Everyday Sommelier - Wine Stories with Kristi Mayfield

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Crush business dining anxiety and turn every client dinner into an opportunity for meaningful connection and professional influence. My guest, and etiquette consultant Molly Tomlin, joins me to unpack how high-impact women can transform simple wine and dining skills into a commanding business advantage.
Unleash the power of strategic etiquette at the table—from how to never feel awkward about ordering wine to maintaining presence even during spills or uncomfortable questions. Skip the overwhelm: get actionable tips on managing food choices, taking command as host, handling dietary preferences, and never losing your authority—even in male-dominated settings.
Learn when (and why) to avoid that long pasta, how small talk around wine and art can forge instant connections, and the secret to closing out dinners seamlessly. Build social capital and confidence, whether you’re a non-drinker or the designated wine orderer. When the end goal is client trust, better deals, and unforgettable first impressions, these etiquette strategies are your shortcut.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
How to confidently navigate any business dinner: what to avoid, how to host, and how to recover from spills or awkward moments
Exact conversation starters (and small talk hacks) that create instant trust using wine, art, and your surroundings
Proven techniques for female professionals to lead, influence, and maintain authority at the table
Wine etiquette that signals confidence—not guesswork or wasteful spending
TIMESTAMPS
04:28 "Stop Turning Dinners Into Meetings—How to Make Business Dining Social"
10:39 "Avoid These Business Dining Mistakes: What to Never Order or Wear"
14:06 "Projecting Authority as a Woman: Presence, Speech, and the Lipstick Factor"
18:27 "Recover From Awkward Moments—Spills & Difficult Questions With Grace"
22:24 "Seamless Checkouts—Never Fumble the Bill at Business Dinners Again"
25:47 "Master Wine Etiquette—Stay In Control Without Overindulging"
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 Fan Mail
Red wine blends are often misunderstood—are they a last resort for leftover grapes or the winemaker’s secret weapon for crafting unforgettable wines?
In this episode, I dismantle the misconceptions, revealing how blends have shaped the wine world from ancient field blends to today’s Bordeaux and Super Tuscan legends. Explore how intentional blending unlocks consistency, complexity, and a unique expression of terroir in every glass.
Gain wine confidence by understanding why some of the globe’s most celebrated labels rely on blending for superior flavor and stability—think Bordeaux classics, Australian Cab-Shiraz, and trailblazing Super Tuscans.

I'll provide you a roadmap to leveraging blends on your personal wine journey, helping you make empowered choices and command conversations, whether at an important dinner or in your own kitchen. 
Plus, get an inside look at how the Sip Society Collective is revolutionizing wine fluency for high-impact women—making wine accessible, judgement-free, and fun.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The truth behind why winemakers blend and how it impacts quality and taste—not just price.
Key history and evolution of red blends from ancient field blend traditions to modern Bordeaux and Super Tuscans.
How to use red blends to eliminate wine anxiety and make confident wine selections at any table.
Why blending is a strategic tool for wine brands to guarantee consistency, quality, and consumer trust.
TOP 6 TIMESTAMPS:
01:42 – Ancient Roots of Blending: How Field Blends Defined Early Wine
04:06 – Building Complexity: Chateauneuf du Pape’s Blending Revolution
05:08 – Bordeaux Blueprint: Blending for Consistency and Prestige
08:00 – Breaking the Mold: Super Tuscans and the New Era of Red Wine Blends
11:17 – Winemaker’s Two Reasons to Blend: Consistency and Consumer Trust
14:35 – Choose with Confidence: Why Blends Mean Quality, Not Compromise
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 Fan Mail
Unlock wine mastery as your hidden leadership skill and social capital advantage! In this episode, I join Cheryl Fischer, host of Mind Your Midlife, to share her journey from defense sales exec to founder of Sip Society Collective, revealing how high-impact women can leverage wine as a strategic power skill. This episode bursts open the gates to accessible wine fluency, breaking free from the elitist, intimidating traditions and replacing them with actionable tools for networking, client dining, and professional presence.

Learn why wine knowledge isn’t reserved for sommeliers—how anyone can build authority, strengthen business relationships, and confidently own any room, whether you drink wine or prefer non-alcoholic options.

Discover how Sip Society Collective transforms wine fluency into empowered social capital for women, with an inclusive approach that meets you where you are today. Find out why confidence, connection, and authentic networking trump technical mastery—and how joining the right community accelerates career growth.

This episode outlines practical steps to turn wine anxiety into influence, create memorable professional moments, and join a new movement of women leaders using wine as their edge.
Thank you Cheryl for having me on Mind Your Midlife - to catch the full episode, listen in to Cheryl's podcast HERE.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

The one mindset shift that turns wine-list anxiety into confident connection at any professional dinner
How wine fluency can distinguish you and unlock new networking and business opportunities—without snobbery or intimidation
Why community and relationship-building through Sip Society Collective accelerate growth and confidence for high-impact women (even non-drinkers!)
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 Fan Mail
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 Fan Mail
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!