True Crimes Against Wine

Judge Topher, Judge Rachel, Champlify Media
  • 4.9 (19)
  • Comedy
  • Updated Weekly

Celebrities can be talented, sure, but should they really be making wine? Join Judges Topher and Rachel as they use their oenological savvy and pop culture deep cuts to answer that very question. After drinking all the evidence and sorting their way through red herrings, they will determine whether some of Hollywood and music's biggest stars are, in fact, guilty of True Crimes Against Wine.

  1. 3d ago

    People's Court Ep. 10: Am I the A-Hole for Calling Out My Wife’s ‘Jokey’ Friend in Front of Everyone?

    Hey — quick catch-up: this episode dives into a husband who’s been the butt of his wife’s friend Megan’s “jokes” for months. Little digs about cooking, fixing things, and asking if he’s sulking turned into a pattern that felt less like teasing and more like deliberate bullying. He usually laughed it off to avoid awkwardness, but when it kept happening at a party, he finally said, “Can you stop? It’s getting annoying being the punchline every time we hang out.” The room went quiet, Megan got embarrassed and left early, and later a few people scolded him for not pulling her aside. But here’s the thing — if someone is chronically making your partner uncomfortable and your friend group watches it happen, you can’t just expect the target to always tiptoe around the problem. Sometimes boundaries have to be set in the moment. This conversation gets into who’s actually in the wrong — Megan for the mean comments, the wife and friends for letting it go on, and whether calling someone out publicly is ever justified when the behavior has been ongoing. There’s also a hint of possible flirtation or “negging,” and the classic bully defense: “I’m just joking.” So what do you think? Would you have pulled her aside privately, or stood up in the moment like he did? Tell me how you’d handle a friend who keeps making your partner the punchline — I want to hear your take.

  2. Jul 13

    BREAKING CASE: A Midsummer Human Sacrifice

    DEFENDANT: Midsomar  EVIDENCE: Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio SCENE OF THE CRIME: A Maypole Near You...  -- Hey friend — welcome to our bonus midsummer episode! We kick things off with playful banter about time, podcast firsts, and then dive into the lushly sunlit weirdness of Ari Aster’s Midsommar while sipping Mary J. Blige’s Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio. Expect gossip, gross food talk, and the kind of movie chat that makes you want to rewatch with a notebook. We nerd out on the Friuli region (hello rose-gold Pinot Grigio color!), savor juicy melon-and-nectarine tasting notes, and praise the wine for being both approachable and surprisingly complex. Then we pivot into the film: Florence Pugh’s Dani, toxic boyfriend Christian, and that creeping daylight dread that makes Midsommar feel like artful folk horror instead of just jump scares. There’s also a playful Midsommar traditions true/false quiz, heated opinions about who deserves what, and a long, affectionate breakdown of costumes, rituals, and the film’s ambiguous place between indigenous practice and cult. We wrap with whether we’d join a cozy wine-loving cult (spoiler: yes — but only the Nancy Meyers version) and all the micro-joys that make this episode feel like a friend sitting on your patio, passing the bottle and whispering theories.

  3. Jul 6

    Sidebar Ep.141: Rosé All Day? Summer Wine Trends You'll Actually Want to Try

    Hey friend — welcome to this episode of True Crimes Against Wine! We spent a little time nerding out about what’s popping in the wine world this summer, and honestly, some of it is super fun and worth keeping an eye out for. First up: rosé remains everywhere. It’s the easiest glass to recognize and the easiest choice when you want something fresh, fun, and usually dry. Sparkling rosé? Instant party. It’s the mood drink for warm weather and patio hangs — dangerously drinkable in the best way. Also gaining steam: chillable, crushable reds. Think lighter-bodied reds (not your heavy, tannic Cab) that actually taste great slightly chilled — bright, floral, cranberry-like fruit that’s perfect for a hot patio or a lazy brunch. And here’s the spicy one: simultaneous-ferment rosés — a real old-school technique where red and white grapes are fermented together. Some winemakers are reviving it, and it’s starting to show up with a trendy nickname — blouge (ugh, right?). You might spot it first at trendy brunch spots and in big-city wine shops. It’s technically a rosé but often sits in that chillable-red vibe. If you find a favorite pool-season bottle, tell us! Email TrueCrimesAgainstWine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram — we love hearing what you’re sipping. Also: we have new swag and a few koozies left; tell us your size if you send something and we’ll try to send one back. Cheers — can't wait to taste-test some of this stuff with you. Bye!

  4. Jun 29

    Sidebar Ep.140: Atlanta Survival Guide for the World Cup: Eat, Drink, Wander

    Hey Miguel (and friends) — welcome to Atlanta! If you’ve got World Cup plans, here’s a friendly, no-nonsense run-down of how to actually enjoy the city without losing your mind. First: traffic and transport. Do not rent a car. Atlanta traffic is terrible (think worse than LA in spots) and downtown parking/driving is confusing. Plan on using Uber/Lyft to get around — MARTA exists but can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar. And please, don’t rent an e-scooter unless you want people yelling at you. Neighborhoods are the heart of Atlanta, so pick one (or two) and explore. Little Five Points is great for dive bars, thrift shops, and weirdos; Inman Park and Candler/Decatur offer walkable shops and food; East Atlanta Village and Edgewood Avenue (check out Joystick for an arcade-bar vibe) are fun nights out; Ponce City Market is huge for food and shopping and sits right on the Beltline — a lovely path for a stroll, people-watching, and dogs. For views and golden hour, hit The Clermont Hotel rooftop. For a slightly elevated, ever-changing dining experience, try The Consulate in Midtown — amazing drinks and a rotating menu inspired by different regions. If you want late-night, local, and legendary tacos, try Nancy’s Taqueria (delivery-only, late into the night) and for classic Southern-stays-true vibes try Waffle House — it’s an essential Atlanta experience. If you’re chasing legit international eats, make the trip to Buford Highway — it’s a destination for Asian, Latin American and other authentic cuisines. It’s a bit of a trek but worth it. Also keep an eye out for pop-ups near the stadium (there’s one at Walker & Haynes from a local bar) if you want quick drinks and snacks near the event. Some extra tips: expect world-class soccer fans for Atlanta United (they’re predictable and courteous), but Falcons game days can get chaotic with lots of out-of-towners and bad driving. Don’t Airbnb your place to random event-goers if you’re worried about parties and damage. Oh — and don’t call the city “Hotlanta” unless you want to start a riot. Have fun, eat well, and explore neighborhoods rather than camping out downtown. If you want specific recs based on what you like (cheap eats, craft cocktails, late-night snacks), tell me your vibe and I’ll narrow it down.

  5. Jun 22

    Sidebar Ep. 139: Shush, Strawberry Moon & Soup: Tori Amos Deep Dive

    Hey friend — this episode’s sidebar is a cozy, hilarious chat about Tori Amos’s brand-new album In Times of Dragons, a little tour gossip, and some very serious bagel bite nostalgia. We gush over favorite songs (the title track Shush, Strawberry Moon, and the joyous Pyrite), unpack the album’s political edge and clever dragon metaphor for concentrated wealth, and celebrate Tori’s poetic lyricism that reads like standalone poetry while also hitting hard as songs. You’ll also get playful banter about live shows, family collaborations (her daughter and husband join in the music), and the delightful idea of listening to albums like it’s 1999 — CD booklet, full attention, zero interruptions. Plus, expect our trademark soup talk and general slurpy vibes. Big thanks to Jamie for the question — hit us up with your favorite tracks and stay tuned for a possible concert follow-up!

  6. Jun 15

    People's Court Ep.09: Who Failed the Kid?

    Hey — welcome back. We’re diving straight into a messy, emotional family moment that unspooled at the worst possible time: a middle-schooler is grieving the loss of a classmate, and the adults around her fall apart instead of showing up. This episode walks through a dad’s frantic return from a trip, a mother with a deep fear of funerals, and a grandmother who jumps in and calls out the mom — sparking a blowup over who should apologize and what real parenting looks like. I’m with you: funerals are heavy, and kids need supportive adults who can put their own stuff aside. But this story also shows how much context matters — trauma, phobias, and old family tensions could all be playing a role. We break down the reactions (and the “dun-dun” vibes), ask the questions the Reddit post leaves out, and get real about how messy grief and communication can get when everyone’s hurting.   Tune in for empathy, sharp takes, and a few laughs — because sometimes the only way through the worst parts of life is with humor and honesty. And yes, we might roast a mother-in-law or two along the way.

  7. Jun 8

    People's Court Ep.08: Am I the A*****e for Ruining Three Relationships?

    Hey there, wine lovers and amateur relationship detectives! 🍷🕵️‍♀️ In this People’s Court episode of True Crimes Against Wine, Judge Topher takes on a juicy Reddit-style dilemma involving emotional cheating, workplace crushes, secret text messages, and a husband who’s gotten a little too attached to his 19-year-old coworker. 😬 When one wife notices her husband acting suspiciously around a much younger “friend,” alarm bells start ringing. Between private conversations, secret-sharing games, hidden messages, and a whole lot of vague explanations, what starts as a gut feeling quickly spirals into a relationship mess involving not one, not two, but three relationships. 💥 We dive into the difference between friendship and emotional affairs, discuss trust, transparency, and boundaries in long-term relationships, and share some personal experiences with partners who blurred those lines. Along the way, we ask the big question: when someone is clearly hiding something, is exposing the truth ever the wrong move? Packed with hot takes, relationship drama, and plenty of side-eye for people making questionable decisions, this episode is equal parts entertaining and cathartic. Pour yourself a glass and join us as we decide who’s really at fault in this tangled web of secrets, flirting, and broken trust. Cheers! 🥂

  8. Jun 1

    Sidebar Ep.138:Wine-Fueled Nightmares: When Podcasts Keep You Up

    Hey, friend — welcome back to another cozy, slightly cursed episode of True Crimes Against Wine. We read Melanie's letter (love you, Melanie) about falling asleep to our show and waking up with absolute wine-fueled nightmares, and honestly? Same. We dive into the weird world of stress dreams versus full-on nightmares: the classic bathroom-where-the-stalls-don't-fit, the endless-final-exam-that-you-never-studied, and the work-nightmare where the POS system is plotting against you. Relatable and chaotic. We also swap true nightmare stories — slow-running to lock doors, doors that open when they absolutely shouldn’t, and the poor sleep-talker whose nightly mantra is so consistent it’s basically a law. There are laughs, empathetic groans, and yes, a little bit of screaming in your sleep. It’s the kind of chat that makes you feel like you’re on the couch with us, wine glass in hand (or in the other room, as we attempted this time). If you’re prone to spooky dreams, maybe skip the Halloween episodes before bed — or do you want the thrill? Either way, we appreciate our listeners who drift off to our nonsense, and we’ll keep reading your letters. Also, free swag! Koosies, tall and standard, random old merch — we’ll throw together a care package for our long-timers. So cheers to better dreams, fewer open door moments, and fewer Trulies that taste like a crime scene. Sweet dreams, and keep the letters coming.

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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Celebrities can be talented, sure, but should they really be making wine? Join Judges Topher and Rachel as they use their oenological savvy and pop culture deep cuts to answer that very question. After drinking all the evidence and sorting their way through red herrings, they will determine whether some of Hollywood and music's biggest stars are, in fact, guilty of True Crimes Against Wine.

Information

  • Creator
    Judge Topher, Judge Rachel, Champlify Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    270
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    True Crimes Against Wine

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