GuildSomm Podcast

This week on GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Jesse Becker joins host MS Chris Tanghe to blind taste three red wines. Before he starts tasting, Jesse discusses his career and tasting journeys, including the challenges he faced as he was honing his blind tasting skills prior to passing the Master Sommelier exam. Jesse is the US sales manager for Veritable Wines & Estates, an importer of premium German and Austrian wines, and brand owner at ROCKWERK Grüner Veltliner. Over the last two decades, he has worked in nearly every facet of the wine and hospitality industries. Listen in and guess the wines along with Jesse! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Check out our tasting study guide to brush up on the basics of tasting: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/2683/tasting Discover more tasting resources: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/blind-tasting/ Learn more about ROCKWERK Grüner Veltliner: https://veritable-usa.com/rockwerkwine

In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with David Pearson of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. They discuss the history of the winery, its role in Napa Valley's development, and the origins and future of the brand's flagship wine, Insignia. David is the executive chairman of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Prior to this role, he served as the CEO of Opus One for 16 years. He has also held leadership roles at Robert Mondavi and Meadowood Estate. David has a BS in fermentation science and enology from UC Davis and an MBA in international business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Learn more about Joseph Phelps Vineyards: https://www.josephphelps.com/ Read our Joseph Phelps Producer Profile: https://www.guildsomm.com/research/wiki/ca/i/cabernet/joseph_phelps

In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, sommelier Tori Testa discusses her tasting journey with host MS Chris Tanghe before blind tasting three red Italian wines. Tori is a beverage manager at Grill 23 & Bar in Boston. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, holds the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, and is working toward her Advanced Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Listen in as Tori shares her tasting challenges and tips, then guess along with her as she tastes blind! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Read our Tasting Study Guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/2683/tasting Explore more tasting resources: https://www.guildsomm.com/explore/w/tasting

In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with MW Sarah Jane Evans about what’s new and exciting in central and southern Spain. They discuss trends in Spanish wine, developments in Jerez, improvements in Spain’s sparkling wines, and more. Sarah Jane recently released a new book on central and southern Spain, a follow-up to her previous book on Spain’s northern regions. She is a contributing editor for Decanter magazine and resides in the UK. Keep an eye on the GuildSomm website for an excerpt from Sarah Jane’s book, coming later this week! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! GuildSomm members receive 25% off Académie du Vin Library publications, including both of Sarah Jane’s books on Spain, using the discount code on our Member Discounts page: https://www.guildsomm.com/about_us/member-discounts/ Preview The Wines of Central and Southern Spain: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/the-wines-of-central-and-southern-spain-from-catalunya-to-cadiz-sarah-jane-evans-mwPreview The Wines of Northern Spain: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/the-wines-of-northern-spainExplore all Classic Wine Library books from Académie du Vin Library: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/collections/classic-wine-libraryRead Sarah Jane’s work in Decanter: https://www.decanter.com/author/sarahjaneevans/

In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Erica Orr, a Washington winemaker and enologist. Erica crafts the wines for her own label, Orr, and also has a lab service providing wine analysis and consulting for other Washington wineries. Chris pours her a white, a rosé, and a red. After Erica tastes the wines blind, she and Chris discuss winemaking cause and effect. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Erica ran analysis on the wines that she and Chris tasted, which you can find on our website. Click over only when you're ready for the wines to be revealed! https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/podcasts/b/guild_podcasts/posts/tasting-with-winemaker-erica-orr Find out more about Erica's wine lab: https://www.orrwinelab.com Learn about Orr Wines: https://ericaorrwines.com Read our Tasting Study Guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/2683/tasting Discover more GuildSomm blind tasting resources: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/blind-tasting/

In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Benjamin Spencer, an American journalist and winemaker who now lives on Mount Etna in Sicily. Benjamin is the director of Etna Wine School and the author of The New Wines of Mount Etna. Chris and Benjamin discuss the history of winemaking on Mount Etna and cover grapes, styles, and producers to know. Be sure to listen all the way to the end for a blind tasting bonus! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Learn more about Etna Wine School: https://etnawineschool.com Read Benjamin's book: https://etnawineschool.com/shop/the-new-wines-of-mount-etna/ Dive into our Southern Italy expert guide to keep learning: https://www.guildsomm.com/research/expert_guides/w/expert-guides/2647/italy-part-iv-southern-italy

In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe takes a different approach to the study of blind tasting with a close look at Grüner Veltliner. He discusses the typicity of Grüner Veltliner and demystifies some misunderstood characteristics of the variety. Be sure to check out all the resources on GuildSomm.com, including our tasting materials and our new infographics on the typicity of classic grape varieties. Start here: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/staff-training/b/new/posts/tasting-la-cata If you're not yet a GuildSomm member, check out our summer membership opportunity! Stay sharp this summer with full access to GuildSomm for three months at the discounted rate of US$35. Sign up by August 31: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/b/announcements/posts/summer-membership-offer Our latest article is a spotlight on the London wine industry, featuring an impressive group of London wine professionals: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/spotlight/posts/london-spotlight Thanks for listening and supporting our efforts here at GuildSomm. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with the one and only John Alban of Alban Vineyards in the Edna Valley of California. John has been a champion of Rhône varieties through his entire winemaking career, and he was a pioneer in bringing Rhône vine material to the US in the 1980s. He is the founding director for Hospice du Rhône and has been made an honorary citizen of Condrieu and Côte Rôtie for his remarkable accomplishments. Listen in to learn about John's wine journey, the Rhône Valley, and the success of Rhône grapes in California. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Learn more about Alban Vineyards: https://www.albanvineyards.com Read our Rhône Valley study guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/155/rhone-valley-and-southern-france Don't miss your chance to explore all of GuildSomm's offerings at a reduced rate this summer! Sign up for our summer membership before August 31: https://www.guildsomm.com/recurly/v1/join

In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours a flight of three red wines for Master Sommelier and Master of Wine Doug Frost and Master Sommelier Jonathan Eichholz. Doug is a partner in Echolands Winery, located in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington, and he also helps run the American chapter of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. Learn more about Doug: https://www.mastersofwine.org/doug-frost-mw Explore our new staff training on tasting, perfect for beginning your tasting journey or training your team: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/staff-training/b/new/posts/tasting-la-cata If you're an intermediate taster, don't miss our study guide on tasting: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/2683/tasting Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with newly minted Master of Wine Amanda Barnes about the state of the Chilean wine industry. They discuss how to understand Chile's geography and wine regions, the country's wine history, and grapes to know. Amanda Barnes works as a freelance writer, covers South America for JancisRobinson.com, and consults for restaurants. She wrote The South America Wine Guide, which is one of the best guides to the wines of the continent. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Learn more about this topic and read Amanda's bio on our site: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/podcasts/b/guild_podcasts/posts/chile-with-amanda-barnes-mw Listen to our interview with Amanda on Argentinian wine: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/podcasts/b/guild_podcasts/posts/argentina-with-amanda-barnes GuildSomm members receive a discount on Amanda's book: https://www.guildsomm.com/about_us/member-discounts/ Not yet a member? Learn more here: https://www.guildsomm.com/recurly/v1/join

In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours the always-tricky-to-parse Gamay and Pinot Noir comparative for Advanced Sommelier Max Goldberg. Max is based in Los Angeles and is currently the sommelier at Santa Monica's SELINE, a fine-dining restaurant from Chef Dave Beran that opened last year. Previously, Max curated the beverage programs at The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Peninsula Beverly Hills. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Listen to more tasting podcasts: https://www.guildsomm.com/tags/Tasting_2D00_Podcast Read our Science of Tasting expert guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/research/expert_guides/w/expert-guides/2441/the-science-of-tasting Dive into more blind tasting resources on the GuildSomm site: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/blind-tasting/ Explore GuildSomm membership: https://www.guildsomm.com/recurly/v1/join

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Seth Kitzke of Upsidedown Wine about all things Grenache. Seth and his family farm vineyards in Washington's Candy Mountain AVA, among other areas, and focus on Rhône varieties. Chris chats with Seth about Grenache's virtues, challenges, and future in Washington State and beyond. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Learn more about this topic and read Seth's bio on our site: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/podcasts/b/guild_podcasts/posts/grenache-with-seth-kitzke Explore Upsidedown Wine: https://upsidedownwine.com/ For more resources, become a GuildSomm member: https://www.guildsomm.com/recurly/v1/join

In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours the dreaded so-called Bermuda Triangle of white wines for Texas sommelier Skyler Ring. Skyler has quickly risen through the sommelier ranks and has passed both the theory and service portions of the Master Sommelier exam, with just the tasting portion remaining before he becomes Austin's next Master Sommelier. Skyler began his hospitality career in New York City managing restaurants, and his focus shifted exclusively to wine after moving to Texas, where he has worked at Jeffrey's in Austin and Mastro's Steakhouse in the Post Oak Hotel in Houston. He currently works for importer Wilson Daniels. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Los Angeles-based Lukas Dempsey, Assistant Vice President and Wine Specialist for Sotheby's wine division. They discuss how wines are acquired, valued, and authenticated for auction, as well as how restaurants can leverage auctions to create more dynamic beverage programs. Prior to joining Sotheby's, Lukas was a floor sommelier at some of New York City's top restaurants, including The Modern, Masa, and Le Bernardin. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe mixes up the format of the blind tasting series. This and upcoming episodes will feature single blind comparatives, which help tasters overcome common misidentifications of similar wines and develop a better understanding of the data points that drive cause and effect. For this episode, three Chardonnays are poured for Advanced Sommelier Wendy Shoemaker, the Western Regional Sales Manager for Frog's Leap Winery in Napa Valley. Wendy, who has a chemistry background, has also worked in some of San Francisco's great restaurants, including Californios and the St. Francis Yacht Club. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Jean Trimbach, 12th generation of the iconic estate in the village of Ribeauvillé, Alsace. They review the history, climate, winemaking, and wines that define the Trimbach house along with a look at several grand cru sites, unpacking what makes them special. Jean and his brother, Pierre, run the estate with their children, who will carry the torch into the 400th year in 2026! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest episode of Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours a red wine for two Seattle sommeliers aspiring to achieve the Master Sommelier Diploma. Chris Lara has worked for top Seattle restaurants for the last 30 years, including Matt’s in the Market, Crush, John Howie Steak, and Metropolitan Grill, where he is currently the wine director. Seattle native Torrey Lewis got his start in the kitchen as a pastry cook before he fell for wine. He is now the wine director for Willows Lodge and Barking Frog restaurant in Woodinville, Washington. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with Master of Wine Gus Zhu about the wines of China. They dive into the country's winemaking history, major regions, primary varieties, and iconic producers. Gus is the first Chinese national Master of Wine and is currently a research and development scientist at Cork Supply and Tonnellerie Ô, where he is responsible for the chemical analysis of TCA in corks and sensory studies of aroma compounds in oak. He is the author of the newly published book Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!

In the latest GuildSomm podcast, Master Sommeliers Chris Tanghe and Jonathan Eichholz discuss the trends, challenges, and highlights of 2024 and consider what might be ahead in 2025. Jonathan lives and works in New York City. As an educator for GuildSomm, he maintains the Wine Law Compendium and teaches on various subjects. Previously, Jonathan worked at The Modern. Chris is based in Seattle and is GuildSomm's director of education and podcast host. He spent years working in restaurants across the country and has spearheaded GuildSomm's seminars since 2016. Thank you to all of our listeners for the amazing support of the show in 2024! We'll be working hard to bring you more fun and educational podcasts next year. Happy holidays!

In the latest episode of the GuildSomm blind tasting podcast, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours a white wine for two Master Sommeliers from opposite sides of the country while chatting with them about their approaches to blind tasting, what has been challenging for them, and how they apply blind tasting skills to their work. Rebecca Fineman is a partner in San Francisco restaurants Ungrafted and Glou Glou and has previously written for GuildSomm. Scott Tyree works out of Freeport, Maine, as an educator and consultant, and he spends part of the year in Cape Town, South Africa. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!