Veni, Vino, Variety

🍷 Episode 104: Bonarda Piemontese – Piedmont’s Hidden Gem This episode, we’re diving into a rare and intriguing red grape that hails from the hills of northern Italy — Bonarda Piemontese. Though it shares a name with Argentina’s Bonarda, this native Piedmontese variety is something entirely unique, and trust us — you’ll want to get to know it. Here’s what you’ll discover: - The surprising history...

🍇 Episode 99: Future of a Wine Shop – How AI Will Redesign Your Next Wine Experience What if your next favorite bottle wasn’t recommended by a sommelier… but by AI? In this special episode, we take a walk through the wine shop of the near future — where smart shelves, digital tasting pods, and personalized suggestions are redefining how we discover wine. It's not sci-fi — it's happening...

🍷 Episode 95: Teroldego – Bold Soul of the Dolomites Hey there, wine lover – today we’re diving into one of northern Italy’s best-kept secrets: Teroldego! This red grape is bold, vibrant, and totally underrated. Get ready to meet a wine that’s rustic yet refined, and absolutely bursting with personality. In this episode: - Discover the unique alpine home of Teroldego in Trentino’s Campo Rotaliano...

🥂 Episode 96: Arneis – Italy’s Little Rascal in a Glass Ever heard of Arneis? It's a quirky white grape from Italy that almost disappeared, but is now charming wine lovers with its floral aromas and silky texture. In this episode, we’re diving into its fascinating story, how it tastes in the glass, and why it’s earned its mischievous nickname. Here’s what you’ll discover: - The wild history...

🍷 Episode 97: Bastardo (Trousseau) – Elegance with a Wild Side This week, we’re diving into one of the wine world’s most intriguing and misunderstood grapes: Bastardo, also known as Trousseau. Don’t let the name fool you—this is a grape full of charm, mystery, and surprisingly delicate flavors. From its roots in Jura to unexpected cameos in Portugal, Spain, and California, we’ll explore what make...

🍷 Episode 98: Colombard – Zing in a Glass We’re turning the spotlight on a grape that’s bright, zesty, and criminally underrated—Colombard. From its roots in Cognac country to its sunny reinvention in California, Colombard is a vibrant white wine that deserves your attention. In this episode, you’ll discover: - How Colombard went from brandy workhorse to fresh wine all-star  - Tasting notes that...

🥂 Episode 92: Biancolella – Sip the Sea Breeze  In this episode, we're boarding a virtual ferry to the island of Ischia to explore Biancolella—a bright, sea-kissed white grape that’s all about elegance, freshness, and place. If you’ve never heard of it before, buckle up—this one’s a hidden Italian gem worth discovering.  Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why Biancolella is basically liquid sunshin...

🍷 Episode 93: Rebo – Velvet Meets the Wild Step into the glass with us this week as we shine a light on one of northern Italy’s best-kept secrets: the Rebo grape. Born from a match made in winemaking heaven — Merlot and Teroldego — Rebo offers a delicious balance of elegance and mountain-edge character. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Where Rebo came from and why it’s named after a re...

🥂 Episode 94: Cococciola – Zest from the Adriatic Get ready to meet your new favorite white grape! In this episode, we’re exploring Cococciola — a crisp, citrusy gem straight from Italy's Abruzzo region. You may not have heard of it before, but trust us: this grape is all kinds of refreshing. Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why Cococciola is moving from blend buddy to solo superstar in Italian w...

🍷 Episode 89: Refosco – Rustic Roots, Bold Soul Today we’re diving into Refosco—a bold, aromatic red grape from northeastern Italy that’s packed with character, history, and serious food-pairing potential. If you've never heard of it, you're in for a treat. What you'll learn in this episode: - Where Refosco comes from and why Friuli-Venezia Giulia is its ancestral home  - How “Refo...

🥂 Episode 90: Ehrenfelser – Riesling’s Sunny Sidekick In this episode, we’re uncovering the story behind Ehrenfelser — a cheerful, aromatic white grape that might not be on your radar yet but definitely should be. From its experimental roots in Germany to its surprising second act in Canada, Ehrenfelser is bursting with juicy flavor and a whole lot of charm. - Discover how Ehrenfelser was born fr...

🍷 Episode 91: Corvina – Verona’s Velvet Secret  In this episode, we're taking a flavorful trip to Italy's Veneto region to get to know Corvina — the red grape behind some of Italy’s most iconic wines. From bright, zesty Valpolicellas to the bold, luxurious world of Amarone, you’ll see just how versatile and captivating this grape can be.  Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s pour:  -...

🥂 Episode 86: Melon de Bourgogne – Quiet Star of the Loire Ever wonder what wine pairs best with oysters, sea breezes, and quiet charm? In this episode, we’re diving into the refreshing world of Melon de Bourgogne—a crisp white grape with a fascinating backstory and an ocean-loving personality. You’ve probably met it before in a glass of Muscadet… but today, we’re getting to know the grape behind...

🍷 Episode 87: Dornfelder – Germany’s Bold Undercover Red Looking for a red wine that’s quietly stealing the show? Meet Dornfelder—a rich, deeply colored grape that might just be Germany’s best-kept wine secret. In this episode, we dive into the story behind this lesser-known varietal that’s full of character and perfect for your next food pairing adventure. Here’s what you’ll discover: - The surp...

🥂 Episode 88: Grenache Blanc – The Chameleon in Your Glass In today’s episode, we’re shining a light on a white grape that doesn’t always take center stage—but definitely should. Grenache Blanc might be the lesser-known sibling of red Grenache, but it’s full of personality and flavor, from the Rhône Valley to sunny California. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: - How Grenache Blanc walk...

🍷 Episode 83: Alicante Bouschet – Inky Soul, Bold Heart In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on Alicante Bouschet—a red grape that’s anything but ordinary. From its deeply pigmented juice to its bold, brooding character, this grape has a rich story that spans continents and centuries.  You’ll learn:  • What makes Alicante Bouschet a rare “teinturier” grape  • How it was born in France but f...

🥂 Episode 84: Pedro Ximénez – Sweetness with a Side of Sun  In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most luscious, sun-kissed grapes to ever hit your glass. We're talking all about Pedro Ximénez—aka PX—the grape behind some of the world’s richest, most indulgent wines. Here’s what’s packed into the episode:  - The myth, mystery, and Mediterranean journey of Pedro Ximénez (yes, there’s...

🍷 Episode 85: Trollinger (also called Schiava) – Light, Bright, and Slightly Left-Field  In this episode, we're diving into a grape with two names, two homelands, and one seriously charming personality. Meet Trollinger—aka Schiava—a light, fruity red that’s here to challenge your expectations and win your heart. - Discover why this grape is beloved in Germany's Württemberg region and No...

🍷 Episode 81: Chenin Rose – A Rare Blush Beauty In this episode, we’re diving into one of the wine world’s lesser-known gems: Chenin Rose. Don’t let the name fool you — this isn’t rosé wine or just a pink version of Chenin Blanc. It’s a rare, pink-skinned mutation that offers up a gorgeous twist on a classic grape. Tune in to learn: - What makes Chenin Rose different from Chenin Blanc (hint: it’s...

🍷 Episode 81: Pinot Meunier – Champagne’s Quiet Hero In today’s episode, we’re shining a light on Pinot Meunier—a grape that doesn’t always get top billing, but is an essential part of the Champagne story. From its frosted leaves to its juicy personality, Pinot Meunier is full of surprises, and we’re spilling all the sparkling secrets. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Why Pinot Meunier...

🥂 Episode 82: Palomino – Sherry’s Quiet Star In this episode, we're heading to sunny southern Spain to explore a grape that plays it cool and subtle — but is behind some of the boldest flavors in the wine world. Meet Palomino: understated, versatile, and totally fascinating. - Discover why Palomino is the backbone of sherry wines like fino, manzanilla, and amontillado  - Learn how this grape...

🍇 Episode 79: Wine Tasting Basics: The 5 S’s and Beyond Ready to take your wine appreciation to the next level? In this episode, we’re diving into the how of wine — how to see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor like a pro, even if you’re just getting started. Whether you’re at a tasting room, pouring at home, or dreaming of blind tastings, this is your guide to getting more out of every glass. Here’s...

🍷 Episode 76: Cinsaut — Understated, Unforgettable, and a Little Flirty Description:  Hey there, wine lovers! In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on Cinsaut — the quiet, charming red grape that’s often hiding in your favorite rosé or Rhône blend. But trust us, this grape’s got main-character energy once it steps out solo. Here’s what you’ll sip on during this episode: - Why Cinsaut is the...

🥂 Episode 77: Clairette Blanche – Elegance in Every Whisper Ever heard of Clairette Blanche? This soft-spoken white grape from southern France has been quietly making history for centuries — and today, it’s time to give it the love and spotlight it deserves. From its ancient roots to its surprisingly versatile flavor profile, this episode dives into what makes Clairette Blanche quietly extraordin...

🍷 Episode 78: Blaufränkisch – Spice, Soul & the Danube In this episode, we’re diving into one of Central Europe’s hidden treasures—an expressive red grape that brings elegance, structure, and a whole lot of personality to the glass. Meet Blaufränkisch, a grape with deep roots, vibrant acidity, and flavors that just won’t quit.  You’ll learn: - Why some call it “Pinot Noir of the East” and oth...