When you close your eyes and think of Washington State what do you see? Grey skies and perpetual drizzle? A certain hospital with a ridiculously good looking staff of surgeons? Well, on this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda is here to open your eyes to the real Washington - through the lens of the perfect bottle of wine of course!

Because Washington, with its snow-capped mountains, rolling rivers, and endless evergreens, is one of America’s most exciting wine regions. You might know Napa for Cabernet or Oregon for Pinot Noir, but Washington is a wild card, producing over 80 different grape varieties and styles for every palate and budget. Amanda peels back the layers, revealing the dramatic landscape shifts created by the Cascade Mountains, the refreshing rise of diverse winemakers , and how ancient floods shaped the very soil where these incredible wines now thrive.

From the sun-drenched slopes of the Columbia Valley to the quirky tasting rooms of Walla Walla, you’ll get a taste of the state’s unique terroir, hear Amanda’s firsthand tales — like the time she braved a rainy harvest, only to discover the magic of a perfectly balanced Syrah — and find out why Washington’s wine scene is all about innovation, community, and a little bit of wild spirit.

And of course, Amanda’s got you covered with recommendations for her favorite wineries, restaurants and hidden gems, plus a pro-tip on how you can sample a huge amount of Washington’s wines even if you’re only able to visit Seattle.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Pacific Northwest getaway or just want to bring a little Washington wonder to your next wine night, this episode will help you sip smarter, travel better, and fall in love with the Evergreen State just like Amanda did. (But we make no promises about meeting any ridiculously hot surgeons).

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For more, check out Amanda on…

Instagram - @sommvivant

TikTok - @somm_vivant

and on the web - sommvivant.me

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Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.

Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky

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At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready for an Argentine adventure at the foot of the Andes? In this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda takes you deep into the heart of South America’s wine country for an unforgettable journey through Mendoza’s legendary vineyards, mouthwatering cuisine, and the magic that happens when steak meets Malbec under a fiery sunset.

You’ll hear Amanda’s firsthand stories—like the moment she thought she couldn’t eat another bite of steak… until the next sip of Malbec changed her mind—and discover why Mendoza is the “best of all worlds”: world-class wines, rustic charm, and a sense of discovery you won’t find in more crowded wine regions.

We’ll explore what makes Argentine Malbec so unique (hint: it’s not originally from Argentina!), the secrets behind perfect food and wine pairings, and Amanda’s favorite wineries, restaurants, and hidden gems—from boutique hotels and empanada cooking classes to the breathtaking views of the Andes.

Plus, get Amanda’s expert tips for planning your own Mendoza adventure: when to go, what to pack, how to get around, and why you should always leave room for one more glass (and maybe a little gelato).

Whether you’re dreaming of your first trip or looking to taste Mendoza from home, this episode will help you sip smarter, travel better, and fall in love with Argentina—one delicious pour at a time.

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For more, check out Amanda on…

Instagram - @sommvivant

TikTok - @somm_vivant

and on the web - sommvivant.me

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Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.

Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky

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At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Confession time: despite Italian wines having a reputation as some of the most legendary wines to ever fill a stemmed glass, Amanda had always been lukewarm on them.  They just didn’t stir her imagination that way other regions did.

That is until she was invited to visit Tuscany by one of the OG producers of Brunello di Montalcino - Biondi-Santi. And once she stepped foot on their vineyard, breathed the Tuscan air and tasted the food while sipping from her glass, Amanda finally fell for Italian wines (and also,  you know, Italy).

So on this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda whisks you away to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where every bottle tells a story of place, tradition, and a little bit of Italian magic.

Ever wondered why Italian wine labels never mention the grape? Or what BDT, IGT, DOC, and DOCG mean? After this trip, you’ll be able to decode them like a pro. Amanda cracks open the secrets of Italian wine regions, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Chianti to the storied cellars of Montalcino, explains why Sangiovese is the soul of Tuscany, and gives you some must-know tips on how to survive those winding Tuscan roads,

So pour yourself a glass, press play, and get ready to fall in love with Italy—one region, one grape, and one unforgettable story at a time.

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For more, check out Amanda on…

Instagram - @sommvivant

TikTok - @somm_vivant

and on the web - sommvivant.me

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Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.

Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky

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At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever dreamed of sipping world-class Cabernet right where it’s made — or wondered why Napa Valley is on every wine lover’s bucket list?

In this episode of Wine Tripping, we’re heading straight to the heart of California wine country - and the town Amanda calls home - for an insider’s guide to Napa’s legendary vineyards, unforgettable flavors, and the secrets that make this region so magical.

You’ll discover why Amanda thinks of Napa as “Disneyland for adults,” learn the story behind its rise to global fame (spoiler: it involves a showdown in Paris and some very shocked wine experts), and get Amanda’s best tips for planning the perfect trip. Think must-visit wineries, the best ways to get around, and why it’s totally okay (and even encouraged!) to spit at a tasting.

We’ll break down what makes Napa’s wines so special, from its rare Mediterranean climate to the art of blending and barrel aging, plus share local secrets for dining, exploring, and making the most of every glass. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or sip there every season, this episode will help you taste smarter, travel better, and fall in love with Napa Valley — one unforgettable pour at a time.

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For more, check out Amanda on…

Instagram - @sommvivant

TikTok - @somm_vivant

and on the web - sommvivant.me

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Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.

Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky

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At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered if there’s actual fruit in your wine? (Spoiler: there isn’t—but the story behind those “cherry” and “lemon” notes is fascinating!) In this episode of Wine Tripping, we’re swirling, sniffing, and sipping our way through the art and science of tasting wine. You’ll learn why wine pros use fruity metaphors, how to actually train your nose and palate, and the real impact of glassware and temperature on your next pour.

We’ll break down the flavor families for both red and white wines, demystify those earthy and “funky” notes, explain why it’s OK to spit at your next wine tasting (it really is, we promise), and share practical tips for storing your bottles like a pro (hint: think mushrooms)..

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned sipper, this episode will help you taste smarter, store better, and—most importantly—enjoy get every last drop of enjoyment from your next glass.

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For more, check out Amanda on…

Instagram - @sommvivant

TikTok - @somm_vivant

and on the web - sommvivant.me

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Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.

Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky

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At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered what really happens between the vineyard and all the swirling, sniffing, and sipping when the wine reaches your glass? On this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda pulls back the curtain on the secrets of winemaking, stripping away the mystique and showing you just how much magic (and muscle) goes into every bottle.

Amanda takes you from her first grape-stomping shock in Napa to the heart of the winery, where tradition meets innovation and every decision—harvest, fermentation, aging—shapes the wine in your glass. You’ll learn about  hand vs machine harvesting, why no two bottles are ever quite the same, how a winemaker’s playlist or a midnight harvest can change everything, and why asking “basic” questions at a winery is actually the smartest move.

Whether you’re a curious newbie or a seasoned sipper, Amanda will have you seeing, tasting, and appreciating wine in a whole new way. So pour yourself a glass, press play, and get ready to dive deep into the world of winemaking—one sip at a time.

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For more, check out Amanda on…

Instagram - @sommvivant

TikTok - @somm_vivant

and on the web - sommvivant.me

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Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.

Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky

---

At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered why a Chardonnay from California tastes like baked apples, while one from Burgundy is all tart and zipy? In this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda uncorks the magic of terroir—the mysterious “sense of place” that makes every bottle unique.

Join Amanda as she shares sun-soaked stories from the south of France, explains why even tomatoes taste better at that one particular stand at Jersey Shore, and reveals how dirt, wind, and weather leave their mark on your glass. You’ll learn to spot the difference between warm and cool climate wines, decode those cryptic wine labels, and discover why winemakers obsess over soil (and sometimes, even the energy of a place).

Get ready to become a detective with your senses—Amanda’s got practical tips for noticing the smells, sights, and feels that shape every sip. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned sipper, this episode will help you taste the world in every glass.

So pour yourself something delicious and let’s explore the world of wine, one terroir at a time. Cheers!

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For more, check out Amanda on…

Instagram - @sommvivant

TikTok - @somm_vivant

and on the web - sommvivant.me

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Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.

Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky

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At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever look at a wine list, feel totally intimidated, and in the end just order the one whose name you think you know how to pronounce? Yeah. Us too. 

The world of wine can feel daunting - terms like terroir, robe, legs, and steely mouthfeel can seem like some impenetrable secret language. But Amanda McCrossin - certified sommelier, Napa Valley insider, and all-around wine nerd - is here to change that. This podcast, Wine Tripping, is Amanda’s guide to becoming a more confident wine lover - without the snobbery.

This episode uncorks the basics: what wine really is, why grape variety and terroir matter, and how to start exploring new bottles with curiosity (not intimidation). You’ll get tips for tasting, learn how to read a label like a pro, find out why no two bottles are ever quite the same, and why wine is the ultimate passport to culture, history and adventure. Plus, the story of Amanda’s own journey from rural Pennsylvania dreamer to world-traveling wine pro.

Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to level up your wine game, Amanda’s got you covered—with plenty of laughs and zero pretension. So pour yourself a glass, press play, and get ready to fall in love with wine (and the world) all over again!

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For more, check out Amanda on…

Instagram - @sommvivant

TikTok - @somm_vivant

and on the web - sommvivant.me

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Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.

Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan Hammond

Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski

Executive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky

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At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wonder how dirt, weather, and a single grape can change everything in your glass? Wine has shaped civilization for thousands of years, and sommelier Amanda McCrossin is your guide to exploring it all.

From Napa to Tuscany, Argentina to Portugal’s breathtaking Douro Valley and beyond, Amanda is your guide on a globe-trotting adventure to uncork the secrets of Wine and help you begin - or level up - your own wine Journey.

She’ll share insider tips on tastings, the right questions to ask at wineries, and how to discover your own wine style—no passport required. Think of it as your personal invitation to become a modern-day Renaissance person, knowledgeable, cultured, and ready to sip something fabulous wherever your travels take you.

Plus, she’s got the inside track on the best way to wine trip through some of the best places for it - Argentina, Oregon, Washington, Bordeaux, Champagne, Amanda has you covered.

So Join Amanda McCrossin—sommelier, wine nerd, and your new favorite travel buddy—for Wine Tripping, launching May 28th, only from Cerca. 

Cheers and happy travels!

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Amanda McCrossin is a certified sommelier, wine personality, and TikTok/Instagram/YouTube creator. She is known as one of the most influential creators in the wine community creating wine-focused, relatable content to help consumers via her @sommvivant channels. She has been featured by Food & Wine Magazine, Decanter, Food Network, San Francisco Chronicle, on the cover of SOMM Journal and Wine Enthusiast who named her a Wine Star nominee for 'Sommelier of the Year.'

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At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!

Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.