Wine for Normal People
581 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 1.3K ratingsA podcast for people who like wine but not the snobbery that goes with it. We talk about wine in a fun, straightforward, normal way to get you excited about it and help you drink better, more interesting stuff. The Wine For Normal People book is available on Amazon! Back catalog available via Patreon membership: www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople Get the back catalog on Patreon!
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Episodes
Ep 018 The Grape Mini Series: Merlot
June 13, 2011 16:43 - 33 minutes - 19.4 MBShow notes:*** Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, iTunes, and commenters on email and on the blog Merlot (yes, the “t” is silent) Merlot: The Goldilocks wine — medium and great because of it! Descriptions of different styles of Merlot and why some of it is kind of bad and some is outstanding Merlot’s relationship with Cabernet Sauvignon A bit of background on this lovely grape — where it came from Growing regions and styles: France (Bordeaux), Italy, the Baltic states, New Zealand, A...
Episode 017 The Grape Mini-Series: Sauvignon Blanc
June 04, 2011 01:04 - 31 minutes - 18.3 MBIn homage to the great TV trend of the 1980s, we begin a mini-series on the big grapes from around the world. We’re moving beyond Grape of the Week to go in depth on the wine major league that you ask the most questions about. This week’s episode is on Sauvignon Blanc, just in time for the warm summer weather!! Show Notes: Main Topic -Sauvignon Blanc The Sauvignon Blanc grape, its origins, flavor profile, and why methoxypyrazines and cat pee aren’t such bad things in this grape. We then dril...
Episode 017 The Grape Mini-Series Installment 1: Sauvignon Blanc
June 04, 2011 01:04 - 31 minutes - 18.3 MBIn homage to the great TV trend of the 1980s, we begin a mini-series on the big grapes from around the world. We’re moving beyond Grape of the Week to go in depth on the wine major league that you ask the most questions about. This week’s episode is on Sauvignon Blanc, just in time for the warm summer weather!! Show Notes: Main Topic -Sauvignon Blanc The Sauvignon Blanc grape, its origins, flavor profile, and why methoxypyrazines and cat pee aren’t such bad things in this grape. We then dril...
Episode 16: The Wine Industry — The True Hollywood Story
May 12, 2011 04:59 - 35 minutes - 20.1 MBAnother great podcast with Elizabeth and guest host M.C. Ice (thanks again for co-hosting!) Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, and commenters the blog Main topic: Inside the Wine Industry · How does the wine industry work? – Regulation, the three tier system, and how it functions A few ways you can get into the industry if you want to pursue it as a career The real scoop — Elizabeth’s opinions on how it’s far from glitz and glamour. Elizabeth and M.C. Ice share some personal experien...
Episode 016: The Wine Industry — The True Hollywood Story
May 12, 2011 04:59 - 35 minutes - 20.1 MBAnother great podcast with Elizabeth and guest host M.C. Ice! Shoutouts to friends on Twitter, Facebook, and commenters the blog Main topic: Inside the Wine Industry How does the wine industry work? Regulation, the three tier system, and how it functions A few ways you can get into the industry if you want to pursue it as a career The real scoop — Elizabeth’s opinions on how it’s far from glitz and glamour. Elizabeth and M.C. Ice share some personal experiences and tell it how it...
Episode 015 Wine Shopping 101 — How to break down a wine store
April 28, 2011 03:52 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBRick takes a week off, so Elizabeth and special guest M.C. Ice discuss how to shop for wine so you walk out of the store with what you need and want. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some great Twitter replies and Facebook posts Main Topic M.C. Ice confronts his fear of the Wall of Wine (WoW) and admits that he shops by label This time it’s personal: Elizabeth takes the bull by the horns and tries to teach M.C. Ice how to break down the store so he starts bringing home some better wines! Elizabeth a...
Ep 014 Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines - Do you care?
April 15, 2011 13:00 - 35 minutes - 20.3 MBYou may have seen the terms “organic”, “biodynamic”, or “sustainable” on the wine label, and wondered what they actually mean. Elizabeth and Rick define these terms and explain the differences, and also call out some winemakers. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some great Twitter replies, comments on the blog, iTunes reviews, and Facebook posts Main Topic - Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines Sustainable - Not certified… but maybe it should be Organic - A certification for certain winegrowing...
Ep 014: Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines - Do you care?
April 15, 2011 13:00 - 35 minutes - 20.3 MBYou may have seen the terms “organic”, “biodynamic”, or “sustainable” on the wine label, and wondered what they actually mean. Elizabeth and Rick define these terms and explain the differences, and also call out some winemakers. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some great Twitter replies, comments on the blog, iTunes reviews, and Facebook posts Main Topic - Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines Sustainable - Not certified… but maybe it should be Organic - A certification for certain w...
Ep 013 Food and Wine Pairing - The Great Controversy
April 01, 2011 13:00 - 40 minutes - 23.3 MBThe mystical subject of food and wine pairing… Is it an art form? Is it chemistry? Is it all nonsense? Elizabeth and Rick answer these questions, spark some controversy, and provide some guidance to help make sure your next meal and wine selection are perfect. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some really funny Twitter replies, comments on the blog, and Facebook posts Main Topic - Food and Wine Pairing The great controversy - should we drink what we like? Elizabeth’s metaphor for food and wine matchi...
Ep 012: Wine Etiquette - What NOT To Do at a Wine Tasting
March 25, 2011 13:00 - 40 minutes - 23.1 MBBuilding on last week's episode of "How to Speak to a Sommelier," we get into it on wine etiquette basics. Believe it or not, there are some unwritten rules about tasting wine in a formal setting. Whether you’re at a winery, wine bar, or a fancy dinner, Elizabeth and Rick help by explaining ‘wine etiquette’. Thanks to Matt M. and Brandy for leaving comments on the blog and giving us the idea for this show topic! We love when you suggest stuff for us to talk about! Shout-outs - Awesome...
Ep 012 Wine Etiquette - What NOT To Do at a Wine Tasting
March 25, 2011 13:00 - 40 minutes - 23.1 MBBelieve it or not, there are some unwritten rules about tasting wine in a formal setting. Whether you’re at a winery, wine bar, or a fancy dinner, Elizabeth and Rick help by explaining ‘wine etiquette’. Show Notes: Thanks to Matt and Brandy for leaving comments on the blog and giving us the idea for this show topic Huge props to Steve Paulo at Notes from the Cellar - an awesome wine blog that previously covered 8 Rules for Visiting Tasting Rooms (it’s a great read!!) Shout-outs - Awesome re...
Ep 011 How to Speak to a Sommelier
March 18, 2011 13:00 - 36 minutes - 20.6 MBCredit: Flickr In addition to going over the correct pronunciation of sum-muhl-YAY (and sharing a few fun mispronunciations), Elizabeth and Rick provide some tips to help you have a productive conversation with the sommelier at a restaurant. We hope to make your wine ordering experience much more enjoyable and less intimidating. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some awesome comments posted on the blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and also iTunes News - We’re number one! We’re number one! The U.S. ramps...
Ep 010: What is Terroir? Part 2: Aspects of terroir and why they matter
March 11, 2011 13:00 - 30 minutes - 17.6 MBBack for part two on the topic of terroir (teh-RWAH), but this time Elizabeth and Rick talk about the different aspects of terroir and why they make a difference in wines produced from different regions. Show Notes: Thank you’s - Please keep posting your comments on the Facebook page Main Topic - Aspects of terroir: Location Climate Weather Soil …and other nuances Grape of the Week - Cabernet Sauvignon (again, but this time influenced by the terroir of Bordeaux) Next Week...
Ep 010 What is Terroir? Part 2: Aspects of terroir and why they matter
March 11, 2011 13:00 - 30 minutes - 17.6 MBBack for part two on the topic of terroir (teh-RWAH), but this time Elizabeth and Rick talk about the different aspects of terroir and why they make a difference in wines produced from different regions. Show Notes: Thank you’s - Please keep posting your comments on the Facebook page Main Topic - Aspects of terroir: Location Climate Weather Soil …and other nuances Grape of the Week - Cabernet Sauvignon (again, but this time influenced by the terroir of Bordeaux) Next Week -How to talk to a s...
Ep 009: What is Terroir? Part 1: It’s not just a fancy French wine term
March 04, 2011 13:00 - 37 minutes - 21.7 MBTerroir (teh-RWAH) - It’s a HUGE topic in the wine world, and not without controversy. In this first segment, Elizabeth and Rick define terroir and its effect on wine. Show Notes: Shout-outs - More awesome feedback from our friends on Facebook, the blog, and on iTunes! Wine News - We skipped this week’s news to make room for the big main topic… Main Topic - What is Terroir? - A loaded question How to pronounce it correctly What does it mean (translation)? Its effect on wine (...
Ep 009 What is Terroir? Part 1: It’s not just a fancy French wine term
March 04, 2011 13:00 - 37 minutes - 21.7 MBTerroir (teh-RWAH) - It’s a HUGE topic in the wine world, and not without controversy. In this first segment, Elizabeth and Rick define terroir and its effect on wine. Show Notes: Shout-outs - More awesome feedback from our friends on Facebook, the blog, and on iTunes! Wine News - We skipped this week’s news to make room for the big main topic… Main Topic - What is Terroir? - A loaded question How to pronounce it correctly What does it mean (translation)? Its effect on wine (can you actually...
Ep 008: Wine Gadgets and Glasses - Do they make a difference?
February 25, 2011 13:00 - 37 minutes - 21.5 MBWith no shortage of wine-related gadgets, not to mention all the different shapes and sizes of wine glasses, there can be some confusion as to which products actually make a difference when enjoying wine. Elizabeth and Rick debunk some myths and share their experiences with wine gadgetry. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some excellent emails, blog comments, and posts on the Facebook page Wine News - A headache-free wine?! Could this be true? Main Topic - Gadgets & Glassware (Do they make a d...
Ep 008 Wine Gadgets and Glasses - Do they make a difference?
February 25, 2011 13:00 - 37 minutes - 21.5 MBWith no shortage of wine-related gadgets, not to mention all the different shapes and sizes of wine glasses, there can be some confusion as to which products actually make a difference when enjoying wine. Elizabeth and Rick debunk some myths and share their experiences with wine gadgetry. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some excellent emails, blog comments, and posts on the Facebook page Wine News - A headache-free wine?! Could this be true? Main Topic - Gadgets & Glassware (Do they make a d...
Ep 007 Old World vs New World Wines - What’s the difference?
February 19, 2011 04:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBYou may have heard people reference ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ when talking about wine. In this episode, Elizabeth and Rick define all of the characteristics to help you figure out which of these wine styles you may like. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some excellent comments on the blog, Twitter friends, and Facebook Show Topic Ideas - Make sure to post your ideas to the Facebook page Wine News - Younger wine drinkers (and their tastes) are influencing winemakers Main Topic - Old World...
Ep 007: Old World vs New World Wines - What’s the difference?
February 19, 2011 04:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBYou may have heard people reference ‘Old World’ and ‘New World’ when talking about wine. In this episode, Elizabeth and Rick define all of the characteristics to help you figure out which of these wine styles you may like. Show Notes: Shout-outs - Some excellent comments on the blog, Twitter friends, and Facebook Show Topic Ideas - Make sure to post your ideas to the Facebook page Wine News - Younger wine drinkers (and their tastes) are influencing winemakers Main Topic - Old World...
Episode 006: Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms (Defined)
February 11, 2011 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBConfused by wine terminology? Elizabeth and Rick define some of the most common terms and descriptors thrown around at wine tastings and dinner parties. Show Notes: News - Robert Parker no longer reviewing California wines (and why this matters) Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms & Their Meanings (listen for Elizabeth’s colorful definitions): Dusty Minerality Gamey Tannic Acidic Dry (and the opposite: Sweet) Sweet Finish Bouquet Tight Did we miss any snobby wine terms? Tel...
Episode 006 Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms (Defined)
February 11, 2011 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBConfused by wine terminology? Elizabeth and Rick define some of the most common terms and descriptors thrown around at wine tastings and dinner parties. Show Notes: News - Robert Parker no longer reviewing California wines (and why this matters) Top 10 Snobby Wine Terms & Their Meanings (listen for Elizabeth’s colorful definitions): Dusty Minerality Gamey Tannic Acidic Dry (and the opposite: Sweet) Sweet Finish Bouquet Tight Did we miss any snobby wine terms? Tel...
Episode 005 Aging Wines - How to know when to hold em
February 04, 2011 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBSo, you just bought an incredibly expensive bottle of wine. Do you let it age, or drink it now? Elizabeth and Rick help explain what characteristics allow for a wine to be aged, the ideal storage conditions, and name some wines that will age well. Show Notes: Shout-outs - iTunes reviewers and comments on the blog News - Wine “Flash Sale” sites and which are best Aging wine - Which wines can age, how to age them, and for how long? Should you age wine, or should you drink when you’re th...
Ep 004: Trendy Wines - The Wine Popularity Contest
January 28, 2011 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBJust like fashion, wines can be trendy. Elizabeth and Rick discuss the most popular wines of 2010 and which wine trends will be popular in the coming year. Show Notes: News - Americans are drinking more wine! Consumers - baby boomers and their millennial children Wine trends - which wines are people drinking? Wine pronunciation and ordering from the wine list Most popular wines searches in the Hello Vino app Grape of the Week: Pinot Noir (also known as the “heartbreak grape”) Tr...
Episode 004 Trendy Wines - The Wine Popularity Contest
January 28, 2011 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBJust like fashion, wines can be trendy. Elizabeth and Rick discuss the most popular wines of 2010 and which wine trends will be popular in the coming year. Show Notes: News - Americans are drinking more wine! Consumers - baby boomers and their millennial children Wine trends - which wines are people drinking? Wine pronunciation and ordering from the wine list Most popular wines searches in the Hello Vino app Grape of the Week: Pinot Noir (also known as the “heartbreak grape”) Tr...
Episode 003 Oak and Wine - What’s the big deal?
January 22, 2011 01:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBElizabeth and Rick cover everything you ever wanted to know about oak and its influence on wine, and then some. Plus, we define a few fancy wine terms to throw around at your next dinner party. Show Notes: News - New Zealand sets a lofty goal Shout out to Bosman van der Merwe Oak - The what, why, and how Flavor profiles, aging, and the good vs. bad uses of oak Some fun wine terminology Grape of the Week: Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio Elizabeth’s radical proposition for Pinot Gris Diff...
Ep 003: Oak and Wine - What’s the big deal?
January 22, 2011 01:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBElizabeth and Rick cover everything you ever wanted to know about oak and its influence on wine, and then some. Plus, we define a few fancy wine terms to throw around at your next dinner party. Show Notes: News - New Zealand sets a lofty goal Shout out to Bosman van der Merwe Oak - The what, why, and how Flavor profiles, aging, and the good vs. bad uses of oak Some fun wine terminology Grape of the Week: Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio Elizabeth’s radical proposition for Pinot Gris Diff...
Episode 002 Recommendations - Which is the best wine?
January 15, 2011 00:35 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBA Twitter friend asks for a wine recommendation, Elizabeth and Rick break it down. Show Notes: Which wine is best? - A loaded question News - The iPhone is (finally) coming to Verizon Wine apps that help you pick a wine Wine is subjective - we like different wines for different reasons Breaking down the process - Color, Texture, Flavors, & types of wine Red wine vs. white wine Grape Spotlight: Syrah (or Shiraz, depending on a few things) Sponsored by the free Hello Vino mobile ...
Ep 002: Recommendations - Which is the best wine?
January 15, 2011 00:35 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBThis week's Wine For Normal People podcast is in response to a Tweet received by Hello Vino that asks for a recommendation for a "good red wine that's not too expensive." We break it down for you, here are this week's big topics: Which wine is best? - A loaded question News - The iPhone is (finally) coming to Verizon Wine apps that help you pick a wine Wine is subjective - we like different wines for different reasons Breaking down the process - Color, Texture, Flavors, & types of ...
Ep 001: Wine Varietals vs. Varieties - Which is correct?
January 08, 2011 03:56 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBElizabeth and Rick discuss some confusing wine terminology and set the record straight. Show Notes: A new podcast! What’s it all about? Which term is correct? Varietal or variety (of wine) It’s all about the grapes Naming conventions for wines across the world Difference between New World and Old World wines Blending wines and grape characteristics Making fun of confusing wine pronunciations It’s mer-a-TIJ not mer-a-TAHJ Sponsored by the free Hello Vino mobile app (iPhone...
Episode 001 Wine Varietals vs. Varieties - Which is correct?
January 08, 2011 03:56 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBElizabeth and Rick discuss some confusing wine terminology and set the record straight. Show Notes: A new podcast! What’s it all about? Which term is correct? Varietal or variety (of wine) It’s all about the grapes Naming conventions for wines across the world Difference between New World and Old World wines Blending wines and grape characteristics Making fun of confusing wine pronunciations It’s mer-a-TIJ not mer-a-TAHJ Sponsored by the free Hello Vino mobile app (iPhone...