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videoBordeaux vs. Oregon Pinot Noir: A Deep Dive Radio Tasting | The Secret Wine Society on KPNW 1120 AM
Join Robert and Don of The Secret Wine Society for a special broadcast on KPNW 1120 AM! In this extended session, we take a deep dive into the nuances of classic French Bordeaux and the world-class Pinot Noir coming out of Oregon. 🍷🇫🇷🇺🇸 Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your wine journey in Douglas County, this episode offers a unique look at how terroir, climate, and tradition shape the bottles we love. 00:00 Welcome to KPNW 1120 AM 00:35 Robert joins Bill and Gerry 01:2
videoWhy this wine costs $80 for a tiny bottle 🍷 #shorts #wine
Why this wine costs $80 for a tiny bottle 🍷 #shorts #wine
videoHow to Tell If a Wine Is Good Before You Buy It | Simple Wine Tips for Beginners
Standing in front of a wall of wine and not sure what to pick? This episode gives you a fast way to tell if a wine is worth buying before it goes in your cart. In this episode of The Secret Wine Society Podcast, Robert and Dawn share simple, real world tips you can use in any wine shop or grocery store. You will learn • Label clues that matter • How alcohol percent signals style • Region vs brand driven wines • When vintage matters • Red flags to avoid • How to buy wine with confidence Perfect f
videoWine, Sake & Community 🍶🍷 | Secret Wine Society LIVE on KPNW ft. Kuma’s Table
Welcome to The Secret Wine Society 🍷🍶 In this special LIVE radio episode on KPNW, we dive deep into wine, Japanese sake, and community-driven food culture, featuring a collaboration with Kuma’s Table—known for authentic Japanese cuisine and thoughtful sake pairings. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: • Japanese sake styles explained (Kimoto, Yamahai, Honjozo & more) • How sake and wine pair with Japanese comfort foods • Behind-the-scenes of The Secret Wine Society radio show • Community, collaboration, a
videoTasting El Enemigo & Sequoia Grove | The Secret Wine Society Oakland, OR
What happens when you bring world-class wines from Argentina and Napa Valley to the radio? Robert from The Secret Wine Society in historic Oakland, Oregon sits down to taste through three incredible bottles you need to know about. From the unique, sherry-like salinity of El Enemigo's Chardonnay to a heavy-hitting Napa Cabernet from Sequoia Grove, we break down the tasting notes, the winemaking process, and the perfect food pairings for your next dinner. Hit Subscribe to join our community of win
videoHere we have the 2023 'a Rina Etna Rosso from Girolamo Russo. 🍷 #wineoftheday
videoWine or Sake for Dinner? The Ultimate Food Pairing Guide | The Secret Wine Society
Ever stood in front of your wine fridge on a Tuesday night wondering if you should reach for a Pinot Noir or that bottle of Sake a friend gave you? 🍷🍶 In this episode of The Secret Wine Society podcast, Robert and Don break down the "great dinner debate." We share our "Intensity Match" rule and give you foolproof pairing ideas for everything from simple steamed fish to takeout pizza. What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why there is "no wrong answer" when it comes to your palate. [00:50] • The
videoHow to Order Wine Without Feeling Awkward | Restaurant Wine Tips Made Simple
Order Wine With Confidence Feel nervous ordering wine at a restaurant? You are not alone. In this episode of The Secret Wine Society Podcast, Robert and Dawn share simple phrases and smart strategies so you know what to say and what to look for. You will learn: • How to talk to a server or sommelier with confidence • What to say if you do not recognize anything on the wine list • How to choose wine by style, not price • Easy ways to avoid overpaying • When to order by the glass vs bottle The Sec
videoWhat to Bring When You Do Not Know Wine | Simple Wine Advice for Any Occasion
Choosing wine feels stressful when you do not know what to buy. This episode gives you clear, simple guidance. In this episode of The Secret Wine Society Podcast, we walk you through what to bring when you feel unsure about wine. Dinner parties. Gifts. Last minute invites. You will leave knowing how to choose a bottle with confidence. You will learn • Three safe wine rules • When to choose red, white, or sparkling • How much to spend • What to say inside a wine shop • Why simple choices work bes
videoBuild the Perfect 6 Bottle Wine Collection | Beginner Friendly Guide
The Only 6 Wines You Need at Home Most people buy random bottles. Then they have nothing to open when friends stop by. In this episode of The Secret Wine Society Podcast, Robert and Dawn show you how to build a simple 6 bottle home wine collection that works for everyday dinners, guests, and celebrations. You will learn: • The 2 everyday bottles every home needs • The 2 food pairing bottles that solve dinner stress • Why you should always keep 1 sparkling bottle • How to choose 1 fun wild card b
videoBigfoot Tries Gas Station Cheese & $30 Beaujolais! 🍷🐾 | The Secret Wine Society
Does high-end wine belong with "Gas Station Cheese"? Join the Secret Wine Society as we go Bigfoot hunting for flavor! In this episode, recorded at KPNW Radio, we explore the surprising chemistry between fine vintages and everyday snacks. In this episode: • The Beaujolais Breakthrough: We taste the 2023 Château de la Terrière, a Beaujolais-Villages that proves why this region offers the best value in the wine world. • Letting it Breathe: Why you should let your wine "stretch its legs" in the gla
videoStop Guessing: 3 Simple Tricks to Read ANY Wine Label
How to Read a Wine Label in 60 Seconds Wine labels confuse shoppers. This 60 second guide fixes that. You learn how to spot • Grape or blend • Country and region • Alcohol level • Style clues • Quality signals Use this skill in any wine shop. Use it at restaurants. Use it at parties. Hosted by The Secret Wine Society. A wine bar and wine merchant in Historic Oakland, Oregon. Follow for short wine tips, bottle picks, and real world wine education. Visit us in Oakland for tastings, events, and cur
videoOne Bottle for Everyone? Wine or Sake for Mixed Tastes
Buying one bottle for a group feels stressful. Some people want red. Some want white. Some want something lighter. In this episode of The Secret Wine Society Podcast, Robert and Dawn share simple ways to choose one wine or one sake that works for mixed tastes. You will learn • The safest wine styles for groups • When sake is the easiest crowd pleaser • Budget friendly bottle rules • What to avoid when shopping for others • Easy picks for dinner parties and gifts Hosted by the owners of The Secre
videoSake for Wine Drinkers | Where to Start with Your First Bottle
Sake feels unfamiliar for many wine drinkers. This episode removes the confusion. In this episode of The Secret Wine Society Podcast, we explain sake in a simple, practical way for people who already enjoy wine. You will learn how sake compares to wine, which styles feel familiar, and how to choose a first bottle with confidence. This episode is for you if you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir and want to explore sake without pressure. You will learn • What sake is in plain langua
videoWhy this wine costs $80 for a tiny bottle 🍷 #shorts #wine
Why this wine costs $80 for a tiny bottle 🍷 #shorts #wine
video2025 International Sake Day Celebration at The Secret Wine Society! 🍶 #sake #saketimes
videoHere we have the 2023 'a Rina Etna Rosso from Girolamo Russo. 🍷 #wineoftheday
video2025 International Sake Day Celebration at The Secret Wine Society! 🍶 #sake #saketimes
videoDeciphering Sake Labels: What You're Missing on the Bottle
Ever felt intimidated by a Sake label? In Episode 4 of our tasting series, Robert from The Secret Wine Society breaks down the complex characters and rich history behind Tentaka "Hawk in the Heavens" Tokubetsu Junmai. Discover the fascinating connection between this Sake and the ancient Yamato government, and learn how to read Japanese labels from right to left [01:09]. We explore why this brew from Tochigi Prefecture is considered a "gift from the past" and what "Tokubetsu Junmai" actually means for the flavor in your glass. Timestamps: [00:28] - The first pour: Tasting notes and savory profile. [00:45] - Translating "Tentaka" (Hawk in the Heavens). [01:09] - How to read Japanese labels: Direction and vertical style. [01:23] - The history: Ancient Yamato and the Tochigi connection. [04:15] - Back label breakdown: Rice type (Gohyakumangoku) and milling rates. [04:53] - Travel tip: What Tochigi is famous for (Nikko & Strawberries!). Visit The Secret Wine Society: A Hidden Gem in Oakl
videoDeciphering Sakè Label , Ep 4 🍶 #saketasting #secretwinesociety #thesecretwinesociety #howtoread
videoWhat’s Actually in Your Sake? 🍶 Kasumi Tsuru Label Breakdown
"Nihonshu" isn't just a word—it's the official name of Japan’s national spirit. In this video, Robert and Vanessa from The Secret Wine Society take a "fine-tooth comb" to a beautiful new arrival: Kasumi Tsuru Shibori-tate Yamahai. Learn the difference between "Namazake" and pasteurized sake [04:14], how to identify the brewery's 1725 origins [07:04], and why the Japanese government warns you to be careful when opening the bottle! Robert also explains the "Yamahai" brewing method and why this specific bottle tastes like tropical cream bananas. Timestamps: [00:37] - The official name: Why "Nihonshu" is the correct term for Sake. [01:00] - Decoding the ingredients list: Rice (Kome) and Koji. [02:41] - The Brewery: Kasumi Tsuru (The "Crane" of Hyogo Prefecture). [03:15] - What is Shibori-tate? Understanding the "First Press." [03:26] - The Yamahai method & Nama-chozo (unpasteurized maturation). [04:36] - Translation: "Chill it, then drink it" and Japanese health warnings. [05:31] - Safet
video🍶 New Sake Arrival 🍶 #howtoread #sakelabel #saketime #sake
videoDeciphering Sake label 🍶 - episode 2. What is "The Good Stuff"? | unmai Daiginjo vs. Ginjo Explained
Are you drinking your Sake the "correct" way? In Episode 2 of our label series, Robert and the team at The Secret Wine Society open a stunning bottle of Hana Abi (Bathing in Flowers). Beyond the beautiful copper-leaf washi paper label, we dive into the technical details of "Fukurotsuri" (hanging bag) sake [01:04], the meaning of "Junmai Daiginjo" [05:35], and the proper way to toast with friends vs. your boss [06:15]. Plus, find out why Robert prefers tasting high-end sake in a wine glass to catch those melon aromatics. Timestamps: [00:29] - The Kamon: Understanding Japanese family and company crests. [01:04] - Technical terms: Muroka (unfiltered), Genshu (undiluted), and Fukurotsuri (hanging bags). [02:15] - Flash pasteurization: What "Bin-hi" means for bottle aging. [04:18] - Label Art: The meaning behind the "Hana Abi" (Bathing in Flowers) name. [05:35] - Classification: Breaking down Junmai, Ginjo, and Daiginjo. [06:15] - Sake Etiquette: The "War of the Glasses" (Why you should t
videoHow to Read Japanese Sake Labels | The "God-Power" Rice: Decoding Shinriki Sake Labels 🍶
Is your Sake label keeping secrets? In this deep-dive, Robert from The Secret Wine Society explores Shinriki (Sacred Power), a rare rice variety that nearly went extinct. Watch as we decipher a traditional "un-Americanized" washi paper label from Hiroshima [00:35]. Robert explains the Kimoto method (where poles are used to beat the mash), the meaning of Genshu (undiluted alcohol sitting at a staggering 19%!), and how to use the Nihonshu-do (Sake Meter Value) to tell if your bottle is sweet or dry. Timestamps: [01:41] - Shinriki: The "Sacred Power" rice with a miraculous comeback. [02:10] - The Inkan: Reading the brewery’s official company seal. [03:12] - What is Muroka? Why some Sake has a beautiful yellowish hue. [04:07] - Kimoto Style: The ancient method of making the "moto" (yeast starter). [05:41] - Milling Rates: Why 85% milling (Seimai Buai) creates bolder flavors. [06:08] - The SMV Scale: Understanding Nihonshu-do and sugar levels. [07:31] - Acidity (San-do): How 2.3 acidity b
