After Wine School

Mastering Wine Storage: Do's, Don'ts, and Myths Explored In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith and his guest delve into the intricacies of proper wine storage and debunk common myths about aging wine. They explain that only 10% of wines are designed to age, with specific characteristics required for successful aging. Key factors like temperature, humidity, vibration, and light are discussed to ensure optimal storage conditions. They cover the types of wines suitable for aging, including Bordeaux, Burgundies, and Barolos, and offer practical advice on setting up a home wine cellar. The episode also touches on wine storage psychology and economic considerations.  00:28 Debunking Wine Aging Myths 01:26 Factors Affecting Wine Aging 03:36 Psychology and Economics of Aging Wine 06:17 Proper Wine Storage Techniques 12:35 Choosing Wines for Aging  👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Mastering Wine Shopping: From Local Shops to Big Chains In this episode of the 'After Wine School' podcast, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Survey dive deep into the intricacies of buying wine. They explore the differences between purchasing wine from grocery stores, independent wine shops, and large chain wine stores, as well as the pros and cons of government-run wine stores. The conversation covers various wine categories from value to icon, emphasizing the importance of understanding price points and wine styles. They also touch on the impact of store types on the wine industry and provide tips for making informed wine purchases. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine buyer, this episode offers valuable insights and behind-the-scenes knowledge. 00:50 Understanding Wine Categories and Price Points 07:15 The Charm of Independent Wine Shops 10:24 The Debate on Grocery Store Wines 15:02 Exploring Chain Wine Stores 20:06 The Controversy of State-Run Wine Stores  👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Demystifying Restaurant Wine Lists: Navigating Choices and Strategies In this episode of the Wine School Podcast, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the world of restaurant wine lists. They discuss the roles and day-to-day activities of sommeliers and wine reps, the importance of the restaurant ecosystem, and how restaurant wine lists are curated. They explore different types of wine lists, including corporate, beverage manager-created, and sommelier-driven lists, offering valuable advice on navigating these lists as a consumer. The episode also highlights key economic considerations, the logistics of wine distribution, and career advice for those interested in the wine industry. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:08 The Role of a Sommelier in Creating a Wine List 02:59 Understanding Wine Distributors and Their Influence 05:17 Economic and Culinary Considerations for Wine Lists 16:36 Types of Restaurant Wine Lists 23:42 Careers in the Wine Industry  👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Forgotten Wines of America: A Deep Dive into Regional Treasures In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe embark on a road trip exploring the often overlooked and forgotten wines of America. The discussion spans a variety of regions, starting with Virginia's troubled history with Vitus VRA vineyards and the rise of Norton and Petit Verdot grapes. They move north to highlight Finger Lakes' Riesling and lesser-known Georgian grape Saperavi, then delve into Pennsylvania's history with grapes like Chambourcin and Barbera. The conversation continues with New Jersey's traditional French-inspired wines, Vermont's hybrid grape success stories, Texas' renowned Tempranillo, and several rich yet underappreciated grape varieties in California. The episode wraps up with mentions of emerging wine regions like Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona, encouraging wine enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the diverse and rich heritage of American wines. 00:00 Introduction to Forgotten Wines of America 01:32 Virginia: The Birthplace of American Wine 05:24 Exploring the Finger Lakes Region 07:07 Pennsylvania's Rich Wine History 11:09 New Jersey and Vermont: Hidden Gems 12:46 Texas: The Tempranillo Territory 13:53 California's Forgotten Grapes 19:06 Shoutouts to Other Wine Regions 20:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

The Rise and Fall of California Wine: A Journey Through History In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive deep into the rich history of California wine, from its early days under Spanish missionaries to its modern resurgence. They discuss the key figures who shaped the industry, such as Augustine Haraszthy and André Tchelistcheff, the effects of Prohibition, and the rise of iconic wineries like Mondavi. The episode also covers pivotal moments the Judgment of Paris, the influence of Robert Parker, and the cultural impact of the movie 'Sideways.' Additionally, they highlight the growing prominence of wine regions outside California, like the Finger Lakes and Virginia, signaling a broader transformation in American wine culture. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:13 Early History of California Wine 02:13 The Count and His Legacy 04:56 The Napa-Sonoma Rivalry 06:40 Prohibition and Its Aftermath 08:55 The Jug Wine Era 10:10 Scientific Advancements and UC Davis 18:22 The Judgment of Paris 20:55 The Rise of Napa Valley 24:49 Modern Wine Culture and Sideways Effect 27:08 Emerging Wine Regions Across America 28:22 Conclusion  👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub