gab, and we are getting down and gabbing Gewürztraminer. This white grape has been described as everything from spicy to grandma, to fussy and even "brassy in the glass." Either way, we're happy to grab a glass and get to know our good friend, Gewurz. Show notes, links, pics and more at www.winetwofive.com
Apr 26, 2018•35 min•Season 4Ep. 159
We're ushering in Season 4 of the Wine Two Five Podcast with a podcastiversary celebration, bourbon and bubbles! Have no fear, there are factoids galore throughout the show, but we've got some surprises as well. Thank YOU for being part of the Wine Two Five community of hard core wine lovers and learners, and let's raise our glasses to a 4th year! Cheers ~ Show notes & links at www.winetwofive.com
Apr 19, 2018•27 min•Season 4Ep. 158
The Juice is in the house! Eric V. Orange, creator of localwineevents.com and "The Juice" newsletter joins the W25 ladies for an afternoon chat about the number one website for consumers who are actively seeking out wine and food events in their area. Show notes and links at www.winetwofive.com . Wine podcast, local wine events, wine culture
Apr 12, 2018•29 min•Season 3Ep. 157
This episode explores canned wine beverages, and features the craft wine coolers of St. Mayhem. Those of us who came of drinking age in the '80s & '90s? Well, these are not the wine coolers that we were drinking in our acid washed jeans, spiral perms and parachute pants. Actually, those wine coolers of synthesized music days gone by were a whole different category of beverage, and we suss that out here as well. The St. Mayhem styles and flavors surprised us, and we hope you'll enjoy learning...
Apr 05, 2018•43 min•Season 3Ep. 156
Wine and Spirits Education Specialist, and host of the Shift Drink Podcast, Arthur Black joins the ladies for an incredibly spirited discussion. Strap in, listeners, this episode is a straight, cask-strength pour with no chaser. Arthur's a dedicated educator, speaker, and is very generous with his time and advice for anyone seeking the gospel of gastronomy and the pure enjoyment of beverages that inspire. Wine & Spirits Education, Industry, Podcasts, Shift Drink, Responsible Drinking, Arthur...
Mar 29, 2018•58 min•Season 3Ep. 155
A super special episode in which we were charmed and educated by the CEO of the Fladgate Partnership, Adrian Bridge. Adrian is the brains behind Taylor's, Fonseca, and Croft Port brands, and we were fortunate to have him share some valuable information about enjoying Port, as well as travel tidbits about the region. Show notes, pics & more info at www.winetwofive.com Adrian Bridge Interview, Taylor Fladgate, Port, Wine Wine Education, Fonseca, Croft, Portugal, Wine Podcast...
Mar 22, 2018•42 min•Season 3Ep. 154
In preparation for a special guest that will joining us from Portugal in the next episode, we thought it would be appropriate to polish up our Port knowledge. This week we are popping off with a Port primer to get the party started. We cover styles, service, and try to get a jump on those burning fortified wine questions. Port, Fortified Wine, Portugal, Wine Education, International Women's Day
Mar 15, 2018•32 min•Season 3Ep. 153
March's grape gab is about the Negroamaro grape from the wine region of Puglia, Italy. The name translates to "black bitter" but don't let that scare you away. The wine made from these grapes is often approachable, affordable and quite quaffable young. This episode goes from zero to 12.5 (and that's just the names of the wines!) in 23 minutes, and includes a new "Tasty Tales" segment to add to the not-so-bitter conversation.
Mar 08, 2018•24 min•Season 3Ep. 152
We answer a request for some edutainment about English wine, and found some cool resources on this cool climate country's rise as a wine presence in the world, particularly where bubbly is concerned. Talk about wino radar! Also, the "proof" is in the factoid, and the ladies scare up a silly video for patron consumption. Show notes & more at / http://www.winetwofive.com/ English Wine, England, Sparkling, Bubbly, Grapes, Proof, Wine & Spirits Podcast, Education...
Mar 01, 2018•29 min•Season 3Ep. 151
Carving out a cava convo in response to a listener's burning wine question, we dove into some bubbly banter. Who knew this discussion would take us from rosado or rosé to the Festa de la Filox-era (bring your bug costumes) and a sparkling Spanish sipper that garners about $200/bottle? Steph creates a new cocktail, Val gets her haiku on, and a patron supporter wins some swag.
Feb 22, 2018•43 min•Season 3Ep. 150
In honor of the Olympics, we thought we’d geek a little bit about Greek wines. The Olympics have come a long way since their origins in Olympia back in 776 BC. Because this year's event is being held in South Korea, we bring it home, along with the gold, with a factoid on Korean Soju. There were pairing puns, Soju stories, and a new segment letting you know where in the W25 world Steph & Val are ... besides behind the mic, noses in the glasses. A very high-level flyover of some Greek wine re...
Feb 15, 2018•30 min•Season 3Ep. 149
We're talking Tannat in this month's Grape Gab. Tannat is a red grape that has its roots in Southwestern France. Recently it has reinvented itself in South America. So where else does it grow, what else is it called, and what does it mean to a glass of wine? Click play and sip away! Show notes at winetwofive.com .
Feb 08, 2018•27 min•Season 3Ep. 148
We're talking about Miljenko "Mike" Grgich's book, "A Glass Full of Miracles" this week. The book is an historical account of world and US wine events, as well as a genuine, personal story that every wine lover should read! Also, Steph has a purple Gin, and Val has a coveted Tequila. Wine Two Five Podcast Book Club, Wine Education, Book Review, A Glass Full of Miracles by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich
Feb 01, 2018•23 min•Season 3Ep. 147
Sometimes we have to look back to go forward. In this episode we find out what it is listeners are downloading the most. We thank those of you who “nominated” your favorites. There were certainly some surprises (or “SLURPrises”), so we hope this is a fun guide to content most enjoyed over the past three seasons of Wine Two Five. Top 10 most listened to podcast episodes for Wine Two Five; Wine Education; Wine Edutainment
Jan 25, 2018•31 min•Season 3Ep. 146
Rick Fisher is the program director of the Wine Scholar Guild's Spanish Wine Scholar program (launching Fall 2018) and lover of all things Spain. His Catalan roots have certainly had an influence, but his passion for Spanish wine, food & culture is infectious. And what do Boise, Idaho & little plastic bulls have do with any of this? Pure, unadulterated wine edu-tainment for the books. [Recorded November 2017] Wine Education, Spanish Wine, Spanish Wine Scholar, Wine Podcasts, Rick Fisher,...
Jan 18, 2018•40 min•Season 3Ep. 145
What is the “red drinker’s white wine?” What’s unique about Alsace, the wine styles, and the labeling? Cassidy Havens, DipWSET, of Teuwen Communications fills us in on why these wines are so sought after on wine lists. There are some juicy nuggets of information of which wine lovers will want to take note. Also, she shares the secret to “the best 15 minutes of your wine and cheese life.” Yes, we go there. We all should go there. [Interview with Teuwen Communications Senior Account Supervisor, Ca...
Jan 11, 2018•24 min•Season 3Ep. 144
This is an introductory exploration into the wines of New York, an overview of a couple of the regions, and their representative wine styles. There are some tasting segments, but also some factoids and recommendations, as well as a lot of fun. [sponsored content]
Jan 04, 2018•47 min•Season 3Ep. 143
