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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) sits down with Anna Mpinga, a financial services professional who loves Moscato but finds herself forced to sip dry wines at networking mixers. They get real about the anxiety, imposter syndrome, and misconceptions that come with wine in business and social settings.

If you’re a beginner wine drinker (or know one!), worried about fitting in, or want to confidently order a wine you’ll actually enjoy at your next event—this episode is for you. Kristi delivers approachable, non-snobby wine education that empowers you to explore new wines, break free from elitist norms, and use wine as a powerful networking tool. You’ll also get easy wine recommendations, fun conversation starters, and practical hacks for blending, pairing, and growing beyond “sweet vs. dry.”

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

• Why you don’t need to fake liking dry or bold wines at business events—and how to confidently order what you enjoy
• Powerful questions and conversation starters to break the ice using wine—even if you know nothing about it
• How to transition from sweeter wines (like Moscato) to exploring new varieties at your own pace
• Hacks for getting the most out of any event wine list, from wine spritzers to nonalcoholic options that let you shine

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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 vocabulary, and truly taste the difference between bottles with approachable strategies.

This episode reveals the top five ways to improve how you taste wine: from the power of side-by-side comparisons for recognizing what makes each wine unique, to engaging all your senses with the Six S’s method, building an easy-to-use flavor vocabulary, maintaining a tasting journal, and minimizing distractions (goodbye, cologne and post-brush toothpaste!). Christy’s simple, actionable steps ensure you can experience wine more fully—at tastings, at home, or anywhere you enjoy a glass.

Skip the pressure, forget about “getting it wrong,” and learn to savor every sip your way. Whether you're new to wine or looking to boost your tasting confidence, these tips will fast-track your journey to enjoying wine with knowledge, clarity, and joy.

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

• The biggest mistakes holding you back from developing wine tasting skills—and how to overcome them
• Kristi’s five fastest, approachable strategies to identify more wine flavors and aromas
• Why building a simple wine vocabulary and keeping tasting notes are game changers
• Pro-level tips to minimize distractions and maximize every wine tasting experience

Want to take your wine tasting skills next level? Check out THE FLAVOR DECODER and transform wine forever!

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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 significance of grape varieties to identifying the best styles from regions like Provence, this episode empowers you with the knowledge to enjoy Rosé with confidence. Dive into the making processes of Rosé like direct press, maceration, and the rare Saignee, and learn about the versatility of Rosé for any occasion, beyond just summer sipping.

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

• The myth-busting truths about Rosé wine color and quality.
• The different production methods and their impact on flavor profiles.
• How to select a Rosé based on grape varieties and wine regions.
• Tips for pairing Rosé with diverse foods for year-round enjoyment.

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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 of flavor. 

Whether you're visiting popular hotspots like Napa Valley or exploring lesser-known wine regions, these insights will help you maximize every tasting and tour. Dive into the vibrant world of wine, from timing and reservations to setting expectations and choosing the right travel goals. Explore beyond the traditional and embrace a diverse palate of wine experiences that align with your preferences and enrich your cultural explorations.

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

• The significance of planning and making reservations for an enjoyable wine tour
• How to choose the right wine travel goals and regions that match your wine preferences
• Importance of setting expectations and budgets for wine tasting experiences

Tips on wine etiquette that ensure a seamless and enjoyable winery visit 

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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 satisfying dining experience. 

If you've ever felt overwhelmed at a restaurant, these tips will empower you to make informed choices and perhaps even find a hidden gem!

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

• How to decode a wine list and select wines like a pro.
• The importance of setting a budget and understanding wine pricing.
• Strategies to find the best wines for any occasion, even when entertaining a large group.

How to navigate wine pairings and avoid common pitfalls at restaurants. 

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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 varied expressions.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

•  How the winemaking processes influence Chardonnay styles and what specific qualities contribute to its buttery notes.
•  The evolving trends and the growing appreciation for terroir-driven wines, providing a more nuanced taste of Chardonnay.
•  Actionable advice from Bibiana on selecting the right Chardonnay for your palette, understanding the role of oak in winemaking, and the importance of vineyard practices.

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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 legacy in wine production, offering insight into varietal labeling and its impact on wine quality. Understand why certain wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are rarely blended, while others embrace a variety of grapes for complexity. 

BY THE END OF THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL GAIN CLARITY ON:

·       Reading wine labels

·       Recognizing the influence of regions on wine styles

·       Appreciating how varietal blends can enhance your wine experience.

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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 a high score doesn’t guarantee you’ll love the wine
• The biggest misconceptions about relying on ratings
• Simple strategies to choose wines based on your taste, not just a number

Kristi shares personal stories, insider tips, and a fresh perspective on breaking free from score-driven wine shopping. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by numbers, this episode will help you trust your palate and enjoy wine your way. 

Tune in now and start sipping with confidence!

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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, tannin, alcohol, and body (SATAB)—to help you and your fellow wine enthusiasts pinpoint your unique preferences. 

 And now that you’re confident in your favorite wine, you’ll get the tips and tricks you need to track your wine journey so you can get the perfect bottle every time.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

• How to confidently identify and articulate your preferred wine styles.
• Innovative tips for keeping track of your wine discoveries using simple phone features.
• The empowerment that comes from embracing and sharing your wine choices without fear of judgment.
• Practical advice for tracking your favorite wine and bottle selections with ease.

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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 LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
 
 

•        The unique allure and flavor profile of chillable red wines, perfect for any occasion.

•        Expert tips on selecting the best chillable reds and serving them at the ideal temperature.

•        Why light, fruity reds can transform your wine palette and elevate everyday dining experiences.

•        An inside look into Texas winemaking and the rising stars of the industry.

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristieverydaysommelier

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CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


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Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!