Beyond Sweet Wine for Beginners: Real Struggles and Small Wins with Anna Mpinga

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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 financial services professional who loves Moscato but finds herself forced to sip dry wines at networking mixers. They get real about the anxiety, imposter syndrome, and misconceptions that come with wine in business and social settings.

If you’re a beginner wine drinker (or know one!), worried about fitting in, or want to confidently order a wine you’ll actually enjoy at your next event—this episode is for you. Kristi delivers approachable, non-snobby wine education that empowers you to explore new wines, break free from elitist norms, and use wine as a powerful networking tool. You’ll also get easy wine recommendations, fun conversation starters, and practical hacks for blending, pairing, and growing beyond “sweet vs. dry.”

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

• Why you don’t need to fake liking dry or bold wines at business events—and how to confidently order what you enjoy
• Powerful questions and conversation starters to break the ice using wine—even if you know nothing about it
• How to transition from sweeter wines (like Moscato) to exploring new varieties at your own pace
• Hacks for getting the most out of any event wine list, from wine spritzers to nonalcoholic options that let you shine

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