True Crimes Against Wine

People's Court Ep. 15:Pinky Promise Betrayal: Mafia Game Turns Marital Trust Upside-Down Nov 9, 2026 12:26 Hey friend — settle in, this one’s a wild little ride. A 26-year-old woman tells the story of playing Mafia with friends, pinky-promising her husband she wasn’t the mafia, then immediately killing him in the next round. He was the nurse who’d saved her, and the next day he’s convinced her win proves she could manipulate him outside the game. Yikes. The hosts lose it (in the best way) — because it’

CASE 0605: I Vant to Drink Your Vine! Nov 2, 2026 1:50:01 DEFENDANT: Vampire Wine EVIDENCE: Vampire Pinot Noir SCENE OF THE CRIME: Napa, CA -- Hey friend — welcome to our cozy, slightly spooky corner where we pair pop-culture deep dives with a glass of something fun. In this episode Judge Topher and Judge Rachel uncork a California Pinot Noir called "Vampire" and take a gleeful, rambling tour through vampire lore, wine bottle capes, 80s rock-star winemak

Sidebar Ep. 147: Halloween Candy & Wine Pairings: Tips from True Crimes Against Wine Oct 26, 2026 18:17 Hey friend—grab a glass and let's talk Halloween candy and wine like this is just us on the couch. This episode of True Crimes Against Wine dives into fun, easy pairings for those classic treats parents (and secret candy-stealers) might sip while handing out goodies. We cover gummy sweets like Swedish Fish and gummy bears with a light, fruity Gamay; chocolatey-carameled bars like Snickers with a f

CASE 0604: Would You Drink Me? I'd Drink Me Oct 19, 2026 2:10:38 DEFENDANT: Hannibal Lecter EVIDENCE: Frescobaldi Castiglione Chianti DOCG SCENE OF THE CRIME: Chianti, Tuscany, IT -- Hey friend — grab a glass and pull up a chair. In this cozy, spooky episode of True Crimes Against Wine, Judge Topher and Judge Rachel uncork a breezy Chianti (Frescobaldi’s Castiglione DOCG) and take you on a trip through vineyards, vintage trivia, and one of cinema’s creepiest mi

Sidebar Ep. 146: Sydney Sweeney’s Shockingly Salacious Sports Ad — Too Far or Just Marketing? Oct 12, 2026 19:37 Join us for a candid, no-filter breakdown of the recent Sydney Sweeney ad for a sports betting app — the one everyone's talking about. We dig into the ad’s over-the-top sexualization (yes, it looks like porn), the predatory nature of online sports gambling, and the hypocrisy of moral posturing from conservative corners. We also talk about how celebrities profit from male-gaze-focused branding, why

CASE 0603: I See Empty Bottles Oct 5, 2026 1:49:17 DEFENDANT: M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense EVIDENCE: Michael David Winery 6th Sense Syrah SCENE OF THE CRIME: Lodi, CA -- Hey friend — pour yourself a glass and settle in. This episode of True Crimes Against Wine pairs a bold California Syrah called Sixth Sense with M. Night Shyamalan's classic twist-filled film, The Sixth Sense. We chat about the Michael David Joint Winery (the creative mi

Sidebar Ep. 145: When Heat Steals the Harvest: Wine's Wild Growing Season Sep 28, 2026 16:15 Hey — if you love wine (or just enjoy weather drama), this episode dives into how this summer's brutal heatwave upended vineyards around the globe. Short version: grapes ripened insanely fast. In places like Napa and Sonoma harvests wrapped in late August instead of October — some vines barely had a normal growing season because bud break happened late and then, boom, two months to harvest. That u

CASE 0602: A Classic Unboxing Sep 21, 2026 2:14:58 DEFENDANT: Alexander Dumas EVIDENCE: Medley Rosé SCENE OF THE CRIME: Languedoc, France -- Hey — we’re starting Season 6 with boxed rosé, bad accents, and a whole lot of literary chaos. Join Judge Topher (beverage boss) and Judge Rachel (pop-culture prosecutor) as they unbox Medley’s Languedoc rosé, gush over the pool-friendly packaging, debate whether boxed wine counts as classy, and taste notes o

People's Court Ep. 14: Funeral Crashers & Online Witch Hunts Sep 14, 2026 19:15 Hey friend — this episode is a wild, messy ride through gossip, revenge, and the limits of grieving. We dig into a story about a daughter who publicly outed her best friend for alleged cheating, only to learn she was wrong and ended up destroying her friend’s life — and possibly contributing to her early death. The moms weigh in, judgments fly, and the question becomes: does someone who caused tha

CASE 0601: Who Says You Can't Go Home? Sep 7, 2026 2:05:05 DEFENDANT: The Odyssey EVIDENCE: "Odyssey" Miner Family Winery Red Blend 2021 SCENE OF THE CRIME: Napa, CA -- Hey friend — welcome to our Season 6 kickoff of True Crimes Against Wine! We popped a slightly fancier Napa GSM, uncorked some ancient Greek drama, and laughed (and cried a little) our way through Polyphemus, Calypso, and the many questionable choices of Odysseus. We took this bottle on a

People's Court Ep. 13: Meat Raffle Mayhem: Were We Wrong to Suspect a Fix? Aug 31, 2026 17:13 Hey friend — dive into this wild episode where we unpack a meat raffle that smelled fishier than the prize cooler. We narrate an animated tale of suspicious organizers, awkward confrontations, and the kind of midwestern bar drama you didn’t know you needed. From people in charge winning prizes to an MC calling out their own victory, we react, joke, and pass judgement (literally) as things escalate

Sidebar Ep. 144: We Thought We’d Recorded This — Tori Amos Live Follow‑Up Aug 24, 2026 14:23 Hey — welcome back to the True Crimes Against Wine sidebar. This one’s a little embarrassing (false memories are real) but also delightful: Rachel and Fact Checker finally made it to Tori Amos in Atlanta, and I’m here to spill everything — the good, the ridiculous, and the emotional. First, quick housekeeping: we both genuinely thought we’d already recorded this, so shoutout to Jamie for remindin

People's Court Ep.12 : I Told My Coworker 'I'm Fat'—Am I the A-hole? Aug 17, 2026 20:45 A non-binary person with GERD keeps their medication in a Tylenol bottle at work. A coworker named Bob accuses them of getting high at work, then calls HR after they respond to his comment with self-deprecating humor, calling themselves "fat." The hosts discuss workplace harassment, the role of HR, documenting incidents, and whether the letter writer was in the wrong. Spoiler: they weren't. The ep

Sidebar Ep.143: Wine, Wits & Client Dinners: What to Order to Look Effortlessly Competen Aug 10, 2026 20:47 Hey, Renee — and hey friend. If you’ve got a client dinner coming up and don’t want to look out of your depth (but also don’t want to be stiff and boring), this chat has your back. There are two main vibes you can lean into: the quietly sophisticated move or the casually cool cocktail move. For the low-key, impress-without-trying option, go wine: a Pinot Noir, especially from Willamette Valley or

Sidebar Ep.142: Margarita Batch Magic: Poolside Drinks That Actually Work Aug 3, 2026 15:38 Hey friend — if you’re planning a pool day and want to bring something better than boxed rosé (but still chill and easy), this episode’s for you. We’re big fans of low-drama, high-fun batched drinks: think margaritas and mojitos as the MVPs. They’re simple to scale, super tweakable, and they won’t leave you with a sad, flat, sugary mess after a few hours in the sun. Quick PSA: don’t bring Long Isl

People's Court Ep.11: Mom Confronts Daughter for Bringing Baby to Homophobic In‑Laws — Drama Explodes Jul 27, 2026 24:03 Hey — this episode is one for the books. A mom finds out her adult daughter has been secretly taking her grandchild to stay with the father’s religious, homophobic family after the dad came out and was disowned. She tells her daughter she’s disgusted, informs the dad, and now custody leniency is gone. Big feelings and bigger consequences all around. Listen, I get it — there are layers here. The d

People's Court Ep. 10: Am I the A-Hole for Calling Out My Wife’s ‘Jokey’ Friend in Front of Everyone? Jul 20, 2026 17:31 Hey — quick catch-up: this episode dives into a husband who’s been the butt of his wife’s friend Megan’s “jokes” for months. Little digs about cooking, fixing things, and asking if he’s sulking turned into a pattern that felt less like teasing and more like deliberate bullying. He usually laughed it off to avoid awkwardness, but when it kept happening at a party, he finally said, “Can you stop? It

BREAKING CASE: A Midsummer Human Sacrifice Jul 13, 2026 2:11:47 DEFENDANT: Midsomar EVIDENCE: Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio SCENE OF THE CRIME: A Maypole Near You... -- Hey friend — welcome to our bonus midsummer episode! We kick things off with playful banter about time, podcast firsts, and then dive into the lushly sunlit weirdness of Ari Aster’s Midsommar while sipping Mary J. Blige’s Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio. Expect gossip, gross food talk, and the kind of mo

Sidebar Ep.141: Rosé All Day? Summer Wine Trends You'll Actually Want to Try Jul 6, 2026 10:36 Hey friend — welcome to this episode of True Crimes Against Wine! We spent a little time nerding out about what’s popping in the wine world this summer, and honestly, some of it is super fun and worth keeping an eye out for. First up: rosé remains everywhere. It’s the easiest glass to recognize and the easiest choice when you want something fresh, fun, and usually dry. Sparkling rosé? Instant part

Sidebar Ep.140: Atlanta Survival Guide for the World Cup: Eat, Drink, Wander Jun 29, 2026 19:14 Hey Miguel (and friends) — welcome to Atlanta! If you’ve got World Cup plans, here’s a friendly, no-nonsense run-down of how to actually enjoy the city without losing your mind. First: traffic and transport. Do not rent a car. Atlanta traffic is terrible (think worse than LA in spots) and downtown parking/driving is confusing. Plan on using Uber/Lyft to get around — MARTA exists but can be tricky

Sidebar Ep. 139: Shush, Strawberry Moon & Soup: Tori Amos Deep Dive Jun 22, 2026 16:41 Hey friend — this episode’s sidebar is a cozy, hilarious chat about Tori Amos’s brand-new album In Times of Dragons, a little tour gossip, and some very serious bagel bite nostalgia. We gush over favorite songs (the title track Shush, Strawberry Moon, and the joyous Pyrite), unpack the album’s political edge and clever dragon metaphor for concentrated wealth, and celebrate Tori’s poetic lyricism t

People's Court Ep.09: Who Failed the Kid? Jun 15, 2026 19:20 Hey — welcome back. We’re diving straight into a messy, emotional family moment that unspooled at the worst possible time: a middle-schooler is grieving the loss of a classmate, and the adults around her fall apart instead of showing up. This episode walks through a dad’s frantic return from a trip, a mother with a deep fear of funerals, and a grandmother who jumps in and calls out the mom — spark

People's Court Ep.08: Am I the Asshole for Ruining Three Relationships? Jun 8, 2026 24:04 Hey there, wine lovers and amateur relationship detectives! 🍷🕵️‍♀️ In this People’s Court episode of True Crimes Against Wine, Judge Topher takes on a juicy Reddit-style dilemma involving emotional cheating, workplace crushes, secret text messages, and a husband who’s gotten a little too attached to his 19-year-old coworker. 😬 When one wife notices her husband acting suspiciously around a much you

Sidebar Ep.138:Wine-Fueled Nightmares: When Podcasts Keep You Up Jun 1, 2026 10:10 Hey, friend — welcome back to another cozy, slightly cursed episode of True Crimes Against Wine. We read Melanie's letter (love you, Melanie) about falling asleep to our show and waking up with absolute wine-fueled nightmares, and honestly? Same. We dive into the weird world of stress dreams versus full-on nightmares: the classic bathroom-where-the-stalls-don't-fit, the endless-final-exam-that-you

CASE 0519: We're Gonna Need A Bigger Bottle May 25, 2026 1:59:07 DEFENDANT: Bruce EVIDENCE: Jaws Amity Island Red Blend SCENE OF THE CRIME: A Beach Near You -- Hey friend — welcome to the season finale of True Crimes Against Wine, where we drank a Jaws-labeled Napa red and then took a deep dive into sharks, sea-snail sex, and why Spielberg’s technical failures made cinema history. We’re sipping a 55% Petit Syrah blend with Merlot, Cabernet and a cheeky 5% Aligo

People's Court Ep.07: Hooking Up with a Taken Man — Who’s Really to Blame? May 18, 2026 15:11 Hey friend — welcome back to True Crimes Against Wine. Today we dive into a toothpaste-level messy Reddit post: a woman sleeps with a guy who flirted with her, later finds out (via an unsent text) he’s in a relationship, and now wonders if she's the asshole for continuing to hook up. Spoiler: the hosts have strong opinions. We read the whole thing out loud — the creeping suggestive looks, the tech

CASE 0518: "After Her Gay Boyfriend Died..." May 11, 2026 2:28:29 DEFENDANT: Scarlett O'Hara EVIDENCE: Southern Belle Jumilla, "The Mourner" SCENE OF THE CRIME: Jumilla, Spain, oddly enough -- Hey friend — grab a glass and curl up: this episode pairs a bold Spanish wine called Southern Belle with the messy, fascinating world of Gone with the Wind. We unpack the bottle (visually and taste-wise), the winery’s playful Southern Gothic art, and the surprising bourb

People's Court Ep.06: Don't Poke the Mama Bear May 4, 2026 13:45 Get ready for one of the wildest mother-in-law stories and family drama podcast episodes yet! In this hilarious People’s Court episode of True Crimes Against Wine, Judge Topher dives into a shocking gender reveal gone wrong involving an overbearing mother-in-law, toxic family dynamics, pregnancy boundary issues, and a husband caught in the middle. When a first-time mom’s special baby gender revea

CASE 0516: Turtle Power! Apr 27, 2026 1:46:54 DEFENDANT: Leonardo DaVinci EVIDENCE: DaVinci Pinot Grigio SCENE OF THE CRIME: Renaissance Italy -- Hey friend — come hang out with us for a delightfully silly, slightly spicy stroll through art, wine, and history. We’re sipping an easy Pinot Grigio, dreaming up melon-and-prosciutto pizzas, and taking Leonardo da Vinci on tour: his notebooks, love life rumors, flying machines, and that massive (no

Sidebar Ep.137: Moors, Manors & Midnight Secrets: A Beginner’s Guide to Gothic Fiction Apr 20, 2026 20:03 Hey — let’s talk Gothic. If you loved the Wuthering Heights episode but aren’t sure what “Gothic” means, here’s a friendly, no‑pressure rundown: it’s a literary vibe that exploded in the late 1700s and early 1800s (part of Romanticism) and stuck around because people couldn’t get enough of spooky mystery, big feelings, and weird houses. At its core Gothic mixes suspense and the supernatural with s

CASE 0516: I Think Big Bird Is Drunk... Apr 13, 2026 1:51:10 DEFENDANT: PBS Kids! EVIDENCE: A to Z Wineworks Chardonnay SCENE OF THE CRIME: A TV near you! -- Hey friend — grab a glass and settle in! In this cozy episode of True Crimes Against Wine, Judge Topher and Judge Rachel pair a bright, stainless-steel A to Z Oregon Chardonnay with a nostalgic deep-dive into PBS Kids. Expect lots of nostalgic tangents (Lisa Frank stickers, slap bracelets, and wishbon

Sidebar Ep. 136: Bridgerton’s New Whisper: Lady Whistledown Returns (But Not Who You Think) Apr 6, 2026 12:30 Hey, friend — we just finished hashing out the latest Bridgerton season and had too many thoughts not to share. Part one felt overly familiar, like a direct nod to Cinderella, but give it time: the second half finds its footing with sharper plotting, satisfying sleuthing, and some welcome emotional payoffs (yes, Sophie and Benedict get their moment). The season leans hard into Queen Charlotte’s bo

CASE 0515: Shhh! It's a Secret Mar 30, 2026 2:25:37 DEFENDANT: Frances Hodgson Burnett EVIDENCE: Secret Garden Rose Gin SCENE OF THE CRIME: The moors, darling, the moors! -- Hi — come sit with us while we get a little giddy and a lot floral. In this episode of True Crimes Against Wine we test a rosy Scottish gin called Secret Garden, riff on three garden-ready cocktails (a Rose Garden Spritz, a Strawberry Smash, and a Lavender-Lemon Stroll), and wa

Sidebar Ep. 135: Paranormal Activity Mar 23, 2026 20:41 SpOoOoky episode; listen if you dare! 👻👻👻

CASE 0514: Shaken, Not Stirred Mar 16, 2026 2:21:24 DEFENDANT: Agent 007, Commander James Bond EVIDENCE: Martinis SCENE OF THE CRIME: Our Secret Lair -- Hey friend — grab a glass and settle in. In this episode we put the martini itself on trial: from the citrus-bright Vesper to a garden-fresh basil-cucumber twist, plus a yuzu-matcha surprise that doubles as our truth serum. We sip, argue, and nerd out about James Bond — the actors, the gadgets, the

People's Court Ep. 05: Am I the Gynecologist? Mar 9, 2026 17:09 Hi, welcome to another episode of True Crimes. Against wine. We're doing a people\u2019s court today. The story: two 26-year-olds, six years together. Early on, she was diagnosed with vaginismus — a medical condition that made penetration impossible despite physiotherapy and dilators. For years, they tried oral and manual sex, but over time his desire and emotional connection faded. They fought a

CASE 0513: How Many Heights Could a Wuthering Heights Wuther If a Wuthering Heights Could Wuther Heights? Mar 2, 2026 2:21:12 DEFENDANT: Emily Brontë EVIDENCE: Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon "Katherine" 2023 SCENE OF THE CRIME: The wild moors of Alexander Valley, Sonoma, CA -- Hey — settle in with a bowl of soup and a good glass, because this episode is equal parts wine tasting and literary sleuthing. We pop a bottle of Goldschmidt’s “Catherine” from Stonemason Hill in Alexander Valley (Sonoma), sniff out garnet color, b

Sidebar Ep. 134: Bridgerton Season 4 React: Cinderella Redux or Lazy Writing? Feb 23, 2026 19:04 Hi there. Welcome to another episode of True Crimes Against Wine. In this episode we dig into Bridgerton season 4 (first four episodes) with hot takes, spoilers, and a lot of laughs. We chat about the new heroine Sophie, Benedict’s surprise Cinderella arc, the show's heavy-handed nods to classic tropes (midnight, silver slippers, the whole shebang), and whether continuing the series past season

CASE 0512: Thar She Blows! Feb 16, 2026 2:05:21 DEFENDANT: Herman Melville EVIDENCE: Melville Estate Pinot Noir SCENE OF THE CRIME: Santa Rita Hills, and the Big Blue Sea -- Hey friend — pour yourself a glass and come sit with us. In this episode Judge Topher and Judge Rachel finally introduce themselves (yes, really) and then proceed to hijack a $75 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, talk glassware, sniff cherries, sage, pepper and a little eucalyp

Sidebar Ep.133: Disco Balls, Chocolate Cocktails, and the Vomit Proposal Feb 9, 2026 32:09 Hey friend — buckle up. This episode is peak messy and oddly heartwarming: imagine a Victorian house party with deceptive chocolate cocktails (they sneak up on you), a disco ball spin-off, and one of our hosts getting so tanked she ends up barfing in the shower. Classic. We also dig into the restaurant trenches — you know the ones: forced prix-fixe menus, last-minute menu swaps, entitled Valentin

People's Court Ep.05: Furry Fiasco Feb 2, 2026 21:16 Hey — this episode unpacks a vacation that went horribly wrong: a 37-year-old narrator brings her partner, toddler and a 16-year-old dog to visit her parents, who are openly hostile to the aging pup. They repeatedly put the dog outside, dump its water, and make cruel comments about putting her down. The partner withdraws and spends time apart to protect the dog and avoid blowing up, while the na

CASE 0511: F-You Scott Fitzgerald Jan 26, 2026 2:11:04 DEFENDANT: Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition Great Gatsby Sauvignon Blanc SCENE OF THE CRIME: Long Island -- Hey friend — come sit with us for a cozy, messy chat where wine and soup fuel a no-holds-barred re-read of The Great Gatsby. We get personal, a little loopy, and deeply into the weeds about Gatsby’s tragic love, Tom’s grossness, Daisy’s contradictions, and whether

Sidebar Ep. 132: Domestic Partnership on the Rocks: A Dust-Up over Dishes Jan 19, 2026 17:52 In this episode of True Crimes Against Wine, the hosts dive into a messy roommate-turned-partner dispute about chores. After three years together, a couple split household duties by a rota: feeding three picky cats, handling bills, cleaning litter, doing the washing up, hoovering, and more. Tension explodes when one partner fails to hoover and forgets to put a new toilet roll on the holder. The ot

CASE 0510: New Money, Old Expectations Jan 12, 2026 2:15:38 DEFENDANT: Gilded Age Decadence EVIDENCE: Biltmore Estate Reserve Chenin Blanc SCENE OF THE CRIME: The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC -- Hey friend — welcome back to True Crimes Against Wine for our first full episode of 2026! We’re sipping a slightly off-dry Chenin Blanc (surprise: from Biltmore in North Carolina), chatting about how it tastes like walking through a crisp apple orchard, debatin

Sidebar Ep. 131: New Year, New Vintages, New Scandals Jan 5, 2026 14:13 When wine is on trial, the gossip is dishy, the judges are drunk, the verdicts are random — welcome to True Crimes Against Wine and our first sidebar of 2026! Happy New Year, friend! We kicked off the episode riffing about nostalgia, then dove headfirst into what actually matters: what the next year (and beyond) looks like for wine. Quick take: climate shifts are pushing vineyards north and uphill

People's Court Ep.04: Bride vs. Bridesmaid: One-Inch Hoops, Major Family Meltdown Dec 29, 2025 10:14 Hey friend — welcome to our latest People’s Court episode where we dive into an Am I the Asshole post about a 19-year-old bridesmaid who finally got her ears pierced and wore one-inch silver hoops to her sister’s wedding, only to be called "trashy" and accused of disrespecting the bride. Spoiler: we’re not surprised by how wild this got. We walk through why that reaction felt wildly over the top —

CASE 0508: Happy Holidays! Hope You Find Your Dad! Dec 22, 2025 1:51:14 DEFENDANT: Buddy the Elf EVIDENCE: Manos Wines Special Edition "Elf" Prosecco SCENE OF THE CRIME: From the North Pole all the way to Manhattan and back again! -- Hey — glad you made it to our cozy chaos. This episode is basically two things: a heavy pour of festive Prosecco (shoutout to the blingy Manos bottle) and a full-on, goofy love letter to Elf — plus the ridiculous trivia and fan theories

Sidebar Ep.130: Honeymoon Hiccups & Highland Magic Dec 15, 2025 32:07 Join Judge Rachel and Topher as they relive a delightfully chaotic honeymoon in Edinburgh — from a misbooked Highlands tour that turned into an unexpected adventure, to candlelit luxury at The Witchery and a surprise Muppet Christmas Carol live orchestra. This episode is full of humor, heartfelt moments, and travel mishaps (yes, a bus mix-up that might have saved their lives). If you love stories

CASE 0507: Play It Again, Mr. Zebra Man Dec 8, 2025 2:01:16 DEFENDANT: Tori Amos EVIDENCE: Cloud Watcher California Red Blend SCENE OF THE CRIME: "The Finest Vineyards in California" -- Hey friend — welcome to the chaos: we opened a grocery-store red called Cloud Watcher (hello, green-pepper nose and dark-plum cocoa vibes), wrestled over a billion points in Corrections Corner, and brought our dog Hermes along to supervise. We sip, we sigh, and we trade ch

Sidebar Ep. 129: Witchery & Walks: Our Scotland Honeymoon, Curated by Topher Dec 1, 2025 18:07 Hey friend — grab a cup of something warm because this episode is basically a cozy love letter to Scotland and the chaos of planning the perfect honeymoon. I’m getting married (yes, Mrs. Fiance—probably?), and Topher — now a travel advisor extraordinaire — planned our whole week in Edinburgh as a wedding gift. He went full curator mode, balancing our must-dos (spooky tunnels? yes please) and the s

CASE 0507: "Raymond Raymond Raymond!" Nov 24, 2025 1:57:37 DEFENDANT: Everybody Loves Raymond EVIDENCE: Raymond Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Long Island -- Hey friend — grab a glass and get comfy. In this episode of True Crimes Against Wine we swap the usual table wine for a lush, decanted Raymond Sellers Cabernet Sauvignon (yes, the reserve — velvety label, 14.5% sass included) and spend the episode pairing big-flavor wine note

Sidebar Ep. 128: Soup & Sips: Cozy Wine Pairings for Every Bowl Nov 17, 2025 15:06 Hey! If we're being honest, soup season is basically the best season — cozy sweaters, warm bowls, and yes, perfectly paired wine. I had so much fun chatting through these with Topher and dreaming up combos that actually make the soup sing (and sometimes calm the heat from sriracha). Here are the highlights, like I’m telling you over a bowl on my kitchen counter.Chili: Go fuller-bodied. Think an Ar

CASE 0506: Hey! Listen! Nov 10, 2025 1:48:49 DEFENDANT: The Hero of Time EVIDENCE: Siren Song Merlot/Syrah blend SCENE OF THE CRIME: Hyrule -- Hey friend — pop a cork and get comfy. In this episode of True Crime Against Wine we pivoted (blame the internet and a mis-shipped bottle) and ended up sipping a lush Merlot-Syrah blend from Siren Song while getting delightfully nerdy about The Legend of Zelda. Expect giggles, throwback gaming stories

People's Court Ep. 03: Pregnant Sister vs. Back-Pain Boyfriend: Who Gets the Bed? Nov 3, 2025 12:56 Hey friend — here’s the messy little episode: you’re living in a one-bedroom with a partner who does construction and gets terrible back pain, and your seven-month pregnant sister shows up after a big fight with her husband asking to crash and sleep in your bed. Your boyfriend said he couldn’t give it up, you apologized to avoid a fight, and later you found your sister crying in the bathroom. Cue

CASE 0505: Pass the Peas, Please Oct 27, 2025 1:43:27 DEFENDANT: Pazuzu EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition "The Exorcist" Cabernet Sauvignon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Hell, or a staircase near you... -- Hey friend — welcome to our spooky season send-off. We cracked a bottle of Manos Cabernet, sunk into the couch, and dove headfirst into The Exorcist: the movie, the poster, the Pazuzu lore and all the deliciously grim behind-the-scenes gossip. Expect laughter

Sidebar Ep. 127: Spooky Season Essentials: From Hannibal to Hocus Pocus Oct 20, 2025 14:58 Join us for a laid-back sidebar of True Crimes Against Wine where we dive into our favorite spooky season picks — from psychological dread to nostalgic childhood classics. We trade top-three lists, debate Hocus Pocus ownership (sorry, Topher), and discover surprising picks like Arsenic and Old Lace, Over the Garden Wall, and Trick 'r Treat. Expect cozy black-and-white vibes, campy anthology thrill

CASE 0504: The IT Factor Oct 13, 2025 1:43:10 DEFENDANT: Pennywise the Dancing Clown EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition "IT" Cabernet Sauvignon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Derry, Maine -- Hey friend — pull up a chair (but maybe keep an eye on the storm drain). In this episode we crack open some Manos vino and dive headfirst into Stephen King’s It: the book, the 1990 miniseries, and the 2017/2019 films. We chat about why the various adaptations land so d

People's Court Ep. 02: Trouble in Paradise? Oct 6, 2025 13:20 Join the hosts of True Crimes Against Wine as they dive into a heated Am I the A**hole Reddit post: a dad is offered a free family trip to Hawaii but his wife, 7 months pregnant, doesn't want to go. Should he take their toddler and enjoy the rare opportunity, or stay to support his pregnant partner? This episode is equal parts judgment, curiosity, and empathy as the hosts debate medical risks, emo

CASE 0503: Friday, Friday, Gotta Get Down on Friday Sep 29, 2025 1:38:05 DEFENDANT: Inconclusive EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition Friday 13th Cab Sauv SCENE OF THE CRIME: Camp Crystal Lake, duh -- Join Judge Topher and Judge Rachel for a hilariously intimate, wine-soaked chat about the entire Friday the 13th saga. They riff on everything from the original film’s odd pacing and surprise twist to Jason’s evolution (hockey mask, cyborg era, and questionable resurrection l

Sidebar Ep. 126: Paws & Pinot: Matching Dogs to Their Perfect Pour Sep 22, 2025 9:13 Hey friend — welcome back to another cozy, slightly silly episode of True Crimes Against Wine. Today we did what any wine-and-dog-loving friends would do: we matched dog breeds to wines (and one cocktail), riffed on personalities, and learned a few fun facts along the way. We wandered through some real winners: a graceful Borzoi that felt like mulled wine by a hearth, a tiny-but-mighty Miniature P

CASE 0502: What's Up, Doll Face? Sep 15, 2025 1:38:41 DEFENDANT: Annabelle EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition Annabelle Cabernet Sauvignon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Hell -- Hey friend — pull up a chair and pour yourself a glass (or two) — we spent the episode diving into Annabelle, Manos' delightfully creepy collector bottles, and a whole lot of supernatural rambling. Expect laughs, movie takes, and some bourbon-powered philosophy about demons, dolls, and th

People's Court Ep. 01: Mother-in-Law Moves In: Family or Fallout? Sep 8, 2025 27:27 Hey friend — this episode dives into a tense family showdown: a wife refuses to have her judgmental, purity-culture–pushing mother-in-law move in, while her husband insists it’s his duty. We’re sipping wine, reading Reddit, and delivering a candid verdict about who’s in the wrong — spoiler: it gets heated. Come for the drama, stay for the spicy takes and listener stories. If you’ve got wild in-law

CASE 0501: Roll For Reunion! Sep 1, 2025 2:11:51 DEFENDANT: DragonCon EVIDENCE: Old Fourth Ward Limited Edition DragonCon Bourbon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Atlanta, Georgia! -- Hey friend — we’re back for Season 5 and we start things off with bourbon, Dragon Con vibes, and the kind of stories you only find when nerd culture meets true crime. Join us for cocktails, cosplay chat, a few messy scandals, and loads of heart. Grab a drink, get cozy, and let’

Sidebar Ep. 125: Season 5 Kick-Off: Wine, Scandals, and Hot Dog Debates Aug 26, 2025 20:45 Hey friend — we’re kicking off season five with a cozy, gossip-filled Q&A. Come hang while we spill our first celeb scandals, swap fave (and not-so-fave) wines, and debate whether a hot dog is a sandwich or a taco. It’s low-key, honest, and full of the kind of banter we’d have over a picnic bottle of Pinot. Got questions? Send them our way — we love answering on the show and sending out swag.

Sidebar Ep. 124: New Fur Babies & Healing Hearts: Meet Sylvan and Marina Aug 18, 2025 9:59 Hey friend — quick life update: after some tough losses we brought home two new sweet chaos-makers, Sylvan the snuggly cat and Marina the curious puppy, and they’ve already made the house feel whole again. Expect loud kibble crunching, surprise ankle ambushes, backyard zoomies, and lots of goofy moments — and yes, we want to see your pet pics because they absolutely make our day.

Sidebar Ep. 123: Breaking Fashion News: The Wedding Style Reveal! Aug 11, 2025 14:25 Hey there, lovely listeners! In this episode, we're diving into some serious fashion revelations about my fiancé's wedding outfit. Originally, this episode was all about the accessories for the big day, but guess what? There's been a major update — the suit has finally been chosen! My fiancé went on a thrilling sartorial adventure with his brothers, breaking the mold with a stunning plum-colored

Sidebar Ep. 122: Bachelorette Trip Woes and Wins Aug 4, 2025 19:03 Hey there! In this episode, we're diving into the chaos and fun of a bachelorette trip that almost didn't happen. Imagine finding the perfect mountain cabin with your friends, only to have the booking fall through last minute – VRBO nightmare, right? But don't worry, we got lucky with a backup plan that was even better! Join us as we recount our themed nights, from Disco Rodeo to Romance Book C

Sidebar Ep. 121: Bachelorette Shenanigans: A Unique Blend of Fun and Horror Jul 28, 2025 14:41 Hey there, friends! Ready for some laughs and a taste of our craziest conversations yet? This week's episode dives into upcoming wedding plans, including our unique bachelorette trip with a twist! Get the inside scoop on our no-partners-allowed getaway to a dreamy farmhouse with its own pool, where themed nights and unexpected surprises await. Plus, discover our unconventional approach to party p

Sidebar Ep. 120: Hollywood Age Gap Drama: Anna Camp and Her Controversial New Romance Jul 21, 2025 26:17 Hey there! Ready to dive into the spicy world of Hollywood gossip? In this episode, we're buzzing about Anna Camp's latest romantic escapade that seems to be stirring quite the pot. You might remember her from 'Pitch Perfect' and 'True Blood,' but now she's hitting headlines for her new relationship with Jade, a stylist nearly 20 years her junior. Is love truly blind to age gaps, or is there more

Sidebar Ep. 119: The Unfiltered Orlando Bloom & Katy Perry Saga Jul 14, 2025 17:54 Hey there! Welcome to another side-splitting episode of True Crimes Against Wine. Today, we're diving headfirst into the juicy details of the Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry saga. Ever wondered about their on-and-off romance? Or the story behind THAT paddleboard picture that Topher just can't get enough of? Well, look no further! Expect a rollercoaster of laughs as we veer off into hilarious tangents

Sidebar Ep. 118: Tipping Etiquette: Decoding the American Culture Jul 7, 2025 30:46 Hey friends! In this episode, we're diving deep into the complexities of tipping culture in the United States. It's more than just a simple thank you for good service; it's a hotly debated topic that brings up questions about fair pay, corporate responsibility, and good old American capitalism. Join us as we share laughs and stories from the service industry trenches. From the nuances of restaura

Sidebar Ep. 117: Squirrel Shenanigans and Stingray Surprises Jun 30, 2025 16:21 Hey there, fellow true crime and wine enthusiasts! Dive into this adventurous episode with Topher and I as we unravel our wild animal encounters that range from hilariously chaotic to heart-pounding moments. While recounting our tales, prepare for a few laughs, some unexpected twists, and a touch of suspense. And yes, there's a stingray involved in a story you won't soon forget! Plus, find out wh

Sidebar Ep. 116: Sip by Sip: Unlocking the Secrets of Wine Tasting Jun 23, 2025 18:35 Hey there, wine lovers! Ever stared at a glass of wine and wondered what to say about it? Join in as we dive into the basics of wine tasting, where flavor exploration becomes a fun, stress-free experience. Whether you're nosing a Pinot Noir or pondering the playfulness of a wine at a picnic, we've got the tips to guide you, complete with a handy cheat—oops! I mean, help sheet to make sense of it

Sidebar Ep.115: Imaginary Campaigns & Intriguing Adventures: A Creative Spin on D&D Jun 16, 2025 10:22 Hey there! Dive into our latest episode as we chat about crafting fantastical and fun D&D campaigns you never knew you needed. From exploring the vibrant world under the sea with all its mythical creatures to discovering hidden realms within your mundane office space, we’ve got creative juices flowing. Join us as we brainstorm epic campaigns, including a thrilling podcast interruption leading

Sidebar Ep. 114: The Grapes Are Struggling: Climate Change's Threat to the Wine Industry Jun 9, 2025 11:56 Hey friends! Welcome to another wild ride with "True Crime Against Wine." Today, Judge Rachel and Judge Topher spill the tea (or should I say wine?) on how climate change is shaking things up in the wine world! Our buddy Noah's question takes us on a whirlwind tour of vineyard challenges, from awkward frosts to raging wildfires. It’s a bumpy ride for those grapes, and we’re here to share the high

Sidebar Ep. 113: Witty Wines and Game of Thrones: Drunk Pairings Jun 2, 2025 8:37 Hey there! Ever wondered what wine your favorite characters from Game of Thrones would sip on during their downtime? In this wild and witty episode, we're diving into just that with a fun sidebar conversation! Join us as we hilariously match the iconic personalities of Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, and more to wines that capture their essence. Whether it's a cozy Pinot Noir for e

CASE 0420: Simma baboo! Bada bing! May 26, 2025 1:45:05 DEFENDANT: The Sims EVIDENCE: Rex Hill Sims Valley Pinot Noir SCENE OF THE CRIME: Henford-on-Bagley and other locations -- Hey there, fellow wine and game enthusiasts! 🎉 Join us as we wrap up a delightful season of True Crime Against Wine in what can only be described as a bittersweet farewell (but fear not, we'll be back with even more surprises next season!). This episode, we're diving back into

Sidebar Ep. 112: Cheers to Severance: The Innies and Outies of Severance Drink Pairings May 19, 2025 12:15 Hey there! Ready for a fun ride through the world of "Severance" with a glass in hand? In this episode, Judge Topher takes on a quirky challenge by exploring the perfect beverage matches for both the 'innie' and 'outie' versions of your favorite characters from the hit series "Severance." From Mark's whiskey melancholy to Helly R's rebellious margaritas, we dive deep into what makes each charact

CASE 0419: We Get It; Judge Topher is a Whore May 12, 2025 1:59:21 DEFENDANT: Kevin Hart EVIDENCE: Gran Coramino Cristalino Reposado Tequila (it is silver because it is clear, Fact Checker doesn't always know everything) SCENE OF THE CRIME: Jalisco, Mexico -- Hello, friends! Welcome to another tantalizing episode of True Crimes Against Wine. Picture this—you’re stepping into our cozy podcast, where we love to escape the chaos of the world and unwind. This t

Sidebar Ep. 111: Addressing the Elephant in the Room: A Candid Discussion on Supporting Controversial Artists May 5, 2025 15:09 Hey folks, welcome back to another chit-chat session with us! Today, we're diving deep into the swirling controversies surrounding celebrated author Neil Gaiman. The allegations are heavy, and we're here trying to make sense of consuming art from someone whose personal life has faced serious scrutiny. We explore the tough questions - can you truly separate an artist's work from their wrongdoings?

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