Best VinePair Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Don't Big Companies Buy Affordable Wine Brands? 31:15

20h ago31:15

31:15

Adam, Joanna, and Zach muse on the fact that seemingly-successful wine startups that attempt to play in the affordable space are struggling to get purchased, even with impressive sales numbers and placements. Do the large wine and beverage alcohol companies only care about buying luxury or premium brands, or is there something else going on here? P…

1
Wine Needs to Embrace Casual Dining 32:26

5d ago32:26

32:26

With the team back together, Adam, Joanna, and Zach talk about why slumping wine sales at more upscale dining establishments should encourage wine producers to look at one area that does seem to have it together - casual restaurants that can offer a more affordable experience and also maybe not mark the wines up to eye-watering levels. Please remem…

1
Remember the Maine 1:09:01

5d ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Inspired by the rallying cry for a war history has often forgotten, Remember the Maine is a drink that wears its patriotism on its sleeve, and its vermouth and cherry component with pride. At first glance, it reads like a Manhattan with flair: rye, sweet vermouth, cherry Heering, and a rinse of absinthe. But follow its trail and you’ll find a drink…

1
The History of Rosé Part III: Palace Mateus 17:22

6d ago17:22

17:22

Rosé's history enters the modern era from the most unlikely place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Will Trump's Tariffs Tank American Wine Abroad? 26:18

8d ago26:18

26:18

Adam and Joanna discuss whether the Trump Administration's trade war and tariff policies will do short-term harm to American wine abroad, with some countries, cities, and individual restaurants removing American wines from their offerings, and whether that harm might outlast these specific policies and this administration. Please remember to subscr…

1
Are GLP-1s Really Affecting the Alcohol Business? 28:39

12d ago28:39

28:39

Adam and Joanna take up a topic that's been bubbling up for some time: the impact of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs on the alcohol industry. As these drugs become easier to acquire and less stigmatized, are they having a noticeable impact on alcohol sales. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wher…

1
The Tom Collins 1:08:10

12d ago1:08:10

1:08:10

To be sure, the Tom Collins is a little boring on paper, but beyond its simplicity lies one of the great origin stories in cocktail history — complete with fake names, old-time pranks, and a debate over whether “Tom” was even the right guy in the first place. It’s a highball in structure, a sour in spirit, and still one of the most enduring templat…

1
The History of Rosé Part II: Vin d'Une Nuit 18:32

13d ago18:32

18:32

Continuing the search for the history of Rosé, we happen upon a commune called Tavel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Vibes-centric Restaurant Design Leaves Us Cold 27:29

15d ago27:29

27:29

Joanna and Zach respond a recent New York Times piece about new restaurants prioritizing design and vibes over food quality or service. Zach shares a hot take about American diners, a conversation is had about how operators prefer to spend on things that they can fully control, and more. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on…

1
Tariffs Cause More Chaos for the Drinks Biz 38:37

19d ago38:37

38:37

Joanna and Zach are joined by VinePair contributing editor Dave Infante to discuss the many ways in which the United States' trade policy and whiplash tariff protocols are affecting and damaging the drinks industry. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any…

1
The East India Cocktail 1:01:39

19d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

First documented in the late 1800's, the East India Cocktail combines Cognac, curaçao, fruit syrup, bitters, and maraschino liqueur. The drink has been tweaked, misattributed, and misunderstood for over a century, and here to break it down for us on Cocktail College is Chicago-based Abe Vucekovich, beverage director at Meadowlark Hospitality. Liste…

1
The History of Rosé Part I: Massalia 18:18

20d ago18:18

18:18

In this series, I am attempting the impossible. When did Rosé begin? It's a murky journey, but it begins in ancient Marseilles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Is Asia Tequila's Next Big Market? 23:15

22d ago23:15

23:15

Adam, Joanna, and Zach ponder whether or not Tequila is missing out on the potential markets of Asia, spurred by the recent revelation that K-Pop and White Lotus star Lisa is all about tequila. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, …

1
Yes, You Can Google the Wine List 31:13

26d ago31:13

31:13

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a recent piece about using your phone when perusing a wine list: should you direct all of your questions to the sommelier or server, and is it fact rude to check details, scores, and prices online? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episod…

1
Picon Bière 57:03

26d ago57:03

57:03

French soldier Gaétan Picon crafted his namesake liqueur — an intensely bitter, herbal, and orange-forward spirit meant to fight off fevers — in the 1830s. Back home, locals soon discovered that a dash of Amer Picon in their beer transformed an ordinary pint into something extraordinary. And so the Picon Bière was born. Joining us to explore it tod…

1
Fine Wine Part III: Robert And The Inflation 16:02

27d ago16:02

16:02

As we wrap our fine wine thought process, the 80s saw the last big boom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Do Bar Franchises Work? 33:48

29d ago33:48

33:48

Fresh off their travels, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss whether hiring a famous bartender to design your cocktail menu, but not actually tend bar, can actually drive business, especially if that bar doesn't share a name with their more famous establishment. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wh…

1
What We Look For When We Travel 20:11

1M ago20:11

20:11

With Adam, Joanna, and Zach all on the road, they discuss what they look for when traveling: how best to try to get the sense for a local drinks scene, the amount of prep work they do, and how they assess whether styles and trends are viable on a larger scale or will likely remain localized. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePai…

1
The (Re)Mojito 59:55

1M ago59:55

59:55

Few cocktails capture the essence of sunshine, simplicity, and sheer refreshment as the Mojito, a humble mix of rum, mint, lime, sugar, and soda water. But don’t be fooled — beneath the easygoing exterior lies a rich history, deep cultural significance, and surprising amount of craft and technique to perfect it. Joining us to explore it today is Ma…

1
Fine Wine II: Sur Souche 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

The fine wine idea solidifies in Bordeaux Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Terror (and Opportunity?) of Tariffs 31:59

1M ago31:59

31:59

To announce the launch of Full Book, Adam, Joanna, and Zach are joined by contributor Dave Foss to discuss the impact that current and proposed tariffs from the Trump Administration are having on the restaurant, bar, and hotel industry, from slowing down potential openings to creating chaos in the by-the-glass market. Please remember to subscribe t…

1
The Rusty Nail 55:16

1M ago55:16

55:16

The Rusty Nail is basically just Scotch and Drambuie, stirred over ice — no citrus, no dilution debates, no garnish wars. And yet, this two-ingredient classic has a history as layered as the whisky it’s built on. Here to explore it with us is Jordan Valls, bar manager at Palomar in Portland, Oregon. Listen on (or read below) to discover Jordan's Ru…

1
The Martini Is Evolving Before Our Eyes 27:25

1M ago27:25

27:25

In anticipation of the second year of VinePair's Martini Madness, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the hottest trends around the cocktail, including riffs that still attempt to be true to the classic stylings, innovative serves, and the rise of the covert 50/50. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or…

1
Fine Wine Part I: Rudy 13:06

1M ago13:06

13:06

What is fine wine? Let's begin with a story of a man named Rudy Kurniawan. It's a short episode setting up the scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Cocktail Bars Are Becoming Restaurants, With Mixed Results 23:18

1M ago23:18

23:18

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss this rather curious question: while food programs at cocktail bars have gotten more and more elaborate and involved, do these bars actually want you to have a meal there? If so, why aren't more of them set up to facilitate a true dining experience? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Po…

1
Is the Dining Public Over Tips? 41:22

2M ago41:22

41:22

With lots of public backlash building against tipping, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss why "tip creep" is hurting folks who actually rely on tips for their wages, and why adding lots of different charges and service fees onto a restaurant or bar check is the wrong way to convey that employees are being taken care of. Please remember to subscribe to,…

1
The Hotel Nacional 1:11:22

2M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

Named after the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, today's tropical Daiquiri riff combines rum, pineapple, apricot liqueur, lime, and sugar, serving a perfect balance of elegance and escapism. Beyond its postcard-perfect vibes, the Hotel Nacional carries some serious history. Here to explain it all is SC Baker, bar lead at Epiphany in Louisville, Kentu…

1
Matching Wine and Food: A Reflective History 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

How important is matching food and wine? And where did this phenomenon come from? Let's examine its history and application. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Reasons Wine Service Sucks Right Now 45:53

2M ago45:53

45:53

Adam, Joanna, and Zach are joined by Dave Foss to talk about some listener complaints surrounding wine service in restaurants: why staff training and education are critical, how cutting back on hours is counterproductive, and more. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episod…

1
Does Constellation Want Out of the Wine Biz? 32:03

2M ago32:03

32:03

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to the widely-reported rumors that Constellation Brands is looking to sell off the entirety of its wine portfolio to focus on beer. They chat about how beer has become the centerpiece of Constellation's business, whether recently-implemented tariffs should be a cause for concern, and what this might mean for the few s…

1
The Southside 47:14

2M ago47:14

47:14

The Southside is a cocktail with a split personality — part speakeasy classic, part country club staple, and depending on who you ask, a drink with roots in gangsters or golf courses. It’s a simple mix of gin, citrus, mint, and sugar, but behind that refreshing exterior lies a surprisingly tangled history. Here to unpack it all is Ryan Garrison, he…

1
Reviewing Wine 16:54

2M ago16:54

16:54

What does it mean to review a wine? Let's look at the mental space people who review wine need to navigate to communicate a wine's quality to the general public. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
How the Old Fashioned Won Over Young Drinkers 32:52

2M ago32:52

32:52

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss some takeaways from the recent Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Competition, including the relative merits of cocktails made from vintage spirits, and the somewhat surprising fact that the Old Fashioned is the clear bourbon cocktail of choice for Millennials and Gen Z. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VineP…

1
Can the Metric System Revitalize Wine Service? 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a listener question about restaurants selling wine by the centimeter and other similar measures: does this make wine service and wine drinking more fun, or is it confusing to guests? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send an…

1
Techniques: Savory Cocktails 1:04:18

2M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Food-inspired cocktails, ingredient-driven drinks, and cutting-edge techniques: These are some of the key tenets of one of the hottest trends in mixology right now and the topic of today's show. It's savory cocktails, and our guest is David Muhs, head bartender at Brooklyn’s Sama Street, and head bartender and partner at New York’s Monkey Thief. Li…

1
Red Blends Revisited and Updated 18:24

2M ago18:24

18:24

A few years ago we discussed a new emerging wine category, the Red Blend. It has been a few years now and having done a few annual tastings of the category I am seeing a pattern develop and it's exciting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Bourbon Isn't Taking Any Chances 20:36

2M ago20:36

20:36

With the news that Maker's Mark is unveiling a new ad campaign aimed squarely at young drinkers, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss why the bourbon industry is being so proactive about courting the next generation of drinkers. Is it just canny business, or a reaction to some slippage in whiskey's popularity? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and r…

1
Varietal Wine Still Reigns Supreme 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss why Malbec remains an important variety for American drinkers, and more broadly how recognizable varieties are still supremely important in the conversation around wine in America. While there's room for and some interest in more obscure varieties, the power of the most well-known grapes and styles remains undiminishe…

1
The (Re)Missionary's Downfall 1:27:50

2M ago1:27:50

1:27:50

Few tiki and tropical drinks are as light, herbal, and dangerously sessionable as the Missionary’s Downfall. Created by Don the Beachcomber in the 1930s, it’s one of the genre’s earlier recipes and one of the first cocktails to embrace the power of the blender. And it is the blender itself — and proper blending technique — that will primarily be in…

1
Old World New World 13:52

2M ago13:52

13:52

Two terms helped define distinctions in wine style and approach. Do they still matter? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
We Are Begging You, Just Serve Us Some Wine 31:02

2M ago31:02

31:02

Prompted by a recent experience, Adam, Joanna, and Zach bemoan the fact that too many restaurants channel all wine service through their sommeliers, even sometimes prohibiting servers from taking orders or even refilling glasses. Why are you keeping us from buying more wine?!? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podc…

1
Vermouth's Great Vanishing Act 30:27

2M ago30:27

30:27

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss how the rise of the Martini hasn't necessarily buoyed vermouth's fortunes, with savory and freezer versions tending to either minimize the aromatized wine or cut it out altogether, while the more conventional preparations are leaning drier and drier. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple …

1
The Tequila Sunrise 1:10:17

2M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

It’s sweet, it’s colorful, and it’s got a history wilder than a Rolling Stones tour bus — it’s the Tequila Sunrise. And while it might look like a poolside guilty pleasure, behind the gradient glow lies a story of rock ‘n’ roll excess, reinvention, and one major identity crisis. Here to explore this storied creation's history is Nikolas Vagenas, ba…

1
Becoming A Winemaker With Greg Brewer and Diatom 46:12

3M ago46:12

46:12

How does a person become a winemaker? We have covered a lot of topics in the world of wine over the years but never discussed the transition a human makes when deciding to leave a career to pursue their passion and become a winemaker. I met Greg Brewer, winemaker for Diatom, last year and thought his story was the one to tell when discussing this s…

1
Wine Still Isn't Taking Women Seriously 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a listener question about why the wine industry as a whole still doesn't view women as serious wine drinkers, and dismiss many of the wines that women tend to gravitate to. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any question…

1
The Death in the Afternoon 51:35

3M ago51:35

51:35

Fine French sparkling wine meets absinthe in the two-ingredient Death in the Afternoon, a cocktail created by Ernest Hemingway and named after his 1932 non-fiction work of the same name. Joining us to give this simple concoction the Cocktail College treatment is Kassidy Scholl, beverage director at New York's Ask for Janice. Listen on (or read belo…

1
Is Legal Sports Betting a Boon for Bars? 35:15

3M ago35:15

35:15

With "The Big Game" just around the corner, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss whether the spread of legalized online sports betting is having a positive effect on the bar business, and if there are ways that savvy operators can draw in more of the sports betting crowd. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spoti…

1
Barolo's Other Acronym: MGA 18:36

3M ago18:36

18:36

The MGA system in Barolo is fairly new and maybe a bit confusing, but it has a cool historical background. Let's dial in on the MGAs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Silver Linings in Wine's Gloomy Forecast 38:36

3M ago38:36

38:36

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to the most recent Silicon Valley Bank report and Adam's recent presentation at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, where they specifically look for the silver linings and potentially successful strategies that wineries and operators can embrace, if they just admit that wine has a problem. Please remember to subscribe…

1
The Fourth Regiment 58:15

3M ago58:15

58:15

Never before on Cocktail College have we covered a cocktail that’s so defined by the inclusion of a very specific type of bitters as today’s drink: the Fourth Regiment. The bitters in question are of the celery variety, the drink is a riff on the Manhattan, and our guest is Chris Lemperle, who runs the bar at New York's Crane Club. Listen on (or re…

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