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 something fresh and zippy, aromatic and floral, or rich and creamy.
Kristi shares the insider wine tips that sommeliers use to decode wine lists, explains what to say to wine shop staff or servers to get the style you actually love, and reveals how knowing just three styles can totally transform your wine confidence. You’ll hear which grapes belong in each style (Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and more), understand why your favorite Sauvignon Blanc isn’t always the same, and pick up food pairing hacks to make weeknight dinners or special occasions shine.
Plus, Kristi dispels Chardonnay myths, clarifies tricky wine lingo, and gives you a toolkit for exploring new bottles stress-free. No more falling for the “ABC—Anything But Chardonnay” trap!
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • The 3 core white wine styles—Fresh & Crisp, Funky & Floral, Rich & Creamy—and what makes each unique
• How to communicate your ideal wine style in any store or restaurant with simple, sommelier-approved language
• Why not all Chardonnays taste the same and how to get the style you actually enjoy
• Food pairings for each white wine style so you never miss a match
Timestamps & Segment Titles (SEO Optimized):
00:00 – Why Your Chardonnay Never Tastes the Same Twice
00:04:18 – Skip Wine Snobbery: Three White Wine Styles Made Simple
00:05:58 – How to Find Crisp, Dry White Wines at Any Restaurant
00:07:52 – Funky & Floral: Unlocking Aromatic White Varieties
00:10:20 – Creamy, Buttery White Wines Explained—And How To Pair Them
00:14:59 – The One Wine List Trick Every Confident Drinker Needs
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