Everyday Sommelier - Wine Stories with Kristi Mayfield

• Yes, Hybrid Grapes Do Make Good Wine with Dancing Dragonfly

  Send us a textWave 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 resilienceHow to bridge the gap from classic wine preferences to falling in love with new grape varietiesWhat to expect from the acidity, sweetness, and style spectrum of cold climate winesHow “wine snobbery” is being replaced by experimentation and genuine wine enjoyment in the MidwestKEY TIMESTAMPS:[00:06:11]Midwest Winters vs. Wine Grapes: The Survival ChallengeWhy 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 MythsAddressing taste misconceptions and revealing today’s quality improvements in hybrid winemaking.[00:14:24]How Midwest Wines Redefine Typicity and Wine StyleExploring the new rules and creative freedoms as winemakers pioneer style profiles for unknown grapes.[00:18:06]Acidity, Sweetness, and What to Expect in Your GlassA breakdown of the Midwest flavor profile—why sugar balances acidity, and what it means for food pairings.[00:25:51]Pair Like a Pro: Turning Hybrid Wines into Your Dinner Power MoveHow to confidently pair high-acid, hybrid wines with modern meals, enhancing both flavor and confidence.[00:30:03]Rebel Wine Regions: Why You Need to Explore Hybrids NowSmart shopping advice for consumers ready to expand beyond the usual suspects and support Midwest wine.Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective 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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• Hidden Cost of Sparkling Wine With Torr Na Lochs Winery

  Send us a textForget 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 qualityHow Torn Na Loch engineered their own production revolution for Texas sparkling wine, reducing costs and maximizing flavorThe behind-the-scenes secrets of riddling, aging, and the sheer number of skilled touch points in every bottleHow sparkling wine is far more than just a celebration treat—it's a story of passion, innovation, and Texas grit you can tasteEpisode 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 convention and bet big on traditional sparkling wine, despite the region’s reputation for bold reds.[00:07:14] “Million-Dollar Equipment—Or DIY: How Innovation Slashed Costs & Created a Revolution”Learn how high equipment costs almost ended the dream, and how DIY ingenuity saved the day and changed Texas wine history.[00:15:01] “Hand Riddling and the 86-Touch Process: What Really Sets Artisanal Sparkling Apart”Explore the manual journey—riddling racks, twice-daily turns, and the secret to that creamy bubble mousse you only get from the traditional Champagne method.[00:23:13] “Disgorgement by Design: How Texas Winemakers Freeze, Dosage, and Top Every Bottle”See how custom-built gadgets (and a little farm wisdom) make each bottle absolutely unique, from yeast pucks to precise sugar dosing.[00:34:51] “True Cost Decoded: What Goes Into Your Bottle and Why Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective 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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• Rethink Champagne Prestige From Pedestal to Pizza Night with David Afariat

  Send us a textEver felt Champagne prestige was out of reach or reserved only for special occasions? This episode dismantles the intimidation factor and reframes Champagne as an approachable drink for any day of the week. Kristi Mayfield is joined by David Aferiat, luxury Champagne importer, who reveals why you should enjoy bubbles with pizza, chips, or even burgers—not just weddings and milestones. Dig into the secrets behind grower Champagne, what separates it from the big brands, and why sustainable, organic farming makes a difference in taste and headache-free enjoyment. Learn procuring tips, label-reading strategies, distribution hurdles, and the crucial shipping truth that impacts every bottle. Discover how Champagne’s history shaped its “special occasion only” reputation and actionable steps to unlock your own Champagne journey. As always, sip smarter with Kristi’s top empowering takeaways for high-impact wine fluency.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:Why Champagne’s reputation as “special occasion only” actually holds you back—and how to enjoy bubbles any night.The difference between big brand Champagne and authentic grower Champagne (and how to shop with confidence).Secrets of organic, sustainable farming practices that impact taste, health, and your next wine headache.Actionable steps for sourcing better Champagne, making informed buying choices, and pairing bubbles with everything from steak to potato chips.Episode Timestamps:Unlocking Champagne’s Everyday Charm (00:00:00)Rethink sparkling wine: how to pair Champagne with pizza, burgers, and weekday life.Deconstructing Champagne Intimidation: Price, Perception & Marketing (00:02:31)Why Champagne feels unreachable—and real reasons Americans hesitate to drink it more often.Grower Champagne vs. Big Brands: Taste the Difference (00:08:19)Learn why authentic grower Champagne redefines flavor and experience compared to mass-market bottles.How to Shop Smarter for Champagne (and Avoid a Headache) (00:13:59)Insider tips from a luxury importer on label reading, distribution pitfalls, and shipping risks.A History Lesson: Champagne’s Prestige, Legends & Everyday Reality (00:20:03)How monks, Napoleon, and modern marketing shaped Champagne’s reputation—and why you should reclaim it.Top Tips to Expand Your Champagne Journey—No More Waiting for ‘Someday’ (00:23:27)Five actionable strategies for confident Champagne exploration, making every day worth celebrating.Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective 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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• Are Old Vine Wines Really Better? Separating Fact from Fiction

  Send us a textWhat does "Old Vine" on a wine label really promise? Is “Old Vine Zinfandel” truly better, or is it just marketing? In this wine stories episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield uncorks the truth about old vine wine, decoding industry buzzwords and cutting through the confusion surrounding one of wine’s most romantic—yet undefined—labels.Explore why “Old Vine” isn’t a globally or legally defined term, and how this creates frustration for everyday wine lovers, like you, just trying to sip smarter. Kristi reveals the real impact of vine age on wine quality, aroma, and price, and explains how different wine regions—from California to Spain and Australia—are starting to regulate the term to protect heritage vineyards.Learn how “Old Vine” wines are farmed, the dangers they face, and why you may be paying more for a label rather than superior flavor. You'll gain expert strategies and sommelier tips for decoding everyday wine labels, understanding heritage, and making confident wine choices in a world full of misleading terminology.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The truth about "Old Vine"—why it’s often just a marketing term and not a guarantee of quality. How vine age really affects wine texture, concentration, and style (and when it doesn’t). Proven tips for reading “Old Vine” labels and finding real heritage wines, not hype. What wine regions around the world are doing to protect and define old vine vineyards.Episode Timestamps: 00:04:00 - Why “Old Vine” Means Nothing Without Context00:06:08 - How Old Vines Can Impact Wine Texture and Flavor00:08:21 - Why Many Old Vineyards Get Replanted—And The Risk to Quality00:12:58 - Regions Fighting Back: How Wine Laws Are Changing for Old Vines00:14:19 - Price vs. Age: Don’t Get Fooled by Expensive Old Vine LabelsLiked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective 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 Fraud Exposed And How to Buy with Confidence

  Send us a textWhen even seasoned wine experts and collectors are fooled, how can everyday wine lovers, like you, feel confident that the bottle in their cart (or on their table) is real? This episode of Everyday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield exposes the unsettling rise of wine fraud—from multimillion-dollar counterfeit scandals to fake wine labels infiltrating mainstream shelves and online retailers. Learn how major wine regions are fighting back with new authenticity measures, and discover the simple, actionable tips you can use to ensure your wine is the real deal.Kristi pulls back the curtain on global wine fraud cases like the notorious Rudy Kurniawan scheme and the widespread Spanish wine scandals, demonstrating how both luxury collectors and casual drinkers are impacted. She arms listeners with a checklist for decoding wine authenticity—covering everything from hologram labels and QR codes to serial numbers and digital tracking tech. Get empowered to verify every glass, protect your investment, and reclaim your wine joy.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How everyday drinkers—not just collectors—can get scammed by counterfeit wineActionable steps to verify the authenticity of any wine bottle (without being a sommelier)The anti-fraud technologies and security features top regions and wineries are using nowWhere to shop (and where not to) when buying wine online or in store—plus warning signs to bewareTIMESTAMPS & EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS00:01:02 – The $300 Fake: A True Story of Global Wine Fraud ExposedDiscover the infamous Rudy Kurniawan scandal and how it shattered trust in the wine industry.00:02:59 – Counterfeit Wine: Why Everyday Drinkers Are At RiskLearn about recent Spanish wine fraud cases and the global impact on trusted regions and wine buyers.00:07:18 – The Wine Buyer’s Checklist: Spotting Fake BottlesSimple, actionable steps for consumers to check labels, seals, and sourcing to protect against fraud.00:09:21 – High-Tech Protections: How The Wine Industry Fights CounterfeitsHolograms, QR codes, RFID trackers, and even DNA markers—explore how wineries defend authenticity.00:13:20 – Sip Confidently: Quick Tips for Ironclad AuthenticityPull out your existing bottles and put your new skills to the test—what to look for, and how to buy smarter.Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @kristi_sipsocietycollective 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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