WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore
Cellar Notes on WYPR
Al Spoler and Hugh Sisson taste and review some of the finest wines around the world and from our Maryland wineries.
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Episodes
Holiday Sparkling Wines 06.01.2026 3:56
It’s the time of year when we all love a cup or two of bubbly, and with that in mind, Hugh has put together a convenient shopping list to guide you through the world of sparkling wine.
Holiday Shopping List 06.01.2026 3:54
Al has put together a convenient shopping list for your assistance this holiday season. He has recommendations for inexpensive party wines, mid-range dinner wines and special occasion wines.
Holiday Beers 06.01.2026 3:54
Each year at this time beer makers around the world trot out some of their very best brews to celebrate the holiday season. Hugh reviews some of his favorites.
Italian Faves 10.12.2025 3:54
Italian wines have become big favorites on Cellar Notes, and Hugh has a bunch of new favorites to discuss.
Affordable Bordeaux 02.12.2025 3:54
Although Bordeaux wines can be among the most pricey in the world, there are plenty that offer not only good flavor but good value as well. Al takes a look.
Red Wines for Thanksgiving 16.11.2025 3:53
The Thanksgiving table is a maze of flavors and sensations, and picking a good red wine is a bit of a puzzle. Hugh offers some suggestions that will surely satisfy.
Hartley and Gibson Sherry 16.11.2025 3:53
Available in a wide range of styles, Sherry deserves a place at your table during this season of celebration. Al looks at one of the best Sherry makers.
Wines From “The Paring" 16.11.2025 3:53
If affordable wines made from high quality grapes from first class California vineyards appeal to you, then listen up as Hugh showcases selections from an operation called “The Paring”
Value Chardonnay 25.10.2025 3:54
Like it or hate it, there’s no denying that chardonnay is the world’s most important white grape. While some can break the bank price-wise, others are remarkable affordable.
Viognier for the Fall 17.10.2025 3:52
It’s one of those transitional times of the year, and the white grape viognier makes a perfect wine for the season. Here’s three to contemplate.
Marietta Cellars 07.10.2025 3:54
One of Sonoma’s older wineries, Marietta has been putting great wine in bottles at a very fair price for decades now. Hugh looks at some recent offerings.
Zinfandel from Lodi 02.10.2025 3:52
Once a source of cheap jug wine, Lodi is now gaining respect for the quality of its zinfandels, a long-time favorite of Al.
Beaujolais 24.09.2025 3:48
Beaujolais the classic easy going, easy drinking wine, and quite easy to understand.
Lighter Reds 21.09.2025 3:55
There are times when big heavy reds just don’t seem quite right, so that’s when you turn to lighter red wines for refreshment and pleasure. Al takes a look at several.
Oregon Pinot Gris 13.09.2025 3:54
Oregon continues to make solid strides in wine quality as it sends more and more labels into the market. This week we take a look at Pinot Gris, that very popular white wine that offers a great alternative to Chardonnay.
Vouvray 09.09.2025 3:55
It’s one of the Loire Valley’s most attractive whites. Vouvray is something of a chameleon, changing its character and flavor profiles easily. Hugh looks at this alluring wine and has some recommendations.
Strange Wines from Strange Places: Whites 29.08.2025 3:55
Last week it was strange reds, this week it’s strange whites. Al takes a deep dive into some overlooked wine regions and their treasures.
Strange Wines from Strange Places: Reds 21.08.2025 3:53
It’s a big wine world out there, and nothing is more fun than exploring new places and new bottles. Al starts off with a few reds that should pique your curiosity.
Rosés For Hot Weather 14.08.2025 3:54
It’s time for those lovely pink wines to take center stage. Summer evenings and rosé wine seem to be made for each other, and Hugh has a few first rate suggestions.
Italy’s Second-String Reds 07.08.2025 3:48
Most of Italy’s most famous reds have a “second wine” associated with them that comes close to the senior bottling in flavor, but not at all in price. Al takes a look.
Big Wines for Big Steaks 30.07.2025 3:54
Since summer is prime steak grilling season, Hugh went searching for some suitable big red wines to go with your T-bones.
Cabernet Franc 23.07.2025 3:53
Cabernet Franc is almost always grown as a blending partner for Bordeaux style wines. But outside of Maryland, very few wineries make it to stand alone. Al takes a look.
Ribero Del Duero 18.07.2025 3:54
Ribero del Duero, one of Spain’s Big Three red wine regions is the home to some of the most expensive wines produced in that country. Luckily, Hugh has found some much more reasonably priced bottles that deserve your attention.
Pinot Blanc 10.07.2025 3:51
For some reason Pinot Blanc hasn’t caught on as well as cousin Pinot Gris. No matter…it’s still one of the most versatile and likeable easy-going whites out there.
California Chenin Blanc 02.07.2025 3:52
Chenin Blanc is the premier white grape of the Loire, and its inherent quality is starting to tempt grape growers around the world. Hugh looks at some of California’s efforts.
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