GuildSomm Podcast

GuildSomm Podcast episodes:

• 04.23.2024

  Tasting with Braithe Tidwell and Sam Bortugno

  In our latest blind tasting episode, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Braithe Tidwell and Sam Bortugno of Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. They talk about their experiences with blind tasting and how they employ blind tasting skills...

  
• 04.09.2024

  Wine Education with Karen MacNeil

  In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with the wine writer and educator Karen MacNeil about the state of wine education today. They cover trends, strategies, innovative approaches, the future of wine education, certifications, and much...

  
• 03.26.2024

  Tasting with Cokie Ponikvar and Omar Lima

  In our latest blind tasting episode, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Cokie Ponikvar and Omar Lima. They discuss the importance of blind tasting, the challenges they've faced in their tasting journeys, and how they apply blind tasting skills....

  
• 03.12.2024

  Wine Chemistry with P.J. Alaimo

  In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Dr. P.J. Alaimo, a professor of chemistry and the chemistry department chair at Seattle University. Chris and P.J. dive deep into wine chemistry, discussing the chemical components of...

  
• 02.27.2024

  Tasting with Marissa Kipp and Tyler Alden

  In our latest blind tasting episode, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Marissa Kipp and MS Tyler Alden. They discuss their blind tasting journeys, the challenges they've faced while honing their tasting abilities, and the role of alcohol...

  
• 02.13.2024

  The Evolution of Wine Service

  In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe interviews Taylor Parsons of Whole Cluster Hospitality and MS Gareth Ferreira of Core by Clare Smyth. They discuss what constitutes good service, how service has changed over recent decades, and...

  
• 01.30.2024

  Tasting with Clara Klein and Jeremy Schwartz

  In our first blind tasting episode of 2024, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe speaks with Clara Klein and Jeremy Schwartz, lead sommeliers with the Frasca Hospitality Group in Colorado. They talk about the role of blind tasting in their...

  
• 01.18.2024

  Napa Valley with Kelli White

  In the latest GuildSomm podcast, host MS Christopher Tanghe interviews Kelli A. White, director of education for the Wine Center at Meadowood in Napa Valley, author of Napa Valley, Then & Now, and accomplished wine writer. Kelli discusses the history of Napa...

  
• 12.19.2023

  2023 Year in Review

  In the last GuildSomm podcast episode of 2023, Master Sommeliers Chris Tanghe and Jonathan Eichholz address myriad topics related to the past year, from the state of hard seltzer to how to make an interesting wine list for 2024.  ...

  
• 11.28.2023

  Tasting with Mark Guillaudeu and Chris Gaither

  In our new tasting episode, host Christopher Tanghe speaks with fellow Master Sommeliers Mark Guillaudeu and Chris Gaither. They discuss their tasting journeys; how they recognize texture and, in particular, phenolic bitterness in wine; and the ways they apply blind...

  
• 11.14.2023

  Wine Program Philosophy and Pricing

  In the latest GuildSomm podcast, host MS Christopher Tanghe interviews Annie Shi of King and Jupiter restaurants in New York City about her wine program philosophy. Annie discusses key considerations for bottle lists and by-the-glass offerings, how she thinks about...

  
• 10.31.2023

  Tasting with Steven McDonald and Rachael Liggett-Draper

  We're back with a new tasting episode! This week, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe discusses blind tasting practices with MS Steven McDonald and Rachael Liggett-Draper. They explore their tasting challenges, how they have calibrated acid and tannin calls, and...

  
• 10.17.2023

  Coffee & Restaurants

  In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe explores the importance of coffee in restaurant beverage programs by tracking it from farm to cup with special guests from the Washington coffee community. Scott Richardson, the co-owner of Herkimer...

  
• 09.26.2023

  Tasting with Erin Lyman and James Lechner

  In our latest podcast, Seattle wine professionals Erin Lyman and James Lechner discuss blind tasting with host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe. They explore the value of blind tasting, their personal tasting challenges, and how they use blind tasting in...

  
• 09.12.2023

  Demeter Certification with Steven Thompson

  In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe interviews Steven Thompson, the cofounder of Analemma Wines. Chris and Steven discuss the history and approach of Analemma Wines and its home, the Columbia Gorge AVA, then dive into a conversation about...

  
• 08.22.2023

  Tasting with Matthew Crawford and Cara De Lavallade

  In our latest podcast, Advanced Sommeliers Matthew Crawford and Cara De Lavallade discuss blind tasting with host and Master Sommelier Christopher Tanghe. They discuss whether blind tasting is useful outside of the exam setting, how they use this skill in...

  
• 08.08.2023

  Exploring Riesling with Fred Merwarth

  In our latest podcast episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe interviews Fred Merwarth of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Fred is the co-owner, head winemaker, and vineyard manager for the estate. Chris and Fred...

  
• 07.11.2023

  Tasting with Andrea Morris and Jonathan Eichholz

  In our latest blind tasting episode, host MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with New York City sommeliers Andrea Morris and Jonathan Eichholz. Andrea and Jonathan share their blind tasting challenges and strategies before tasting the same red wine. Andrea Morris is...

  
• 06.13.2023

  Sustainability in Champagne

  In our latest podcast, MS Christopher Tanghe interviews Ruinart Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis. They unpack the effects of climate change in Champagne and discuss the ways that Ruinart and other Champagne houses are adapting and pursuing sustainability in light...

  
• 05.09.2023

  New Zealand with Cameron Douglas

  In this episode, MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with New Zealand expert MS Cameron Douglas. They cover all things New Zealand, including the country’s winemaking regions, the still-important role of Sauvignon Blanc, and the wide range of styles being produced today....

  
• 04.25.2023

  Tasting with Chuck Nix and Lindsay Thomas

  Our blind tasting bonus episode is back! In this month's installment, GuildSomm Education Director MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with sommeliers Chuck Nix and Lindsay Thomas about how they approach blind tasting. Chuck is the sommelier and service manager at BRAVO!...

  
• 04.11.2023

  Tannin Management with Nick Gislason

  In this episode, MS Christopher Tanghe speaks with Nick Gislason, director of winemaking and viticulture at Screaming Eagle and co-owner and brewer at Hanabi Lager Company, about tannin management in wine. Chris and Nick discuss how tannins in wine are...

  
• 03.14.2023

  Chile with Lizzy Butler

  In this episode, MS Christopher Tanghe discusses the wines of Chile with Elizabeth Butler, the director of wine at importing company Vine Connections. Lizzy oversees education for Vine Connections' wine portfolio, which focuses on Chile and Argentina. Prior to joining Vine...

  
• 02.14.2023

  Demystifying Reduction with Thomas Savre

  In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with Thomas Savre, the director of winemaking and viticulture at Lingua Franca Winery in the Willamette Valley. They discuss reduction, particularly in Chardonnay, unpacking a complex topic that is often oversimplified in wine...

  
• 01.31.2023

  Tasting with Alexandra Stang and Matthew Dulle

  In our new tasting episode, GuildSomm Education Director MS Christopher Tanghe talks to Advanced Sommeliers Matthew Dulle and Alexandra Stang about their perspectives on blind tasting. Matt is based in Healdsburg, CA, where he is the director of sales for...

  
• 01.10.2023

  Reflections on 2022

  In our new podcast episode, Christopher Tanghe takes a look back at 2022 with guests Audrey Frick, Jonathan Eichholz, and Samantha Cole-Johnson. They discuss trends in wine and spirits, the state of the hospitality industry, wine law updates, and industry...

  
• 12.13.2022

  Chartreuse with Paul Einbund

  In our final podcast episode of the year, MS Chris Tanghe interviews Chartreuse expert and sommelier Paul Einbund. Paul is the owner of The Morris and co-owner of Maison Nico in San Francisco. Paul and Chris discuss all things Chartreuse,...

  
• 11.29.2022

  Tasting with GuildSomm: Justyna Brewczyk and Michael Markarian

  In this month’s tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe talks to Justyna Brewczyk and Michael Markarian about their approaches to blind tasting. Justyna is a Houston-based WSET Diploma graduate and a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She recently...

  
• 11.15.2022

  GuildSomm Podcast en Español: Rioja with Alberto Gil

  In our latest Spanish-language podcast, Elisa Errea speaks with Alberto Gil about all things Rioja. Alberto Gil is a journalist and the coauthor of "Rioja: Vinos Silenciosos." Elisa Errea is a Madrid-based wine educator and consultant. Thanks for listening! If...

  
• 10.26.2022

  Tasting with GuildSomm: Alyssa Champagne and Jim Bube

  In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with Alyssa Champagne and MS Jim Bube about their approaches to blind tasting. Alyssa is based in Boston and has worked in various capacities in restaurants and retail over the past...

  
• 10.18.2022

  Wine Tech Part 2: Winemaker and Author Nicolas Quillé MW

  In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with MW Nicolas Quillé, co-author with MW David Bird of Understanding Wine Technology, 4th Edition. Nicolas was born in Lyon, France, and has worked as a winemaker across the globe. He is currently the chief...

  
• 10.11.2022

  Wine Tech Part 1: Tony Cha of Alfred Technologies

  In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe interviews Tony Cha, a consultant for Alfred Technologies, about the state of technology in beverage management. Tony, who previously co-founded BinWise, discusses prior technological advancements for beverage management as well as the new tools,...

  
• 09.28.2022

  Tasting with GuildSomm: Paz Levinson

  In this episode, GuildSomm board member Daniela Frison and Argentinean sommelier Paz Levinson return to provide a recap in English of their conversation on our first-ever Spanish-language episode last month. Listen in as Paz shares her blind tasting experiences and...

  
• 09.13.2022

  Regenerative Farming

  In this episode, we dive into the complex topic of regenerative agriculture with two experts in the field. First, Jenny Hemmer speaks with Meghan Zobeck, the winemaker at Burgess Cellars in the Napa Valley. Next, MS Chris Tanghe talks to...

  
• 08.23.2022

  Tasting with GuildSomm in Spanish: Daniela Frison & Paz Levinson

  In our first-ever podcast in Spanish, GuildSomm board member Daniela Frison and Argentinean sommelier Paz Levinson discuss all things blind tasting. Dani is the founder of Le Vin Nécessaire, a wine consulting business. Paz is the head executive sommelier for...

  
• 08.09.2022

  Cork with Carlos de Jesus

  In this episode, MS Chris Tanghe speaks with Carlos de Jesus of APCOR, the Portuguese cork association, to discuss the sustainability, new technologies, and future of cork closures. The insights Carlos shares build on our May conversation with Ruinart Chef...

  
• 07.26.2022

  Tasting with GuildSomm: Ray Sholes & Kelli White

  In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe sits down with Ray Sholes of Michael's Genuine in Miami. Ray shares his approach to blind tasting and how he applies it to his buying habits for the restaurant's list. Then, GuildSomm Executive Director...

  
• 07.12.2022

  Consumer Trends

  In this episode, GuildSomm Executive Director Jenny Hemmer speaks with Rob McMillan and Philana Bouvier to explore consumer trends in the beverage industry. Rob is the executive vice president and founder of Silicon Valley Bank’s Wine Division, which publishes the...

  
• 06.28.2022

  Tasting with GuildSomm: Blind Wine with Mia Van de Water MS

  In this month's tasting episode, MS Chris Tanghe sits down with Mia Van de Water to discuss her approach to blind tasting, why it’s an important skill to hone as a beverage professional, and how she overcame her own "blind"...

  
• 06.15.2022

  Argentina with Amanda Barnes

  In this episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Amanda Barnes about what's new and exciting in Argentine wine. Amanda’s new book, “The South America Wine Guide,” offers a comprehensive look at the wines of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia,...

  
• 05.24.2022

  Tasting with GuildSomm: Blind Wine with Ryan Robinson

  In this episode of the Tasting with GuildSomm series, longtime member Ryan Robinson speaks with Emily Nixon about the development of his blind tasting methods, how to find mentors and study groups, and how be became the first Idaho resident...

  
• 05.10.2022

  Champagne and the Ruinart Challenge

  In this episode, Chris Tanghe hosts Ruinart Chef de Cave, Frédéric Panaïotis. They discuss the storied past of the Ruinart estate within the broader context of Champagne's history, as well as how the region continues to develop as its producers...

  
• 04.26.2022

  Tasting with GuildSomm: Why Do We Blind Taste?

  We're adding a regular tasting series to the GuildSomm podcast! In addition to our monthly wine topics, we'll be releasing monthly podcast episodes devoted to theme of tasting. We'll cover a wide spectrum of tasting subjects, including blind tasting study methods,...

  
• 04.13.2022

  Food & Wine Pairing

  In this episode, Chris Tanghe discusses pairing food and wine with Master Sommeliers Andrea Robinson and Max Kast. They cover their basic guidelines for selecting pairings, share some favorite pairings that are consistently successful, and offer advice on pairings to...

  
• 03.15.2022

  Emerging Wine Regions: Michigan & Southwest USA

  In this episode, we continue our Emerging Wine Regions series and explore several states producing wines off the beaten path in the United States. First, Chris Tanghe interviews Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon about the wines produced across Michigan. Madeline is...

  
• 01.20.2022

  Rum

  In this episode, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe explores the vast world of rum. First, he interviews Shawn Martin, Distillery Manager of Papa's Pilar Rum in Key West, who discusses the production methods used to make myriad styles of rum. Then,...

  
• 10.13.2021

  Emerging Wine Regions: Vermont & The Finger Lakes

  In this episode, we explore two wine regions in the northeastern United States. While Vermont and northern New York State are both located in the extremes of viticultural viability, both regions have emerged as hubs of quality wine production. GuildSomm's...

  
• 09.17.2021

  Remembering Becky Wasserman

  In light of Becky Wasserman’s passing last month, we are rereleasing this 2019 conversation Becky had with our staff writer, Bryce Wiatrak. Becky had a profound impact on the careers, palates, and personal lives of wine professionals across the globe....

  
• 09.14.2021

  Rosé & Orange Wines

  In this episode, the GuildSomm team delves into rosé wines and white wines made with skin contact. First, Bryce Wiatrak interviews Master of Wine Elizabeth Gabay about all things rosé. They discuss rosé's varied and often misunderstood production methods, whether...

  
• 08.10.2021

  Wine Pairings: Music & Food

  In this episode, we discuss wine pairings on multiple dimensions. First, Bryce Wiatrak interviews Master of Wine Susan Lin about her career as a classical pianist and how her first passion inspired the topic of her MW Research Paper: pairing...