Wine Guide with Cork & Fizz - Wine education for beginners and enthusiasts

Hailey Bohlman | Wine Educator
  • 4.7 (13)
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Interested in learning about wine, but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place! Here at the Cork & Fizz Guide to Wine, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into the world of wine in a fun and approachable way. Hi! I'm Hailey, wine enthusiast turned wine educator and founder of Cork & Fizz. I’m here to answer all your wine questions, anything from “what the heck is an orange wine?” to “is natural wine really better for me?” I’ll also cover topics such as wine tasting, pairing food and wine, how to shop for wine, and so much more! You’ll also get to hear from experts in the wine industry like winemakers and experienced sommeliers. Whether you’re a casual wine sipper or a total cork dork like myself, this podcast is for you! Want to learn even more about wine? Come follow me on Instagram @corkandfizz and check out my website, www.corkandfizz.com to book a private tasting or join my virtual tasting club, the Cork Crew! How to do a wine tasting for beginners. What are the basics of wine? What type of wine should a beginner drink? What wine goes with which food? Wine information for beginners. What is the best way to learn about wine?  This is a wine education podcast

  1. 2D AGO

    German Wine Isn’t What You Think (Part 2)

    Ep 155 Most people think they know German wine, but they’re only seeing a small part of it. If you immediately think of sweet Riesling or those super cheap bottles at the grocery store when you think of German wine, you’re not alone. That’s what most people think. But it’s not the full picture and, honestly, it’s why so many really good wines get overlooked. In this episode, I’m sitting down again with Lisa Tupetz, importer and founder of Tupetz Wine Connection, along with German winemaker Max from Weingut Greiner, and we’re talking about what’s actually happening with German wine right now. We talk about how winemaking has changed over time, why this lesser-known region in the Black Forest is worth paying attention to, and what makes these wines different from what you might expect. We also get into how wine makes it from a small winery in Germany all the way to a shop or restaurant here in the US, because it’s not nearly as simple as you’d think. You’ll walk away with a much better understanding of what to look for, what’s worth trying, and why German wine deserves a spot on your radar. If you’ve been skipping over German wine or assuming it’s all the same, this might change that. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, First Bottle Wines, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.firstbottlewines.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!) Connect with Lisa: Website - www.tupetzwine.com  Instagram - @tupetzwine Connect with Max: Website: weingut-greiner.com Episode Highlights: How winemaking evolves from first vintage to todayWhy the Black Forest region creates unique winesHow forests impact vineyard climate and wine styleThe real process of importing wine into the USWhy small producers struggle to get distributionHow German wine perception is shifting in the USThe difference between sweet and dry Riesling demandWhat “GG” wines actually mean on a labelWhat it actually takes to build a wine import businessWhy distribution is one of the biggest challenges in wine What did you think of the episode? Text me! Support the show Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide  Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

    38 min

  2. APR 29

    What Biodynamic Wine Means (Made Simple) (Part 1)

    Ep 154 You’ve probably seen “biodynamic” on a wine label and assumed it’s just another marketing term. Most people do. It sounds complicated, a little vague, and honestly it’s easy to ignore. But what’s actually happening in biodynamic vineyards has a direct impact on how wine tastes, how it evolves, and why some wines feel more alive in the glass than others. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Lisa Tupetz, founder of Tupetz Wine Connection, along with German winemaker Max from Weingut Greiner, and we break down why biodynamic wine isn’t just a label and what it actually changes in the glass.  You’ll hear how soil health, farming decisions, and even things like animals in the vineyard all play a role in the final wine and why the real work of great wine happens in the vineyard, not the cellar. Plus, why some winemakers are willing to take on more risk to farm this way and what they believe it does differently compared to organic practices. We also get into how these wines are being received in the US, why more drinkers are looking beyond familiar grape varieties, and what to pay attention to the next time you see “biodynamic” on a bottle. So if you’ve ever wondered whether biodynamic wine actually matters or if it’s just another trend, this episode will change how you think about what actually determines the quality of the wine in your glass. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bubbles, for sponsoring this episode. Download the Last Bubbles app or go to www.lastbubbles.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!) Connect with Lisa: Website - www.tupetzwine.com  Instagram - @tupetzwine Connect with Max: Website: weingut-greiner.com Episode Highlights: What biodynamic wine actually meansThe difference between organic and biodynamicHow soil health impacts wine qualityWhy biodynamic wines taste more “alive”The role of animals and natural systems in vineyardsHow US consumers are responding to biodynamic winesWhy lesser-known grape varieties are gaining popularity What did you think of the episode? Text me! Support the show Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide  Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

    33 min

  3. APR 22

    Mythbusters: No Wine Glass Per Varietal Needed

    Ep 153 Do you really need a different wine glass for every single varietal you drink? In this Mythbusters episode, I’m tackling the idea that you need a Pinot Noir glass, a Cabernet glass, a Riesling glass, and basically an entire cabinet dedicated to stemware. Yes, glass shape does matter. There is actual science behind how aroma travels and how the bowl affects flavor. But no, you do not need one glass per varietal. In this episode, I break down what actually makes a difference, why bowl shape matters more than having a separate glass for every grape, and the simple way to think about choosing a glass. I’ll walk you through the three types of glasses that will cover almost everything you drink, from Bordeaux and Burgundy styles to narrower Riesling glasses and when a universal wine glass makes sense. So if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re using the “right” wine glass and want to cut through the marketing to what actually matters, this episode is for you. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bubbles, for sponsoring this episode. Download the Last Bubbles app or go to www.lastbubbles.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!) Resources: Elevating Everyday Wine with Hand-Blown Glasvin Wine Glasses w/ David Kong - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-43 Episode Highlights: The real science behind wine glass shapeWhy bowl size mattersStem vs stemless truthThe 3 wine glasses that cover everythingWhen to use a universal wine glassWhy you shouldn’t overfill your wine glass What did you think of the episode? Text me! Support the show Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide  Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

    20 min

  4. APR 15

    Mythbusters: Sweet Wines Are Not Low Quality

    Ep 152 Sweet wine has been associated with having an unrefined palate or being a beginner in the wine world. But that does not automatically mean you are a wine amateur if you like sweet wine. In this Mythbusters episode, we are setting the record straight. Sweet wine does not equal low quality. While there are plenty of mass produced sugary bottles out there, sweetness itself is just another attribute of wine, right alongside acidity, tannin, and body. When made with intention and quality grapes, sweet wine can be balanced, complex, and can even rank among the most expensive wines in the world. You will learn how noble rot works, why ice wine is so rare, how Port is fortified, and why balance between sugar and acidity is everything. From Sauternes in Bordeaux to Tokaji in Hungary, Vin Santo in Italy, Recioto della Valpolicella, Port, and Pedro Ximénez sherry, there are sweet wines being made all over the world that are high quality, traditional, and in many cases some of the most sought after bottles out there. You will also hear why sweet wines are incredible with salty, spicy, and even funky cheeses. So if you have ever felt like ordering a sweet wine makes you look like a beginner, this episode is for you. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bubbles, for sponsoring this episode. Download the Last Bubbles app or go to www.lastbubbles.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!) Resources: 12 Wines I’d Recommend to Any Curious Wine Drinker - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-136 Episode Highlights: Where the sweet wine stereotype beganWhy sweetness is just another wine attributeHow noble rot concentrates flavorWhy Sauternes can cost thousandsHow true ice wine is made and why it is rareThe difference between Amarone and ReciotoHow Port is fortified and why it is strongWhy sweet wines pair well with salty and spicy foodsHow sugar helps wine age What did you think of the episode? Text me! Support the show Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide  Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

    19 min

  5. APR 8

    The Real Impact Wine Lovers Can Make w/ Heather Daenitz (Part 2)

    Ep 151 What if the simplest way to support your favorite winery takes less than five minutes? In part two of our conversation, Heather Daenitz shares how photography, storytelling, and consumer engagement can completely shift the way people experience wine. From highlighting vineyard workers to encouraging thoughtful reviews and rethinking how you shop at your local wine store, she explains how small actions like tagging a winery or naming a tasting room host can have a real impact behind the scenes. And because we are both pregnant while recording this episode we dig into the topic of non alcoholic wine, sober curiosity, and whether still wine without alcohol can ever truly match the complexity of the original. Heather shares why Germany is ahead when it comes to non-alcoholic wine, why aromatic varieties like Riesling may be key, and what needs to change in the industry to make non-alcoholic wine better. So if you’ve ever wondered how much power wine lovers really have and what role you play in the industry’s future, this episode will change how you see it. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bubbles, for sponsoring this episode. Download the Last Bubbles app or go to www.lastbubbles.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!) Connect with Heather: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/craftandcluster The Wine Marketing Field Guide - https://www.winemarketingfieldguide.com/ Pour Memories Podcast - https://www.pourmemories.com/ Episode Highlights: Why reviews matter more than you thinkHow tagging wineries helps them growThe role of user generated contentThe truth about non alcoholic wineWhy Germany is ahead in NA (non-alcoholic) wine productionAromatic grapes and NA potentialSupporting sober curious consumersHow to shop smarter at wine stores What did you think of the episode? Text me! Support the show Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide  Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

    42 min

  6. APR 1

    The People & Stories Behind Your Wine Glass w/ Heather Daenitz (Part 1)

    Ep 150 What does it really look like behind those beautiful wine photos you see online? In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Daenitz, a wine industry photographer and marketing strategist based in Santa Barbara wine country. Heather shares how she went from studying viticulture and working in vineyard management to launching her business, Craft & Cluster, where she now helps small wineries connect with their audiences through authentic behind-the-scenes photography and marketing strategies. Heather shares what harvest actually feels like at 3 a.m., why grapes are picked at night, and the reality behind those dreamy sunrise vineyard shots. She also dives into why she chooses to work with small wineries, what consumers often misunderstand about wine pricing, and how many hands touch the wine before it reaches your glass. So, if you are ready to see your glass of wine with a little more context and a lot more appreciation then this episode is for you. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bottle, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.lastbottlewines.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!) Connect with Heather: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/craftandcluster The Wine Marketing Field Guide - https://www.winemarketingfieldguide.com/ Pour Memories Podcast - https://www.pourmemories.com/ Episode Highlights: How Heather found her way into wineFrom vineyard work to wine photographyHow Craft and Cluster beganWhy small wineries need marketing supportWhat harvest at 3 a.m. really looks likeWhy grapes are picked at nightThe reality behind romantic wine photosThe people behind every bottleWhy wine costs what it does What did you think of the episode? Text me! Support the show Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide  Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

    34 min

  7. MAR 25

    Mythbusters: Rethinking Red vs White Wine Pairings

    Ep 149 What if the red-with-meat, white-with-fish rule isn’t actually a rule at all? In this Mythbusters episode, I’m sharing where the red-with-meat, white-with-fish idea came from and why it’s more of a simplification than a rule. It worked when wine styles were more predictable, but that’s just not the case anymore. Instead of color-coding your pairings, this episode walks you through what actually matters: matching the weight and richness of the wine to the weight and richness of the dish. You’ll hear real examples, from grilled salmon with mushroom sauce to filet mignon with chimichurri, and learn why sauce and your cooking method can matter just as much as the protein itself. So, if you are ready to feel more confident stepping outside the old red wine vs white wine pairing mindset and pairing wine in a way that actually makes sense for what’s on your plate then this episode is for you. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bottle, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.lastbottlewines.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!) Resources:  Ep 11: Wine and food pairing 101: My Signature 2-step process - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-11 Episode Highlights: Where the red wine with meat rule came fromWhy color is not the best pairing guideMatching weight and body in food and wineWhy sauce matters more than you think for your wine selectionPairing red wine with salmonPairing white wine with steakWhy enjoyment always comes first What did you think of the episode? Text me! Support the show Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide  Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

    15 min

  8. MAR 18

    Wine Screw Caps Do Not Mean Cheap Wine

    Ep 148 Screw caps have a bad reputation in the wine world, but that reputation is mostly undeserved! In this episode of my wine mythbusters mini-series I break down the myth that screw caps automatically mean cheap wine and explain where that belief came from in the first place. From the romance of popping a cork to the belief that wine needs it to age, this episode breaks down why cork became the gold standard and why that thinking is outdated. You’ll learn how cork and screw caps actually differ when it comes to oxygen exposure, aging potential, and consistency. And I dive into wine faults like cork taint, why regions like New Zealand and Australia led the screw cap shift, and how modern screw cap technology gives winemakers more control than ever. So, if you have ever avoided a bottle of wine simply because it had a screw cap, this episode will help you stop judging a wine bottle by its cap and focus on what actually matters. Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bottle, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.lastbottlewines.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!) Episode Highlights: Why screw caps got a bad reputationWhere the cheap wine myth startedCork vs screw cap aging differencesWhat cork taint really isWhy winemakers prefer screw capsHow screw caps control oxygenWhat research shows about wine agingWhen screw caps make more sense What did you think of the episode? Text me! Support the show Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide  Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

    15 min
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About

Interested in learning about wine, but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place! Here at the Cork & Fizz Guide to Wine, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into the world of wine in a fun and approachable way. Hi! I'm Hailey, wine enthusiast turned wine educator and founder of Cork & Fizz. I’m here to answer all your wine questions, anything from “what the heck is an orange wine?” to “is natural wine really better for me?” I’ll also cover topics such as wine tasting, pairing food and wine, how to shop for wine, and so much more! You’ll also get to hear from experts in the wine industry like winemakers and experienced sommeliers. Whether you’re a casual wine sipper or a total cork dork like myself, this podcast is for you! Want to learn even more about wine? Come follow me on Instagram @corkandfizz and check out my website, www.corkandfizz.com to book a private tasting or join my virtual tasting club, the Cork Crew! How to do a wine tasting for beginners. What are the basics of wine? What type of wine should a beginner drink? What wine goes with which food? Wine information for beginners. What is the best way to learn about wine?  This is a wine education podcast

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