Mastering Wine Storage: Do's, Don'ts, and Myths Explored

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith and his guest delve into the intricacies of proper wine storage and debunk common myths about aging wine. They explain that only 10% of wines are designed to age, with specific characteristics required for successful aging. Key factors like temperature, humidity, vibration, and light are discussed to ensure optimal storage conditions.

They cover the types of wines suitable for aging, including Bordeaux, Burgundies, and Barolos, and offer practical advice on setting up a home wine cellar. The episode also touches on wine storage psychology and economic considerations. 

00:28 Debunking Wine Aging Myths

01:26 Factors Affecting Wine Aging

03:36 Psychology and Economics of Aging Wine

06:17 Proper Wine Storage Techniques

12:35 Choosing Wines for Aging 

Mastering Wine Shopping: From Local Shops to Big Chains In this episode of the 'After Wine School' podcast, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Survey dive deep into the intricacies of buying wine. They explore the differences between purchasing wine from grocery stores, independent wine shops, and large chain wine stores, as well as the pros and cons of government-run wine stores. The conversation covers various wine categories from value to icon, emphasizing the importance of understanding price points and wine styles. They also touch on the impact of store types on the wine industry and provide tips for making informed wine purchases. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine buyer, this episode offers valuable insights and behind-the-scenes knowledge.

00:50 Understanding Wine Categories and Price Points

07:15 The Charm of Independent Wine Shops

10:24 The Debate on Grocery Store Wines

15:02 Exploring Chain Wine Stores

20:06 The Controversy of State-Run Wine Stores 

Demystifying Restaurant Wine Lists: Navigating Choices and Strategies In this episode of the Wine School Podcast, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the world of restaurant wine lists. They discuss the roles and day-to-day activities of sommeliers and wine reps, the importance of the restaurant ecosystem, and how restaurant wine lists are curated. They explore different types of wine lists, including corporate, beverage manager-created, and sommelier-driven lists, offering valuable advice on navigating these lists as a consumer. The episode also highlights key economic considerations, the logistics of wine distribution, and career advice for those interested in the wine industry. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:08 The Role of a Sommelier in Creating a Wine List

02:59 Understanding Wine Distributors and Their Influence

05:17 Economic and Culinary Considerations for Wine Lists

16:36 Types of Restaurant Wine Lists

23:42 Careers in the Wine Industry 

Forgotten Wines of America: A Deep Dive into Regional Treasures

In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe embark on a road trip exploring the often overlooked and forgotten wines of America. The discussion spans a variety of regions, starting with Virginia's troubled history with Vitus VRA vineyards and the rise of Norton and Petit Verdot grapes. They move north to highlight Finger Lakes' Riesling and lesser-known Georgian grape Saperavi, then delve into Pennsylvania's history with grapes like Chambourcin and Barbera. The conversation continues with New Jersey's traditional French-inspired wines, Vermont's hybrid grape success stories, Texas' renowned Tempranillo, and several rich yet underappreciated grape varieties in California. The episode wraps up with mentions of emerging wine regions like Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona, encouraging wine enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the diverse and rich heritage of American wines.

00:00 Introduction to Forgotten Wines of America

The Rise and Fall of California Wine: A Journey Through History

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive deep into the rich history of California wine, from its early days under Spanish missionaries to its modern resurgence. They discuss the key figures who shaped the industry, such as Augustine Haraszthy and André Tchelistcheff, the effects of Prohibition, and the rise of iconic wineries like Mondavi.

The episode also covers pivotal moments the Judgment of Paris, the influence of Robert Parker, and the cultural impact of the movie 'Sideways.' Additionally, they highlight the growing prominence of wine regions outside California, like the Finger Lakes and Virginia, signaling a broader transformation in American wine culture.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:13 Early History of California Wine

02:13 The Count and His Legacy 04:56 The Napa-Sonoma Rivalry

06:40 Prohibition and Its Aftermath

08:55 The Jug Wine Era

10:10 Scientific Advancements and UC Davis

18:22 The Judgment of Paris

20:55 The Rise of Napa Valley

24:49 Modern Wine Culture and Sideways Effect

27:08 Emerging Wine Regions Across America

28:22 Conclusion 

The Impact of Prohibition on American Wine In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the history of American Prohibition and its profound impact on the wine industry. They discuss the rise of the temperance movement, the unexpected enactment of Prohibition in 1920, the cultural and economic fallout, and the rise of organized crime. They also highlight the significant loss of wine knowledge and the evolution of America’s relationship with alcohol post-Prohibition. Additionally, they explore the recovery and resurgence of the wine industry, with a particular focus on California, and the ongoing challenges and regulations that stem from this era.

01:03 The Temperance Movement and Early Prohibition Efforts

03:51 Wine's Early History in America

08:39 Prohibition's Impact on the Wine Industry

12:43 The Rise of Organized Crime and Federal Policing

14:23 The Decline of Prohibition

16:21 Economic and Social Impact of Prohibition

17:08 Post-Prohibition California Wine Industry

18:17 The Three-Tier System Explained

20:30 Cultural Shifts in Alcohol Perception

23:00 Prohibition's Lingering Effects on Science and Society

25:34 Regional Differences in Alcohol Laws

27:35 Reviving America's Wine Heritage 

The History and Evolution of Ancient Wines In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the fascinating history of ancient wines. They discuss the origins of wine in Armenia and Georgia, explore the innovative work of the late Patrick McGovern, and examine various ancient wine practices, including the use of goat skins, clay pottery, and the addition of seawater. The discussion also covers the medicinal and cultural significance of wine in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight how many ancient practices still influence modern winemaking while sharing plenty of historical anecdotes and interesting facts about ancient wines.

00:00 Welcome Back to After Wine School

00:51 Dedication to Patrick McGovern

02:50 The Birthplace of Wine: Armenia and Georgia

07:43 Ancient Egyptian Wine Culture

09:45 Greek Symposiums and Wine

12:47 Roman Wine and Practices

15:17 Modern Practices with Ancient Roots

16:02 Conclusion \

The Medieval Era of Wine

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the captivating history of medieval wines, exploring their enduring impact on modern winemaking. They discuss the vital role monks played in wine production, driven by both spiritual quests and practical necessities. The duo examines how wine functioned as medicine and the political maneuvers surrounding Bordeaux during the medieval era. From the meticulous vineyard practices of monks to the medical benefits of wine and the influence of class and politics, the conversation provides a thorough insight into how medieval practices shaped today's wine culture. They also touch upon the role of women in taverns and the social intricacies of the era. To wrap up, they invite listeners to explore more about ancient wines through the National Wine School's programs.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:32 Monks and the Birth of Terroir

07:03 Wine as Medicine Through the Ages

10:20 Political Influence on Wine Trade

13:37 Class and Wine Preferences

17:41 Taverns and Women's Role in Wine History

20:00 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Unveiling the Psychology Behind Wine Tasting

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the psychology of wine tasting. They explore how context, environment, and expectations can alter our perception of wine. Keith and Alana discuss personal experiences, famous experiments like the Judgment of Paris, and key scientific studies that highlight the power of suggestion in wine appreciation. The episode also covers the impact of social influence, such as the Parker Effect, and offers insights into creating the optimal environment for wine tasting. Finally, they share practical tips for wine enthusiasts to discern genuine quality from marketing hype.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:22 The Psychology of Wine

01:35 Appearance vs. Reality in Wine

04:36 The Power of Perception

05:54 Teaching Wine: Creating the Right Environment

13:23 Cognitive Tricks in Wine Tasting 1

8:28 Designing the Perfect Wine School

20:56 Wine Shops and Consumer Psychology

23:05 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Climate Change and Innovations in Winemaking In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the impact of climate change on the wine industry. Though the topic is inherently dark, they provide an optimistic look at how winemakers and regions are adapting and innovating. They discuss historical shifts in wine regions due to climate change, current challenges such as extreme weather, and the various innovative strategies being employed to mitigate these changes. Emerging wine regions and the surprising winners benefiting from climate shifts, like England, Tasmania, and Canada, are also highlighted. This informative episode concludes with an encouragement for wine enthusiasts to further their education through the National Wine School and to support the podcast by liking and subscribing.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:33 Climate Change and the Wine Industry

01:49 Historical Climate Changes and Wine Regions

05:34 Impact of Modern Climate Change on Winemaking

14:54 Innovative Solutions in Winemaking

18:44 Emerging Wine Regions and Future Prospects