Ep 109

What makes wine from high altitude mountain vineyards taste so unique? How does elevation, sunlight, and dramatic temperature swings turn an ordinary grape into an amazing bottle of wine?

I was inspired by a recent wine tasting that Mr. Cork & Fizz and I hosted with some friends. We hosted a wine tasting 40 floors up at a high rise in Seattle and the goal was for our friends to try and find wines that were made with grapes grown at higher altitudes. And what was really interesting was that everybody loved almost all of the wines and this does not always happen. Interestingly, there was somewhere there that is not usually a big fan of red wine but she loved all of the higher altitude red wines!

This got me thinking, what is it about these wines that makes them different from wines that she’s possibly had before? So, today we are diving into how altitude impacts grape growing and winemaking as well as the 4 key elements that affect grapes at higher elevations. And I’ll share fun facts such as where you’ll find the world's highest vineyard (and it’s not where you might expect it to be).

So, if you are ready to take your wine to new heights, learn which grapes and regions excel at high altitudes, and how elements like thick grape skins and diurnal shifts affect the taste of wines, then this episode is for you!

Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!

Episode Highlights:

• Do high altitudes always produce better wine?

• Where high elevation works best for wine

• Defining high altitude vineyards

• Where is the highest vineyard in the world

• 4 elements of high altitude vineyards

• Major challenges of high altitude vineyards

• Effects of high altitude on wine production

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 108

Curious about which 2025 wine trends are truly worth the hype and which ones might fall flat?

In today’s episode I’m discussing 7 trends in the wine industry and my hot takes on them!

We will dive into questions like are natural and organic wines a passing trend or a lasting movement? Are low and no-alcohol wines really a good idea? What about sustainable and eco-friendly packaging? Is this a good idea and what if it compromises the wine? And wine lovers are moving away from faceless wine brands and craving connections through stories and hands-on-learning.

So, if you are excited to stay ahead of what’s trending in wine and want to hear my hot takes on these current trends then this episode is for you!

Resources

Understanding the Differences: Organic, Biodynamic, Natural and Clean Wines Explained - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-70

Exploring Sardinian Wine with Nikki Dickerson (Part 1) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-96

Unique Sardinian Wines with Sip with Nik (Part 2) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-97

Embracing Hybrid Grapes & Creating Unique Wines w/ Erin Rasmussen - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-10

Episode Highlights:

• Why the natural and organic wines are trending upwards

• My feelings about low and no alcohol wines

• Trend towards sustainability, waste reduction and practicality

• Reasons for increased interest in regional and lesser-known wines

• Hybrid and experimental varieties

• Younger generations seeking depth, stories and human connection through wine

• Debate over oversimplification versus making wine accessible

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 107

Are you curious about how one woman is shaking up the wine world by amplifying underrepresented voices and redefining what it means to be a wine lover?

Today, I’m back with Jamila Conley, the founder of WeRise wines, a wine bar and movement dedicated to amplifying diverse winemakers and challenging the status quo in the wine industry.

Jamila is sharing how she chooses the incredible wines, winemakers that are featured at WeRise wines, and four talented winemakers from Washington and South Africa.

Jamila dives into what she looks for when partnering with wineries. Hint: It’s not solely about diversity but it’s also about quality and amazing stories. She also shares her ambitious dream for the future of WeRise wines.

So, if you are ready to discover some incredibly diverse winemakers, learn what it takes to curate an inclusive wine selection, and get inspired by Jamila’s vision for the future of WeRise wines, then today’s episode is for you!

This is part 2 of my conversation with Jamila so make sure you don’t miss part 1!

Resources

So You Want to be a Winemaker with Damsel Cellars’ May Womack - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-7

Connect with Jamila

WeRise Wines - https://www.werisewines.com/wine-bar

Instagram - @werisewines

Facebook - @werisewine

Episode Highlights:

• WeRise wines mission

• Jamila features 4 winemakers focusing on diversity and style

• How to access wines from WeRise wines

• Jamila’s criteria and philosophy behind the wine she selects

• Future goals and vision for WeRise wine

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 106

What does it take to break barriers and amplify underrepresented voices in the wine industry?

It takes someone to notice that there is someone missing and then work to bring those underrepresented people to the table. That someone is Jamila Conley.

On today’s episode, Jamila Conley, discusses the challenges and opportunities for allyship in the wine industry which has long struggled with representation. She touches on what true allyship looks like both behind the scenes and as everyday consumers.

Jamila dives into how WeRise Wines came to be and why her focus is not just on diversity but is also committed to making wine approachable and accessible to everyone.

Jamila Conley is the founder of WeRise Wines, a new concept in wine and a movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented winemakers and reshaping perceptions of the wine industry. With a rich career spanning over 25 years in executive roles across technology, business transformation, and strategic leadership, Jamila has now channeled her passion for wine, social justice, and impactful leadership into creating a unique space that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and success for all.

So, if you are ready to discover how the wine world is being reshaped by passionate changmakers like Jamila Conley and want to learn how you can be part of building a more inclusive, welcoming wine community then this episode is for you!

This is part 1 of my conversation with Jamila so make sure you don’t miss part 2!

Connect with Jamila

WeRise Wines - https://www.werisewines.com/wine-bar

Instagram - @werisewines

Facebook - @werisewine

Episode Highlights:

• Jamila Conley’s career transition story

• Comparisons between tech and wine industries

• Practical ways to advance diversity and inclusion in wine

• Founding WeRise wines

• Challenges for small and diverse wineries

• Navigating wine industry logistics

• Opening and operating WeRise wine bar

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 105

What does it really take to become a wine expert and do you need a fancy certification to do it? And is it really necessary to have one of these certifications?

In today’s episode I am breaking down two of the most popular wine certifications, the WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). I’m laying out how each one is structured, the different levels and what kind of wine roles each one is best for.

And we’ll talk about the 2018 scandal that rocked the CMS which resulted in rescinding the Master Sommelier title from every single person who had passed that year.

And we will dig into the Institute of Masters of wine, the Society of Wine Educators (SWE), the Wine Scholar Guild as well as free resources to help you build your wine confidence!

So, if you are ready to discover which wine certification path is right for you, without feeling overwhelmed by all the options then this episode is for you!

Resources

Tips for Smelling Wine with Cork Dork Author Bianca Bosker - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/tips-for-smelling-wine-with-bianca-bosker

Exploring Australian Wine with Jane Lopes - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-34

The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Wine Tasting Party at Home - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-60

Episode Highlights:

• The value of wine certifications

• Overview of wine certifications

• Deep dive into WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust)

• Deep dive into CMS (court of Master Sommeliers)

• 2018 Controversies in CMS and subsequent fallout

• Deep dive into MW (Institute of Masters of wine)

• Society of Wine Educators (SWE)

• Wine Scholar guild

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 104

What if I told you there’s a white wine that makes “cat pee” an absolute compliment? And you might already have a bottle of it chilling in your fridge!

Today, I am continuing my Grape Deep Dive Mini-Series and it’s all about Sauvignon Blanc. The first wine I really fell in love with was the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Noblio. It’s such a fresh, easy drinking wine!

We are digging deep into the key viticultural and winemaking factors that shape Sauvignon Blanc’s character, as well as soil types and the diverse styles that emerge from different regions.

I’ll touch on Sauvignon Blanc hotspots like France’s Loire Valley and Bordeaux, New Zealand’s Marlborough region, California’s Sonoma Valley, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Casablanca Valley & Leyda Valley, Chile, and Adelaide Hills Australia.

We will finish it off with some tips on what food to pair with Sauvignon Blanc, whether or not Sauvignon Blanc should be aged, and what you should expect to pay for a bottle.

So, if you are ready to discover why Sauvignon Blanc is such a global favorite and find out which regions, winemaking style, and food pairings work best, then this episode is for you!

Types of wine grapes episodes

Chardonnay - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-6

Cabernet Franc - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-14

Chenin Blanc - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-21

Riesling - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-38

Barbera - Episode 45

Merlot - Episode 57

Best Italian Dessert Wines - Episode 101

Episode Highlights:

• Overview of Sauvignon Blanc
• Viticulture and grape characteristics
• Unique aromas and chemical compounds of Sauvignon Blanc
• Structure of Sauvignon Blanc
• Terroir factors affecting Sauvignon Blanc
• Winemaking styles and techniques of Sauvignon Blanc
• Notable Sauvignon Blanc regions and the

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Are you tired of feeling lost when choosing wine at a restaurant? Wish you had a sommelier’s secret to finding the perfect glass? Well, we are going to find out the one question Tyler Balliet swears by to uncover hidden gems on any wine list.

Today is part 2 of my chat with Tyler and we are diving into why understanding the story and culture behind each wine region is just as important as knowing the grape varieties or tasting notes. We’re also digging into lesser known wine regions like Michigan, Colorado and Nebraska.

And best of all, Tyler explains her genius wine team strategy that will help you get the best wine for your pallet and the best bargain for your budget. Plus, she shares an insider tip on the one question you should ask a sommelier if you want something delicious, different and usually pretty affordable.

So, if you are ready to step up your wine game, connect with stories and people behind the bottle and build your own wine team, then today’s episode is for you!

This is part 2 of my chat with Tyler. If you missed part one, head back to episode 102 where we talked about the inspiration behind Rebel School of Wine, what’s wrong with how wine is being taught and what wine is really about.

Connect with Tyler

Website: https://rebelschoolofwine.com/

Instagram: @tylerballiet

Instagram: @rebelschoolofwine

Resources

Go to rebelschoolofwine.com and use the promo code CORKANDFIZZ to get a signed copy of Tyler’s book and a free pack of wine stickers for only $30. That's $15 off.

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of cultural context in wine

• Exploring lesser-known wine region in the US

• Notable regions outside of the US

• Importance of supporting emerging wine regions to help them thrive

• How to build your wine team

• Insider questions for Sommeliers

• The secret question to ask a Sommelier

• How to discover unique, reasonably priced bottles of wine

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 102

How does someone from a beer-loving Wisconsin family end up creating a massive Rosé-themed wine playground in New York City? As well as writing a wine-themed book that is challenging the wine status quo?

Today’s guest, author Tyler Balliet, is sharing her journey on how she’s helping to reshape the wine industry with events like Rosé Mansion and Wine Riot, as well as her inspiration behind her book, Rebel School of Wine. We also dig into the heart of what’s wrong with how wine is traditionally taught - think too pretentious, too focused on technical details, and not nearly welcoming (or fun) enough!

Tyler Balliet is an entrepreneur and journalist who’s been reshaping how people experience wine since 2006. She co-founded Rosé Mansion, a massive rosé-themed wine playground in NYC, and Wine Riot, a touring wine festival, and named Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 and Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40. Her new book, Rebel School of Wine, is a bold, visually-driven manifesto for a new generation of wine drinkers.

So, if you are ready to break free from stuffy wine stereotypes and lean into Tyler’s take on why wine education should be about fun, stories, and people, then this episode is for you!

This is part 1 of my interview with Tyler so make sure you check out part 2 in episode 103!

Connect with Tyler

Website: https://rebelschoolofwine.com/

Instagram: @tylerballiet

Instagram: @rebelschoolofwine

Resources

Go to rebelschoolofwine.com and use the promo code CORKANDFIZZ to get a signed copy of Tyler’s book and a free pack of wine stickers for only $30. That's $15 off!

Codeword: Listen to the episode to discover the code word and DM me on Instagram or email me at hailey@corkandfizz.com for your chance to win a copy of Rebel School of Wine!

Episode Highlights:

• Tyler Balliet’s wine journey
• Inspiration behind Tyler’s Rebel School of Wine book
• Tyler’s focus on the “why” and “who” behind wine and not just the “what”
• Exploring wine through people and culture
• Tyler’s frustration with technical, flavor/aroma-focused language
• The disconnect between how wine professi

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com