The Secret Wine Society

Bordeaux 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

Why this wine costs $80 for a tiny bottle 🍷 #shorts #wine

Why this wine costs $80 for a tiny bottle 🍷 #shorts #wine

How 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

Wine, 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

Tasting 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

Here we have the 2023 'a Rina Etna Rosso from Girolamo Russo. 🍷 #wineoftheday

Wine 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

How 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

What 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

Build 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

Bigfoot 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

Stop 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

One 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

Sake 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

Why this wine costs $80 for a tiny bottle 🍷 #shorts #wine

Why this wine costs $80 for a tiny bottle 🍷 #shorts #wine

2025 International Sake Day Celebration at The Secret Wine Society! 🍶 #sake #saketimes

Here we have the 2023 'a Rina Etna Rosso from Girolamo Russo. 🍷 #wineoftheday

2025 International Sake Day Celebration at The Secret Wine Society! 🍶 #sake #saketimes

Deciphering 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

Deciphering Sakè Label , Ep 4 🍶 #saketasting #secretwinesociety #thesecretwinesociety #howtoread

What’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

🍶 New Sake Arrival 🍶 #howtoread #sakelabel #saketime #sake

Deciphering 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

How 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

Looking for the best wine shop near you? The Secret Wine Society in Historic Oakland! 📍❣️

The Secret Wine Society Wine Talks on KPNW RADIO | Featuring Klinker Brick Winery | 6•6•2025 part 2

Robert from The Secret Wine Society joins KPNW Radio for a special "Wine Talk" featuring Farah Jolly from Klinker Brick Winery in Lodi, CA. In this episode, we dive into what makes Old Vine Zinfandel special [00:11], why Lodi is the "up and coming" value region of California [06:51], and the mystery of "The Old Ghost" reserve zin [02:20]. We also discuss why the "mean streets" of Oakland, Oregon [08:09] are the perfect place to find high-quality bottles that won't break the bank. Timestamps: [00:11] - 126-year-old vines: What "Old Vine" actually means for wine concentration. [01:46] - The struggle of Zinfandel: Why uniform ripening is so difficult to achieve. [02:20] - "The Old Ghost": The sneaky, high-ABV reserve brother to Klinker Brick. [03:26] - Production secrets: Comparing the "workhorse" bottle to small-batch reserves. [06:51] - Lodi vs. Napa: Why savvy wine drinkers are looking for value in Lodi. [08:09] - The "Mean Streets" of Oakland: Robert talks about life at the shop in

Lodi’s Best Kept Secret: Klinker Brick Winery 🍷 (Wine Talks Part 1)

Robert from The Secret Wine Society returns to KPNW Radio with a very special guest: Farah Jolly from Klinker Brick Winery in Lodi, California. In this first part, we discover the fascinating history behind the "Clinker Brick" name [01:54], why Farah’s family pivoted away from Chardonnay to embrace Albariño [03:41], and the heartwarming (and muddy!) story behind the Farah Syrah [07:31]. Robert also breaks down why Lodi is becoming the go-to destination for world-class wine without the Napa price tags. Timestamps: [01:54] - What is a Clinker Brick? The story of a family home and a unique name. [03:41] - Breaking Up with Chardonnay: Why Klinker Brick moved to Albariño. [05:33] - Pairing Tips: Oysters, fish tacos, and the "ultimate" roast chicken match. [07:31] - The Farah Syrah: A 5-year-old's intuition and a stuck tractor. [08:51] - Old World meets New World: Why this Syrah smells like the Northern Rhone. [11:03] - The Lodi Revolution: Why savvy drinkers are skipping Napa Valley. [11:

Here’s a taste of excellence! 🎶🍷@AndreiAndreev

Here’s a taste of excellence! 🎶🍷by Andrei Andreev

We are always on the hunt for more than just great wine 😋✨ #cheese #yummyfood

How to Pick the Best Prosecco & Zinfandel | Secret Wine Society

What makes a "Superior" Prosecco, and why does Zinfandel age faster in smaller bottles? Today we’re joined by Robert and Chris from the Secret Wine Society in Oakland, Oregon to taste through Italian bubbles, a rustic California Zinfandel, and a classic Spanish Rioja. 📍 Visit the Shop: Secret Wine Society 111 NE Locust St, Oakland, OR 97462 (Just 2 minutes off I-5, Exit 140!) 🌐 Shop Online & Join the Club: https://secretwinesociety.com/ 🍷 Hours: Sat 12-8pm | Sun 12-5pm In this video, we cover: 0:00 - How to find Oakland, OR (The best stop south of Eugene) 0:02:10 - What is Prosecco Superiore DOCG? (Sommariva Tasting) 0:03:55 - The "Charmat Method" vs. Champagne 0:05:22 - Italian Mountain Cheese: Larai & Mini Screamer Pairings 0:07:35 - The Secret to Wine Pairing: "What grows together, goes together" 0:11:16 - Storybook Mountain Zinfandel: Why Zinfandel is hard to grow 0:14:40 - Why half-bottles (375ml) age faster than standard bottles 0:17:15 - Tasting Muga Rioja Reserva: The law