In this episode of What's Up, Wake, Melissa explores the fascinating world of wine with Matt Weiss, a distinguished sommelier and creator of The Wine Centric Show. Matt shares his journey from studying at the American Sommelier Association in New York to teaching and becoming a certified sommelier. He discusses the benefits of boxed wine, offers tips for finding great wines at local shops, and debunks myths about North Carolina wines. The conversation also touches on wine pairings, the best regions for wine, and upcoming events like BBQ & Bubbly. This episode is packed with insights for wine enthusiasts and novices alike, making wine approachable and enjoyable for everyone.

00:00 Wine Etiquette: Ice Cubes and Boxed Wine

00:59 Meet the Expert: Matt Weiss

02:57 Matt's Journey to Becoming a Sommelier

06:13 From New York to North Carolina

07:28 Navigating Wine Shops: Tips and Tricks

09:42 Wine Preferences and Pairings

11:28 The Historical and Cultural Significance of Wine

13:43 Making Wine Approachable

15:49 Exploring North Carolina Wines

16:10 The Sweetness of Muscadine Grapes

16:39 Diverse Grape Varieties in North Carolina

18:49 Local Wine Shops and Building Rapport

19:39 Affordable Wine Recommendations

21:49 BBQ & Bubbly Event

24:47 Lightning Round: Wine Preferences and Tips

28:15 Conclusion and Event Details