It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

Today, we're taking a deep dive into one of Italy’s best-kept secrets: the world of Franciacorta. While many of us know and love Prosecco, the sparkling wines of Franciacorta offer a different kind of magic—one rooted in tradition, unique terroir, and a dedication to craftsmanship that rivals the best in the world. Joining us is Lucia Barzanò, the fifth generation of her family to run Mosnel, a historic winery that has been a pioneer in this region for decades. From embracing organic farming to championing indigenous grapes and crafting sparkling wines of incredible depth, Mosnel is a true reflection of the Franciacorta spirit. 

Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast! 

 Slainte! 

Find out more at Mosnel here. 

Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video

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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

Earlier this year, I had the privilege to attend Sicilia En Primeur, where the energy and ambition of Sicilian wine were on full display—and there’s no better person to talk about what’s next than Mariangela Cambria, the president of Assovini Sicilia. In this episode, we explore how Sicily is uniting tradition and innovation, why native grapes are capturing international attention, and what it takes to lead one of Italy’s most dynamic wine regions into the future. Join me for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the vineyards, revealing the vision and passion driving Sicily’s modern wine renaissance.

Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast! 

 Slainte! 

Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video

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TITLE: Service is Left out, shipping snafus and where “No” is the only wine poured

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

Before we dive into today’s episode, let me set the scene: imagine misty green hills rolling into rugged cliffs, tiny terraces clinging to mountain slopes, and ancient grapes whispering stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Today, we’re heading to Asturias—a corner of Spain where cider reigns, wine whispers, and folklore practically drips from the rain-soaked slate. So pour yourself something fresh—maybe even a tart sidra if you’re feeling adventurous—and let’s explore why this quiet, soulful region deserves a big spot on your wine map.

Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast! 

 Slainte! 

Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video

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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

Today, we’re continuing our virtual visit to Santa Barbara and pouring over more one star reviews from Vega, and then moving on to Babcock Winery. From alleged closures without notice and frustratingly slow service to outright refusal of service for seemingly arbitrary reasons, it seems some of these wineries are serving up more than just wine.

Join us as we uncork the truth and try to understand what makes a winery experience truly delightful, or downright dismal. 

Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast! 

 Slainte! 

Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video

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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

Welcome back to the podcast, everyone! Sometimes the stars truly align. Last week, we took a journey through the stunning region of Galicia in Northwest Spain, exploring its unique culture, cuisine, and of course, its incredible wines. Well, as fate would have it, right on the heels of that episode, I had the pleasure of attending a fantastic webinar that was a deep dive into Galicia's most famous white grape: Albariño. If you missed that episode, I’ll have it in the shownotes. 

The webinar was co-hosted by Rick Fisher, the Spanish Program Director for the Wine Guild, and Patrick Mata, co-founder of the Ole & Obrigado. Their insights were invaluable, covering everything from Albariño's history and viticulture to its diverse expressions and food-pairing versatility. Let the fun begin! 

Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast! 

 Slainte! 

Albarino All Day Episode can be found at https://dracaenawines.podbean.com/e/albarino-all-day%e2%80%94inside-spain-s-misty-wine-wonderland/

Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video

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Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order

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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

If you think Spain is all sun-soaked reds and flamenco flair, Galicia is here to blow your wine-loving mind (gently, with a coastal breeze). Nestled in the misty northwest corner of the country, this rain-drenched region is where Albariño thrives, octopus is practically a love language, and vineyards cling to cliffs like they’re auditioning for an action movie. In this episode of Exploring the Wine Glass, we’re diving into the green heart of Spain’s Atlantic coast—Galicia—where the wines are fresh, the food is legendary, and even the bagpipes are welcome at the table.

Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast! 

 Slainte! 

Mencia Episode can be found at https://dracaenawines.podbean.com/e/ep-58-welcome-to-winephabet-street-m-is-for-mencia/

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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

Welcome to another episode of "One Star Winery Reviews," where we explore the quirks, complaints, and candid feedback from wine enthusiasts. Today, we journey to the Santa Barbara Wine Region, a coastal paradise known for its stunning vineyards and diverse varietals. However, not everyone is impressed—one visitor felt unneeded after hearing about the winery's 3,000 members, another prioritized jogging around a pond over preserving its natural habitat, and while barking dogs are shown the door, screaming kids seem to get a pass. Let’s dive into the drama behind the wine.

Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast! 

 Slainte! 

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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

Today, we're heading to one of the most fascinating and picturesque corners of the wine world: Alto Adige. Nestled in the northernmost province of Italy and flanked by the dramatic Dolomites, this region is a true meeting place of contrasts—Italian charm with Austrian roots, loamy soils supporting both classic and lesser-known varieties, and a DOC that's currently 65% white wine, despite a much different past.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a webinar with Susannah Gold and Mathias Messner of Cantina Bolzen, and let me tell you, Alto Adige is more than just breathtaking views. We’ll explore what makes this region so unique, from its multi-lingual culture to its high-altitude vineyards, and of course, we’ll chat about some standout wines—think Kerner, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and a beautifully crisp Pinot Blanc. So pour yourself a glass, and let’s head to the crossroads of cultures, climates, and some seriously impressive winemaking.

 Slainte! 

Find out more about Cantina Bolzen  here

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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

Happy Memorial Day. Originally known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday here in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. If you are in Paso Robles today, please come by the Dracaena Wines’ tasting room. Active and veteran military will receive two complimentary tastings with a single bottle purchase PLUS 20% off all wine purchases. Today’s episode is a re-release of my interview with an amazing non-profit called Honor Flight Central Coast, who raise money so they can honor all of America’s veterans by taking them to Washington D.C. on their “Tour of Honor.” It's a wonderful cause, please check them out. 

While you are listening, it would be so incredible if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Finally, don’t forget to head to the website, Exploring the Wine Glass.com to read the blog, and sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with all the happenings.  Slainte! 

Find out more about Honor Flight Central Coast

Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video

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Please support our sponsor

Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order

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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! 

In this episode, we’re heading back to Missouri for another round of one-star winery reviews—and let’s just say, the hits keep on coming. From tree-free tasting rooms and questionable political rallies (or whatever that was), to overdressed salads, under-chickened pizzas, and the mysterious case of the selectively used fans, we’re diving into the quirks and chaos that make these reviews absolute gold. Oh, and yes—we got scolded for using the S word. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild sip!

While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for automatic downloads so that new episodes of Exploring the Wine Glass show up in your “next up feed.” The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Follow me on all the socials and finally, don’t forget to head to the website, Exploring the Wine Glass.com to read the blog, and sign up for the newsletter to keep up with all the happenings.  Slainte! 

Find out more about Martha McBride  here

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Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order

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