ASI: A Sommelier's Insight

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Welcome to "A Sommelier's Insight," the podcast that decants the world of wine, service and other beverages, brought to you by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, in partnership with ASI Magazine. Here, we uncork the secrets of the trade, offering a rare blend of stories, expertise, and passion directly from the lips of the world's leading sommeliers and distinguished guests. Each episode we provide listeners with insider knowledge on hospitality and sommellerie.Join us as we traverse vineyards, explore the bustling backrooms of the world's finest restaurants, and dive into the cellars where history is bottled. "A Sommelier's Insight" is not just about the wine; it's about the stories behind the label, the evolution of taste, and the art and science of hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious enthusiast, this podcast will enrich your understanding and spark your passion for the world of wine and beyond. Let's raise our glasses to the journey ahead. Welcome to "A Sommelier's Insight". hosted by ASI Magazine Editor, Mark DeWolf.

  1. Discussing the Future of Vinho Verde with Dirceu Vianna Junior, Master of Wine

    11/24/2025

    Discussing the Future of Vinho Verde with Dirceu Vianna Junior, Master of Wine

    In this episode of A Sommelier’s Insight, where we explore the ideas, regions, and personalities shaping today’s global wine conversation, ASI Magazine Editor and A Sommelier's Insight host Mark DeWolf sits down with an influential voice in modern wine education: Dirceu Vianna Junior MW. Dirceu is the first Brazilian Master of Wine, a respected educator, author, international judge, and consultant whose career has spanned more than three decades across continents. Based in London, Dirceu brings a uniquely global perspective to the evolving landscape of Portuguese wine. In this episode we turn our attention to Vinho Verde a region long associated with light, spritzy whites, but now increasingly recognised for its depth, diversity, and terroir-driven precision. Through a thought-provoking and wide-ranging conversation, Mark and Dirceu explore the region’s identity, the rise of single-varietal wines, the push for sub-regional clarity, its value perception, ageing potential, and where Vinho Verde sits on the world stage of benchmark white wines.Whether you’re a sommelier, a student of wine, or simply a curious listener, this discussion offers an insider’s look at the opportunities and challenges shaping Vinho Verde’s next decade.

    38 min
  2. The ASI Gold Standard with Léonard Lievin

    10/22/2025

    The ASI Gold Standard with Léonard Lievin

    In the world of wine, education is often the unseen thread that weaves a sommelier’s career together. For Léonard Lievin, that thread runs deep and wide, spanning continents, languages, and multiple certification bodies. From the vineyards of Alsace to the fine dining rooms of Montréal and London, Lievin’s journey is one marked not only by constant self-improvement but by a quietly relentless passion for the craft. Most recently, Léonard achieved ASI Diploma Gold status, recognizing him amongst a select group of sommeliers who have achieved this designation. In this episode of A Sommelier's Insight host Mark DeWolf asks Léonard about his educational and professional journey in the world of sommellerie.

    38 min
  3. In Pursuit of Knowledge with Cokie Ponikvar

    10/22/2025

    In Pursuit of Knowledge with Cokie Ponikvar

    At just 24, Ontario-based Cokie Ponikvar, a former floor sommelier at the Four Seasons in Toronto, is currently pursuing both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier designation. Along the way she has built a vast global audience with Cokie’s World of Wine which has close to a half million followers, earned the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communications award, and become a standard bearer for joyful, rigorous wine education. In this conversation, Cokie shares what drives her study habit, why excitement is not the enemy of professionalism, and how to make learning feel like discovery. When asked about the moment wine, sommellerie became a career aspiration she says, “I was super academic growing up,” she begins, laughing at the memory of a teenager who did extra reading for fun. “I did not think I would end up in hospitality. What drew me to wine was the academic side of it, and honestly that is still what keeps me engaged now.” Discover in this interview with ASI Magazine editor and A Sommelier's Insight podcast host Mark DeWolf what drives Cokie to constantly push herself to be better and achieve more in the field of wine and hospitality.

    38 min
  4. Returning Home to Portugal with Marc Pinto

    08/20/2025

    Returning Home to Portugal with Marc Pinto

    In this episode of A Sommelier’s Insight, we welcome Marc Pinto, one of Portugal’s most accomplished sommeliers, to share the story of his remarkable journey. After years of honing his craft across international stages, from Michelin-starred dining rooms to prestigious competitions, Marc has returned home to Portugal. His decision to come back is not just about geography—it’s about reconnecting with the country’s rich viticultural heritage, rediscovering the depth of its indigenous grapes, and contributing to the evolving identity of Portuguese wine on the global stage. Join us as Marc reflects on what he learned abroad, how those experiences shape his perspective today, and why Portugal remains not only a place of origin but also of innovation and inspiration.

    1h 9m
  5. Portugal's A Taste of Place with Frederico Falcão

    08/20/2025

    Portugal's A Taste of Place with Frederico Falcão

    A Taste of Place has long been at the heart of wine’s most compelling stories. In this issue of ASI Magazine we turn our attention to Portugal, a country whose rich mosaic of indigenous varietals and diverse terroirs continues to captivate sommeliers and wine lovers worldwide. From the granite soils of Vinho Verde to the sun-drenched plains of Alentejo and the windswept islands of the Azores and Madeira, Portugal’s vineyards are a living expression of history, climate, and culture. We are honoured to share with your our interview between ASI Magazine editor Mark DeWolf and Frederico Falcão, President of the Board of ViniPortugal. In this insightful interview Falcão offers his thoughts on how the nation is embracing both tradition and innovation to showcase its unique wines on the global stage.

    28 min
  6. Rising Above Circumstance with the Grape Goddess, Catherine Fallis

    08/20/2025

    Rising Above Circumstance with the Grape Goddess, Catherine Fallis

    In Issue 19 of ASI Magazine, our feature Breaking the Barrier edition we explored the challenges and triumphs of sommeliers working to overcome gender inequality, race and other circumstances to find their voice on the global stage. Among those stories, one person stood out both her candour and her conviction: Catherine Fallis MS, the “Grape Goddess,” who shared her inspiring journey in Rising Above Circumstance. We are thrilled to share that conversation on A Sommelier’s Insight. Catherine is not only a Master Sommelier, but also a pioneer, author, educator, and advocate who has spent her career proving that excellence is born not from privilege, but from resilience and passion. Her story resonated deeply with our theme of breaking barriers, as she rose above challenging circumstances to carve a place at the highest levels of the wine world. In this episode, Catherine shares her perspective on the evolving role of the sommelier, the lessons she’s learned about perseverance, and why authenticity remains her guiding principle in wine and in life. Whether you know her as the “Grape Goddess” or as one of the profession’s most respected educators, Catherine brings warmth, wisdom, and a refreshing honesty to the conversation. Join us as we revisit and expand upon her article, exploring how her insights continue to inspire a new generation of sommeliers to rise above circumstance, and to find strength in both their struggles and their successes.

    37 min
  7. The Evolving ASI Grid: Integrating Sake and Beer with Sören Polonius

    05/19/2025

    The Evolving ASI Grid: Integrating Sake and Beer with Sören Polonius

    In this episode A Sommelier’s Insight, the official podcast of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, produced in collaboration with ASI Magazine, host Mark DeWolf is joined by Sören Polonius, a leader of sommelier training in his home country of Sweden and around the world. They  dive into an exciting evolution in the ASI Guidelines: the official inclusion of sake and beer. Traditionally centered around wine, the ASI Guidelines have served as a benchmark for excellence in beverage knowledge and service, but with the growing global relevance of sake and the renewed prestige of craft and traditional beers, the time has come to broaden the scope. Sören shares the motivation, philosophy, and practical considerations behind this expansion—what it means for sommeliers in training and for those already working in the field.

    27 min
  8. Interview with a Champion: Joris Garcia, ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025

    04/11/2025

    Interview with a Champion: Joris Garcia, ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025

    In this edition of A Sommelier's Insight, ASI Magazine Edit Mark DeWolf chats about what it takes to become a champion with Joris Garcia. Joris recently won the title of ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025 at a contest in Sonoma, California. The contest was a spirited duel with Garcia, the reigning Best Sommelier of Canada, narrowly edging out his US competitor. Listen to this episode to learn more about Garica's path to success.

    27 min
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About

Welcome to "A Sommelier's Insight," the podcast that decants the world of wine, service and other beverages, brought to you by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, in partnership with ASI Magazine. Here, we uncork the secrets of the trade, offering a rare blend of stories, expertise, and passion directly from the lips of the world's leading sommeliers and distinguished guests. Each episode we provide listeners with insider knowledge on hospitality and sommellerie.Join us as we traverse vineyards, explore the bustling backrooms of the world's finest restaurants, and dive into the cellars where history is bottled. "A Sommelier's Insight" is not just about the wine; it's about the stories behind the label, the evolution of taste, and the art and science of hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious enthusiast, this podcast will enrich your understanding and spark your passion for the world of wine and beyond. Let's raise our glasses to the journey ahead. Welcome to "A Sommelier's Insight". hosted by ASI Magazine Editor, Mark DeWolf.

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