Wine Guide with Cork & Fizz - Wine education for beginners and enthusiasts

Ep 115

What if the wine industry’s biggest problem isn’t quality, but the connection to the wine?

Today’s guest, Daniel Rodriguez, saw an opportunity to bring fresh energy and better marketing to wine. With a deep passion for wine and a sharp eye on consumer trends, he's building a brand that meets today’s drinkers where they are.

Daniel, the owner and CEO of Currently Wine Co., plans to use his skills in building tech brands to bring a disruptive wine brand into a slow moving industry, ripe for change. Over the previous 11 years, he has led the marketing function for 3 startup B2B tech companies. In 2021, he co-authored "Experience is Everything," a book about the future of customer service in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, you’ll hear how one bottle of Argentinian Malbec opened the door to Daniel’s wine obsession, and why he believes wine brands are failing to connect with modern consumers. We explore what younger wine drinkers really care about, why Sauvignon Blanc is Currently’s first release, and how branding and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

Daniel also breaks down the marketing mistake many wine brands make: selling to themselves, not their customers. He shares what makes lifestyle wine buyers different from collectors and why understanding that difference is key to standing out in a crowded market. Plus, Daniel shares why he believes the wine industry is missing a massive opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint and how packaging plays a key role in that shift.

So, if you’re curious about how someone outside the traditional wine world is rewriting the playbook, this episode will give you a whole new perspective on what’s possible and what’s needed to move the industry forward!

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

As a listener of this podcast go to https://currentlywine.com/ and you will receive a 20% discount with promo code CorkandFizz20 - discount valid through 9/23/2025 and up to 3 purchases per customer.

This is part 1 of my interview with Daniel so don’t miss part 2 next week!

Connect with Daniel 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drodriguez4/

Episode Highlights:

• Why most wine brands are marketing to the wrong audience
• Three types of wine consumers and which one Currently targets
• What makes Currently wine disruptive (and it’s not the wine itself)
• Sustainability and packaging

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 116

Is Syrah the same as Shiraz?

In today's episode you are getting a sneak peak inside one of my Cork Crew virtual tastings where we compare Syrah and Shiraz, two names for the same grape, grown in very different parts of the world.

This exclusive replay offers a deep dive into the differences between Old World Syrah from France’s Northern Rhône and New World Shiraz from Australia, showing how climate, winemaking style, and even culture influence the final flavor in your glass.

You’ll learn why Syrah is often described as bold, meaty, and peppery, and how it became a favorite among both sommeliers and casual wine drinkers. We cover the grape’s origins, its parentage, and how vineyard elevation and skin contact during fermentation shape its intensity. You’ll also get a breakdown of key Northern Rhône appellations like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, including how the area's terrain and traditions bring out different sides of Syrah.

Then we dive into Australia to uncover what makes Shiraz so distinct. From century-old vines in Barossa to cooler coastal climates in McLaren Vale and Hunter Valley, discover how Australian winemakers blend innovation with tradition and why “Shiraz” might just be their playful spin on a grape they’ve made entirely their own.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to spot the difference between Syrah and Shiraz when shopping the wine aisle, this episode will help you know exactly what to look for!

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

Episode Highlights:

• Syrah vs Shiraz - Are they the same?

• Where Syrah originated and why it's so widely planted today
  
  
  
• Old World vs. New World wine characteristics and how they show up in Syrah
  
  
  
• Key differences between Rhône Syrah and Australian Shiraz
  
  
  
• Notable wine regions: Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley
  
  
  
• How extended skin contact and vineyard elevation affect Syrah’s bold flavors
  
  
  
• Why “Old Vine” labeling in Australia can be misleading and how Barossa’s Vine Charter helps clarify it

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 115

What if the wine industry’s diversity problem isn’t a lack of people but a lack of acknowledgment?

Today, I have Anaïs and Rachel from AniChe Cellars back on the podcast and they are sharing their honest take on representation in the wine industry. They share why true diversity in wine goes beyond who owns the winery as well as how much of the industry’s skill, labor, and soul is often overlooked. They reflect on Rachel’s time with the Washington Wine Commission, the systemic issues that still exist, and the shifts needed to make wine more equitable and accessible.

They also take us behind the scenes of their sparkling winemaking process, from bottle fermentation and hand-riddling to the hands-on care behind every release. Plus, Rachel and Anaïs each share their top three wine picks for anyone wanting to try AniChe wines, along with their favorite food pairing that says it all: salty and bubbly!

So, if you’re curious about how winemakers are reshaping the future of wine and want a look inside a Washington winery that is doing things differently, this episode is for you!

And don’t miss part 1 of my conversation with Rachel and Anaïs of AniChe Cellars!

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

Connect with AniChe Cellars

https://www.instagram.com/anichecellars/

Save 30% off your purchase with promo code CORKANDFIZZ

Episode Highlights:

• Challenges and efforts in promoting diversity

• Representation and the value of vineyard workers

• Generational shifts shaping the future of wine

• Ethical and inclusive practices in winemaking

• Top 3 AniChe wine recommendations

• Sparkling wine production at AniChe cellars

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 114

Can grapes truly thrive in a place shaped by fire, wind and water? These winemakers say yes and they have the wine to prove it!

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Horn and Anaïs Mehra of AniChe Cellars, a mother-daughter winemaking team based in Washington’s Columbia Gorge. We dive into what it’s like to build a winery from scratch, make wine as a family, and care for the land in a way that supports future generations.

We explore what makes Columbia Gorge such a magical (and wildly diverse) place to grow grapes, why they believe in working with the elements, not against them, and how they’re navigating the real challenges wildfires smoke and unpredictability. 

You’ll also hear how Rachel and Anaïs are moving away from conventional farming in favor of more regenerative, nature-driven practices and why sustainability isn’t just a trend in their vineyard, it’s a long-term legacy plan.

AniCHe Cellars was established in 2009 championing red and white blends from Washington State. Now this second generation winemaking family in the Columbia Gorge, are producing estate white and sparkling wines, and estate reds, too! This winery is always women-made, "Renewing the tradition of women making wine" and they focus on low intervention, vintage driven wines. 

So, if you’re curious about what makes the Columbia Gorge so special and want a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and heart behind every bottle then this episode is for you!

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

Connect with AniChe Cellars

https://www.instagram.com/anichecellars/

Save 30% off your purchase with promo code CORKANDFIZZ

Episode Highlights:

• The story behind AniChe Cellars
• Anaïs Mera’s path into winemaking
• What to know about the Columbia Gorge wine region
• What makes Columbia Gorge one of the most unique AVAs
• How smoke taint affects wine and why it’s so complex
• Transitioning away from conventional vineyard practices
• The practicality of sustainability winemaking
• The emotional and financial impact of losing a vintage 

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 113

When you think about summer wine, is it all about Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc? Think again! In this week’s episode, we are going beyond those two standbys and digging into some more unique and refreshing options.

Today, I’m sharing 13 unique wines that are perfect for those warm summer nights and they might just become your new favorites! 

We’ll explore zesty white wines like Picpoul de Pinet, Roussanne, Godello and Txakolina, along with crisp Italian Gavi and even the lesser-known Viura grape (a key player in Spanish Rioja Blanco). If you thought Sauvignon Blanc was your only option for warm weather sipping, think again!

And for all the red wine lovers out there, I’ve got you covered with chillable, grill-worthy reds. Think Blaufränkisch (your new BBQ bestie), elegant Etna Rosso from Sicilian volcanic soils, and bright, floral Cinsault, a grape that always brings the party. Plus, a special shoutout to Cabernet Franc and Chile’s rustic Pais for those looking to branch out even more.

So, if you’re tired of grabbing the same bottle every time it gets hot out, this episode will give you a whole new summer wine shopping list.

Ready to join my summer wine challenge?! You can learn more here!

Resources

White wines: Picpoul, Roussanne, Godello, Pouilly-Fumé, Txakolina, Viura, Gavi

Red wines: Blaufränkisch, Etna Rosso, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, País

Other: Pet Nat Rosé, Bugey-Cerdon

Episode Highlights:

• 2025 Summer Wine Challenge: how it works & what you can win

• White wines that deserve your attention: Picpoul, Roussanne, Godello, Txakolina, Viura, Gavi

• Chillable reds you’ve probably never tried: Blaufränkisch, Etna Rosso, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, País

• Sparkling wines for summer: Pet Nat Rosé & Bugey-Cerdon

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

There is a lot more in your wine glass than you’ve been led to believe, and most of it never makes it onto the label! 

From sulfites and oak chips to egg whites, fish bladders and even additives that require hazmat suits to handle, in the episode, I’m sharing what’s actually in your wine glass and why it matters.

We’ll dig into the difference between common additives that help stabilize and shape wine and the corrective additives used to “fix” flaws or standardize mass-market bottles of wine. We’re talking about everything from yeast cocktails to Mega Purple and powdered tannins, plus the surprising ingredients that make some wines non-vegan

I’ll share why your favorite red blend tastes the same year after year, and what’s really behind those wine headaches (spoiler: it’s probably not sulfites).

So, if you’re curious about what’s really in your wine glass and want to easily understand the world of wine additives, then this episode is for you!

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding wine additives

• Common additives in winemaking

• The role of sulfites in wine

• The importance of yeast in winemaking

• Fining and clarifying agents in winemaking

• Corrective additives in winemaking

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 111

Why are wine tariffs making your favorite bottles of wine more expensive? Do these wine tariffs hurt American businesses and consumers more than our foreign counterparts?

Do the words “wine tariffs” make your eyes glaze over or do you low-key panic because you’re not even sure what a wine tariff is? 

In today’s episode, I have Erik Segelbaum back on the podcast and we are discussing all things wine tariffs! Erik is laying out, in an easy-to-understand way, what wine tariffs are, where they came from and most importantly, why they might hit your wallet way harder than you think. 

Erik shares why these tariffs, especially with the US’s unique three-tier alcohol distribution system, end up hurting American small businesses and wine lovers more than they do those of our foreign counterparts.

So, if you are curious about how wine tariffs really affect your wallet, your choices at the store, and the entire American wine industry, then this episode is for you!

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Don’t miss part 1 of my interview with Erik where we talk about the generational wine differences in wine consumption and drinking habits  of millennials, Gen Z and boomers.

Connect with Erik

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik4wine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodsomm/

Website: https://www.thesomlyay.com

Website: https://goodsomm.com/

Skip the waitlist and join GoodSomm: https://goodsomm.com/secret/

Discover Beaujolais in 5 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkfGzptxBk8&ab_channel=DiscoverBeaujolais

Episode Highlights:

• What wine tariffs are and their origins
• Retaliatory vs blanket wine tariffs
• The three-tier alcohol distribution system
• Economic effects on tariffs
• Domestic economic damage from tariffs
• Why foreign producers aren’t directly hurt by US tariffs
• Wine trends and industry changes

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 110

Why do millennials and Gen Z approach wine so differently from previous generations and what does that mean for the future of wine? 

And what does it really take to go from line cook to award-winning sommelier and industry leader?

Today’s guest, Erik Segelbaum, is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Food & Wine Magazine 2019 Sommelier of the Year, and 2020 Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40 Tastemaker with over 3 decades of industry experience. Erik is the founder of GoodSomm–a luxury lifestyle wine club, is the co-owner of Amalfi Beverage Company–luxury RTD cocktails, and SWIG Partners–an import and distribution facilitation agency. Plus, he has been Smithsonian’s national wine educator since 2019, hosting monthly consumer classes!

Erik pulls back the curtain on what it really means to be a sommelier in today’s world and candidly shares the realities beyond the glamour, from managing wine lists and training staff to accounting and clogged toilets.

Erik shares his thoughts on the generational differences between millennials and Gen Z in wine consumption and drinking habits. We talk about why these groups are adventurous yet disloyal to brands, and how their priorities, such as sustainability and social ethos, differ from the boomer generation. And, we dig into how the psychology of social media has shaped younger generations' approach to wine, often placing values and image above just the taste itself.

So, if you are ready to dive into the ever-evolving tastes of today’s wine drinkers, then this episode is for you.

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Connect with Erik

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik4wine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodsomm/

Website: https://www.thesomlyay.com

Website: https://goodsomm.com/

Skip the waitlist and join GoodSomm: https://goodsomm.com/secret/

Episode Highlights:

• Erik’s journey from chef to Sommelier
• Realities of working as a Sommelier
• Wine consumer psychology by generation
• How different generations select, appreciate and are loyal to wine brands
• The natural wine movement and its generational appeal
• Wine trends and market changes

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 109

What makes wine from high altitude mountain vineyards taste so unique? How does elevation, sunlight, and dramatic temperature swings turn an ordinary grape into an amazing bottle of wine?

I was inspired by a recent wine tasting that Mr. Cork & Fizz and I hosted with some friends. We hosted a wine tasting 40 floors up at a high rise in Seattle and the goal was for our friends to try and find wines that were made with grapes grown at higher altitudes. And what was really interesting was that everybody loved almost all of the wines and this does not always happen. Interestingly, there was somewhere there that is not usually a big fan of red wine but she loved all of the higher altitude red wines!

This got me thinking, what is it about these wines that makes them different from wines that she’s possibly had before? So, today we are diving into how altitude impacts grape growing and winemaking as well as the 4 key elements that affect grapes at higher elevations. And I’ll share fun facts such as where you’ll find the world's highest vineyard (and it’s not where you might expect it to be). 

So, if you are ready to take your wine to new heights, learn which grapes and regions excel at high altitudes, and how elements like thick grape skins and diurnal shifts affect the taste of wines, then this episode is for you!

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Episode Highlights:

• Do high altitudes always produce better wine?

• Where high elevation works best for wine

• Defining high altitude vineyards

• Where is the highest vineyard in the world

• 4 elements of high altitude vineyards

• Major challenges of high altitude vineyards

• Effects of high altitude on wine production

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman 

Ep 108

Curious about which 2025 wine trends are truly worth the hype and which ones might fall flat? 

In today’s episode I’m discussing 7 trends in the wine industry and my hot takes on them!

We will dive into questions like are natural and organic wines a passing trend or a lasting movement? Are low and no-alcohol wines really a good idea? What about sustainable and eco-friendly packaging? Is this a good idea and what if it compromises the wine? And wine lovers are moving away from faceless wine brands and craving connections through stories and hands-on-learning.

So, if you are excited to stay ahead of what’s trending in wine and want to hear my hot takes on these current trends then this episode is for you!

Resources

Understanding the Differences: Organic, Biodynamic, Natural and Clean Wines Explained - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-70

Exploring Sardinian Wine with Nikki Dickerson (Part 1) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-96

Unique Sardinian Wines with Sip with Nik (Part 2) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-97

Embracing Hybrid Grapes & Creating Unique Wines w/ Erin Rasmussen - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-10

Episode Highlights:

• Why the natural and organic wines are trending upwards

• My feelings about low and no alcohol wines

• Trend towards sustainability, waste reduction and practicality

• Reasons for increased interest in regional and lesser-known wines

• Hybrid and experimental varieties

• Younger generations seeking depth, stories and human connection through wine

• Debate over oversimplification versus making wine accessible

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide!  - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide 

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - [email protected]

Podcast production and management by Liz Chapman