GuildSomm Podcasts

  • Cork with Carlos de Jesus

    In this episode, MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with Carlos de Jesus of APCOR, the Portuguese cork association, to discuss the sustainability, new technologies, and future of cork closures. The insights Carlos shares build on our May conversation with Ruinart Chef de Cave Frédéric Panaïotis, who explained how cork closures are being used in Champagne for lees aging today.

    Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed…

  • Tasting with GuildSomm: Ray Sholes & Kelli White

    In this month's tasting episode, MS Christopher Tanghe sits down with Raymond Sholes of Michael's Genuine in Miami. Ray shares his approach to blind tasting and how he applies it to his buying habits for the restaurant's list. Then, GuildSomm Executive Director Jenny Hemmer speaks with GuildSomm alum Kelli White to hear her perspective on the blind tasting skillset. Kelli is the director of education for Meadowood in…

  • Consumer Trends

    In this episode, GuildSomm Executive Director Jenny Hemmer speaks with Rob McMillan and Philana Bouvier to explore consumer trends in the beverage industry. Rob is the executive vice president and founder of Silicon Valley Bank’s Wine Division, which publishes the annual State of the Wine Industry Report. Philana is a visionary leader and the president of Demeine Estates in Napa Valley.

    Learn more about our guests…

  • Tasting with GuildSomm: Mia Van de Water

    In this month's tasting episode, MS Christopher Tanghe sits down with MS Mia Van de Water to discuss her approach to blind tasting, why it’s an important skill to hone as a beverage professional, and how she overcame her own "blind" spots. Learn more about Mia in the bio below and by listening to this great conversation.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts…

  • Argentina with Amanda Barnes

    In this episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Amanda Barnes about what's new and exciting in Argentine wine. Amanda’s new book, The South America Wine Guide, offers a comprehensive look at the wines of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. It explores not only regions and producers but also cuisines and places of interest. The book is available in both print and digital versions …

  • Tasting with GuildSomm: Blind Wine with Ryan Robinson

    In this episode of the Tasting with GuildSomm series, longtime member Ryan Robinson speaks with Emily Nixon about the development of his blind tasting methods, how to find mentors and study groups, and how he became the first Idaho resident to pass the CMS Advanced Exam. Ryan also leads a blind tasting of one wine; can you discern the grape, region, and vintage based on Ryan's description?

    We hope you enjoy this new series…

  • Champagne and the Ruinart Challenge

    In this episode, Christopher Tanghe hosts Ruinart Chef de Cave, Frederic PANAIOTIS. They discuss the storied past of the Ruinart estate within the broader context of Champagne's history, as well as how the region continues to develop as its producers look to the future. Frédéric also gives a preview of this year's Ruinart Challenge lecture, centered on the topic of cork.  
     
    All active GuildSomm…
  • Tasting with GuildSomm: Why Do We Blind Taste?

    We're adding a regular tasting series to the GuildSomm podcast! In addition to our monthly wine topics, we'll be releasing monthly podcast episodes devoted to the theme of tasting. We'll cover a wide spectrum of tasting subjects, including blind tasting study methods, challenging comparatives, full-length tasting sessions with GuildSomm members, and more.

    To kick off the first episode in this new series, Director…

  • Food & Wine Pairing

    In this episode, Christopher Tanghe discusses pairing food and wine with Master Sommeliers Andrea Robinson and Max Kast. They cover their basic guidelines for selecting pairings, share some favorite pairings that are consistently successful, and offer advice on pairings to avoid. 
    Toward the end of her conversation with Chris, Andrea offers an unlikely Cabernet pairing suggestion for non-meat eaters. Find her vegan…
  • Emerging Wine Regions: Michigan & Southwest USA

    In this episode, we continue our Emerging Wine Regions series and explore several states producing wines off the beaten path in the United States. First, Christopher Tanghe interviews Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon about the wines produced across Michigan. Madeline is famously the first American woman to pass the Master Sommelier exam, and has witnessed the Michigan wine industry develop since she began her career…
  • Rum

    In this episode, Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe explores the vast world of rum. First, he interviews Shawn Martin, distillery manager of Papa's Pilar Rum in Key West, who discusses the production methods used to make myriad styles of rum. Then, Chris speaks with Ian Burrell, the global rum ambassador, about rum's origins in the Caribbean, how the colonial power of the Royal Navy informs the legacy of rum, and how the…

  • Emerging Wine Regions: Vermont & The Finger Lakes

    In this episode, we explore two wine regions in the northeastern United States. While Vermont and northern New York State are both located in the extremes of viticultural viability, both regions have emerged as hubs of quality wine production. Christopher Tanghe interviews Master Sommelier David Keck about his winemaking venture in northwestern Vermont and then speaks with Meaghan Frank about her family's multi-generational…

  • Remembering Becky Wasserman

    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…

  • Rosé & Orange Wines

    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 pink wine's varied and often misunderstood production methods, whether a rosé's color connotes quality, and Elizabeth's recommendations for emerging rosé-producing regions. Later, Christopher…

  • Wine Pairings: Music & Food

    In this episode, we discuss wine pairings on multiple dimensions. First, Bryce Wiatrak interviews Master of Wine Susan R Lin MW 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 Christopher Tanghe dive into a friendly debate to settle the question of whether wine and food pairings are all they’re cracked up to…

  • Managing Old & New Vines

    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 Christopher Tanghe speaks with Matt Crafton of Chateau Montelena about the technical, environmental, and financial considerations behind replanting a vineyard to new vines. 

    This month’s blind tasting segment …

  • Soju & Sake

    In this episode, GuildSomm Interim Executive Director Christopher 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…

  • Career Series: Packaging Design & Branding

    This month on the GuildSomm podcast, we're hosting a special series focused on careers in the wine industry. We're releasing one episode per week throughout the month of May, featuring interviews with wine professionals whose careers highlight lesser-known paths within the industry.

    For our fourth and final episode in the series, GuildSomm Director of Strategic Partnerships Emily Nixon interviews Kevin…

  • Career Series: Wine Auction

    This month on the GuildSomm podcast, we're hosting a special series focused on careers in the wine industry. We're releasing one episode per week throughout the month of May, featuring interviews with wine professionals whose careers highlight lesser-known paths within the industry.

    For our third episode in the series, GuildSomm director of operations and editor Stacy Ladenburger speaks with Marie Keep…

  • Career Series: Consulting

    This month on the GuildSomm podcast, we're hosting a special series focused on careers in the wine industry. We're releasing one episode per week throughout the month of May, featuring interviews with wine professionals whose careers highlight lesser-known paths within the industry.

    For our second episode in the series, GuildSomm Interim Executive Director Christopher Tanghe interviews Erik Segelba…

  • Career Series: Wine Public Relations

    This month on the GuildSomm podcast, we're hosting a special series focused on careers in the wine industry. We'll release one episode per week throughout the month of May, featuring interviews with wine professionals whose careers highlight lesser-known paths within the industry. In June, we'll get back to our regular monthly podcast, including the blind wine reveal from the "Unexpected Booze" episode.…

  • Unexpected Booze

    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 Christopher 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…

  • Sangiovese

    In this episode, we cover all things Sangiovese. Christopher Tanghe talks with Frasca Hospitality Group Wine Director Carlin Karr about the versatility of the grape from the sommelier perspective, and Bryce Wiatrak interviews winegrowers Roberto Stucchi of Badia a Coltibuono in Chianti Classico and Tancredi Biondi-Santi of his family's Il Greppo estate in Montalcino.

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  • Remembering Steven Spurrier

    In light of Steven Spurrier's passing last week, we are rereleasing this 2018 conversation he had with our interim executive director, Christopher TangheWe 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…