Best VinePair Podcasts (2025)

1
Bourbon Isn't Taking Any Chances 20:36

1d ago20:36

20:36

With the news that Maker's Mark is unveiling a new ad campaign aimed squarely at young drinkers, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss why the bourbon industry is being so proactive about courting the next generation of drinkers. Is it just canny business, or a reaction to some slippage in whiskey's popularity? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and r…

1
Varietal Wine Still Reigns Supreme 33:38

1d ago33:38

33:38

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss why Malbec remains an important variety for American drinkers, and more broadly how recognizable varieties are still supremely important in the conversation around wine in America. While there's room for and some interest in more obscure varieties, the power of the most well-known grapes and styles remains undiminishe…

1
The (Re)Missionary's Downfall 1:27:50

1d ago1:27:50

1:27:50

Few tiki and tropical drinks are as light, herbal, and dangerously sessionable as the Missionary’s Downfall. Created by Don the Beachcomber in the 1930s, it’s one of the genre’s earlier recipes and one of the first cocktails to embrace the power of the blender. And it is the blender itself — and proper blending technique — that will primarily be in…

1
Old World New World 13:52

2d ago13:52

13:52

Two terms helped define distinctions in wine style and approach. Do they still matter? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
We Are Begging You, Just Serve Us Some Wine 31:02

5d ago31:02

31:02

Prompted by a recent experience, Adam, Joanna, and Zach bemoan the fact that too many restaurants channel all wine service through their sommeliers, even sometimes prohibiting servers from taking orders or even refilling glasses. Why are you keeping us from buying more wine?!? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podc…

1
Vermouth's Great Vanishing Act 30:27

8d ago30:27

30:27

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss how the rise of the Martini hasn't necessarily buoyed vermouth's fortunes, with savory and freezer versions tending to either minimize the aromatized wine or cut it out altogether, while the more conventional preparations are leaning drier and drier. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple …

1
The Tequila Sunrise 1:10:17

8d ago1:10:17

1:10:17

It’s sweet, it’s colorful, and it’s got a history wilder than a Rolling Stones tour bus — it’s the Tequila Sunrise. And while it might look like a poolside guilty pleasure, behind the gradient glow lies a story of rock ‘n’ roll excess, reinvention, and one major identity crisis. Here to explore this storied creation's history is Nikolas Vagenas, ba…

1
Becoming A Winemaker With Greg Brewer and Diatom 46:12

9d ago46:12

46:12

How does a person become a winemaker? We have covered a lot of topics in the world of wine over the years but never discussed the transition a human makes when deciding to leave a career to pursue their passion and become a winemaker. I met Greg Brewer, winemaker for Diatom, last year and thought his story was the one to tell when discussing this s…

1
Wine Still Isn't Taking Women Seriously 34:06

11d ago34:06

34:06

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a listener question about why the wine industry as a whole still doesn't view women as serious wine drinkers, and dismiss many of the wines that women tend to gravitate to. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any question…

1
The Death in the Afternoon 51:35

15d ago51:35

51:35

Fine French sparkling wine meets absinthe in the two-ingredient Death in the Afternoon, a cocktail created by Ernest Hemingway and named after his 1932 non-fiction work of the same name. Joining us to give this simple concoction the Cocktail College treatment is Kassidy Scholl, beverage director at New York's Ask for Janice. Listen on (or read belo…

1
Is Legal Sports Betting a Boon for Bars? 35:15

15d ago35:15

35:15

With "The Big Game" just around the corner, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss whether the spread of legalized online sports betting is having a positive effect on the bar business, and if there are ways that savvy operators can draw in more of the sports betting crowd. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spoti…

1
Barolo's Other Acronym: MGA 18:36

16d ago18:36

18:36

The MGA system in Barolo is fairly new and maybe a bit confusing, but it has a cool historical background. Let's dial in on the MGAs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Silver Linings in Wine's Gloomy Forecast 38:36

18d ago38:36

38:36

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to the most recent Silicon Valley Bank report and Adam's recent presentation at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, where they specifically look for the silver linings and potentially successful strategies that wineries and operators can embrace, if they just admit that wine has a problem. Please remember to subscribe…

1
The Fourth Regiment 58:15

22d ago58:15

58:15

Never before on Cocktail College have we covered a cocktail that’s so defined by the inclusion of a very specific type of bitters as today’s drink: the Fourth Regiment. The bitters in question are of the celery variety, the drink is a riff on the Manhattan, and our guest is Chris Lemperle, who runs the bar at New York's Crane Club. Listen on (or re…

1
Parsing the Puzzling Diageo Rumors 51:32

22d ago51:32

51:32

Adam, Joanna, and Zach delve into the rumor that Diageo might be looking to sell off Guinness, despite (or perhaps because) the beer's booming popularity. Could this be part of a move to take over ownership of Moët Hennessy? Who could possibly purchase the iconic beer? Would Ireland riot if it left British hands? Plus, a conversation with Friend of…

1
PSA: It's Your Wine Style 17:40

23d ago17:40

17:40

In a time of constant, rapid-fire information the wine space online can be dizzying. In this episode, I address some of them and allay any confusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Why Can't Wine Service Ditch the Snobbery? 31:54

27d ago31:54

31:54

Adam, Joanna, and Zach riff a bit more on sommeliers and why wine service tends to err on the side of snobbery. From somms preemptively taking tastes of wines you ordered, to keeping bottles out of reach, and generally treating guests like a nuisance, wine service in a range of restaurants remains confrontational and condescending, much to their di…

1
The Singapore Sling 1:07:29

1M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

When considering what makes a cocktail notable or even iconic, the Singapore Sling has a lot going for it. There’s the more than 100 years of history and indelible ties to a nation as well as a historic hotel bar in that nation. It has its own glass, a catchy name, and a memorable big-screen appearance in at least one major film. Here to explore th…

1
Craft Beer Isn't Booming, but it Isn't Busting, Either 41:38

1M ago41:38

41:38

Adam, Joanna, and Zach are joined by VinePair writer-at-large and Hop Take columnist Dave Infante to discuss his recent piece about the reality check that the craft beer industry got in 2024. With sales volumes flat or declining, and more closures than opening for the first time in decades, there's been some doom and gloom surrounding the category:…

1
Wine And Climate Change Part V: Pests And Disease 14:36

1M ago14:36

14:36

We wrap up the Climate Change and wine series with a look at pest migration and disease threats Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Constant Dynamism of Charleston Wine +Food 21:13

1M ago21:13

21:13

Adam is joined by Alyssa Smith, executive director of Charleston Wine + Food, to discuss the evolving nature of this signature festival, how it pays homage to Charleston's unique culinary history and influences, and more. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and se…

1
Shorter Wine Lists Are Not a Panacea 29:56

1M ago29:56

29:56

With shorter wine lists becoming more commonplace at restaurants, some have suggested that this trend is good for the wine industry. Adam, Joanna, and Zach weigh in on why that might not be the case, as well as discuss what exactly the upper bound is for a "short" wine list. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcas…

1
Dr. Emily Oster and the Truth Behind Alcohol Studies 45:17

1M ago45:17

45:17

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the second big alcohol report, this one from the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, and how it seemed largely designed to pull in data that would support the desired conclusion, then are joined by best-selling author and economist Dr. Emily Oster to discuss the complexities and …

1
The Mexican Firing Squad 1:05:53

1M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

The Mexican Firing Squad is a bonafide tequila-based classic with almost 100 years' history — despite what its '70s-disco-era-sounding name suggests. As James O'Donnell, bar manager at Fives Bar in New Orleans, puts it, the MFS is a great recommendation for those looking to riff on the Spicy Margarita. But it's also so much more than that. Listen o…

1
Wine And Climate Change Part IV: Climate Change And Wine Quality 18:40

1M ago18:40

18:40

Now that we have a sense of climate's influence on the grapevine and wine, let's look at how climate change could do the same. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
"Allocated" Wines and Alienating Guests 18:17

1M ago18:17

18:17

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss whether it works for bars, restaurants, and retailers to describe wines as "allocated." Does the average consumer know what that means? Do they care? Does it create excitement and prompt discussion, or does it come off as snobby and exclusionary? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podc…

1
Unpacking the Recent Surgeon General Recommendation 40:31

2M ago40:31

40:31

In light of the recent recommendation from the U.S. Surgeon General that alcohol include a label warning about potential cancer risk, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss how the industry has and should respond to this proposal, and more generally how talking about the many social and even societal benefits of light to moderate consumption would be a ben…

1
The Lychee Martini 1:07:42

1M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

You might question why we're focusing on the Lychee Martini today, based upon its reputation for being overly sweet, garishly garnished, and a “Martini” by virtue of its serving vessel only. But this drink is not a lost cause, nor should it be confined to the annals of history, along with the likes of the Appletini — not when it’s in the hands of s…

1
Wine in Transition: Looking Forward and Reflecting on the Past: Part III 24:34

2M ago24:34

24:34

I’m not only the host of Wine 101. I am also the tasting director of Vinepair, where my colleague Hannah and I taste hundreds of wines throughout the year. We then publish our favorites on the site. In the episode, I run through some of these lists and highlight some amazing wines. Wine is doing fine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

1
What Will 2025 Bring for the Drinks Industry? 38:24

2M ago38:24

38:24

To kick off 2025, Adam, Joanna, and Zach share some of their predictions for the year in the drinks industry, including a return to older models of targeted marketing, continued struggles for wine and craft beer, and the potential impact on the entire industry of the expanding use of GLP-1 medications. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and rev…

1
Techniques: Non-Alcoholic Cocktails (re-run) 52:57

2M ago52:57

52:57

Whether you're partaking in Dry January, looking to dip a toe into the realm of Zebra Striping, or simply want to learn how to craft better non-alcoholic cocktails from one of the best in the business, this conversation with Derek Brown has you covered. Derek has devoted the most recent chapter of his career to NA drinks, is the author of the book …

1
Our Favorite Drinks of 2024 26:35

2M ago26:35

26:35

As they do every year, Adam, Joanna, and Zach are joined by the rest of the VinePair team to look back at their best and most memorable drinks and drinking experiences of 2024. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or sug…

1
Wine in Transition: Looking Forward Reflecting on the Past: Part II 28:32

2M ago28:32

28:32

Continuing with the holiday vibes let's talk about visiting US wine country in 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Future of America's Beer Industry 1:07:51

2M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

After 60 episodes of award-winning modern beer history, this is the final episode of Taplines. To send off the show, we're turning the Taplines Time Machine forward instead of backwards to speculate on how the American beer industry's past might inform its future with the inimitable historian and author of 'Ambitious Brew' Maureen Ogle. Maureen was…

1
What Happened in the Drinks Biz in 2024 36:33

2M ago36:33

36:33

To wrap up 2024, Adam, Joanna, and Zach take a look back on the biggest stories, the most important trends, and the overall vibes of the year that was, including deserved concern about the wine industry, struggles for craft beer, and a looming hospitality crisis. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,…

1
Why Don't Americans Drink Hot Drinks? 22:39

2M ago22:39

22:39

With the holiday season in full swing, Adam, Joanna, and Zach ponder why it is that Americans in general don't have much affinity for hot drinks, treating them as mostly a wintertime novelty or home cold remedy. It could be that hot drinks just aren't that good, or that they don't provide as much room for creativity and experimentation, but are the…

1
Wine in Transition: Looking Forward and Reflecting on the Past: Part I 18:54

2M ago18:54

18:54

Taking a quick break from the norm for the holidays and riffing on what I have experienced in wine this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How Guinness (Re)Conquered America 40:12

2M ago40:12

40:12

Guinness has been one of the unquestioned stars of the beer, and drinks, world this year, from viral fame to some hard-to-believe mixed drinks. Adam and Joanna speak with Laura Merritt, president of Diageo Beer Co., to discuss the ways in which the drinking public just keeps coming back to Guinness. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review…

1
Should Bourbon Cost More? 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the curious fact that despite the fact that many prized bourbons command staggering prices on the secondary market, for the most part the distilleries that produce those bourbons have generally not raised retail prices. What benefits do these brands derive from this practice? What would raising prices do? Please remem…

1
Eggnog 1:04:38

2M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Cooked or uncooked? Fresh or aged? Bourbon, Cognac, or rum-based? For this festive Cocktail College and the ultimate guide to Eggnog, we're joined by returning guest Aaron Goldfarb, author and VinePair writer at large. Listen on (or read below) to learn Aaron’s batched Eggnog recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Aaron Goldfarb’…

1
Wine And Climate Change Part III: Climate And Wine Quality 17:39

2M ago17:39

17:39

Let's take a step back and talk about just how climate effect the quality of wine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Bud Light's GamerGate Gauntlet, Explained 1:07:46

2M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Journalist Charlie Warzel joins the show today for a wide-ranging, cross-discipline episode to discuss how the GamerGate style of extremely online grievance politics has become the dominant format for conservative backlash today, why it works so well, and why companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev — with all the resources in the world and a decade to …

1
Matchmaking Spirits and Cocktails Is Hard 31:14

2M ago31:14

31:14

Adam, Joanna, and Zach debate whether spirits brands can try to attach their specific brand to a known cocktail, and if so, which ones are up for grabs or would make sense to highlight. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critique…

1
The Moscow Mule 1:02:13

2M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

The Moscow Mule is arguably the ultimate workhorse cocktail. Equally at home in high-class bars as well as neighborhood dives, it’s a fantastic candidate for some high-brow hacks, should you be so inclined. We here at Cocktail College are so inclined, so we enlisted the help of Evan Hawkins, co-owner and beverage director of Romeo’s, in New York's …

1
Napa Needs to Adapt, Again 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the current state of wine tourism in Napa Valley, after a year of declining visitations, and speculate that the region as a whole was too quick to assume that the post-pandemic landscape and model was going to be the new normal, instead of a weird outlier time. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePai…

1
Wine And Climate Change Part II: Historical Climate Change Among The Vines 18:28

3M ago18:28

18:28

Take a step back and look at historical climate-changing events and their effect on the grapevines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Stories Behind Our Top 50 Spirits of 2024 18:04

3M ago18:04

18:04

Adam, Joanna, and Zach break down the recently-released list of VinePair's Top 50 Spirits of 2024, including excitement about Cognac, rum, and barrel-finished spirits in general. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or s…

1
The Mimosa 1:13:22

3M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

A simple but delightful brunch staple, the Mimosa has a surprisingly specific history for a mix of orange juice and sparkling wine. Today we're joined by Matt Chavez, bar manager at New York's COQODAQ, to discuss the dynamic duo. Listen on (or read below) to learn Matt's Mimosa recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe! Matt Chavez's…

1
Why Does the Restaurant Experience Feel So Bad Right Now? 43:49

3M ago43:49

43:49

With the holiday dining season fully upon us, Adam, Joanna, and Zach are joined by VinePair contributor and restaurateur Dave Foss to discuss his most recent column, as well as the overall state of hospitality, including how have staffing cutbacks and shortages hurt the guest experience. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on…

1
Wine And Climate Change Part I: An Overview 18:26

3M ago18:26

18:26

Climate change is not new but more relevant than ever, especially in wine. We begin with an overview and then start to incorporate the grapevine into the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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