Does Wine Get Better With Age? Unlock The 3 Secret Ingredients For A YES!
Send us a textEver wondered if that special bottle in your wine rack is destined to become legendary—or just flat? Let Kristi Mayfield, certified wine expert, arm you with everything you need to confidently answer, “Should I age this wine, or pop it tonight?” Learn why only 1-5% of wines truly benefit from aging, and unravel the confusing myths surrounding vintage dates, price, and label claims.Kristi reveals the 3 (three) invisible but critical building blocks for wine ageability—acidity, tannins, and sugar—and explains exactly how these shape a wine’s journey from fresh and fruity to rich and complex. Get practical strategies for identifying age-worthy reds and whites in the real world, and learn to avoid the heartbreak (and wasted money) of saving bottles not built to last.Pinpoint common mistakes—like falling for the myth that all Napa Cabernets or Bordeaux are made for aging—and discover why most wines are crafted for early enjoyment. Find out which classic varietals consistently deliver the best aging results, and master the art of tasting for structure (not just flavor!) to build your confidence as a modern wine lover.Ready to finally understand when to cellar, when to sip, and how to enjoy every bottle at its best? This episode is your go-to cheat sheet to answer the age-old question - does wine get better with age?BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The three fundamental components that make a wine age-worthy (and how to spot them) How to avoid the most common—often costly—wine aging mistakes at home Proven varietals that truly benefit from aging, and how to select them Simple tasting and buying strategies to confidently build your own age-worthy wine collectionTop Episode Timestamps:00:00 Should You Age That Wine? The Hidden Truths You Need to Know03:37 Why 95% of Wines Aren’t Meant to Age—and How to Spot the Exceptions05:34 Decoding the Secret Ingredients: Acidity, Tannins, Sugar (& How They Preserve Wine)10:05 Costly Myths: Expensive Doesn't Mean Age-Worthy12:17 The Best Red and White Wines for Aging—and What Makes Them Ageable16:37 Foolproof Buying Strategy: Taste Structure, Track Progress, and Build ConfidenceLiked 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 GroupLove 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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These Wine Storage Temperature Enemies Are Ruining Your Wine
Send us a textEver wondered if your prized bottles are safe on that decorative wine rack? This episode of Everyday Sommelier reveals the biggest wine storage mistakes most collectors make (hint: that gorgeous spot on top of your fridge is a disaster for your wine) and gives you the wine storage strategy you need—no cellar required. Kristi Mayfield breaks down how to choose the best wine storage solutions for every type of bottle, from everyday drinkers to legacy investments, so you can stop stressing and start sipping.Learn how to avoid the worst enemies of wine—heat, fluctuating temperatures, light, and vibration—and discover practical, step-by-step wine storage tips to keep your collection tasting its best. Whether you have a handful of special occasion bottles or dream of building a full wine cellar, you’ll walk away with the tools to confidently protect your wines at home. Plus, find out if you really need to store wine on its side, when a wine fridge is a must, and how to sort your collection for maximum flavor.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:How to triage your wine collection into “daily drinkables,” “memory makers,” and “legacy labels” for optimal storageThe four key enemies that destroy wine flavor and value—and simple ways to defeat themWhen a wine fridge or professional storage facility is actually worth the investmentPro hacks for storing wine at home—even without a dedicated cellar or expensive equipmentThe truth about wine bottle orientation (sideways or upright?) for cork and screw cap closuresTimestamps:00:00:42 – Are You Storing Wine the Wrong Way?Find out why that beautiful wine display might be setting you up for heartbreak—and what most collectors do wrong.00:03:26 – Stop Wasting Good Wine: The 3-Bucket Storage StrategyLearn how to sort your collection for maximum taste and value with Kristi’s simple triage plan.00:08:06 – The Silent Killers of Your Wine CollectionUncover the four hidden dangers that destroy wine at home (and how to instantly protect your bottles).00:10:43 – Wine Fridge vs. Closet: Which Wines Deserve an Upgrade?Get the facts on when to invest in a wine refrigerator, and how to choose the right solution for your needs.00:12:19 – Bottles on Their Side or Standing Up? The Real Science of StorageSeparate myth from reality about bottle orientation, corks, and why it matters for long-term aging.00:13:29 – Kitchen Fridge Dangers: When Cold Storage Goes WrongLearn why your kitchen refrigerator is the worst place for long-term wine storage—and what to do instead.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 GroupLove 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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From Fear to Confidence Unlock the Power of Tannins in Wine
Send us a textEver feel overwhelmed when handed the wine list at a business dinner, worried about making the wrong choice—especially when it comes to tannin in wine? This episode of Everyday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield dives deep into what tannins really are, why they’re not the enemy of great wine, and how understanding them can become your superpower at any table. Kristi shatters the myth that high-tannin wines are best avoided and empowers you to explore your personal tannin taste spectrum with actionable strategies.You’ll learn how tannins work, why they matter for both red and certain white wines, how to read any wine list for tannin clues, and why traditional pairings like steak and Cabernet Sauvignon are backed by science—not just snobbery. Plus, Kristi reveals a simple three-glass test you can try at home to pinpoint your own tannin preference—no memorizing grape varieties required.Walk away with practical tools to decode wine lists, make memorable, confident wine selections, and unlock a new level of enjoyment and expertise, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just want to impress at your next business dinner.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:How tannins in wine actually work and why they’re essential—not something to fearTips to decode wine lists using grape, region, and vintage for tannin levelsThe three-glass tannin test to find your personal tannin sweet spotWhy food and wine pairing with tannins is more than tradition—it's science-backedTIMESTAMPS:00:00 – When Tannin Feels Like a Trap: Turning Wine List Anxiety Into Mastery04:05 – Unlocking the Mystery: What Tannins in Wine Really Are—And Why They Matter06:35 – How to Decode Tannin Clues: Grape, Region, and Age Secrets for Every Wine List08:45 – The Science Behind Perfect Wine Pairings: Tannins, Fat, and Flavor12:41 – The Three-Glass Tannin Test: Find Your Personal Wine Preference at Home14:48 – Busting the Tannin Headache Myth: The Truth About Health and EnjoymentLiked 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 GroupLove 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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Wine On Tap Anxiety: What To Do When There’s No Wine Bottle in Sight
Send us a textOrdering wine at a restaurant is changing fast, and traditional glass bottles are no longer the only option on the table. This episode of Everyday Sommelier dives into the hottest restaurant wine trend: alternative wine packaging—from wine on tap and kegs to cans, Bag-in-Box, and eco-friendly recycled bottles. Kristi Mayfield explores what’s driving this seismic shift, including sustainability, lower costs, and fresher wine by the glass. Plus, learn why restaurants and wine bars are doubling down on non-traditional packaging and how it benefits adventurous wine drinkers looking for variety without waste!Ever wondered whether kegged wine or wine in a can can match your favorite bottle? Kristi breaks down freshness and quality myths, covers the environmental impact, and explains how alternative formats are making wine more approachable (and fun!). Get practical tips for trying these new options the next time you spot them on a restaurant wine list—including how to get the most out of your next group dinner and why these changes aren’t just a fad.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How wine on tap, kegs, and cans solve restaurant wine waste and freshness issues. The cost and sustainability advantages of alternative wine packaging for both restaurants and drinkers. Why you should challenge traditional wine stereotypes and embrace new packaging for a better by-the-glass experience. How to confidently order and enjoy wine from kegs, cans, or bags at your next restaurant outing.Timestamps:00:00:51 – The Rise of Wine on Tap: How Restaurants Are Changing the Game00:03:06 – Reducing Waste and Saving Costs: Why Restaurants Embrace Wine Kegs00:07:46 – Boxed Wine’s Resurgence: Quality, Freshness & Perception00:09:28 – Canned Wine for Outdoor Dining: Safety, Portion Control, and Younger Consumers00:12:23 – Making the Leap: How to Confidently Try Alternative Wine Packaging00:13:55 – Sustainability Trends: Recycled Bottles, Tetra Packs & The Future of Restaurant Wine ServiceLiked 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 GroupLove 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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3 Tips Beyond The Bottle So You Can Embrace Alternative Wine Packaging
Send us a textCringe at the sight of boxed wine at a party? Think twice. Episode 41 of Everyday Sommelier breaks down everything you know—and don’t—about alternative wine packaging. Host Kristi Mayfield pulls back the curtain on why glass bottles aren’t the only (or best) way to store and enjoy your favorite wines.Explore the facts behind boxed wine, canned wine, Tetra Pak, paper bottles, lightweight glass, and even reusable bottle programs. Dive into the science of why these formats preserve wine—sometimes even better than glass—and how they offer fresher sips, wallet-friendly options, and sustainable solutions for eco-conscious wine lovers.Get the truth about quality—why great wine can indeed come in a box, can, or carton—and get actionable tips for choosing, serving, and savoring alternative packaging. Ready to ditch the snobbery, reduce your carbon footprint, and discover your next favorite glass? This episode is your shortcut to confident, modern wine drinking, wherever and however you pour it.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The science and history behind alternative wine packaging and why glass isn’t always bestHow boxed, canned, and Tetra Pak wines stack up in quality, freshness, convenience, and sustainabilityPractical tips for choosing and enjoying alternative packaging—without sacrificing taste or experienceProven ways to break past outdated wine “rules” and confidently explore under-the-radar gemsTIMESTAMPS:00:01:28 – Rethinking Wine Packaging: From Ancient Amphora to Modern Box(Problem: Wine tradition vs. innovation—why change your mind on packaging?)00:04:43 – Hidden Costs of Glass Bottles in the Wine Industry(Results: Learn the environmental and financial impact few talk about)00:07:22 – Wine Packaging Innovations: Lightweight, Flat, and Reusable Bottles(Results: How packaging is becoming eco-friendly and convenient)00:09:15 – Boxed and Bag-in-Box Wine: Freshness, Longevity, and Value(Results: Why quality boxed wine may outlast your bottle collection)00:10:50 – Canned & Tetra Pak Wines: Perfect for Exploration and Portability(Results: Expand your palate with lower-risk wine adventures)00:12:58 – Busting Myths on Quality: Why Alternatives Preserve Wine Integrity(Problem: Overcoming the stigma of non-bottle wine)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 GroupLove the EVERYDAY SOMMELIER soundtrack? Follow the amazing Raymond Revel on Instagram!Inspired by our artwork? Follow the uber talented Sophie Metzger on Instagram!
About Everyday Sommelier - Wine Stories with Kristi Mayfield
Ever found yourself staring in the wine aisle at your local grocery store or sitting at a restaurant, totally clueless about which wine to choose? You know what you like when you taste it, but when it’s time to pick a bottle for your next dinner party or match it with a meal, you’re scanning labels, Googling wine pairings, and still second-guessing every choice.But here’s the thing: You don’t need to be a sommelier to enjoy wine confidently. With the right knowledge and a little guidance to understand wine lingo and unlock your own palate, you’ll be able to order at a restaurant without asking for a recommendation or walk into a wine shop and pick a bottle to pair with a meal like a pro.I’m your host, Kristi Mayfield, a certified sommelier who used to be the one staring at the shelf, swapping the bottle I chose for the one someone else recommended because I didn’t trust my own taste. But over the past 5 years, I’ve turned that confusion into expertise, teaching thousands of wine lovers and professionals how to cut through the pretentiousness and complexity of wine so they can confidently choose and enjoy wines they love.Each week on the podcast, we’ll break down wine into simple, easy-to-understand terms. From regions and styles to winemaking techniques, tasting tips and wine stories, you’ll get insights from a wine expert, an industry pro, or a wine educator to help you grab a glass and learn wine your way.#Wineeducation #winepodcast #Winetips #Winetasting #Wineregions #Winepairing #Wineknowledge #Wineexperts #Winestories #Wineindustry #Wineculture
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