Wine 101
Wine 101 is a podcast for the everyday wine lover, hosted by VinePair's tastings director Keith Beavers. Each week it breaks down topics ranging from how wine is made to the major wine regions of the world. The goal is to explain wine in an easy-to-digest way so listeners feel more confident on their wine journey. Episodes are released weekly and are aimed at anyone curious about wine, regardless of experience level.
Episodes
Wine Noise Part IV: Glyphosate — A History
Being one of the most talked-about chemicals in wine online, let's go back in time and find out where Glyphosate came from and how it became what it is today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wine Noise Part III: Flying Yeast
Sometimes, the wine world talks about yeast as if it floats in the air, blessing grape must with the power of fermentation. The reality is a bit messier, but just as awesome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wine Noise Part II: British Fungus
What was once considered regional flavor would be exposed as a spoilage yeast that denies a wine its natural grape character. And it wasn't wine that figured it out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wine Noise Part I: Sugar Fungus
This episode begins a journey to investigate the reality behind online noise, including debates like ambient yeast vs. cultured yeast and claims about glyphosate. In true Wine 101 style, we start with history for context, then dive into chemistry and data. We start with the history of humans' interaction with a single-celled organism and grape juice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor
American Sauvignon Blanc is American Now
In this ongoing historic shift we are seeing in the VinePair tasting room, Sauvignon Blanc emerges as yet another variety in the US that offers a wider spectrum of expressions than anywhere else in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
American Wine On Wine Lists
This is the best time in the history of the US to be drinking American wine from all over the country. It is also one of the best moments to begin pivoting to heavier support of domestic wine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does Tradition in Wine Mean
Recently on the Vinepair Podcast, Adam and Zach tackled the idea of tradition in wine. Give it a listen! I haven't stopped thinking about it, and I thought I would riff a little on the matter, with some historical context. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
American Wine History's Next Chapter: Maryland
The history of American wine is still being written. And Maryland is the next chapter. Wait until you taste these wines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
American Chardonnay Is American Now
Yet another historic shift has been observed with Chardonnay in the United States, creating a spectrum that is unlike any other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Château Latour, Part II: The Eve of 1855
The tower on the hill finally emerges as the future first growth it’s destined to be—but not without a bit of drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chateau Latour Part I: Pigeons And Wealth
As the land that will one day become a famous First Growth Chateau changes ownership, the future of this coupe is set in motion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Château Latour | Prologue: The Knight and the Tower
With war looming, a knight sets his eyes on a plot of land in the Médoc. A brief prologue introducing the history and origins of this iconic Bordeaux First Growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
American Pinot Noir Is American Now
We are at the point in our wine history where comparisons to Bourgogne are becoming less and less relevant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Château Lafite Rothschild IV: A Legacy Sealed
A quick wrap-up of Legacy Lafite before we move on to the next First Growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wine is Community. Period.
The human element of wine might just be its most important constituency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Château Lafite Rothschild III: Prince of the Vines
Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur took his father's work, expanded it, and solidified the Lafite brand within the elite upper echelons of French royal culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Defense Of Cabernet Sauvignon 50 Years After The Judgement Of Paris
It's one of the most popular grapes on the globe, especially in the US, particularly in Northern California. We have been in a big, bold trend for years, but after tasting bottles for this year's VinePair's Best Cabernet Sauvignons of 2026, I observed a shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Château Lafite Rothschild II: Ségur-le-Château
When a military family enters the Bordeaux government, they discover the Médoc's untapped potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wine 101: The Story of Orin Swift with Dave Phinney
On this special episode of Wine 101, we share with you an episode that ran on The VinePair Podcast earlier this week. Adam Teeter is joined by Dave Phinney, the founder of Orin Swift, to discuss his storied career in the wine industry, why he's so committed to traveling to sell and support his wines, what reaching new consumers means in this day and age, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c
Château Lafite Rothschild I: A Mound In The Marsh
Before Château Lafite Rothschild existed, there was only a la hite in the Médoc archipelago. Allow me to explain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wine 101: Sparkling Wine in Sonoma with Nicole Hitchcock
On this special episode of Wine 101, we share with you an episode that ran on The VinePair Podcast earlier this week. Adam Teeter is joined by Nicole Hitchcock, the estate director of J Vineyards & Winery in Sonoma, California, about her background in wine, what's so exciting about California sparkling wine, and the current state of Sonoma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more
Haut Brion IV: PontacksHead
We cap off our Haut Brion story with the Chateau creating the first wine bar, the first luxury wine brand, and the source of the first published tasting note. All this with Lafite waiting in the wings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Haut Brion Part III: It's A (THE?) New Style
As a new generation takes stewardship of Haut-Brion, war erupts abroad. When the smoke finally clears, Arnaud III de Pontac is ready to change the world of wine forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 Years of West Coast Pinot Noir
Keith chats with Matt Revelette, head winemaker at Siduri, about how Pinot Noir has evolved over the three decades the winery has worked with the grape. What challenges shaped that evolution? How has the style shifted over time? And what changed when growing this notoriously finicky variety across different regions? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Haut Brion Part II: Wine, War and Religion
Before we can appreciate the Haut Brion of today, we need to examine an era of this property that was key to its survival and success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Haut Brion Part I: A Mound of Earth
Did Haut-Brion invent the modern Bordeaux Chateau? We’re diving into the history of a legend, starting with the land itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thoughts on American Wine Before We Fly To Bordeaux
I wanted to take a quick moment to talk about some big realizations I had while exploring the country's top wineries. It’s a short one, but I have a theory about where we are in history right now that I can’t wait to share with you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Quintessa
As Napa Valley built up around it, it became the last of the Valley's virgin soil. It became something more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
He came to build a winery; he stayed to build a legacy. Discover how a construction project led Joseph Phelps to fall in love with viticulture and cement his place in Napa Valley history with two legendary industry firsts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chateau Montelena IV
Chateau Montelena’s legacy represents one of the most quintessential stories in American cultural history. And it is still being told. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chateau Montelena Part III
A dreamer escapes Communist Yugoslavia for the soil of California. He arrived with nothing but a suitcase and a passion for viticulture—and went on to change the wine world forever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chateau Montelena Part II
A high-powered LA real estate lawyer joins forces with a local Calistoga couple to restore a legendary, yet crumbling, winery to its former glory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chateau Montelena Part I
We explore the origins of one of the world’s most iconic wineries, beginning with the journey of a San Francisco entrepreneur and Senator who set his sights north on the Napa Valley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shafer Vineyards
Discover the history of Napa Valley’s first hillside vineyard. With a master winemaker at the helm to steward its unique terraces, Shafer Vineyards began its journey of crafting award-winning wines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dominus
Following the success of the famous French-American collaboration, Opus One, Napa Valley is about to experience another historic partnership—this time, featuring the expertise of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mondavi V
The story of Mondavi reaches its peak as a French baron arrives with a proposal for Robert that would redefine Napa Valley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mondavi Part IV
A legendary meeting with a French Baron is about to change everything. But first, Robert Mondavi must face the storm of family conflict and valley drama threatening to boil over Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mondavi Part III
A winery is built, and wine is made all at the same time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mondavi Part II
We continue our story of the Mondavi wine empire, and things get a bit fisty-cuffs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mondavi Part I
We begin the story of one of the most famous winemaking families in American history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Thank You and A Wine Riff into 2026
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The Buildout: Maison Premiere
In 2011, industry veterans Joshua Boissy and Krystof Zizka quietly opened Maison Premiere on a then-sleepy stretch of Bedford Avenue—far from the bustling hotspot it would later become. The bar didn’t stay quiet for long. Its immersive, transportive design and exceptional cocktails quickly drew crowds and set a new standard for New York hospitality. Adam sits down with Joshua to unpack the near-mi
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
The story behind one of the most pivotal bottles in American wine history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why American Wine Hits Different
What is it about American wine that sets it apart from the wines of Europe? I had a thought and riffed it out. Let me know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Year In Wine Review
I take stock of all the great bottles that came through the tasting room this year and talk about the state of our most loved varieties and styles going into the new year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mayacamas Vineyards
The story behind one of the most iconic wineries in the US, high above the Napa Valley...in the Napa Valley AVA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cave de Lugny
Journey to Burgundy’s Mâcon region with Cave de Lugny, a leader in White Burgundy since 1926. In this episode, we speak with Managing Director Stéphane Garrigue and fourth-generation grower Emmanuel Nonain. Discover how this historic cooperative crafts expressive unoaked Chardonnays through sustainable, grower-led practices, and explore the terroir-driven character of Cave de Lugny wines: La
Thanksgiving Wine PSA
It's a wine podcast, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so you know we gotta talk about it. Here is Wine 101's advice on Turkey Day and wine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Zinfandel Hot Takes
For the first time, Vinepair conducted a Zinfandel Round Up for our Buy This Booze section for 2025. Getting to know this variety by tasting such a large amount from a wide spectrum of styles sparked more than a few realizations about one of our oldest Vitis Vinifera transplants. Here are some takes on a favorite grape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Spottswoode
Spottswoode is not only a pioneering winery of the Napa Valley, but a forward-thinking property that made a critical decision in the mid-80s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Silver Oak
Silver Oak stands out in the Napa Valley crowd for sticking to a very unique mission statement. Here's Justin and Ray's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Heitz Cellar
The story of the first American vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Exceptional From Every Angle: The Justin Wines Story
On this episode of “Wine 101,” Keith sits down with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Winemaker Scott Shirley. The duo discuss the brand’s beginnings in Paso Robles, the premier Bordeaux-style wines they produce, and guest experiences at the JUSTIN Estate, spanning a Michelin star restaurant, five-star inn, and tasting room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Beaulieu Vineyard
Exploring one of the most essential wineries in Napa Valley that set the stage for the region’s future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Caymus
A historic name embedded in California history, and three families that created one of the most loved and polarizing American wines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Harlan Estate
How did an American wine that retails today for $1500 come to be? H. William Harlan had three dreams, and one of them was to own a vineyard. How did he get there? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Screaming Eagle
One of the most expensive wines in the US is made in the US and filled with mystery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
WINE 101 LIVE AT VINEPAIR WITH PAUL BRADY
BUY UP NORTH AMERICAN SPARKLER HERE Wine 101's First Live podcast ever! Paul Brady, of Paul Brady Wine in Beacon, New York, has made the first official American Sparkler (we'll explain). He came to the Vinepair offices to share it with us and sat down to chat about all things New York, hybrids, and American Sapklers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Prisoner
Let's Wine 101 the roller coaster ride this modern American icon has gone through, where it is now, and where it's going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Say Goodbye To The Wine 101 You Know. It's Time For Change.
The Wine 101 Podcast has been teaching people the ins and outs of wine for over five years. It's time for a change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ATTEND A LIVE RECORDING OF WINE 101 in NYC SEPTEMBER 17
RSVP to attend! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wine and Olives
I received a unique request and had to chat with Arsen Khachaturyants of Arsenio in Tuscany. He grows olive trees, makes olive oil, and is about to bottle his first wine. In Italy, it is usually the other way around—first the wine, then the olives. But Olives were on the peninsula of Italy before the vine. This was an enjoyable wine adjacent chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i
PSA: Do It ALL In Fall
While we get our East Coast wine region series back up and running, here is a post-Labor Day pep talk for wine going into the Fall. It's a great time to explore all the wine in all the ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thoughts On Age
After a recent experience with an aged wine, it feels like the time to talk about the potential reality of what's in store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Natural Wine Flaw
The term natural wine has no definition and has been confusing consumers for over a decade. This episode discusses the reality and consequences of a trendy, undefined term in the wine-drinking space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maryland Wine: A Chat With Leslie Frelow
To get to the bottom of the situation of Maryland wine, I need to go to the source. Leslie Frelow has been conducting Maryland Wine tours through her 301 Wine Concierge brand. She is also a member of the Swirl Suite podcast, so I brought Sarita Cheaves back with me to chart everything Maryland wine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Fashion Of Wine Part V: How The Certified Wino Fashions Wine
Brion Cephus is the Certified Wino. His Instagram feed is filled with thoughtful presentations of fashion and wine, and vibes. So it was only natural to sit down with The Certified Wino and talk all things pairing wine and fashion. Sarita Cheaves joins me as I press record and just go. We riffed, it was fun, and we had some breakthroughs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio
The Fashion Of Wine Part IV: Blood Of Gods
Stacey Buchanan has created one of the most exciting wine zines in the space. Pairing wine with heavy metal and 80s comics vibes is a blast in the modern era. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Fashion Of Wine Part III: Chatting With Sarita Cheaves Of Swirl Suite
Sarita Cheaves is the co-host of the popular Swirl Suite Wine Podcast. She is a wine professional, author, producer, and good friend. Her social media presence is all about wine and life, and that includes pop culture. Sarita and I have a chat about wine in modern times. It's just two wine-obsessed friends talking about wine, music, and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info
The Fashion Of Wine Part II: From Prestige To Price
As we approach wine fashions that we are familiar with, a few things happened to set the stage for the modern wine trends of the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Fashion Of Wine: Falernian to Claret
In this series, we explore the fashion of wine, wine trends throughout history, and the relationship between wine and pop culture today. We begin, as always, with the Romans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Composition of wine Part VI: Mineral Elements
We conclude our list of potential wine label ingredients with the mineral elements from the earth that impact wine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pinot Noir And An Eye-Opening Visit To Bourgogne
A quick side note about the state of Pinot Noir and the reality of visiting Bourgogne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Composition of wine Part V: Mineral Salts
As we move further into the potential ingredients list for a wine label we dive into mineral salts. With one more episode to go, it's becoming clear what components would the items to cause potential concern. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Composition of wine Part IV: Organic Acids
Organic acids contribute to the flavor and stability of a wine. Some can be added to wine and that's where we might see a difference on an ingredients list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Composition of wine Part III: Fixed Substances
We continue to explore what could be on a wine-label ingredients list. Fixed substances are the elements in wine that remain unchanged. I'll explain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Composition of wine Part II: Volatile Substances
This week, in our exploration of potential ingredients on wine labels, we examine volatile substances. Last week, we looked at what dissolves into wine; here, we look at what evaporates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Composition Of Wine Part I: Dissolved Gasses
What would it look like if we started listing ingredients on wine labels? This series will cover the composition of wine so if it does happen you will be informed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What It Means to Build on a Wine Legacy with Rombauer
I sat down with Rombauer's senior director of winemaking and viticulture, Richie Allen, to discuss what a role like his means in wine and everything related to Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The History of Rosé Part V: Marcel and the Hamptons
To wrap up this fun dive into Rosé history we go back to pre-Phylloxera Provance to Marcel Ott and his American plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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