Wine Access Unfiltered

Fall is here, school’s in full swing, and weeknights are busy as ever—but that doesn’t mean there’s no time for great wine. In this episode, writer and cookbook author Jessica Dupuy⁠ joins Amanda to talk about the little luxuries that can make even Tuesday nights feel special. If you’ve ever wondered what to pour with mac and cheese, takeout sushi, or a Five Guys burger, this is a masterclass in b...

It’s officially wedding week! And in the spirit of celebration, Amanda is going solo on this special episode of Wine Access Unfiltered to answer the question that’s constantly dropped in her DMs: What wines should I serve at my wedding? With her own Napa Valley nuptials just days away, Amanda shares the exact wines she’s pouring (Krug, Margaux, and a killer Sylvaner), why she’s skipping cocktails,...

We all know wine has rules. But who says you have to follow them? James Beard-nominated author (The Rebel School of Wine) and self-proclaimed “wine rebel” Tyler Balliet is helping us challenge every “thou shalt not” in the wine world. From dunking ice cubes into red wine to sipping rosé in December, this conversation is a delicious middle finger to snobbery and a refreshing celebration of drinking...

Sauvignon Blanc has officially entered its main character era, and we are so here for it. Whether you’re pouring Sancerre before noon à la Emily in Paris, shaking Sauv Blanc into a martini, or pairing it with after-school snacks (hello, Goldfish), the grape is absolutely everywhere—and shining in its versatility. Join Amanda and viral content creator Pilar Brito (@barpilarr—who has rocketed from l...

What do Uruguay and Germany have in common? They were both bucket-list wine regions for Amanda and Laura Koffer, and in this special 100th episode (!!) of Unfiltered, they share their thrilling visits to these two sleeper destinations. From Germany’s soaring slate slopes to the glory of perfectly aged Uruguayan Tannat, they cover the wines, regions, and meals that made their trips magical—oh, and...

You know Pinot Noir. But do you know Spätburgunder? For years, wine insiders have known that German Pinot Noir offers Burgundian-level quality at a fraction of the price. But in this episode we’re blowing this industry secret wide open courtesy of Zack Musick (German Wine Collection) who joins us for a fresh take on one of the world’s most beloved grapes. From unexpected flavor profiles (think bon...

They say there "ain't no party like a Napa party" and our guests are true Napa Valley locals who know how to deliver the Napa Valley experience. We’re throwing a “virtual” summer block party and inviting our wine country friends to hang and share some “locals only” tips and tricks. Audra Chapman (Newfound Wine), Josh Phelps (Grounded Wine Co.), and Scott Dale (Wild Vine Tours) join us to dish on t...

Whether it’s to Burgundy, Barolo, or Barossa, wine travel delivers big-time pleasure—but can come with serious setbacks, from shipping snafus and suitcase spills to winding wine-country road nausea. Enter Amanda, whose passport’s been stamped by just about every wine-producing country on the globe. In this episode, she shares hard-earned travel hacks, favorite flight-friendly accessories, tips on...

When you hear “Riesling,” do you still think syrupy sweet? If so, you're not alone, but you're definitely missing out.  In this episode, Amanda and Wine Access experts Eduardo Dingler and Laura Koffer set the record straight on one of the world’s most versatile yet vexing grapes. They unpack Riesling’s reputation in the US, share tips on how to decode sweetness levels, and reveal where (outside Ge...

Oregon Pinot, Washington Syrah, and… heavy metal? Believe it or not, all three fit right into this episode’s deep dive into the Pacific Northwest, one of the world’s most exciting (and misunderstood) wine regions. Fresh off a National Geographic wine cruise through the Columbia and Snake Rivers, host Amanda McCrossin is joined by journalist, educator, and senior editor at JancisRobinson.com Samant...

What happens when one of the most legendary Champagne minds on the planet leaves a Champagne icon… to make sake? In this special bonus episode, Amanda sits down with Richard Geoffroy, former Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon, to discuss his newest—and to many, extremely unexpected—venture: IWA 5, a cutting-edge Junmai Daiginjo sake born in Japan’s Toyama Prefecture. Recorded in NYC during a rare states...

Midwestern tax-preparer Steve Hoffman moved his family to the South of France to live out his dream of being a French-speaking bon vivant. But when life abroad fell far short of his expectations, he found himself at a loss for what to do—until his vigneron neighbor started him on a new and uncharted path. Steve swapped his spreadsheets for soupe à l’oignon, and his outstanding memoir A Season For...

How does a wine lover who started at the bottom shelf end up with a fine-tuned taste for fine wine? Master of Wine (and former Unfiltered Co-Host) Vanessa Conlin joins us for a candid conversation about how our palates evolve. We share our own cringe-worthy wine moments, debate the value of “flashy” vs. “ethereal” wines, and get real about why some expensive wines might fall flat for newer drinker...

Helen Keplinger is one of the most sought-after winemakers in Napa Valley, but she’s taking a break to take us on a California road trip with her Vermillion wine. Vermillion, sourced from the high-elevation Sierra Foothills to the sea-sprayed vineyards of Santa Barbara, captures the diverse terroirs that make this state so special, and we pop a bottle with Helen to identify how each component play...

Why do some wines cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars? How do global events impact your favorite bottle? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Peter Young, former McKinsey consultant and author of “Luxury Wine Marketing.” Peter’s an insider with experience at blue-chip wineries like Realm and Kosta Browne, and he sheds light on how wineries use everything from psychological triggers t...

What do BBQ potato chips, perfume, and the power of Champagne growers have in common? They’re all part of the fascinating conversation we had with wine expert Julia Coney at the World of Pinot Noir event in Santa Barbara! We cover which Pinot regions we’re most excited about—outside of classic regions like Burgundy and Oregon—why Pinot Noir is the “un-gettable get” for winemakers, and the surprisi...

Ever wonder what your favorite wine expert really drinks when they’re not swirling a glass of Pinot? Hint: It might involve a shaker, not a corkscrew! In this episode, we sit down with TikTok’s Queen of Cocktails and author of “How to Be a Better Drinker,” Hannah Chamberlain (@SpiritedLA ). She’s revealing the secrets to crafting the perfect Martini (shaken vs. stirred, anyone?), how to know when...

Think you know German wine? Think again. In this episode we’re shattering just about every German wine myth with Jenna Fields, the passionate force behind the German Wine Collection. Jenna’s mission to revolutionize how the world thinks about German wine began on a Post-It note (seriously), and in this episode, she breaks down why you’ll find racy, bone-dry Rieslings in the world’s finest collecti...

The wine industry might thrive on exclusivity and tradition, but social media is shaking things up big time: Like it or not, wine influencers are reshaping the way we discover, enjoy, and talk about wine by sharing access, tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the wine world—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on them. Host Amanda McCrossin is joined by fellow full-time wine influencer Warner...

We're kicking off 2025 what’s in and out for the wine world. From busting myths like “you have to store wine on its side” to showing you how to start a wine collection even if you don’t have a cellar, this episode is all about making wine more accessible in the next year. You’ll also get the scoop on why you might be seeing more affordable wines from popular regions like Napa Valley, why it’s okay...

We’re closing out the year with a celebratory “favorites” episode, where Eduardo Dingler and Laura Koffer join Amanda to relive their top wine discoveries and dining experiences of 2024. Along the way, they explore the resurgence of volcanic terroirs, provide pro pairing tips (Chardonnay with tacos, anyone?), and debate the quirks of wine gadgets. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious w...

PJ Awe, Director of Marketing and Sales at Amorim Cork America, joins us to dive into cork’s fascinating journey from bark to bottle. As one of the most sustainable products on the planet, cork plays a bigger role than many wine drinkers might realize. We discuss why storing wine bottles on their sides might not be necessary and why cork taint (TCA) is about to be a thing of the past. Geek out wit...

We’re crashing one of Oregon’s most meaningful wine events to give you exclusive access to some of the biggest stars in the wine industry. Amanda sits down with Michael Fay (Domaine Serene), Claire Carver (Big Table Farm), Thomas Savre (Lingua Franca), and Alban Debeaulieu (Abbott Claim) to discuss their rise to stardom, the surprising wines that have inspired them along the way, and why they beli...

This isn’t the end, it’s actually just the beginning of a major revolution, according to this week’s guest—Master Sommelier (and importer/distributor) Ken Frederickson. Ken joins us to discuss how the landscape has shifted in the last 20 years and what he believes wine drinkers can look forward to in the coming decades. From a surprising union between wine and spirits to why restaurants might shif...

Wine collectors love to talk about the good old days—when cult wines were going for a fraction of the price they are today and didn’t have waiting lists. How did brands like Harlan and Screaming Eagle achieve cult status? And is it still possible to achieve that today? On this episode, we’re hunting for the next big thing with the dynamic father-daughter-duo from one of the fastest-growing wine Yo...