How is wine culture changing, and what still holds true? Eric Asimov, the long-standing chief wine critic for The New York Times, joins us for a candid conversation to answer these questions. With his signature clarity and cultural insight, Eric brings a rare, unpretentious perspective to the complexities of wine criticism, the industry’s growing pains, and the surprising role of wellness and celebrity in shaping what ends up in our glasses. We explore the quiet transformation happening in California wine, the tension between wine as a personal experience and a consumer product, and why wine education needs to feel more like an invitation than an exam. Eric unpacks the way media, tech, and generational values are shifting the center of gravity in wine, not always for better, but not always for worse either. His reflections are rooted in decades of experience, yet they remain open, questioning, and refreshingly grounded. This isn’t about scores or hype. It’s about culture, connection, and the enduring pleasure of a shared bottle. #EricAsimov #WineCentricShow #WineCulture #WineCriticism #CaliforniaWine #MindfulDrinking #WineAndWellness #WineEducation #WineMedia #WineCommunity 📍 What You’ll Learn: Eric Asimov sees himself as an observer of the wine industry, not a part of it.Wine criticism can influence sales but is not driven by financial gain.The wine industry is a complex network of small businesses.California wines are evolving towards more diverse styles.Technology has democratized wine discussions and education.Celebrity endorsements can spark interest in wine among new audiences.Wine should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced lifestyle.Cultural events can enhance the wine experience beyond just tasting.Wine education should be accessible and engaging, not elitist.Personal connections and shared experiences are at the heart of wine enjoyment.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Eric Asimov and His Role in Wine Criticism02:39 The Distinction Between Wine Critic and Industry05:04 Criticism and Confrontation in Wine Writing07:46 The Evolution of Wine Styles and Criticism10:29 Influential Voices in Wine Criticism12:47 California Wine: A Shift in Focus15:24 The Impact of the Internet on Wine Culture18:12 The Power of Wine Criticism and Its Effects20:27 Allocation and Accessibility in the Wine Market29:08 The Economics of Wine Allocation31:27 Martial Arts and Wine: A Unique Comparison34:49 Athletes and Celebrity Wines38:27 The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Wine42:13 Wine, Hip Hop, and Cultural Crossover48:37 The Emotional Connection of Wine Experiences 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners: ▪️Fearrington House: https://fearrington.com/ ▪️Heather Donovan Real Estate: https://heatherdhomes.com/ Backend Tags: Eric Asimov, wine podcast, wine culture, wine criticism, California wine, celebrity wine brands, wine education, wine and wellness, mindful drinking, wine industry, sommelier podcast, wine journalism, The New York Times wine, wine lifestyle, wine commentary, wine trends, wine media, wine storytelling, modern wine culture, wine influencers
