Everyday Sommelier - Wine Stories with Kristi Mayfield

Send us Fan Mail Struggling to choose the perfect red wine? Confused why one Cabernet Sauvignon tastes light and fruity while the next leaves your mouth coated in tannin? On this episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield breaks down the complex world of red wine styles into three easy-to-understand categories: fresh and fruity, dry and dirty, and packed with a punch. Discover how to go b...

Send us Fan Mail Confused by all the white wine options at restaurants or the wine shop? Tired of ordering a glass of Chardonnay and never knowing if it’ll taste like lemon zest or buttery popcorn? On this episode of the Everyday Sommelier podcast, Kristi Mayfield breaks down the complicated world of white wine styles into three simple, easy-to-use categories that will help you always get the glas...

Send us Fan Mail Pairing wine with vegan or vegetarian food challenges even seasoned wine lovers—but not anymore. Chef Amy McNutt, the culinary force behind Maiden in Fort Worth, Texas, joins Everyday Sommelier host Kristi Mayfield to break down the art of vegan wine pairing, bust myths, and provide actionable tips so anyone can master pairing wine with vegetables, vegan proteins, and creative pla...

Send us Fan Mail Explore the hidden world of wine barrels on Everyday Sommelier as Kristi Mayfield sits down with master cooper Guillaume Maugier. Dive into critical insights about barrel aging, oak influence, and how coooperage affects every sip. Discover why barrel maturation is as crucial as vineyard terroir for winemaking, and learn the science behind oak tannins, wood maturation, and evolving...

Send us Fan Mail Ever scrolled through dreamy images of private jets landing at hidden wineries or imagined sipping iconic wines in a vineyard villa—but figured it was all out of reach? Luxury wine travel isn’t just for celebrities! In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, hosts Kristi Mayfield and advanced sommelier Andre Boada, founder of VinoCadre and partner at Six Twist Sparkling, pull back the...

Send us Fan Mail Demystify the myth of “oaky wine” and gain insider secrets to how oak barrels shape the flavor, texture, and style of your favorite wines. Kristi Mayfield breaks down everything from new versus used oak, barrel origins (French vs. American oak), and the truth about those buttery chardonnays.    You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into why some “oaked” wines taste rich and vanilla-...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt out of place swirling a glass of dry white at a business event, wishing you could just order something sweet you actually love—without feeling judged? You’re not alone. In this episode, we're tackling the real-world awkwardness of beginner wine drinkers, especially when surrounded by colleagues who seem to know their stuff. Host Kristi Mayfield (Everyday Sommelier)...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling left out at wine tastings because you can't detect “forest floor” or “hints of violet”? You’re not alone. Everyday Sommelier host Kristi Mayfield shares no-snobbery, fast-acting techniques to unlock your best wine tasting skills—no superhuman palate required. Ditch the intimidation and learn how everyday wine lovers can confidently identify flavors, build a solid wine...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the diverse world of Rosé wine can feel overwhelming with its spectrum of colors and flavors. Many mistakenly judge Rosés by their hue, believing deeper pinks to be sweet and lighter shades to denote quality.  This episode of Everyday Sommelier unravels these myths and guides you through the complexities of choosing a Rosé that suits your palate. From understanding the...

Send us Fan Mail Planning winery travel via a trip to wine country can be a dream—or a nightmare—without the right strategy. Discover how Kristi Mayfield transforms a chaotic wine tour with friends into a memorable journey, emphasizing the importance of structure and planning. Learn from her missteps as she unveils five essential tips to ensure your wine adventures are smooth, enriching, and full...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how to approach wine lists with newfound confidence by understanding how they’re structured by color, varietal, region, or style.    In this episode we’ll break down simple strategies, such as researching the restaurant's wine list online, understanding wine styles, and setting a budget. We’re also exploring how to evaluate wine pricing and pairings to ensure a satis...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an engaging discussion on the Everyday Sommelier Podcast as Kristi Mayfield welcomes renowned winemaker Bibiana González Rave, Cattleya Wines, to unravel the complexities of Chardonnay.  Known as the "chameleon" of wines, Chardonnay has become a conversation starter in the wine world, and Bibiana’s international experience brings a fresh perspective to its va...

Send us Fan Mail Join Kristi Mayfield and guest Reid Patterson from Mount Eden Vineyards as they delve into the nuanced world of wine varietals. Explore wine labeling complexities comparing Bordeaux blends  to California's Cabernet Sauvignon and other nuances. You’ll uncover why a wine labeled as one varietal might contain more than just one grape in the mix.    Reid shares his family’s legac...

Send us Fan Mail Ever picked up a bottle just because it had a 90+ rating—only to be disappointed? You’re not alone. In Episode 19 of the Everyday Sommelier Podcast , host Kristi Mayfield uncorks the truth about wine ratings and whether they actually help or hinder your wine-buying confidence. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: How wine ratings are determined and who the critics are Why...

Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode, we're exploring the journey to discovering your favorite wine and the importance of tracking your preferences.  Together, we’ll demystify the daunting question, "What's your favorite wine?" Want the good news? There's no incorrect response when it comes to personal taste.  We’ll breaks down the key elements—sugar, acidity, tan...

Send us Fan Mail Join Kristi Mayfield and guest winemaker Rae Wilson in this enticing episode of the Everyday Sommelier Podcast! Dive into the refreshing world of chillable red wines, tucked perfectly between robust reds and crisp whites, tailored for those delightful summer days or perfectly paired with a variety of cuisine. This is your year-round chillable red wine.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LIS...

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this fascinating episode where Hugo del Pozzo, co-founder of Pinea Wines, unveils the intricacies behind second wine labels. Kristi Mayfield, your Everyday Sommelier, navigates the complexities with Hugo to demystify why wineries launch second brands and how they can elevate your wine-tasting experience.  Hugo's rich background, rooted in vibrant winemaking traditi...

Send us Fan Mail In this revealing episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield pulls back the curtain on wine additives and their impact on your favorite bottles. From common preservatives to controversial color enhancers, we explore what really goes into making modern wines.   BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:    The most common wine additives and why they're us...

Send us Fan Mail Biodynamic wine is gaining popularity for its sustainable and clean practices, but what does it really mean for wine lovers? In this episode, Kristi sits down with William Davis, Advanced Sommelier and Director of Education at Wilson Daniels, to break down the essentials of biodynamic farming and how it influences wine. From moon-phase planting to chemical-free winemaking, this ep...

Send us Fan Mail Does your favorite bottle of wine sometimes taste off? In today’s episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Christy Mayfield explores why wine flavors can change and how to embrace these nuances. From the impact of storage conditions and serving temperatures to the role of glassware and even the influence of the biodynamic calendar, Christy explains how various factors can alter your wi...

Send us Fan Mail Wine doesn’t have to break the bank to be enjoyable. In this episode, Kristi demystifies the world of budget-friendly wines, sharing practical tips and insider knowledge to help you shop smarter and sip confidently. Whether you’re navigating a crowded wine aisle or scanning a restaurant wine list, you’ll discover how to identify quality wines that fit your budget without feeling l...

Send us Fan Mail Does the shape of your wine glass matter? In this episode of Everyday Sommelier , I chat with Doug Reed, Southwest Retail Sales Manager for Riedel, to uncover the science and art behind wine glass design.    From varietal-specific glasses to universal options, we explore how glass shapes impact aroma, flavor, and the overall wine experience. Doug breaks down common misconceptions,...

Send us Fan Mail Been dreaming about turning your wine passion into a career but don't know where to start?  Many wine enthusiasts feel overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of wine certifications (WSET, CMS, SWE) and aren't sure which path is right for them – or if they need certification at all. In this episode, GuildSOMM Executive Director Jenny Hemmer shares insider insights about wine ed...

Send us Fan Mail Wine tastings are an incredible way to explore wine styles, regions, and varieties. But let’s face it, they can also be chaotic, overwhelming, and, if you’re not careful, downright exhausting. In this episode, we’re taking the guesswork out of wine-tasting events with 3 insider tips to help you sip with confidence, maximize your experience, and walk away feeling like a pro. Whethe...

Send us Fan Mail Do you know why some wines are labeled "Old World" while others are "New World," especially when some of those "New World" regions have been making wine for centuries?  Wine lovers often feel restricted by these traditional categorizations, missing out on amazing wines because they're labeled in ways that don't reflect modern winemaking real...