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Ever felt Champagne prestige was out of reach or reserved only for special occasions? This episode dismantles the intimidation factor and reframes Champagne as an approachable drink for any day of the week. Kristi Mayfield is joined by David Aferiat, luxury Champagne importer, who reveals why you should enjoy bubbles with pizza, chips, or even burgers—not just weddings and milestones. 

Dig into the secrets behind grower Champagne, what separates it from the big brands, and why sustainable, organic farming makes a difference in taste and headache-free enjoyment. Learn procuring tips, label-reading strategies, distribution hurdles, and the crucial shipping truth that impacts every bottle. 

Discover how Champagne’s history shaped its “special occasion only” reputation and actionable steps to unlock your own Champagne journey. As always, sip smarter with Kristi’s top empowering takeaways for high-impact wine fluency.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why Champagne’s reputation as “special occasion only” actually holds you back—and how to enjoy bubbles any night.
• The difference between big brand Champagne and authentic grower Champagne (and how to shop with confidence).
• Secrets of organic, sustainable farming practices that impact taste, health, and your next wine headache.
• Actionable steps for sourcing better Champagne, making informed buying choices, and pairing bubbles with everything from steak to potato chips.

Episode Timestamps:

• Unlocking Champagne’s Everyday Charm (00:00:00)
  Rethink sparkling wine: how to pair Champagne with pizza, burgers, and weekday life.
• Deconstructing Champagne Intimidation: Price, Perception & Marketing (00:02:31)
  Why Champagne feels unreachable—and real reasons Americans hesitate to drink it more often.
• Grower Champagne vs. Big Brands: Taste the Difference (00:08:19)
  Learn why authentic grower Champagne redefines flavor and experience compared to mass-market bottles.
• How to Shop Smarter for Champagne (and Avoid a Headache) (00:13:59)
• Insider tips from a luxury importer on label reading, distribution pitfalls, and shipping risks.
• A History Lesson: Champagne’s Prestige, Legends & Everyday Reality (00:20:03)
  How monks, Napoleon, and modern marketing shaped Champagne’s reputation—and why you should reclaim it.
• Top Tips to Expand Your Champagne Journey—No More Waiting for ‘Someday’ (00:23:27)
  Five actionable strategies for confident Champagne exploration, making every day worth celebrating.

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What does "Old Vine" on a wine label really promise? Is “Old Vine Zinfandel” truly better, or is it just marketing? In this wine stories episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield uncorks the truth about old vine wine, decoding industry buzzwords and cutting through the confusion surrounding one of wine’s most romantic—yet undefined—labels.

Explore why “Old Vine” isn’t a globally or legally defined term, and how this creates frustration for everyday wine lovers, like you, just trying to sip smarter. Kristi reveals the real impact of vine age on wine quality, aroma, and price, and explains how different wine regions—from California to Spain and Australia—are starting to regulate the term to protect heritage vineyards.

Learn how “Old Vine” wines are farmed, the dangers they face, and why you may be paying more for a label rather than superior flavor. You'll gain expert strategies and sommelier tips for decoding everyday wine labels, understanding heritage, and making confident wine choices in a world full of misleading terminology.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• The truth about "Old Vine"—why it’s often just a marketing term and not a guarantee of quality. 
• How vine age really affects wine texture, concentration, and style (and when it doesn’t). 
• Proven tips for reading “Old Vine” labels and finding real heritage wines, not hype. 
• What wine regions around the world are doing to protect and define old vine vineyards.

Episode Timestamps: 

00:04:00 - Why “Old Vine” Means Nothing Without Context
00:06:08 - How Old Vines Can Impact Wine Texture and Flavor
00:08:21 - Why Many Old Vineyards Get Replanted—And The Risk to Quality
00:12:58 - Regions Fighting Back: How Wine Laws Are Changing for Old Vines
00:14:19 - Price vs. Age: Don’t Get Fooled by Expensive Old Vine Labels

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When even seasoned wine experts and collectors are fooled, how can everyday wine lovers, like you, feel confident that the bottle in their cart (or on their table) is real? This episode of Everyday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield exposes the unsettling rise of wine fraud—from multimillion-dollar counterfeit scandals to fake wine labels infiltrating mainstream shelves and online retailers. 

Learn how major wine regions are fighting back with new authenticity measures, and discover the simple, actionable tips you can use to ensure your wine is the real deal.

Kristi pulls back the curtain on global wine fraud cases like the notorious Rudy Kurniawan scheme and the widespread Spanish wine scandals, demonstrating how both luxury collectors and casual drinkers are impacted. She arms listeners with a checklist for decoding wine authenticity—covering everything from hologram labels and QR codes to serial numbers and digital tracking tech. Get empowered to verify every glass, protect your investment, and reclaim your wine joy.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• How everyday drinkers—not just collectors—can get scammed by counterfeit wine
• Actionable steps to verify the authenticity of any wine bottle (without being a sommelier)
• The anti-fraud technologies and security features top regions and wineries are using now
• Where to shop (and where not to) when buying wine online or in store—plus warning signs to beware

TIMESTAMPS & EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

00:01:02 – The $300 Fake: A True Story of Global Wine Fraud Exposed
Discover the infamous Rudy Kurniawan scandal and how it shattered trust in the wine industry.

00:02:59 – Counterfeit Wine: Why Everyday Drinkers Are At Risk
Learn about recent Spanish wine fraud cases and the global impact on trusted regions and wine buyers.

00:07:18 – The Wine Buyer’s Checklist: Spotting Fake Bottles
Simple, actionable steps for consumers to check labels, seals, and sourcing to protect against fraud.

00:09:21 – High-Tech Protections: How The Wine Industry Fights Counterfeits
Holograms, QR codes, RFID trackers, and even DNA markers—explore how wineries defend authenticity.

00:13:20 – Sip Confidently: Quick Tips for Ironclad Authenticity
Pull out your existing bottles and put your new skills to the test—what to look for, and how to buy smarter.

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Tired of letting half-open bottles of wine go to waste—or waiting years to open a special bottle, only to find it’s past its prime? Wine preservation becomes exhilarating as Coravin inventor Greg Lambrecht joins Kristi Mayfield to reveal the transformative power of this breakthrough wine gadget.

Uncorking more than preservation, Greg and Kristi dig deep into wine technology and the freedom to taste, explore, and savor every bottle on your terms—without fear of waste, compromise, or missing out on aging potential. This episode breaks down how wine lovers, collectors, sommeliers, and restaurant owners can leverage Coravin to revolutionize their own wine rituals and unlock new possibilities in wine education, curation, and service.

From tackling wine waste and empowering “drink less, drink better” lifestyles to expanding wine-by-the-glass programs at your favorite restaurants, Greg demystifies the economics, cultural shifts, and sustainable impact of Coravin. Plus, learn how this wine tool is primed to intrigue the next generation of wine drinkers—one perfectly preserved glass at a time.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• How to taste from any bottle without worrying about spoilage or waste—goodbye, anxiety about opening “special” bottles! 
• Why Coravin means more sustainable wine enjoyment, cutting down on both bottle waste and unfinished pours. 
• How wine lovers at any level can dramatically speed up their wine learning with side-by-side tastings at home, minus guilt or cost. 
• The future of restaurant and wine shop experiences—unlocking high-end wine by the glass and making wine more approachable for everyone.

Top 6 Takeaways and Timestamps

[00:04:01] Why Wine Goes to Waste—And How Coravin Solves It
Discover the problem with multi-serving wine bottles, short shelf life, and the real-life frustration that led to Coravin’s creation.

[00:07:14] Explore Without Compromise: Never Waste a Glass Again
See how Coravin lets you compare vintages, regions, and varietals side-by-side, unlocking intentional, guilt-free tasting.

[00:12:04] Restaurant Wine Upgraded: By-the-Glass Without Limits
Coravin helps restaurants eliminate wine waste and boost profits—while bringing top bottles by the glass to their menus.

[00:18:49] Home Wine Experience: From Preservation to Exploration
How everyday drinkers can reclaim their cellars, avoid overconsumption, and embrace the “drink less, drink better” movement.

[00:23:10] The Sustainability Impact of Coravin
Shed light on how reducing wine waste contributes to a more sustainable wine culture—plus insights on recyclable capsules and durable design.

[00:26:17] The New Generation & Single-Serve Wine
Why new tech and packaging innovations could make wine more accessible for curious, eco-minded, and solo drinkers.

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Ever wondered if that special bottle in your wine rack is destined to become legendary—or just flat? Let Kristi Mayfield, certified wine expert, arm you with everything you need to confidently answer, “Should I age this wine, or pop it tonight?” Learn why only 1-5% of wines truly benefit from aging, and unravel the confusing myths surrounding vintage dates, price, and label claims.

Kristi reveals the 3 (three) invisible but critical building blocks for wine ageability—acidity, tannins, and sugar—and explains exactly how these shape a wine’s journey from fresh and fruity to rich and complex. Get practical strategies for identifying age-worthy reds and whites in the real world, and learn to avoid the heartbreak (and wasted money) of saving bottles not built to last.

Pinpoint common mistakes—like falling for the myth that all Napa Cabernets or Bordeaux are made for aging—and discover why most wines are crafted for early enjoyment. Find out which classic varietals consistently deliver the best aging results, and master the art of tasting for structure (not just flavor!) to build your confidence as a modern wine lover.

Ready to finally understand when to cellar, when to sip, and how to enjoy every bottle at its best? This episode is your go-to cheat sheet to answer the age-old question - does wine get better with age?

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• The three fundamental components that make a wine age-worthy (and how to spot them) 
• How to avoid the most common—often costly—wine aging mistakes at home 
• Proven varietals that truly benefit from aging, and how to select them 
• Simple tasting and buying strategies to confidently build your own age-worthy wine collection

Top Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Should You Age That Wine? The Hidden Truths You Need to Know
03:37 Why 95% of Wines Aren’t Meant to Age—and How to Spot the Exceptions
05:34 Decoding the Secret Ingredients: Acidity, Tannins, Sugar (& How They Preserve Wine)
10:05 Costly Myths: Expensive Doesn't Mean Age-Worthy
12:17 The Best Red and White Wines for Aging—and What Makes Them Ageable
16:37 Foolproof Buying Strategy: Taste Structure, Track Progress, and Build Confidence

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Ever wondered if your prized bottles are safe on that decorative wine rack? This episode of Everyday Sommelier reveals the biggest wine storage mistakes most collectors make (hint: that gorgeous spot on top of your fridge is a disaster for your wine) and gives you the wine storage strategy you need—no cellar required. Kristi Mayfield breaks down how to choose the best wine storage solutions for every type of bottle, from everyday drinkers to legacy investments, so you can stop stressing and start sipping.

Learn how to avoid the worst enemies of wine—heat, fluctuating temperatures, light, and vibration—and discover practical, step-by-step wine storage tips to keep your collection tasting its best. Whether you have a handful of special occasion bottles or dream of building a full wine cellar, you’ll walk away with the tools to confidently protect your wines at home. Plus, find out if you really need to store wine on its side, when a wine fridge is a must, and how to sort your collection for maximum flavor.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How to triage your wine collection into “daily drinkables,” “memory makers,” and “legacy labels” for optimal storage
• The four key enemies that destroy wine flavor and value—and simple ways to defeat them
• When a wine fridge or professional storage facility is actually worth the investment
• Pro hacks for storing wine at home—even without a dedicated cellar or expensive equipment
• The truth about wine bottle orientation (sideways or upright?) for cork and screw cap closures

Timestamps:

00:00:42 – Are You Storing Wine the Wrong Way?
Find out why that beautiful wine display might be setting you up for heartbreak—and what most collectors do wrong.

00:03:26 – Stop Wasting Good Wine: The 3-Bucket Storage Strategy
Learn how to sort your collection for maximum taste and value with Kristi’s simple triage plan.

00:08:06 – The Silent Killers of Your Wine Collection
Uncover the four hidden dangers that destroy wine at home (and how to instantly protect your bottles).

00:10:43 – Wine Fridge vs. Closet: Which Wines Deserve an Upgrade?
Get the facts on when to invest in a wine refrigerator, and how to choose the right solution for your needs.

00:12:19 – Bottles on Their Side or Standing Up? The Real Science of Storage
Separate myth from reality about bottle orientation, corks, and why it matters for long-term aging.

00:13:29 – Kitchen Fridge Dangers: When Cold Storage Goes Wrong
Learn why your kitchen refrigerator is the worst place for long-term wine storage—and what to do instead.

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Ever feel overwhelmed when handed the wine list at a business dinner, worried about making the wrong choice—especially when it comes to tannin in wine? This episode of Everyday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield dives deep into what tannins really are, why they’re not the enemy of great wine, and how understanding them can become your superpower at any table. Kristi shatters the myth that high-tannin wines are best avoided and empowers you to explore your personal tannin taste spectrum with actionable strategies.

You’ll learn how tannins work, why they matter for both red and certain white wines, how to read any wine list for tannin clues, and why traditional pairings like steak and Cabernet Sauvignon are backed by science—not just snobbery. Plus, Kristi reveals a simple three-glass test you can try at home to pinpoint your own tannin preference—no memorizing grape varieties required.

Walk away with practical tools to decode wine lists, make memorable, confident wine selections, and unlock a new level of enjoyment and expertise, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just want to impress at your next business dinner.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How tannins in wine actually work and why they’re essential—not something to fear
• Tips to decode wine lists using grape, region, and vintage for tannin levels
• The three-glass tannin test to find your personal tannin sweet spot
• Why food and wine pairing with tannins is more than tradition—it's science-backed

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – When Tannin Feels Like a Trap: Turning Wine List Anxiety Into Mastery
04:05 – Unlocking the Mystery: What Tannins in Wine Really Are—And Why They Matter
06:35 – How to Decode Tannin Clues: Grape, Region, and Age Secrets for Every Wine List
08:45 – The Science Behind Perfect Wine Pairings: Tannins, Fat, and Flavor
12:41 – The Three-Glass Tannin Test: Find Your Personal Wine Preference at Home
14:48 – Busting the Tannin Headache Myth: The Truth About Health and Enjoyment

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Ordering wine at a restaurant is changing fast, and traditional glass bottles are no longer the only option on the table. This episode of Everyday Sommelier dives into the hottest restaurant wine trend: alternative wine packaging—from wine on tap and kegs to cans, Bag-in-Box, and eco-friendly recycled bottles. 

Kristi Mayfield explores what’s driving this seismic shift, including sustainability, lower costs, and fresher wine by the glass. Plus, learn why restaurants and wine bars are doubling down on non-traditional packaging and how it benefits adventurous wine drinkers looking for variety without waste!

Ever wondered whether kegged wine or wine in a can can match your favorite bottle? Kristi breaks down freshness and quality myths, covers the environmental impact, and explains how alternative formats are making wine more approachable (and fun!). Get practical tips for trying these new options the next time you spot them on a restaurant wine list—including how to get the most out of your next group dinner and why these changes aren’t just a fad.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• How wine on tap, kegs, and cans solve restaurant wine waste and freshness issues. 
• The cost and sustainability advantages of alternative wine packaging for both restaurants and drinkers. 
• Why you should challenge traditional wine stereotypes and embrace new packaging for a better by-the-glass experience. 
• How to confidently order and enjoy wine from kegs, cans, or bags at your next restaurant outing.

Timestamps:

00:00:51 – The Rise of Wine on Tap: How Restaurants Are Changing the Game
00:03:06 – Reducing Waste and Saving Costs: Why Restaurants Embrace Wine Kegs
00:07:46 – Boxed Wine’s Resurgence: Quality, Freshness & Perception
00:09:28 – Canned Wine for Outdoor Dining: Safety, Portion Control, and Younger Consumers
00:12:23 – Making the Leap: How to Confidently Try Alternative Wine Packaging
00:13:55 – Sustainability Trends: Recycled Bottles, Tetra Packs & The Future of Restaurant Wine Service

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Cringe at the sight of boxed wine at a party? Think twice. Episode 41 of Everyday Sommelier breaks down everything you know—and don’t—about alternative wine packaging. Host Kristi Mayfield pulls back the curtain on why glass bottles aren’t the only (or best) way to store and enjoy your favorite wines.

Explore the facts behind boxed wine, canned wine, Tetra Pak, paper bottles, lightweight glass, and even reusable bottle programs. Dive into the science of why these formats preserve wine—sometimes even better than glass—and how they offer fresher sips, wallet-friendly options, and sustainable solutions for eco-conscious wine lovers.

Get the truth about quality—why great wine can indeed come in a box, can, or carton—and get actionable tips for choosing, serving, and savoring alternative packaging. Ready to ditch the snobbery, reduce your carbon footprint, and discover your next favorite glass? This episode is your shortcut to confident, modern wine drinking, wherever and however you pour it.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• The science and history behind alternative wine packaging and why glass isn’t always best
• How boxed, canned, and Tetra Pak wines stack up in quality, freshness, convenience, and sustainability
• Practical tips for choosing and enjoying alternative packaging—without sacrificing taste or experience
• Proven ways to break past outdated wine “rules” and confidently explore under-the-radar gems

TIMESTAMPS:

00:01:28 – Rethinking Wine Packaging: From Ancient Amphora to Modern Box
(Problem: Wine tradition vs. innovation—why change your mind on packaging?)

00:04:43 – Hidden Costs of Glass Bottles in the Wine Industry
(Results: Learn the environmental and financial impact few talk about)

00:07:22 – Wine Packaging Innovations: Lightweight, Flat, and Reusable Bottles
(Results: How packaging is becoming eco-friendly and convenient)

00:09:15 – Boxed and Bag-in-Box Wine: Freshness, Longevity, and Value
(Results: Why quality boxed wine may outlast your bottle collection)

00:10:50 – Canned & Tetra Pak Wines: Perfect for Exploration and Portability
(Results: Expand your palate with lower-risk wine adventures)

00:12:58 – Busting Myths on Quality: Why Alternatives Preserve Wine Integrity
(Problem: Overcoming the stigma of non-bottle wine)

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Wondering why the Sauvignon Blanc wine style you pick never tastes the same twice? If you’ve ever grabbed a bottle expecting vibrant citrus and got stone fruit—or vice versa—this episode is for you. Kristi Mayfield, host of Everyday Sommelier, unpacks the three major Sauvignon Blanc styles: New Zealand’s zesty citrus, a lush oak-aged warm climate version, and France’s mineral-driven Sancerre.

Unravel how key factors like climate, winemaking method, and blending dramatically change a wine—even when “Sauvignon Blanc” is the only thing on the label. Learn why reading wine labels is a guessing game and why region often matters more than grape variety. Kristi arms you with simple strategies to crack the code, taste like a pro, and finally choose bottles you’ll love every time—without fear of wasting money or guessing wrong in the wine aisle.

Perfect for anyone seeking real-world wine knowledge—minus the snobbery—this episode is packed with actionable tips, region recommendations, and a roadmap to track your preferences for every grape (not just Sauv Blanc).

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• Why Sauvignon Blanc can taste radically different depending on region and winemaking—even with the same grape
• The three biggest mistakes wine lovers make when shopping by varietal labels
• How to decode regional clues for your perfect Sauvignon Blanc style (think Sancerre, New Zealand, Napa).
• Kristi’s top strategies to track what you love and avoid wine-buying disappointment.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:01:00 — Wine Label Lies: Why Grape Alone Won’t Tell You the Style
00:03:30 — Unlocking Sauvignon Blanc: Climate, Oak & Blending Explained
00:06:45 — The Pain Points of Wine Shopping: How to Stop Wasting Money on Bottles You Don’t Love
00:09:50 — Taste-Test Like a Pro: The Side-by-Side Sauvignon Blanc Method
00:10:50 — Master Regions, Master Your Palate: Using Geography for Wine Success
00:11:50 — Finding Affordable Alternatives: Sancerre vs. Pouilly Fumé vs. Napa Sauvignon Blanc

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