Wine Pros on the Go

What Shark Diving Taught Me About Hospitality

—A Wildly Human Side Quest About Sharks, Wine, Service, Fear, and Wonder

I didn't expect one of the most important lessons of my wine career to come from a shark.

But somewhere between open water, racing heartbeats, and a healthy respect for creatures with far better PR problems than they deserve, I discovered something surprising about hospitality, fear, trust, and human connection.

This episode explores the unlikely overlap between shark diving and the wine world—and why the people who change our lives are rarely the smartest people in the room. They're the ones who make us feel safe enough to explore it.

A story about sharks. A lesson about people. And possibly the most unexpected hospitality masterclass you'll hear all year.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, GA.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

Portugal is a country shaped by explorers, carved by the Atlantic, and rooted in some of the oldest wine traditions on Earth.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we journey through a land where terraced vineyards cling to dramatic river valleys, ancient grape varieties thrive against all odds, and every bottle tells a story centuries in the making. From the misty hills of Vinho Verde to the sun-drenched plains of Alentejo and the legendary slopes of the Douro Valley, discover why Portugal remains one of the wine world's most captivating destinations.

Along the way, we'll explore the remarkable evolution of Portugal's cork forests, uncover the stories behind the country's most iconic wine regions, highlight top producers to know, and share practical food pairing tips to bring Portugal to your table. Plus, our favorite “If You Like This, Try That” recommendations will help you confidently navigate Portuguese wines, whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast.

With more than 250 native grape varieties, a fiercely independent spirit, and a history spanning over a thousand years, Portugal isn't just a wine region—it's a living story of culture, resilience, exploration, and place.

Pour a glass and join us for an unforgettable journey through one of the world's greatest wine cultures.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, GA.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

Burgundy isn't a place you simply visit—it's a place you spend a lifetime trying to understand.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren sits down with Antonin Aidinian, owner of Clavelin Imports, WSET Diploma educator, and private Burgundy tour guide based in the heart of Beaune. Living and working among some of the world's most celebrated vineyards, Antonin offers a rare insider's perspective on the people, places, and philosophies that make Burgundy unlike anywhere else in wine.

Together, we explore vineyard hierarchy, vintage variation, grower culture, food and wine traditions, hidden gems beyond the famous names, and what it truly means to experience Burgundy through the eyes of a local. Along the way, Antonin shares stories from the vineyards, lessons learned from generations of winemakers, and practical advice for anyone hoping to deepen their understanding of this remarkable region.

Whether you're planning a trip to Burgundy, building your wine knowledge, or simply curious about the world's most captivating wine region, this conversation offers a seat at the table.

This is Burgundy—from the inside.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, GA.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

In this special International Women's Day episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we sit down with Sarah Pierre, founder of Atlanta's beloved 3 Parks Wine Shop and one of the most influential voices shaping the city's wine culture today.

Sarah has built more than a wine business—she's built a movement. Through hospitality, education, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, she's transformed the wine shop into a gathering place where everyone has a seat at the table.

We explore the power of community, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the future of wine culture through Sarah's thoughtful and inspiring lens. Along the way, she shares lessons on leadership, creating belonging, and why the best bottles are ultimately about the people around them.

This is a conversation about wine—but even more, it's a conversation about building something that matters. Afterall, wine doesn't build community on its own. People do.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, GA.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

If wine has a conscience, a compass, and a rebel streak, it might sound a lot like Rajat Parr.

From the dining rooms of the world's most celebrated restaurants to the windswept vineyards of California's Central Coast, Rajat Parr has spent a career challenging assumptions about what great wine should be. Sommelier, author, farmer, winemaker, and visionary, he has become one of the most influential voices in modern wine—championing authenticity over excess, place over power, and farming over manipulation.

Through Sandhi, Domaine de la Côte, and Phelan Farm, Parr has helped redefine California wine, proving that elegance can be every bit as compelling as intensity. His work is rooted in a simple but profound belief: great wine begins long before the cellar, in the vineyard, where soil, climate, and thoughtful farming tell the real story.

On this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we explore the philosophy behind the wines, the future of farming, and why listening—to nature, to place, and to history—may be the most important skill a winemaker can possess.

This is a conversation about wine, but also about curiosity, discipline, and seeing the world differently.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, Georgia.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

Rioja doesn't chase trends. It doesn't need to.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we journey into Spain's most iconic wine region—a place where time is an ingredient, aging is an art form, and patience is rewarded in every glass. From ancient roots and legendary Tempranillo vineyards to the cellars that helped define modern fine wine, Rioja has spent centuries perfecting the long game.

We'll decode Spanish wine labels, explore aging classifications, uncover the region's top growing areas, discuss cellaring, decanting, glassware, food pairings, and the producers shaping Rioja today. Along the way, we'll share classic tasting profiles, surprising stories, and practical tips to help you buy, serve, and enjoy Rioja with confidence.

Whether you're opening your first bottle or your fiftieth, this is Rioja—one of the wine world's greatest lessons in patience, place, and possibility. Olé.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, GA.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

At the intersection of hospitality, wine, and human connection sits the 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalist, Taurean Philpott— Co-founder, Sommelier, and Director of Hospitality of Atlanta's Michelin-recognized restaurant, Avize.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren Crim sits down with one of the most respected hospitality leaders in the Southeast to explore what it truly takes to create unforgettable guest experiences at the highest level.

From his Bermudian roots to helping shape one of America's most celebrated dining destinations, Taurean shares the philosophies, disciplines, and leadership lessons that define modern hospitality. We discuss Michelin standards, service culture, wine pairings, team development, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence night after night.

But this conversation goes beyond restaurants and wine lists. It's about generosity, storytelling, curiosity, and the belief that great hospitality can change the way people experience the world.

Whether you're a wine professional, hospitality leader, or simply someone who appreciates the art of making people feel welcome, this is a masterclass in service from one of the industry's rising stars.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, GA.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

Beaujolais is one of the most beloved—and most misunderstood—wine regions in France.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren Crim sits down with Philippe Audibert, founder of Old Creek Imports, importer of fine French wines, and lifelong ambassador of French wine culture. Together, they explore the vibrant region of Beaujolais, where Gamay thrives on granite soils and generations of growers have crafted wines defined by energy, authenticity, and a profound sense of place.

From the celebrated Crus of Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent to the global phenomenon of Beaujolais Nouveau, Philippe shares the history, traditions, and people that make this region so captivating. Along the way, we discuss terroir, food pairings, winemaking philosophy, and why Beaujolais continues to capture the hearts of sommeliers, collectors, and everyday wine lovers alike.

Whether you're discovering Beaujolais for the first time or have been drinking it for years, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of one of France's most joyful and expressive wine regions.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, GA.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we sit down with the team behind Through the Grapevine, one of Atlanta's fastest-growing wine communities. We discuss the inspiration behind the brand, its mission to make wine more approachable and inclusive, and how it's building meaningful connections through curated events, hospitality, education, and shared experiences.

Join us for an engaging conversation about community, culture, entrepreneurship, and the future of wine in Atlanta, as we explore the impact of creating spaces where people can learn, connect, and celebrate wine together.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, GA.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture

Join Wine Pros on the Go for a conversation with one of the most respected voices in hospitality and wine: Juan Fernando Cortés, recipient of the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Atlanta Sommelier Award, and Co-Founder of the David Bowie-Inspired Atlanta Wine Bar, Under Pressure.

Known for his thoughtful approach to service, fearless creativity, and deep respect for both food and wine, Juan has spent more than a decade crafting unforgettable dining experiences across some of the world's most acclaimed restaurants. Along the way, he has mentored rising sommeliers, challenged conventional thinking, and helped redefine what exceptional hospitality can look like.

In this episode, we explore Juan's journey through the wine world, his philosophy on pairing, the lessons learned from Michelin-level service, and the role curiosity plays in creating memorable guest experiences. From translating terroir into emotion to finding harmony between a dish and a glass, Juan shares insights that reveal why great hospitality is as much about people as it is about wine.

Whether you're a wine professional, hospitality leader, or simply someone who loves a great story, this conversation offers a rare look inside the mind of a sommelier whose influence extends far beyond the cellar.

Wine Pros on the Go is produced in Atlanta, Georgia.

Thank you for listening to Wine Pros on the Go.

Hosted by sommelier and wine educator Lauren Crim, the podcast explores wine through the people, places, ideas, and stories that make it worth caring about—from the world's great regions and bottles to the voices shaping wine today.

Because wine is more than what's in the glass. It's culture, history, geography, memory—and one of the best reasons to gather around a table.

Subscribe to Wine Pros on the Go wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves wine—or simply wants to understand it better.

Better Wine. Better Stories.

#WineProsOnTheGo #WinePodcast #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineCulture