Helen Keplinger is one of the most sought-after winemakers in Napa Valley, but she’s taking a break to take us on a California road trip with her Vermillion wine. Vermillion, sourced from the high-elevation Sierra Foothills to the sea-sprayed vineyards of Santa Barbara, captures the diverse terroirs that make this state so special, and we pop a bottle with Helen to identify how each component plays a unique role. She fills us in on why one of her secret, prized grape sources is like Wagyu beef and why Paso Robles might just be the most exciting region in wine. Plus, we reveal the one “can’t miss” event in Napa Valley that Helen’s been attending for over a decade—and how you can get in on the action as well! 

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🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode:

2022 Vermillion Red Wine

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Why do some wines cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars? How do global events impact your favorite bottle? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Peter Young, former McKinsey consultant and author of “Luxury Wine Marketing.” Peter’s an insider with experience at blue-chip wineries like Realm and Kosta Browne, and he sheds light on how wineries use everything from psychological triggers to the power of storytelling to drive consumers to pay top dollar. Beyond the marketing magic, we’ll tackle pressing industry issues like the potential impact of tariffs on European wines and the evolving landscape of wine consumption—all while drinking one of our most unique wine club wines yet!

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🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode:

2022 Anima Negra Quibia Mallorca

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What do BBQ potato chips, perfume, and the power of Champagne growers have in common? They’re all part of the fascinating conversation we had with wine expert Julia Coney at the World of Pinot Noir event in Santa Barbara! We cover which Pinot regions we’re most excited about—outside of classic regions like Burgundy and Oregon—why Pinot Noir is the “un-gettable get” for winemakers, and the surprising convenience-store snack Julia swears by when drinking a glass of Pinot. Get ready for a fun, fast-paced, and flavor-filled episode that will expand your Pinot horizons and have you booking flights stat.

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode:

2021 Dog Point Pinot Noir, New Zealand

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Julia's Substack 📖: Métier

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Ever wonder what your favorite wine expert really drinks when they’re not swirling a glass of Pinot? Hint: It might involve a shaker, not a corkscrew! In this episode, we sit down with TikTok’s Queen of Cocktails and author of “How to Be a Better Drinker,” Hannah Chamberlain (@SpiritedLA ). She’s revealing the secrets to crafting the perfect Martini (shaken vs. stirred, anyone?), how to know when to risk ordering that fancy cocktail, and which classic cocktails are making a comeback. Plus, we chat about her favorite glassware finds and why Aligote (from our wine club) might be the perfect base for your next creative concoction. Get ready to dive into the dazzling world of cocktails and explore the surprising ways they intertwine with our love of wine.

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode:

2022 La Chablisienne Aligote Emotions Minerales Bourgogne

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Hannah's Book 📖: How to Be a Better Drinker: Cocktail Recipes and Boozy Etiquette

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Think you know German wine? Think again. In this episode we’re shattering just about every German wine myth with Jenna Fields, the passionate force behind the German Wine Collection. Jenna’s mission to revolutionize how the world thinks about German wine began on a Post-It note (seriously), and in this episode, she breaks down why you’ll find racy, bone-dry Rieslings in the world’s finest collections and how the German-made versions of two of our most beloved varietals—Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—can rival the best of Burgundy. Plus, we’ll clarify those confusing German labels and classifications, making it super easy to spot the best producers (without knowing a word of German), and even reveal the guilty-pleasure Super Bowl snack that pairs perfectly with Riesling!

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🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode:

2023 Schnaitmann Schnait Dry Riesling Württemberg

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The wine industry might thrive on exclusivity and tradition, but social media is shaking things up big time: Like it or not, wine influencers are reshaping the way we discover, enjoy, and talk about wine by sharing access, tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the wine world—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on them. Host Amanda McCrossin is joined by fellow full-time wine influencer Warner of @confidenceuncorked to discuss the surprising ways they’re vetting wines, the wine advice they’d give themselves as newbies, and how internet trolls inspired a successful line of merch!

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🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode:

2020 Collina San Ponzio Fossati Barolo

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We're kicking off 2025 what’s in and out for the wine world. From busting myths like “you have to store wine on its side” to showing you how to start a wine collection even if you don’t have a cellar, this episode is all about making wine more accessible in the next year. You’ll also get the scoop on why you might be seeing more affordable wines from popular regions like Napa Valley, why it’s okay to drink the “good bottle” on a random Tuesday, and how to make the most of wines with a touch of sweetness (Hint: they pair great with spicy takeout).

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🍷Wine Featured On This Episode:

2020 Hudson Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

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We’re closing out the year with a celebratory “favorites” episode, where Eduardo Dingler and Laura Koffer join Amanda to relive their top wine discoveries and dining experiences of 2024. Along the way, they explore the resurgence of volcanic terroirs, provide pro pairing tips (Chardonnay with tacos, anyone?), and debate the quirks of wine gadgets. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious wine lover, this episode is packed with recommendations, insider stories, and plenty of inspiration to make 2025 your most delicious year yet. Cheers! 

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🍷Wine Featured On This Episode:

2020 Aeris Etna Bianco Superiore Sicily

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PJ Awe, Director of Marketing and Sales at Amorim Cork America, joins us to dive into cork’s fascinating journey from bark to bottle. As one of the most sustainable products on the planet, cork plays a bigger role than many wine drinkers might realize. We discuss why storing wine bottles on their sides might not be necessary and why cork taint (TCA) is about to be a thing of the past. Geek out with us as we uncork one of Lodi’s oldest-vine Carignane’s and take you down one of the most unexpected rabbit holes of your life.

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Wine Featured On This Episode:

2021 Markus Wine Co Carignane Nicolini Ranch Ancient Blocks

Recycle your corks

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More Info on the Salud! Oregon Pinot Noir Auction

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We’re crashing one of Oregon’s most meaningful wine events to give you exclusive access to some of the biggest stars in the wine industry. Amanda sits down with Michael Fay (Domaine Serene), Claire Carver (Big Table Farm), Thomas Savre (Lingua Franca), and Alban Debeaulieu (Abbott Claim) to discuss their rise to stardom, the surprising wines that have inspired them along the way, and why they believe Oregon is the best wine-producing region in the world.

Wine Featured On This Episode:

2023 Big Table Farm Laughing Pig Rose

A Domaine Serene EXCLUSIVE for Our Listeners:

All reservations for the remainder of 2024 will receive a complimentary Estate flight with a cheese or charcuterie when they call-in and mention the Wine Access podcast.

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