Zinfandel has been called California’s grape: it’s a little rebellious, often misunderstood, and always the life of the party. In this episode of Unfiltered, we’re diving deep into Zin’s roots with Chris Morisoli, fifth-generation Napa Valley grapegrower, helicopter pilot, and host of the Nine One Wine podcast. From the old vines of Rutherford to the spicy, fruit-driven bottles from Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, Amanda and Chris unpack what makes Zinfandel so uniquely American—and why it’s poised for a major comeback. Along the way, Chris shares family stories dating back to the 1800s, what it’s really like during harvest season (spoiler: it starts at 3AM), and why the “Old Vine” label isn’t always what it seems.

Wine Featured on This Episode:⁠

2023 Dancing Zinfandel Fresh Take Dry Creek Valley

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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🍇 Where to find Chris:

Morisoli Vineyard – ⁠https://www.morisolivineyard.com⁠

Nine One Wine Podcast – ⁠https://www.nineonewine.com⁠

🌎 Other Producers & References

Ravenswood Winery

Bedrock Wine Co. – Heritage vineyards & old-vine Zinfandel champions from Morgan Twain-Peterson MW

Turley Wine Cellars –  Referenced for “Old Vines” benchmark; Larry Turley’s 50-year rule

Robert Biale Vineyards – Morisoli single-vineyard bottling, including the famous Black Chicken Zinfandel.

Sandlands Wines (Tegan Passalacqua) – Celebrated for authentic, small-lot old-vine Zinfandel and lesser-known varietals

Elyse Winery – Producers of Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel from 1987–2018

🥂 Restaurants, Food & Fun Mentions

Buster’s Southern BBQ (Calistoga) 

Taco Azteca (Napa Valley) 

Cook St. Helena

COTE Korean Steakhouse 

Coqodaq - Featured for “fried chicken & Champagne” pairing, as seen on Apple TV’s Chasing Stars

Dry Creek General Store – Amanda’s rec for best sandwiches while exploring Dry Creek Valley

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Why do some bottles (and handbags) whisper luxury while others shout it from the rooftops? In this week’s episode, Amanda sits down with fashion creator and style expert Style by Wale to explore what our closets and cellars say about us. From investment pieces to everyday staples, they unpack how luxury in both fashion and wine isn’t just about price—it’s about craftsmanship, intention, and knowing your personal taste. Wale breaks down how to spot quality, find your “fashion palate,” and why letting go of trends can make room for timeless style. Amanda connects these same ideas to the wine world—explaining why a $30 Cru Beaujolais can be every bit as elegant as a $300 Burgundy, and how to shop smarter for wines that feel as good as they taste.

Whether you’re a fan of The Row or just curious about what makes a wine quietly luxurious, this episode will change the way you think about how (and why) you buy.

Wine Featured on This Episode:
2023 Château de La Chaize Fleurie Beaujolais

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📸 @stylebywale

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Fall is here, school’s in full swing, and weeknights are busy as ever—but that doesn’t mean there’s no time for great wine. In this episode, writer and cookbook author Jessica Dupuy⁠ joins Amanda to talk about the little luxuries that can make even Tuesday nights feel special. If you’ve ever wondered what to pour with mac and cheese, takeout sushi, or a Five Guys burger, this is a masterclass in balancing flavor with sanity. They also explain why Grenache is like tinted moisturizer and give the ultimate tip on how to shop smarter—so the right bottle is always within reach.

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode

2023 Weingut Schafer-Frohlich Weisser Burgunder Trocken

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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It’s officially wedding week! And in the spirit of celebration, Amanda is going solo on this special episode of Wine Access Unfiltered to answer the question that’s constantly dropped in her DMs: What wines should I serve at my wedding? With her own Napa Valley nuptials just days away, Amanda shares the exact wines she’s pouring (Krug, Margaux, and a killer Sylvaner), why she’s skipping cocktails, and how she’s creating a wine-bar experience with surprise bottle reveals throughout the night. From budget breakdowns to tips for pairing, planning, and party pacing, this is the ultimate guide for selecting wines for weddings, parties, and any big celebration. You’ll also get recs for high-value sparklers and wines that age well for anniversaries, so listen up and sip smarter when you celebrate!

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode

NV A by Arras Premium Cuvee Rose Sparkling Tasmania

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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We all know wine has rules. But who says you have to follow them?

James Beard-nominated author (The Rebel School of Wine) and self-proclaimed “wine rebel” Tyler Balliet is helping us challenge every “thou shalt not” in the wine world. From dunking ice cubes into red wine to sipping rosé in December, this conversation is a delicious middle finger to snobbery and a refreshing celebration of drinking what you like.

From how taste really works (hint: it’s not all in your mouth) to how Champagne became the ultimate rebel wine, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to break a few rules of your own. 

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode

⁠2023 Viola Franconia Trevenezia

📖Learn More about Tyler and buy the book!

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Sauvignon Blanc has officially entered its main character era, and we are so here for it. Whether you’re pouring Sancerre before noon à la Emily in Paris, shaking Sauv Blanc into a martini, or pairing it with after-school snacks (hello, Goldfish), the grape is absolutely everywhere—and shining in its versatility. Join Amanda and viral content creator Pilar Brito (@barpilarr—who has rocketed from lawyer to wine influencer in just over a year—for a breakdown of why Sauvignon Blanc deserves more credit, the regions and producers worth seeking out, and exactly how far a good goat cheese can take you. Plus: oyster parties, salad slander, “flat Champagne,” and a spectacular bottle from little-known Menetou-Salon!

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode

2023 La Rive de Loire Menetou-Salon

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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What do Uruguay and Germany have in common? They were both bucket-list wine regions for Amanda and Laura Koffer, and in this special 100th episode (!!) of Unfiltered, they share their thrilling visits to these two sleeper destinations. From Germany’s soaring slate slopes to the glory of perfectly aged Uruguayan Tannat, they cover the wines, regions, and meals that made their trips magical—oh, and before you ask, yes, there were capybaras. Check out the episode to learn why Albariño might be your next favorite transition white, what spargel season means in Germany, and how to actually make Tannat work for your palate. Enjoy, and cheers to 100 episodes of Uncorked conversations!

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode

2023 Garzon Single Vineyard Albarino Uruguay

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Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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You know Pinot Noir. But do you know Spätburgunder?

For years, wine insiders have known that German Pinot Noir offers Burgundian-level quality at a fraction of the price. But in this episode we’re blowing this industry secret wide open courtesy of Zack Musick (German Wine Collection) who joins us for a fresh take on one of the world’s most beloved grapes. From unexpected flavor profiles (think bone broth, mushrooms, and spice) to why an eagle on the label is a true marker for quality, we’re digging into how Pinot Noir expresses itself in Germany outside of its classic regions and why it’s often considered the ultimate “terroir grape,” capable of transparently reflecting the soil, climate, and place it’s grown. Plus, we’ve got all your food pairings ranging from classic duck to Philly cheesesteaks and Amanda’s unexpected (but highly effective) Costco salad and chicken schnitzel hack.

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode

2022 Rings Estate Spätburgunder Pflaz

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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They say there "ain't no party like a Napa party" and our guests are true Napa Valley locals who know how to deliver the Napa Valley experience. We’re throwing a “virtual” summer block party and inviting our wine country friends to hang and share some “locals only” tips and tricks. Audra Chapman (Newfound Wine), Josh Phelps (Grounded Wine Co.), and Scott Dale (Wild Vine Tours) join us to dish on their favorite hidden gem wineries, where to hike and bike, and the secret charcuterie spot that even Amanda didn’t know existed!

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode

⁠2022 Newfound Gravels Red Wine⁠

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Whether it’s to Burgundy, Barolo, or Barossa, wine travel delivers big-time pleasure—but can come with serious setbacks, from shipping snafus and suitcase spills to winding wine-country road nausea. Enter Amanda, whose passport’s been stamped by just about every wine-producing country on the globe. In this episode, she shares hard-earned travel hacks, favorite flight-friendly accessories, tips on how to find the best coffee, and the best way to educate yourself—before you arrive. Let’s go!

🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode

2019 Esprit de Pavie Bordeaux

🧳 Amanda’s Amazon Travel List

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Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠

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