Latest dispatches

Starfield Vineyards Wine Review: Exploring Sierra Foothills Terroir & Unique Blends

In this video, I’m taking a deep dive into Starfield Vineyards, a hidden gem located in Placerville, California (El Dorado AVA). Starfield is known for its high-elevation vineyards, exceptional soil variety, and unique grape selections from Mediterranean climates. 🍷 Buy Starfield Vineyards Wines Here: https://www.starfieldvineyards.com/shop/ We taste and review four distinct wines from their portfolio in order: Viognier – Lush, aromatic white wine with vibrant fruit and floral notes. Grenache – Expressive red featuring classic fruit, subtle oak, and signature regional spice. Aglianico – A bold, late-ripening Italian varietal with incredible structure and depth. "The Miner's Inch" – Starfield’s proprietary estate blend showing off the versatility of Sierra Foothills terroir. Throughout the tasting, we explore the distinct "Sierra Spice" character, discuss why these unique grape varieties thrive in Placerville, and share food pairing suggestions for each wine. ⏱️ Video Timestamps:

How to Pair Wine with Tinned Fish | Fishwife Tasting & Sommelier Review

Tinned seafood has completely evolved, and it’s easily one of the most under-appreciated pairings for wine. In this video, I’m putting my sommelier background to work to match three premium, sustainably-sourced tins from Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co. with three unexpected wines—from sparkling sweet reds to bone-dry Sherry. We’re building a simple tasting board using fresh ricotta, Swedish rye crackers, and dark pumpernickel squares to show you how a neutral palate foundation bridges the fat, smoke, and spice of the fish straight into the structure of the wine. 🛒 TRY FISHWIFE TINNED SEAFOOD: Grab your own tins here: https://fishwife.sjv.io/zzm5D0 (Disclosure: Using this link supports the channel at no extra cost to you!) 🍷 THE WINE PAIRINGS IN THIS VIDEO: 1️⃣ Smoked Salmon with Fly By Jing Chili Crisp + Chilled Sparkling Sweet Red (Brachetto d'Acqui or Lambrusco) 2️⃣ Beechwood Smoked Salmon + Chilled Dry Fino Sherry 3️⃣ Smoked Rainbow Trout + Austrian Grüner Veltliner ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

Celebrating 3 Top Harvest Winemakers | Sommelier Tastes Naked Wines

#ad #PaidAdvertisement | Huge thanks to @naked_wines for sponsoring today's video! Celebrate harvest season with $100 OFF your first 6-pack case of handcrafted wines ($49.99 total): ➡️ https://naked-wines.pxf.io/POZ9eN In this video we’re honoring the passion, hard work, and risk behind harvest season. As a certified Sommelier and long-time Angel, I’m tasting wines and sharing the incredible stories of three independent winemakers supported by Naked Wines: Daryl Groom, Macario Montoya, and Jen Pfeiffer. Learn how Naked Wines Angels give craft winemakers the freedom to create world-class bottles without corporate middlemen, complete with tasting notes and food pairings! 0:00 - The Magic & Risk of Harvest Season 0:42 - How Naked Wines Angels Support Craft Winemakers 1:25 - Daryl Groom: DRG Wine With Heart Rosé 2:11 - Macario Montoya: Sin Fronteras Red Blend 3:03 - Jen Pfeiffer: The Hero Victoria Shiraz 3:50 - Celebrating Independent Wine & $100 Off Offer #NakedWines #Sommelier #Win

July 2026 Virtual Tasting: Summer Rosés

Think rosé is just simple, sweet poolside fruit juice? Think again. This July, we're stepping off the beaten path to explore just how structural, savory, and complex pink wine can get—and we're doing it on my birthday! In the lineup Washington: SEX Pinot Noir Rose - $19 Spain: Muga Rosado Rioja - $17 Argentina: Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2024 - $25 France: L'Opale de La Presqu'ile de St-Tropez - $15 Fattoria Sardi Primavere Rose 2024 - $24 Want to join the next one? Sign up here: https://wineliving.info/pairing-guide-signup 0:00 Introduction and tonight's setup 4:58 the History of rosé wine 12:15 How does a rosé wine get its color? 16:33 What does rosé wine taste like? 25:37 Tasting Smith and Smith SEX Pinot noir rosé 34:55 Tasting Bodegas Muga Rioja rosé 49:35 Tasting Susana Balbo Malbec rosé 1:04:00 Tasting L'Opale de La Presqu'ile de St-Tropez 1:12:42 Tasting Fattoria Sardi Primavere Rose 1:20:31 The Takeaway (what did we learn) 1:26:00 Q&A and wrap up July 2026 Virtual Tasti

Virtual Wine Tasting: South African Wines 6/11/26

Welcome to the Cape! This month, we aren't just tasting generic international styles. We are diving deep into the grapes, categories, and revolutionary winemaking movements that belong entirely to South Africa. The Wines in this Tasting Sparkling: Graham Beck Methode Cap Classique Brut (~$22) White: Beaumont Chenin Blanc 2024 (~$22) Red: Mullineux Family Wines Syrah 2022 (~$36) 0:00 Setup and technical stuff 5:29 An introduction to South Africa and its wines 30:18 The wines for this tasting 34:20 Tasting the Graham Beck Sparkling 47:39 Tasting the Beaumont Chenin blanc 55:24 Tasting the Mullineaux Syrah 1:13:04 Tasting our Pinotage selections Virtual Wine Tasting: South African Wines 6/11/26

Virtual Tasting of Sicily's Wines - April 2026

A "This for That" Deep Dive into Volcanic & Coastal Gems Sicily is the hottest wine region in the world right now—literally and figuratively. From the smoking craters of Mt. Etna to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, the island produces wines that are world-class alternates to your everyday favorites. If you love Chardonnay, Chablis, or Pinot Noir, this "This for That" session will show you why Sicilian indigenous grapes are your new best friends. 11:40 An Intro to Sicily and its wines 22:16 Cusumano Insolia 2023 29:26 Cottanera Etna Bianco 2023 35:24 Tornatore Etna Rosso 2022 48:53 Colosi Nero d'Avola 2024 Virtual Tasting of Sicily's Wines - April 2026

Stewardship: André Hueston Mack | Cultural Architect of Wine

In this episode of our series, we explore how one of the most recognizable disruptors in the industry went from the French Laundry to founding Maison Noir Wines. Stewardship: André Hueston Mack | Cultural Architect of Wine is a deep dive into bow he uses things like design, hip-hop, and skate culture to make wine relevant for a new generation. From his early days watching Frasier in Texas to running the beverage program at Per Se, André Hueston Mack has always been willing to learn the rules in order to break them. Today, he is redefining what it means to be a "steward" of the industry by shifting the focus from the vineyard to the culture. We discuss: • The "Frasier" Catalyst: How a sitcom gave him the courage to walk into a wine store. • Mouton Noir: Embracing the "Black Sheep" alter ego as a source of power. • Disrupting the Industry: Why wine commercials need to stop walking through vineyards and start showing up at the cookout. • Maison Noir Wines: Building a creative tent for d

Is wine from Pennsylvania good? It’s official!

Is wine from Pennsylvania good? It’s official! After 25 years in the wine business, I’ve found a local gem that confirms my research. In this video, I’m tasting the Chardonnay, Rosé, and Petit Verdot from Rienzi Estate Vineyard and Winery in Wrightsville, PA. From my early days of weekend road trips with my wife to my career today, I’m still passionate about discovering world-class local wine. 🍷 SHOP ONLINE: Rienzi Estate does not currently have a physical tasting room, but you can support this

Thanks André Hueston Mack for hanging yesterday! Stay tuned for this interview. #wine #stewardship

The Future of the Wine Industry | Introducing: STEWARDSHIP

What is the future of the wine industry? In this video, I'm introducing Stewardship, a new cinematic series exploring how the wine industry is evolving through diversity, design, and new leadership. For 15 years, I’ve seen how clinging to tradition can hold us back. The "New Vanguard" is officially taking the mantle. Presented by Wine Guardian, this series moves past the gatekeepers to spotlight the visionaries and rebels redefining wine culture in 2026. Join me as I sit down with: • Frank Mitch

The Future of the Wine Industry: Why She Ignored Every Rule

What is the future of the wine industry? In this episode of Stewardship, we look at why she ignored every rule to build a powerhouse brand. Meet Latoya Jordan, the lawyer-turned-disruptor behind Marble Wines. From high-stakes "fixer" for celebrity brands to building a self-distributed logistics empire, Latoya Jordan is proof that the wine industry is changing. We dive into her focus-group strategy, her unconventional blends of Petite Sirah and Barbera, and why she chose to "just do what she want

Need the perfect #giftidea for the #wine connoisseur in your life? Get them this! #winecollectors

A friend gave me 2 boxes of old wine. Is there anything good? #winecollector #estatesalefinds

Stewardship: Frank Mitchell | Philadelphia’s First Black Winemaker

In this episode of our series, Stewardship: Frank Mitchell | Philadelphia’s First Black Winemaker, we visit the Creekside Co-op in Elkins Park to discuss a "grapes-first" philosophy. Stewardship: Frank Mitchell | Philadelphia’s First Black Winemaker explores how a hospitality background and a Masters in Organizational Development helped Frank build a winery rooted in community. Operating out of Overbrook, Philadelphia, Frank Mitchell is "uniting the world, one glass at a time" by sourcing the be

What #wines did #rorymcllroy serve at the #masters champion's dinner? check out his $15,000 list!

Tasting boxed wines from @GratsiWine: Sommelier expert #winereview #winerecommendations #wine

What #wines did #rorymcllroy serve at the #masters champion's dinner? check out his $15,000 list!

Sommelier's top four #wines for under $20 #winetasting #winetips #winerecommendations #winelovers

Virtual Tasting January 2026 - The Subtle Beauty of Burgundy

January is traditionally a time for rest and reset, and in that spirit, I wanted to keep our first virtual tasting of the year simple, pure, and straightforward. When I think of "clean" wines - those with minimal intervention, no blending, and little-to-no oak - French Burgundy is the gold standard. I’ve personally selected two high-end bottles that exemplify the elegance and "honesty" of this world-famous region. Sign up for updates on these tastings, get my free pairing guide: https://winelivi

Thanks André Hueston Mack for hanging yesterday! Stay tuned for this interview. #wine #stewardship

I was gifted 2 boxes of old wine. What did I find? #winecollector #estatesalefinds #winecollecting

Common wine "fails" & how to fix them! Tips from a certified #wine expert!! #winetricks #winewisdom

November Virtual Wine Tasting - Pinot Noir for the Holidays!

Recorded November 20th, 2025. This month we’re looking at a trio of Pinots, each one highly rated (90+ points / 100) by multiple critics. From the misty Sonoma Coast of California, to the chilly Alpine foothills of Northern Italy, to the crisp, verdant valleys of New Zealand, we'll taste and discuss three distinctly unique and amazing terroirs in this virtual event. Want to join us for the next one? Sign up here: https://wineliving.info/pairing-guide-signup 0:00 Intro and Setup 5:31 Looking at t

Tasting boxed wines from @GratsiWine: Sommelier expert #winereview #winerecommendations #wine