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Struggling to choose the perfect red wine? Confused why one Cabernet Sauvignon tastes light and fruity while the next leaves your mouth coated in tannin? On this episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield breaks down the complex world of red wine styles into three easy-to-understand categories: fresh and fruity, dry and dirty, and packed with a punch.

Discover how to go beyond grape varietal or wine region, and instead use taste profile, alcohol level, and even food pairing best practices to select a red wine you’ll love every time. Kristi demystifies red wine selection, exposes the myths of sticking to popular brands or labels, and delivers practical tips on decoding bottle information to match your palate and dinner plans.

Learn which varietals suit each style, how winemaking techniques create such dramatic differences, and why understanding the red wine style spectrum guarantees more confidence at restaurants and bottle shops.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Exactly which wines fit the fresh and fruity, dry and dirty, and packed with a punch categories—and why those styles matter. • How to confidently describe what you want in a red wine, no matter the occasion or food pairing. • How to avoid the most common mistakes shoppers and wine lovers make when choosing reds. • Simple strategies for pairing red wines with your favorite foods—from creamy pastas to spicy dishes and charcuterie boards.

Key Timestamps & SEO Titles

00:02:33 — Why Your Go-To Wine Style Changes (Understanding Red Wine Complexity)
00:04:21 — Never Make a Bad Choice Again (Spotting Fresh & Fruity Reds by Taste and Label)
00:10:25 — Pair Like a Pro (Best Food Pairings for Every Red Wine Style)
00:12:13 — Cracking the Code on Dry & Dirty Reds (What to Expect & How to Enjoy Them)
00:15:54 — Go Bold or Go Home? (All About Packed with a Punch Reds & Pairings)
00:21:25 — Your Wine Confidence Plan (Applying Red Wine Styles to Real-Life Wine Shopping)

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Confused by all the white wine options at restaurants or the wine shop? Tired of ordering a glass of Chardonnay and never knowing if it’ll taste like lemon zest or buttery popcorn? On this episode of the Everyday Sommelier podcast, Kristi Mayfield breaks down the complicated world of white wine styles into three simple, easy-to-use categories that will help you always get the glass you want—whether you’re craving something fresh and zippy, aromatic and floral, or rich and creamy.

Kristi shares the insider wine tips that sommeliers use to decode wine lists, explains what to say to wine shop staff or servers to get the style you actually love, and reveals how knowing just three styles can totally transform your wine confidence. You’ll hear which grapes belong in each style (Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and more), understand why your favorite Sauvignon Blanc isn’t always the same, and pick up food pairing hacks to make weeknight dinners or special occasions shine.

Plus, Kristi dispels Chardonnay myths, clarifies tricky wine lingo, and gives you a toolkit for exploring new bottles stress-free. No more falling for the “ABC—Anything But Chardonnay” trap!

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • The 3 core white wine styles—Fresh & Crisp, Funky & Floral, Rich & Creamy—and what makes each unique
• How to communicate your ideal wine style in any store or restaurant with simple, sommelier-approved language
• Why not all Chardonnays taste the same and how to get the style you actually enjoy
• Food pairings for each white wine style so you never miss a match

Timestamps & Segment Titles (SEO Optimized):

00:00 – Why Your Chardonnay Never Tastes the Same Twice
00:04:18 – Skip Wine Snobbery: Three White Wine Styles Made Simple
00:05:58 – How to Find Crisp, Dry White Wines at Any Restaurant
00:07:52 – Funky & Floral: Unlocking Aromatic White Varieties
00:10:20 – Creamy, Buttery White Wines Explained—And How To Pair Them
00:14:59 – The One Wine List Trick Every Confident Drinker Needs

Want to join the Wine-Wize App Beta launch crew? DM me on Instagram @kristieverydaysommelier and sip smarter today!

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristieverydaysommelier

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CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!

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Pairing wine with vegan or vegetarian food challenges even seasoned wine lovers—but not anymore. Chef Amy McNutt, the culinary force behind Maiden in Fort Worth, Texas, joins Everyday Sommelier host Kristi Mayfield to break down the art of vegan wine pairing, bust myths, and provide actionable tips so anyone can master pairing wine with vegetables, vegan proteins, and creative plant-based dishes.

Discover why not all wines are vegan and how animal-based fining agents play a role in winemaking, plus how to easily find vegan-friendly wines. Amy shares industry secrets—from her go-to resource Barnivore to why some surprising wine and vegan food combinations work better than expected. Learn about common pairing mistakes, why you don’t need to overthink your plant-based pairings, and how experimenting with wine can actually make the experience more fun (and delicious).

Get ideas for pairing bold reds with vegan “steak,” discover what to do with tough-to-pair veggies like asparagus, and hear why dynamic whites are key when serving citrus-forward dishes. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, plant-curious, or just want to learn how to choose the best wine for your meatless meal, this episode will empower you to sip smarter and enjoy wine your way.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Why some wines aren’t vegan and how to confidently identify animal-free options • Top mistakes wine lovers make when pairing with vegan and vegetarian food—and how to avoid them • How to use flavor, texture, and preparation to enhance wine and food matches (even with big, bold reds or tricky vegetables) • Simple, expert-recommended strategies for experimenting and finding your new favorite vegan food and wine combos at home

Top Timestamps & Titles:

00:03:20 – The Truth About Vegan Wine: What’s Really In Your Glass?
00:08:14 – Avoid These Common Mistakes When Pairing Wine With Vegan Meals
00:10:46 – Surprising Vegan Pairings That Actually Work (And Why)
00:16:40 – Mastering Plant-Based Pairings: Tips For Tricky Veggies
00:18:23 – Shortcut To Perfect Pairings: Wine First, Food Second
00:21:07 – Practical Vegan Wine Resources & Amy’s Go-To Guide (Barnivore)

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristieverydaysommelier

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

CONNECT WITH KRISTI: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Group


Love the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!

Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!