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

Hailey Bohlman | Wine Educator
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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. 3 DAYS AGO

    Sekt: Germany’s Sparkling Wine You Need to Know w/ Lisa Tupetz (Part 2)

    Ep 123 Did you know Germany made top of the line Sparkling wine? In this episode, I’m diving back in with importer and winemaker Lisa Tupetz to explore the side of German wine most people never hear about. We’re talking about Sekt, Germany’s sparkling wine, and how to tell if you’ve grabbed the real deal made in the traditional Champagne method. You’ll also hear about Elbling, an ancient grape variety that nearly disappeared, and why it should be on your radar the next time you’re wine shopping. Lisa shares her top bottle picks if you’re curious to try German wines for yourself, plus the story of how she managed to get her wines on the prestigious French Laundry list (spoiler: it’s pretty incredible). She also shares the story of a non-alcoholic sparkling wine that won over sommeliers at The French Laundry, showing just how innovative German winemaking can be. We’ll also chat about her wine club and a brand-new importer collective that’s helping small producers reach more drinkers here in the U.S. So if you’ve ever wondered how to branch out from Riesling or want to discover wines you won’t find at your local shop, this episode is full of ideas to get you started. And if you are ready to try some wines from Tupetz Wine Collection you can do so here and save 15% with the code CORKFIZZ15. Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.) This is part 2 of my conversation with Lisa so if you missed part one be sure to go back and listen in! Resources: Klassische Flaschengärung is the term that Lisa said meant “bottle fermented” Connect with Lisa Website - www.tupetzwine.com  Instagram - @tupetzwine Episode Highlights: What makes German sparkling wine (Sekt) unique and how to identify quality bottles. Elbling: the ancient grape making a modern comeback. Three recommended bottles to try if you’re new to German imports. Behind the scenes of Lisa’s wine club How these wines ended up on the French Laundry’s prestigious list.The surprising story of a non-alcoholic sparkling wine that won over sommeliers at The French LaundrWhat did you think of the episode? Text me! Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass 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

    35 min

  2. 17 SEPT

    Why German Wine Goes Beyond Sweet Riesling w/ Lisa Tupetz (Part 1)

    Ep 122 What if everything you thought about German wine was only half the story? Today I am joined by Lisa Tupetz who is sharing her journey to becoming a winemaker and importer who turned a chance trip to New Zealand into a lifelong passion for wine. From vineyard work to building her own import company, she shares how curiosity, setbacks, and perseverance shaped her career. We dive into what it really takes to bring wine from Germany to your glass in the U.S.- from regulations and shipping hurdles to tariffs and labeling laws. You’ll also learn why not all German wines are sweet Rieslings and how the country produces everything from world-class Pinot Noir to sparkling wines made in the traditional Champagne method. Our conversation also dives into sustainability, the truth behind “organic” and “natural” wine labels, and why asking the right questions about what’s in your glass matters. Lisa Tupetz is a winemaker, distributor, and the founder of Tupetz Wine Connection. Raised in Germany and educated in Enology and Viticulture at the Geisenheim University, Lisa moved to San Luis Obispo, CA in 2018 to make wine. After suffering a work injury in 2020 which made her take a break from winemaking, Lisa craved the taste of home. At the same time, the future of wine distribution within Germany, which relies on outdoor festivals and big social gatherings, was quite uncertain due to Covid. Through mutual necessity, years of friendship, and dedication, TWC was born. You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes journey of German wine, from family vineyards to your table, and why it’s more complex (and fascinating) than you may think. And if you are ready to try some wines from Tupetz Wine Collection you can do so here and save 15% with the code CORKFIZZ15. Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.) Connect with Lisa Website - www.tupetzwine.com  Instagram - @tupetzwine Episode Highlights: How a trip to New Zealand led to an unexpected career in wineWhat it’s like to start a German wine import company in CaliforniaThe complex process of importing wine to the U.S.Why German wine is far more than just sweet RieslingSustainability, What did you think of the episode? Text me! Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass 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

    37 min

  3. 10 SEPT

    How the Heck is Wine Actually Made?

    Ep 121 What if the magic in your glass could be traced step by step from vineyard to bottle? In this episode, I’m giving you a beginner-friendly journey through the winemaking process. From planting the vines to harvesting grapes, you’ll learn the essential factors that shape wine long before it reaches your glass. You’ll also hear how grapevines grow and ripen each season from bud break to flowering to véraison before they’re finally ready for harvest. Once the grapes are picked we’ll move into the winery, breaking down the steps of sorting, crushing, pressing, and fermentation. Along the way, you’ll learn the meaning behind common wine terms like “must,” “maceration,” and “lees,” explained in plain English so you feel more confident next time you hear them at a tasting. We’ll also explore the differences between red, white, rosé, orange, and sparkling wines, plus how fermentation vessels like stainless steel, oak, and even clay amphora impact flavor and texture. And since the wine bottle also makes a difference, you’ll learn about the role of aging, bottling choices (including corks vs. screw caps), and how those final decisions influence the wine in your glass. So, whether you’re new to wine or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode will give you a clear, approachable overview of how grapes transform into the wines you love! Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.) Resources: All about Sparkling Wine - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-44 What is an Orange Wine - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-18 Episode Highlights: Going back to basics: How is wine actually madeThe vineyard decisions that shape grape quality: climate, soil, and grape varietyKey stages in the grape growing cycle: bud break, flowering, véraison, harvestSorting, crushing, and pressing: what really happens to the grapesFermentation made simple with a fun Pac-Man analogyThe difference between natural and cultured yeastsWinemaking jargon decoded: must, maceration, lees, malolactic fermentationStyle breakdWhat did you think of the episode? Text me! Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass 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

    27 min

  4. 3 SEPT

    Why Hybrid Grapes Matter More Than Ever

    Ep 120 What comes to mind when you hear the word “hybrid”? Probably a car you can plug in and not a grape growing on the vine! But in the world of wine, hybrid grapes are sparking some of the most important conversations about sustainability, climate change, and the future of winemaking. In this episode, I’m diving into what hybrid grapes actually are, how they’re different from crosses, mutations, and clones, and why they’re gaining more attention than ever before. From their fascinating history in early American vineyards to their controversial banning in France, hybrids have a story that’s as complex as the wines they produce. You’ll learn the benefits of hybrid grapes such as their natural disease resistance, ability to thrive in tough climates, and role in reducing chemical sprays alongside the challenges, including lingering market stigma and misconceptions about their flavor.  We’ll also look at where these grapes are grown today, from the cold Midwest and Canada to Northern Europe and even Champagne, and why winemakers are experimenting with them in response to shifting climates and consumer curiosity. Finally, I’ll share examples of hybrid grapes you can actually find and taste such as Vidal Blanc, Marquette, Norton, and Baco Noir, along with what makes them unique in the glass.  So, if you’ve ever wondered what the future of wine might look like, this episode will show you why hybrid grapes could be leading the way. Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.) Resources: Embracing hybrid grapes and creating unique wine with Wisconsin winemaker Erin Rasmussen - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-10 Episode Highlights: What hybrid grapes are (and how they differ from crosses, mutations, and clones)The history of hybrid grapes in the U.S. and EuropeBenefits of hybrids: disease resistance, climate adaptability, sustainabilityDownsides: market stigma, lower tannins, historical bansWhere hybrids are grown today, from North America to Northern Europe and BrazilHow climate change and consumer demand are fueling interest in hybrid grapesExamples of notable hybrids: Vidal Blanc, SeynWhat did you think of the episode? Text me! Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass 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

    25 min

  5. 27 AUG

    Mr. Cork & Fizz Interviews Me on Wine, Life & Business (& a surprise announcement!)

    Ep 119 What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? For this milestone episode, things look a little different and a lot more personal! In celebration of turning 30, I’m sitting on the other side of the mic while my husband (aka “Mr. Cork & Fizz”) takes over the questions. From how this wine journey began to the lessons I’ve learned running a business, you’ll hear personal stories and reflections I’ve never talked about on the podcast. You’ll hear how Cork & Fizz was born out of a casual wine club, the challenges of building a business without a formal background, and the pivots along the way that shaped it into what it is today. We also dig into how to host your own wine nights, from picking themes and setting the vibe to keeping guests engaged without overcomplicating the experience. We also talk about podcasting, the behind-the-scenes planning that keeps weekly episodes flowing, and what it’s really like to show up consistently as a creator. Plus, I open up about big life updates, including a surprise announcement which ties into how I’m navigating tastings without drinking, and my hopes for balancing business and motherhood. So, if you’re curious how a casual wine night with friends turned into a thriving wine education business and a hit podcast, this episode is full of stories and tips you won’t want to miss! Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.) Episode Highlights: The story of how Cork & Fizz began during a rainy cabin weekend Tips for turning friends into wine drinkers (without pressure) Essential skills for starting a wine-related business The journey of launching and sustaining a podcast Hosting your own wine nights: themes, notes, and tips Thoughts on pregnancy, wine, and planning for maternity leave Dream wine regions still on the bucket list Which wine I would pick if I was on a deserted island What did you think of the episode? Text me! Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass 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

    40 min

  6. 20 AUG

    How this Wine Cuts Emission in Half w/ Currently Wine Co. (Part 2)

    Ep 118 What if the biggest barrier to wine sustainability isn’t the farming, but the bottle itself? In part 2 of my conversation with Daniel Rodriguez, CEO of Currently Wine Co., we dive deep into how wine packaging, labeling, and consumer education all play a role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive wine industry.  We explore Currently’s decision to use aluminum bottles instead of glass, not just for aesthetic appeal, but to drastically reduce the wine’s carbon footprint. Daniel breaks down why weight and distance matter in emissions, and how switching from glass to aluminum can cut the carbon footprint in half. You’ll learn why Currently is proudly certified vegan and how they’re promoting transparency around additives, sugar content and winemaking practices. Daniel also explains why they include calorie and sugar information on their bottles, even though it’s not required, to help consumers feel more informed and empowered. We also dig into the consumer psychology behind wine packaging and labeling, including how words like “dry” are often misunderstood. Daniel explains how they approach wine education without snobbery and how their Sauvignon Blanc was intentionally crafted to be crisp, clean, and grapefruit-free; think more Sancerre than California. Plus, you’ll hear why aluminum bottles are more approachable than cans and how they make the wine more portable and shareable. So, if you are ready to dive into how Currently balances sustainability, quality and approachability all while creating a wine that’s meant to be enjoyed anywhere, from boats to beach to your backyard, then this episode is for you! Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.) As a listener of this podcast, go to https://currentlywine.com/ and you will receive a 20% discount with promo code CorkandFizz20 - discount valid through 9/23/2025. Up to 3 purchases per customer. Connect with Daniel  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drodriguez4/ Episode Highlights: How aluminum bottles cut carbon emissions in halfWhy Currently is certified vegan and what that really meansWhere Currently gets theiWhat did you think of the episode? Text me! Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass 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

    41 min

  7. 13 AUG

    Disrupting the Wine Industry w/ Currently Wine Co. (Part 1)

    Ep 115 What if the wine industry’s biggest problem isn’t quality, but the connection to the wine? Today’s guest, Daniel Rodriguez, saw an opportunity to bring fresh energy and better marketing to wine. With a deep passion for wine and a sharp eye on consumer trends, he's building a brand that meets today’s drinkers where they are. Daniel, the owner and CEO of Currently Wine Co., plans to use his skills in building tech brands to bring a disruptive wine brand into a slow moving industry, ripe for change. Over the previous 11 years, he has led the marketing function for 3 startup B2B tech companies. In 2021, he co-authored "Experience is Everything," a book about the future of customer service in an increasingly digital world. In this episode, you’ll hear how one bottle of Argentinian Malbec opened the door to Daniel’s wine obsession, and why he believes wine brands are failing to connect with modern consumers. We explore what younger wine drinkers really care about, why Sauvignon Blanc is Currently’s first release, and how branding and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Daniel also breaks down the marketing mistake many wine brands make: selling to themselves, not their customers. He shares what makes lifestyle wine buyers different from collectors and why understanding that difference is key to standing out in a crowded market. Plus, Daniel shares why he believes the wine industry is missing a massive opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint and how packaging plays a key role in that shift. So, if you’re curious about how someone outside the traditional wine world is rewriting the playbook, this episode will give you a whole new perspective on what’s possible and what’s needed to move the industry forward! Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.) As a listener of this podcast go to https://currentlywine.com/ and you will receive a 20% discount with promo code CorkandFizz20 - discount valid through 9/23/2025 and up to 3 purchases per customer. This is part 1 of my interview with Daniel so don’t miss part 2 next week! Connect with Daniel  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drodriguez4/ Episode Highlights: Why most wine brands are marketing to the wrong audienceThree types of wine consumers What did you think of the episode? Text me! Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass 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

  8. 6 AUG

    Types of Wine Grapes: Syrah and Shiraz

    Ep 116 Is Syrah the same as Shiraz? In today's episode you are getting a sneak peak inside one of my Cork Crew virtual tastings where we compare Syrah and Shiraz, two names for the same grape, grown in very different parts of the world. This exclusive replay offers a deep dive into the differences between Old World Syrah from France’s Northern Rhône and New World Shiraz from Australia, showing how climate, winemaking style, and even culture influence the final flavor in your glass. You’ll learn why Syrah is often described as bold, meaty, and peppery, and how it became a favorite among both sommeliers and casual wine drinkers. We cover the grape’s origins, its parentage, and how vineyard elevation and skin contact during fermentation shape its intensity. You’ll also get a breakdown of key Northern Rhône appellations like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, including how the area's terrain and traditions bring out different sides of Syrah. Then we dive into Australia to uncover what makes Shiraz so distinct. From century-old vines in Barossa to cooler coastal climates in McLaren Vale and Hunter Valley, discover how Australian winemakers blend innovation with tradition and why “Shiraz” might just be their playful spin on a grape they’ve made entirely their own. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to spot the difference between Syrah and Shiraz when shopping the wine aisle, this episode will help you know exactly what to look for! Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.) Episode Highlights: Syrah vs Shiraz - Are they the same? Where Syrah originated and why it's so widely planted today Old World vs. New World wine characteristics and how they show up in Syrah Key differences between Rhône Syrah and Australian Shiraz Notable wine regions: Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley How extended skin contact and vineyard elevation affect Syrah’s bold flavors Why “Old Vine” labeling in Australia can be misleading and how Barossa’s Vine Charter helps clarify it What did you think of the episode? Text me! Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass 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

    39 min
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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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