The Cellar Routes Podcast

This week’s pour: a 2019 Burnsini Cabernet Sauvignon and a full glass of chaos. From vineyard throwbacks and winemaking fails to taco pairings and Sid the Sloth impressions, Mikaela and Milan prove once again that great wine deserves an even better laugh.

$15 grocery-aisle Chianti, a frozen-then-fixed orzo “salad,” and Widow Clicquot tea. We’re pet-sitting at Big Al’s cozy cottage, rating budget bottles and spilling tasting-room stories. Sip happens—cheers to the aisle life. 🍷

We crack open a German Riesling, argue if “tingly” is a real wine note, and discover that it smells like straight-up gas… but make it chic. Plus, we compare our dream men to wine. Pray for us.

We kick things off with In-N-Out and California wine before diving into Women in Wine with guest Allie Ferguson. From her journey into the industry to challenges, mentors, and funny stories, this episode brings equal parts insight and unfiltered laughs!

Allie Ferguson (‘Big Al’) brings over 12 years of experience in the wine industry, from winery management and wine clubs to events and marketing. A Southern California native, she’s traveled to top wine regions around the world, earned her Wine Business Management Certificate, and is pursuing WSET Level 3. Allie is passionate about connecting people to wine through hands-on experiences—whether in the vineyard, the tasting room, or behind the mic on her podcast, Reel Bubbles.

It’s harvest season, y’all and we’re diving into the chaos, sweat, and sticky stories that come with it. From favorite vineyard snacks to our most unforgettable harvest memories, we’re pulling back the curtain on what really happens when the grapes come in.

Of course, no episode’s complete without our Wine of the Week—this time it’s bold, spicy Zinfandel. Does it stand up to brisket? You’ll have to sip along with us to find out.

Unfiltered laughs, uncorked stories, and just enough wine nerdery to keep it juicy.

In our very first episode, we uncork laughter, spill our stories, and pop open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé to celebrate new beginnings—because champagne and good conversations were never meant to be uptight!