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

Hailey Bohlman | Wine Educator
  • 4.7 (13)
  • Food
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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. 1d ago

    How to Start a Wine Collection: A Beginner’s Guide w/ Paul Zitarelli (Part 1)

    Ep 178  Starting a wine collection might sound like something reserved for serious collectors with expensive bottles and a fancy cellar, but it can actually start with just one bottle. In this episode, Paul Zitarelli, owner and editor-in-chief of Full Pull Wines and author of 36 Bottles of Wine, breaks down how to start a wine collection as a beginner and why right now is an especially interesting time to do it. Fun fact: 36 Bottles of Wine was actually one of the books I read when I was first learning about wine, long before I realized I would one day be sitting down with Paul for this conversation. Paul explains what actually counts as collecting wine, which wines can be good options to age, and why you do not need a dedicated wine cellar or even a wine fridge to get started. You’ll also learn how temperature affects wine as it ages, why collecting wine is better viewed as a way to enjoy wine rather than a financial investment, and how to figure out whether you actually enjoy the taste of aged wine. Plus, Paul shares one of the biggest mistakes new collectors make and why starting small can help you build a collection you will actually want to drink. Whether you already have a few bottles tucked away for later or you have never considered aging a bottle before, this episode will help you start a wine collection based on what you enjoy and how you actually drink wine. This is part one of my conversation with Paul from Full Pull Wines Connect with Paul: Website: https://fullpullwines.com/ Author of 36 Bottles of Wine: Less Is More with 3 Recommended Wines per Month Episode Highlights: Why right now is a great time to start collecting wineWhat actually counts as a wine collectionHow to start collecting with just one bottleBeginner-friendly wines to consider agingHow to store wine without a dedicated cellarWhy temperature consistency mattersWine collecting versus wine investingHow to discover whether you enjoy aged wineThe biggest mistakes new wine collectors makeWhy you should start small and build slowly 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 Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman

  2. Oct 7

    Love Cabernet Sauvignon? Try These Wines Next

    Ep 177 Love Cabernet Sauvignon but want to try something different? I have six wines for you to add to your shopping list. Cabernet Sauvignon is popular for a reason. It's bold, full of dark fruit, and can have those delicious flavors of chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and even a little green pepper. But it can also get expensive, and sometimes you just want to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. In this episode, I’m sharing six wines that have some of the things you already love about Cabernet Sauvignon while bringing something different to your glass. There's Mourvèdre, which I like to think of as the moodier, emo version of Cabernet, Nero d'Avola if you want something a little lighter and brighter, aged Rioja if you love those smooth oak flavors, and a few more you may not have tried before. So if Cabernet Sauvignon is usually the bottle you reach for, but you're ready to branch out, grab this list and see which one sounds like your next wine to try. Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices! Episode Highlights: Why Cabernet Sauvignon can be hit or missMourvèdre and Monastrell as a moodier Cabernet alternativeNero d'Avola for a lighter, brighter redDiscovering Portugal's Touriga NacionalWhy aged Rioja can be an alternative to aged CabernetWhat makes Tannat so intensely tannicCarmenère's unique history in ChileHow to choose your next red based on what you love about Cabernet 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 Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman

  3. Sep 30

    Wine Scores Explained: What Do They Really Mean?

    Ep 176 You see 90, 92, or 95 points on a bottle of wine, but what do those wine scores actually mean and should they influence what you buy? Wine scores can make choosing a bottle feel easier, but there’s a lot more behind those numbers than you might realize. In this episode, we’re digging into where wine rating systems came from, how Robert Parker’s 100-point scale became the industry standard, and why a wine rated in the 80s can still be considered very good even though you rarely see those scores advertised. You’ll also learn how major wine critics approach scoring differently, why some wines are tasted blind while others aren’t, and why the same wine may not receive the same score every time. Plus, we’ll look at score inflation, Parkerization, and how the pursuit of higher ratings may have influenced the way some wines are made. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what wine scores can tell you, what they can’t, and how to decide whether they deserve a place in the way you choose your next bottle. Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices! Episode Highlights: What wine scores actually meanHow the 100-point wine scoring system beganWhy you rarely see wine scores below 90 advertised How major wine critics score wines differentlyBlind tasting versus knowing what’s in the glassWhy wine scores may not be as objective as they seem How high scores can influence winemakingWhether wine scores should influence what you buy 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 Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman

  4. Sep 23

    Carbonic Maceration & Keeping Wine Approachable w/ Dusty Jenkins (Part 2)

    Ep 175 Carbonic maceration might sound complicated, but the wines it creates can be anything but. In part two of this conversation with Sage Rat Wine owner and winemaker Dusty Jenkins, we dig into the process behind his Carbonic Nebbiolo and why he uses carbonic maceration across several of his wines to create the fresh, fruit-forward, lighter style he loves. Dusty also shares why keeping wine approachable goes beyond what’s in the bottle. From the beginning, he has intentionally kept his wines in the $20 to $30 range so more people can enjoy small-production Washington wine. We also talk about why bigger isn’t always better when it comes to running a winery, what’s next for Sage Rat, and the wines Dusty reaches for when he’s drinking with friends. Plus, he shares why he thinks wine drinkers should look beyond mass-produced grocery store bottles and give more small producers a try. If you’re curious about carbonic maceration and want to discover approachable wines from smaller producers, this episode will give you plenty of reasons to rethink what great wine can look like and cost.  Don't miss part one of my conversation with Dusty! Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices! Connect with Dusty: Website: https://www.sageratwine.com/ Resources: Carbonic Maceration Explained Simply: https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-164 Episode Highlights: How carbonic maceration worksCreating fresh, fruit-forward winesThe story behind the Carbonic NebbioloKeeping small-production wine affordableWhy bigger isn’t always better for a wineryWhat’s next for Sage Rat WineWhy Dusty encourages buying from small wine producers  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 Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman

  5. Sep 16

    The Unexpected Side of Yakima Valley Wine w/ Dusty Jenkins (Part 1)

    Ep 174 Washington wine may be known for its big, bold reds, but Yakima Valley has a much more unexpected side. Winemaker Dusty Jenkins is embracing that side through Sage Rat Wine, where he creates fresh, approachable wines that offer a different perspective on what Washington wine can be. After leaving a career in film and moving to Walla Walla to study winemaking, Dusty eventually found his way back to the Yakima Valley, where the freedom to do things a little differently became the perfect fit for the wines he wanted to make. In this episode, Dusty shares how winning half a ton of grapes unexpectedly led to the creation of Sage Rat, where the unusual name came from, and why he sees Yakima Valley as an underdog in Washington wine. We also get into the diversity of grapes grown throughout the region, his "ready for anything" approach to wine, what sustainability means at Sage Rat, and the three wines he recommends trying for a taste of what he's creating. If your idea of Washington wine starts and ends with big reds, this episode will introduce you to a different side of what the state can produce. Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices! Connect with Dusty: Website: https://www.sageratwine.com/ Episode Highlights: Dusty's unexpected path from film to wineThe harvest that changed his approach to winemakingHow winning half a ton of grapes started Sage RatThe story behind the Sage Rat nameDusty's "ready for anything" wine philosophyWhy Yakima Valley is a wine underdogThe diversity of grapes grown in Yakima ValleyMaking lighter, fresher Washington winesWhat sustainable winemaking means at Sage RatThree Sage Rat wines to try 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 Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman

  6. Sep 9

    What to Know Before You Go Wine Tasting

    Ep 173 Wine tasting is supposed to be fun, but it can feel intimidating when you’re not sure what you’re actually supposed to do. Do you need a reservation? Are you expected to buy a bottle? Should you tip? And what happens if you don’t like one of the wines? In this episode, I’m answering the practical questions that can make visiting a tasting room feel more complicated than it needs to be. You’ll learn what to expect before you arrive, including what to wear, how much a tasting might cost, whether you can bring kids or dogs, and how many wineries you should realistically visit in one day. I’m also getting into some of the wine tasting etiquette questions you might be hesitant to ask. Find out how to politely turn down a wine club, why it’s totally okay to spit or dump your wine, whether you can ask for a second pour, and what to say when a wine just isn’t to your taste. And if you’re worried that you don’t know enough about wine to visit a tasting room, don’t be. You don’t need fancy wine vocabulary or years of wine knowledge to have a great tasting experience. Come curious, ask questions, and use these tips to feel more comfortable and confident the next time you go wine tasting. Thank you to Full Pull Wines for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.fullpullwines.com to sign up for their FREE mailing list and start discovering delicious wines at ridiculously low prices! Resources: The Real Impact Wine Lovers Can Make w/ Heather Daenitz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-151 Episode Highlights: When to make a wine tasting reservationWhat to wear to a wineryWine tasting costs and tipping etiquetteHow many wineries to visit in one dayWhether you’re expected to buy wineHow to politely decline a wine clubWhen to spit or dump your wineWhat to do when you don’t like a wineAsking for a second pourWine tasting when you’re a beginnerQuestions to ask at a tasting room 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 Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman

  7. Sep 2

    Underrated Wines You Should Be Drinking

    Ep 172 Some of the best wines on the shelf are the ones most people overlook. It's easy to fall into the habit of reaching for the same familiar bottles, but there are so many incredible wines that don't get nearly the attention they deserve. In this episode, I’m sharing underrated wines that offer great flavor, plenty of personality, and often a great value simply because they aren't the names everyone already knows.  From crisp, salty Muscadet and sparkling red Lambrusco to Chenin Blanc, dry Riesling, Austrian reds, Greek varieties, and Portuguese wines, you'll discover what each one tastes like, what to look for on the label, and where to find some of the best examples. You'll also get food pairing ideas along the way, whether you're ordering wine for a table full of different dishes, planning pizza night, grilling burgers, or looking for the perfect bottle to drink on a hot summer day. If you're ready to branch out from your usual wine order, this episode will give you plenty of new bottles to look for the next time you're at a wine shop or scanning a restaurant wine list. Resources: Grape Deep Dive - Chenin Blanc https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-21 Grape Deep Dive - Riesling https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-38 My Go-To Chillable Red Wines for Summer https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-56 Greek Wine: A Hidden Gem https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-53 Exploring Portuguese and Mexican Wines w/ Nossa Imports https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-85 Wines & Regions Mentioned: MuscadetMelonSur lieSevre et MaineLambruscoRiunite LambruscoLini 910 Lambrusco Chenin BlancVouvray SaumurCoteaux du LayonCrémant de LimouxDry RieslingGermany “Trocken”MoselRheingauPfalzFrappatoAustria RedsZweigeltBlaufrankischGoes by many names in other countries:Germany: LembergerHungary: KekfrankosSlovenia: Modra FrankinjaRomania: GaméCroatia: FrankovkaItaly: Franconia NeraGreek WinesAssyrtikoMoschofileroAgiorgitikoXinomavroPortugal Vinho VerdeBagaAlentejo 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 Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman

  8. Aug 26

    How to Find Hidden Gem Wines Before Everyone Else w/ Amy Yancey (Part 2)

    Ep 171 Some of the best wines are the ones most people have never heard of.  In part two of this conversation with Certified Sommelier and Pocket Somm founder Amy Yancey, we dig into how she finds thoughtfully made wines that fly under the radar. Amy explains why she prefers the term agrarian over labels like natural, organic, or biodynamic, what she looks for when choosing producers, and the clues that can lead you toward hidden gem wines you might otherwise overlook. We also take a deep dive into grower Champagne, including what makes it different from the big Champagne houses, why Champagne costs so much, and why Meunier deserves more attention. Amy shares how importers can help you discover great bottles, how she finds under-the-radar wines that overdeliver for the price, and how she introduces wine drinkers to grapes, regions, and producers they may have never encountered before. You’ll also hear why expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, how perceived scarcity can drive wine prices, and why exploring beyond familiar grapes and regions can lead to some of the most exciting bottles you’ll drink. Don’t miss part 1 of my episode with Amy Yancey: What Happens When a Sommelier Loses Her Sight? Connect with Amy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pocketsommgvl/ Website: https://www.pocketsommgvl.com/ Use code CORKFIZZ for $15 off your first order when you sign up for the subscription wine club! https://shop-pocket-somm.myshopify.com/ Episode Highlights: Agrarian vs. natural, organic, and biodynamic wineHow to find hidden gem winesWhat makes grower Champagne differentWhy Champagne is so expensiveLesser-known grapes of ChampagneUsing wine importers to discover new bottlesWhy Meunier Champagne is worth seeking outWhen expensive wine isn't worth the price 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 Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman

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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

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