Crush Course Sarah Brown

This one is going to be a bit different from other episodes.  A little bit more of a heart to heart. In this week's podcast, I am sharing with you the personal work experiences of not only myself but other wine folks, and talk about why burnout is such a prevalent issue in the wine industry.

Long hours?  Check.  Pressure to improve but not enough resources?  Check.  Toxic workplace?  Unfortunately, also a check.  There's a lot that we have to battle in chasing our passions, and for some, it can be too much.  But I believe that by starting the conversation, we can find support and solutions.  

I have alluded to a cow horn more than once in previous episodes, so I thought it was high time we tackled Biodynamic farming.  It has many of the same rules as Organic farming- no toxins, chemicals, or harm done to the environment-but has some witchier elements that have captivated some grape growers and confounded others.  So what does it mean when some is biodynamically farmed? And does it make for better wine?  All this, plus, a somewhat shocking wine of the week.   

The temperatures are rising and the mustard is blooming, which can only mean one thing.  Tourist season is here.  The local economy depends on folks coming to visit and try our wines, so we are happy to have you here.  But, there are a few things you need to know before you book your next trip.  Learn how to plan, where to go, and proper tipping etiquette.  And, our first wine of the week for 2022!

This week, we are breaking out our debate skills from AP Environmental Science to discuss the newest trend in wine: Clean Wines.  These wines evoke the idea that they are made better and are better for you.  But does the term hold any weight?  And what does a wine have to do- if anything- to be labeled as clean?  

Happy New Year!  It's the time of year where the world makes promises to better themselves, and for some, that means reducing their alcohol intake.  We are in something of a beverage revolution, and more people than ever are looking for low and no alcohol options, including wine.  Learn the difference between low and no alcohol wine, how they are made, and how it can change the wine's character- oftentimes not for the better.  Plus, I share the results of my own non-alcoholic experiment.  Let's just say I'll be sticking with other non alcoholic beverages for the remainder of Dry January.
Next week: Clean wines!  So what do you think: legit or just another buzz word?  

It's the holiday season! And, the last episode of Crush Course for the year!  I will be taking a two week break to celebrate the holiday and spend time with family and friends.  I guess you could think of it as the end of the Semester.  To make up for my anticipated absence, I thought we could do a two-for-one episode.
This week, we will be talking about Ice Wine and Mulled wine.  Sort of polar opposites of the wine spectrum, but both delicious and both made in the cold of winter.  What does it take to make an ice wine?  What do Charles Dickens and Sweden have in common?  Check out our final episode for 2021 to find out.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year,
xo Crush Course