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
Episodes
Can artificial intelligence truly enhance your wine experience, for example in food wine pairings? And where does human intuition still reign supreme? This episode dives into the fast-evolving world of AI in wine—from vineyard management and weather prediction to the rise of AI-powered wine recommendations and digital pairing apps like Wine Wize. Kristi Mayfield unpacks real fears about losing authenticity, job displa...
Feeling overwhelmed by complicated wine lists and want nothing more than your own personal wine selector? Defaulting to cocktails, beers, or seltzers because wine just never seems “right” for your palate? If wine shopping feels as tricky as assembling furniture without instructions, this episode of Everyday Sommelier is for you. Host Kristi Mayfield breaks down the confusion and helps you bridge the gap from your favo...
Struggling to choose the perfect red wine? Confused why one Cabernet Sauvignon tastes light and fruity while the next leaves your mouth coated in tannin? On this episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield breaks down the complex world of red wine styles into three easy-to-understand categories: fresh and fruity, dry and dirty, and packed with a punch.
Discover how to go beyond grape varietal or wine region, an...
Confused by all the white wine options at restaurants or the wine shop? Tired of ordering a glass of Chardonnay and never knowing if it’ll taste like lemon zest or buttery popcorn? On this episode of the Everyday Sommelier podcast, Kristi Mayfield breaks down the complicated world of white wine styles into three simple, easy-to-use categories that will help you always get the glass you want—whether you’re craving some...
Pairing wine with vegan or vegetarian food challenges even seasoned wine lovers—but not anymore. Chef Amy McNutt, the culinary force behind Maiden in Fort Worth, Texas, joins Everyday Sommelier host Kristi Mayfield to break down the art of vegan wine pairing, bust myths, and provide actionable tips so anyone can master pairing wine with vegetables, vegan proteins, and creative plant-based dishes.
Discover why not all w...
Explore the hidden world of wine barrels on Everyday Sommelier as Kristi Mayfield sits down with master cooper Guillaume Maugier. Dive into critical insights about barrel aging, oak influence, and how coooperage affects every sip. Discover why barrel maturation is as crucial as vineyard terroir for winemaking, and learn the science behind oak tannins, wood maturation, and evolving wine styles. Maugier reveals techniqu...
Ever scrolled through dreamy images of private jets landing at hidden wineries or imagined sipping iconic wines in a vineyard villa—but figured it was all out of reach? Luxury wine travel isn’t just for celebrities! In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, hosts Kristi Mayfield and advanced sommelier Andre Boada, founder of VinoCadre and partner at Six Twist Sparkling, pull back the curtain on world-class wine journeys,...
Demystify the myth of “oaky wine” and gain insider secrets to how oak barrels shape the flavor, texture, and style of your favorite wines. Kristi Mayfield breaks down everything from new versus used oak, barrel origins (French vs. American oak), and the truth about those buttery chardonnays.
You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into why some “oaked” wines taste rich and vanilla-laced while others remain crisp and subt...
Ever felt out of place swirling a glass of dry white at a business event, wishing you could just order something sweet you actually love—without feeling judged? You’re not alone. In this episode, we're tackling the real-world awkwardness of beginner wine drinkers, especially when surrounded by colleagues who seem to know their stuff.
Host Kristi Mayfield (Everyday Sommelier) sits down with Anna Mpinga, a fina...
Feeling left out at wine tastings because you can't detect “forest floor” or “hints of violet”? You’re not alone. Everyday Sommelier host Kristi Mayfield shares no-snobbery, fast-acting techniques to unlock your best wine tasting skills—no superhuman palate required. Ditch the intimidation and learn how everyday wine lovers can confidently identify flavors, build a solid wine vocabulary, and truly taste the diffe...
Navigating the diverse world of Rosé wine can feel overwhelming with its spectrum of colors and flavors. Many mistakenly judge Rosés by their hue, believing deeper pinks to be sweet and lighter shades to denote quality.
This episode of Everyday Sommelier unravels these myths and guides you through the complexities of choosing a Rosé that suits your palate. From understanding the significance of grape varieties to iden...
Planning winery travel via a trip to wine country can be a dream—or a nightmare—without the right strategy. Discover how Kristi Mayfield transforms a chaotic wine tour with friends into a memorable journey, emphasizing the importance of structure and planning. Learn from her missteps as she unveils five essential tips to ensure your wine adventures are smooth, enriching, and full of flavor.
Whether you're visitin...
Discover how to approach wine lists with newfound confidence by understanding how they’re structured by color, varietal, region, or style.
In this episode we’ll break down simple strategies, such as researching the restaurant's wine list online, understanding wine styles, and setting a budget. We’re also exploring how to evaluate wine pricing and pairings to ensure a satisfying dining experience.
If you've...
Join us for an engaging discussion on the Everyday Sommelier Podcast as Kristi Mayfield welcomes renowned winemaker Bibiana González Rave, Cattleya Wines, to unravel the complexities of Chardonnay.
Known as the "chameleon" of wines, Chardonnay has become a conversation starter in the wine world, and Bibiana’s international experience brings a fresh perspective to its varied expressions.
By the time you finish...
Join Kristi Mayfield and guest Reid Patterson from Mount Eden Vineyards as they delve into the nuanced world of wine varietals. Explore wine labeling complexities comparing Bordeaux blends to California's Cabernet Sauvignon and other nuances. You’ll uncover why a wine labeled as one varietal might contain more than just one grape in the mix.
Reid shares his family’s legacy in wine production, offering insight i...
Ever picked up a bottle just because it had a 90+ rating—only to be disappointed? You’re not alone. In Episode 19 of the Everyday Sommelier Podcast, host Kristi Mayfield uncorks the truth about wine ratings and whether they actually help or hinder your wine-buying confidence.
By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:
- How wine ratings are determined and who the critics are
- Why a high score doesn’t guarantee you’ll ...
In this enlightening episode, we're exploring the journey to discovering your favorite wine and the importance of tracking your preferences.
Together, we’ll demystify the daunting question, "What's your favorite wine?" Want the good news? There's no incorrect response when it comes to personal taste.
We’ll breaks down the key elements—sugar, acidity, tannin, alcohol, and body (SATAB)—to help y...
Join Kristi Mayfield and guest winemaker Rae Wilson in this enticing episode of the Everyday Sommelier Podcast! Dive into the refreshing world of chillable red wines, tucked perfectly between robust reds and crisp whites, tailored for those delightful summer days or perfectly paired with a variety of cuisine. This is your year-round chillable red wine.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• ...
Join us in this fascinating episode where Hugo del Pozzo, co-founder of Pinea Wines, unveils the intricacies behind second wine labels. Kristi Mayfield, your Everyday Sommelier, navigates the complexities with Hugo to demystify why wineries launch second brands and how they can elevate your wine-tasting experience.
Hugo's rich background, rooted in vibrant winemaking traditions from Mexico, Italy, and Spain, offe...
In this revealing episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield pulls back the curtain on wine additives and their impact on your favorite bottles. From common preservatives to controversial color enhancers, we explore what really goes into making modern wines.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:
- The most common wine additives and why they're used • How additives like MegaPurple aff...
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