GuildSomm Podcast

In this month’s tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe talks to Justyna Brewczyk and Michael Markarian about their approaches to blind tasting. Justyna is a Houston-based WSET Diploma graduate and a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She recently won the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge in Miami. Michael is the sommelier and beverage director for the H2 Collective restaurant group in...

In our latest Spanish-language podcast, Elisa Errea speaks with Alberto Gil about all things Rioja. Alberto Gil is a journalist and the coauthor of "Rioja: Vinos Silenciosos." Elisa Errea is a Madrid-based wine educator and consultant. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our community. Cheers!

In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with Alyssa Champagne and MS Jim Bube about their approaches to blind tasting. Alyssa is based in Boston and has worked in various capacities in restaurants and retail over the past decade. Jim is a Chicago-based Master Sommelier. He is the national wine director for the Hogsalt restaurant group as well as a board member and the treasurer of...

In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with MW Nicolas Quillé, co-author with MW David Bird of  Understanding Wine Technology, 4th Edition.  Nicolas was born in Lyon, France, and has worked as a winemaker across the globe. He is currently the chief winemaking and operations officer for the Crimson Wine Group. In this conversation, Chris and Nicholas discuss some of the key technological developme...

In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe interviews Tony Cha, a consultant for Alfred Technologies, about the state of technology in beverage management. Tony, who previously co-founded BinWise, discusses prior technological advancements for beverage management as well as the new tools, including those that harness AI, impacting the industry today. Stay tuned for our second installment on wine technology!...

In this episode, GuildSomm board member Daniela Frison and Argentinean sommelier Paz Levinson return to provide a recap in English of their conversation on our first-ever Spanish-language episode last month. Listen in as Paz shares her blind tasting experiences and insights. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as this helps us connect with and grow our commun...

In this episode, we dive into the complex topic of regenerative agriculture with two experts in the field. First, Jenny Hemmer speaks with Meghan Zobeck, the winemaker at Burgess Cellars in the Napa Valley. Next, MS Chris Tanghe talks to Nate Ready of Hiyu Wine Farm in Hood River, Oregon. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review, as t...

In our first-ever podcast in Spanish, GuildSomm board member Daniela Frison and Argentinean sommelier Paz Levinson discuss all things blind tasting. Dani is the founder of Le Vin Nécessaire, a wine consulting business. Paz is the head executive sommelier for Groupe PIC, which has restaurants in France, Switzerland, and the UK. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a re...

In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with Carlos de Jesus of APCOR, the Portuguese cork association, to discuss the sustainability, new technologies, and future of cork closures. The insights Carlos shares build on our May conversation with Ruinart Chef de Cave Frédéric Panaïotis, who explained how cork closures are being used in Champagne for lees aging today.   Thanks for listening! If you en...

In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe sits down with Ray Sholes of Michael's Genuine in Miami. Ray shares his approach to blind tasting and how he applies it to his buying habits for the restaurant's list. Then, GuildSomm Executive Director Jenny Hemmer speaks with GuildSomm alum Kelli White to hear her perspective on the blind tasting skillset. Kelli is the director of education for Me...

In this episode, GuildSomm Executive Director Jenny Hemmer speaks with Rob McMillan and Philana Bouvier to explore consumer trends in the beverage industry. Rob is the executive vice president and founder of Silicon Valley Bank’s Wine Division, which publishes the annual State of the Wine Industry Report. Philana is a visionary leader and the president of Demeine Estates in Napa Valley. If you enj...

In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe sits down with Mia Van de Water to discuss her approach to blind tasting, why it’s an important skill to hone as a beverage professional, and how she overcame her own "blind" spots. Mia is the head of beverage operations for COTE Korean Steakhouse and became a Master Sommelier in 2018.   Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leav...

In this episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Amanda Barnes about what's new and exciting in Argentine wine. Amanda’s new book, “The South America Wine Guide,” offers a comprehensive look at the wines of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. It explores not only regions and producers but also cuisines and places of interest. The book is available in both print and digit...

In this episode of the Tasting with GuildSomm series, longtime member Ryan Robinson speaks with Emily Nixon about the development of his blind tasting methods, how to find mentors and study groups, and how be became the first Idaho resident to pass the CMS Advanced Exam. Ryan also leads a blind tasting of one wine; can you discern the grape, region, and vintage based on Ryan's description? We hope...

In this episode, Chris Tanghe hosts Ruinart Chef de Cave, Frédéric Panaïotis. They discuss the storied past of the Ruinart estate within the broader context of Champagne's history, as well as how the region continues to develop as its producers look to the future. Frédéric also gives a preview of this year's Ruinart Challenge lecture, centered on the topic of cork.     All active GuildSomm members...

We're adding a regular tasting series to the GuildSomm podcast! In addition to our monthly wine topics, we'll be releasing monthly podcast episodes devoted to theme of tasting. We'll cover a wide spectrum of tasting subjects, including blind tasting study methods, challenging comparatives, full-length tasting sessions with GuildSomm members, and more. To kick off the first episode in this new seri...

In this episode, Chris Tanghe discusses pairing food and wine with Master Sommeliers Andrea Robinson and Max Kast. They cover their basic guidelines for selecting pairings, share some favorite pairings that are consistently successful, and offer advice on pairings to avoid. 

In this episode, we continue our Emerging Wine Regions series and explore several states producing wines off the beaten path in the United States. First, Chris Tanghe interviews Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon about the wines produced across Michigan. Madeline is famously the first American woman to pass the Master Sommelier exam, and has witnessed the Michigan wine industry develop since she be...

In this episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe explores the vast world of rum. First, he interviews Shawn Martin, Distillery Manager of Papa's Pilar Rum in Key West, who discusses the production methods used to make myriad styles of rum. Then, Chris speaks with Ian Burrell, the Global Rum Ambassador, about rum's origins in the Caribbean, how the colonial power of the Royal Navy informs the legacy...

In this episode, we explore two wine regions in the northeastern United States. While Vermont and northern New York State are both located in the extremes of viticultural viability, both regions have emerged as hubs of quality wine production. GuildSomm's Chris Tanghe interviews Master Sommelier David Keck about his winemaking venture in northwestern Vermont and then speaks with Meaghan Frank abou...

In light of Becky Wasserman’s passing last month, we are rereleasing this 2019 conversation Becky had with our staff writer, Bryce Wiatrak. Becky had a profound impact on the careers, palates, and personal lives of wine professionals across the globe. She will be remembered as a champion of the underdog and a pioneer who opened wine industry doors for small producers, for women, and for Burgundy....

In this episode, the GuildSomm team delves into rosé wines and white wines made with skin contact. First, Bryce Wiatrak interviews Master of Wine Elizabeth Gabay about all things rosé. They discuss rosé's varied and often misunderstood production methods, whether a rosé's color connotes quality, and Elizabeth's recommendations for emerging rosé-producing regions. Later, Chris Tanghe interviews Mit...

In this episode, we discuss wine pairings on multiple dimensions. First, Bryce Wiatrak interviews Master of Wine Susan Lin about her career as a classical pianist and how her first passion inspired the topic of her MW Research Paper: pairing Champagne with classical music. Then, Bryce and Chris Tanghe dive into a friendly debate to settle the question of whether wine and food pairings are all they...

In this episode, we discuss managing a vineyard from the perspective of two winemakers. Bryce Wiatrak interviews Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co. about the benefits and challenges of working with old vines, and Chris Tanghe speaks with Matt Crafton of Chateau Montelena about the technical, environmental, and financial considerations behind repainting a vineyard to new vines.   This month’...

In this episode, GuildSomm Interim Executive Director Chris Tanghe interviews two entrepreneurs who specialize in east Asian beverages. Master Sommelier Kyungmoon Kim discusses how his company, KMS Imports , is creating a market for Korean soju and other artisanal beverages in the US. Later, Todd Bellomy describes the production process and styles of sake and the vision behind Farthest Star Sake ,...