Everyday Sommelier - Wine Stories with Kristi Mayfield

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Are you curious about non-alcoholic wine but skeptical of the taste, mouthfeel, and overall quality? Wondering why alcohol-free wines seem pricier and how they compare to traditional wines? 

This episode of Everyday Sommelier dives deep into the world of low- and no-alcohol wines—answering the burning questions wine lovers have and busting the most common myths.
In this episode, I'm breaking down the exact science behind de-alcoholized wines, explaining vacuum distillation, spinning cone, and reverse osmosis—revealing how flavor, aromas, and even sugar content are impacted. You’ll get first-hand tasting insights and discover which wine styles shine in this category. 

Plus, find out the real reason wellness seekers, professionals, and anyone needing a sober lifestyle are turning to zero-alcohol options, including “proxy” wines and botanically-driven blends.
Whether you’re watching your sugar intake, managing allergies, or craving a wine experience on a weekday, this episode arms you with actionable tips to choose the best bottle for your needs. 

You’ll also get my take on upcoming industry trends and why non-alcoholic wines are now a must in high-stakes settings—from business lunches to celebratory brunches.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The real differences in flavor, mouthfeel, and sugar content between de-alcoholized and traditional wines—and what to expect in your glass
How non-alcoholic wines are made (and why some cost more than regular wine)—so you can buy with confidence and avoid common pitfalls
Solutions for wine lovers with allergies, sensitivities, or wellness goals, including what to look for on labels
How to incorporate alcohol-free wines into professional, social, and family settings—empowering your choices without sacrificing enjoyment
Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.
Cheers to many more years! Kristi
It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!
Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!
Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE
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!

Send us a text
Struggling with the pressure of Dry January or feeling stuck between social trends and your love of wine? This episode relaunch of Everyday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield empowers you to rethink restrictive trends like Dry January and Sober October. Dive deep into practical, approachable strategies for creating mindful wine habits—without sacrificing the joy and connection wine brings.
Explore the rise of counter-movements such as Try January and Come Over October, designed for wine lovers who want to explore, not abstain. Kristi Mayfield shares actionable tips for moderating alcohol intake, discovering lower-alcohol options, and creating rituals that make each glass more meaningful. Navigate social pressures, FOMO, and find your path to balanced enjoyment—whether you're aiming for moderation, seeking new wine experiences, or looking to host meaningful gatherings.
If you're a wine enthusiast looking for confidence and control, not just another challenge, this episode offers a judgment-free playbook for learning, connection, and celebration on your terms.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 
How to build mindful wine habits that fit your lifestyle—without feeling left out during Dry January
Practical alternatives to 100% abstinence, like Try January, lower-alcohol wines, and wine-based rituals
Strategies for balancing social pressure with personal wellness and confidence
Empowering approaches to enjoy wine as a social power skill—not just a beverage
Top Timestamps & Titles
00:03:41 – The Social Pressure & FOMO Trap: Why Dry January Isn’t Always the Solution
00:07:32 – Beyond All or Nothing: The Biggest Misconception About Mindful Drinking
00:09:57 – Exploring Try January: A Pathway to Wine Exploration, Not Elimination
00:12:45 – The Power of Connection: How Come Over October Changes the Game
00:13:43 – Practical Tips for Creating Your Own Mindful Wine Rituals
00:16:19 – Your Personal Blueprint: Celebrate Wins & Share Your Journey
Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.
Cheers to many more years! Kristi
It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!
Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!
Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE
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!

Send us a text
Hybrid grapes are unlocking new frontiers in American wine, revolutionizing what’s possible from sparkling and dessert wines—especially from cold climate regions. 
Join me as I uncork the secrets behind high-acid, aromatic varietals like La Crescent and Frontenac, with winemaker Mark Wedge and wine professional James, at the innovative Dancing Dragonfly winery.
Discover how these "new kids on the block” are shaking up the wine scene with traditional-method sparkling wines boasting vibrant acidity and unique flavor profiles that break away from rigid Champagne and Sauternes norms. 
Go behind the scenes on the centuries-old Solera system, and learn why hybrid grapes create dessert wines that balance sweetness, high alcohol, and freshness—winning over even those skeptical of dessert styles.
You'll hear why mastering modern wine knowledge is a practical power skill, not just for sommeliers, but for ambitious professionals looking to level up social and business capital. Experience how embracing regional, innovative winemaking can give you a confident edge at every table.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How hybrid grapes are rewriting the rules for American sparkling and dessert wines, including wine styles you’ve never tried before.
Why high acidity and lower tannins in hybrids produce wines ideal for both sipping and food pairing.
What the Solera system brings to modern fortified wines and how that tradition merges with cold climate innovation.
Actionable ways to use fresh wine knowledge as a strategic social asset—building confidence and influence (not snobbery).
MUST LISTEN TIMESTAMPS:
[00:02:10] Hybrid Grapes—The Secret to Bold New American Sparkling Wine
Why La Crescent and other hybrids are reshaping the sparkling wine landscape in US regions outside California.
[00:06:59] Solera System Reimagined: Making Modern Fortified Dessert Wines
Traditional meets innovation—how the ancient method delivers balanced dessert wines for today’s pal
Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.
Cheers to many more years! Kristi
It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!
Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!
Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE
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!

Send us a text
Wave goodbye to wine intimidation—this episode of Everyday Sommelier uncorks a future where hybrid grapes and cold climate winemaking take center stage. Yes, you should try them. Now!
Join me as I sits down with James Peterson and Mark Wedge at Dancing Dragonfly Winery in Wisconsin, unlocking the secrets behind critically acclaimed Midwest wines made from grapes like Marquette, Frontenac, La Crescent, and more.
Uncover why traditional vinifera grapes can’t thrive in Wisconsin’s short, icy growing season, and see how innovative hybrid varieties developed by teams like the University of Minnesota empower local wineries to produce bold, balanced, and food-friendly wines with surprising complexity. 
We're diving into the science behind hybridization, the learning curve of typicity, and how Midwest winemakers are rewriting the rules for wine style, blending, and customer experience.
You’ll gain actionable takeaways on how to shop for, taste, and enjoy these rebel-region wines, even if you’re a classic Cabernet or Chardonnay lover. This is your go-to guide for building wine fluency and confidence in one of wine’s fastest-rising movements—minus the snobbery.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

Why Midwest wineries rely on hybrid grapes, and the science behind their resilience
How to bridge the gap from classic wine preferences to falling in love with new grape varieties
What to expect from the acidity, sweetness, and style spectrum of cold climate wines
How “wine snobbery” is being replaced by experimentation and genuine wine enjoyment in the Midwest
KEY TIMESTAMPS:
[00:06:11]
Midwest Winters vs. Wine Grapes: The Survival Challenge
Why traditional vinifera wines aren’t viable in Wisconsin, and how hybrids win the climate battle.
[00:10:13]
Are Hybrid Grapes Always Foxy? Debunking Common Tasting Myths
Addressing taste misconceptions and revealing today’s quality improvements in hybrid winemaking.
[00:14:2
Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.
Cheers to many more years! Kristi
It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!
Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!
Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE
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!

Send us a text
Forget what you know about Champagne and mass-produced bubbly—Texas is rewriting the rules with grit, creativity, and uncompromising passion. In this episode, Kristi Mayfield goes deep into the real story inside a bottle of Torr Na Loch’s traditional method sparkling wine.
If you’ve ever questioned why some sparkling wines are $10 and others command triple digits, you’ll uncover the true, labor-intensive journey that creates those signature tiny bubbles and creamy texture. Blake DeBerry and Colby O'Brien of Torn Na Loch share how they overcame million-dollar equipment costs, leaning into their engineering backgrounds to invent a made-in-Texas, hand-riddled approach—cutting startup costs by over 90%—and creating a boutique sparkling you can actually taste the effort in.
Learn how Malvasia Bianca grapes are hand-harvested and nurtured for acidity, why every bottle is touched by human hands up to 86 times, and how artisan riddling racks and cattle dosers for dosage dosing become tools of the Texas wine revolution. Understand how manual production and long aging translate to a richer, more meaningful glass (and a much fairer price tag).
This episode is a must-listen for wine lovers looking to decode wine pricing, discover Texas craft winemaking, or simply sip with more confidence—knowing exactly what’s gone into their glass.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why hand-crafted, traditional method sparkling wine costs more—and why it matters for taste and quality
How Torn Na Loch engineered their own production revolution for Texas sparkling wine, reducing costs and maximizing flavor
The behind-the-scenes secrets of riddling, aging, and the sheer number of skilled touch points in every bottle
How sparkling wine is far more than just a celebration treat—it's a story of passion, innovation, and Texas grit you can taste
Episode Timestamps:
[00:02:30] “From Red to Bubbles: Why Torn Na Loch Chose the Hardest Wine to Make in Texas”
Discover why a Texas winery ditched conve
Everyday Sommelier Podcast is turning ONE! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners, we've had a fantastic first year! We're relaunching a few of your favorite episodes in celebration!

We're also announcing the launch of Sip Society Collective where high-impact women can 10X their Social Power Skills through wine. https://sipsocietycollective.com.
Cheers to many more years! Kristi
It's been such a pleasure sharing wine with you this past year! We also want to let you know our INSTAGRAM handle has changed to @kristi_sipsocietycollective - if you are already following, you're good to go. If you haven't followed us yet, now is the time!
Cheers to one year, our launch of Sip Society Collective (https://sipsocietycollective.com) and to learning wine your way! Kristi
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!
Visit us at SIP SOCIETY COLLECTIVE
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!