After Wine School

After Wine School

”After Wine School” is an informal and fun podcast where wine school instructors discuss all things wine. You’ll hear stories from their classes, tips for wine tasting, and a touch of wine-inspired philosophy. The podcast is hosted by Keith, the free-spirited lunatic, and Alana, the brilliant and composed academic. Join them as they uncork lively discussions, share insider secrets, and help you find your next favorite bottle. Subscribe now and join the conversation!

Episodes

November 25, 2025 17 mins

The History and Evolution of Ancient Wines In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the fascinating history of ancient wines. They discuss the origins of wine in Armenia and Georgia, explore the innovative work of the late Patrick McGovern, and examine various ancient wine practices, including the use of goat skins, clay pottery, and the addition of seawater. The discussion also covers th...

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The Medieval Era of Wine

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the captivating history of medieval wines, exploring their enduring impact on modern winemaking. They discuss the vital role monks played in wine production, driven by both spiritual quests and practical necessities. The duo examines how wine functioned as medicine and the political maneuvers surrounding Bordeaux during the medie...

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November 11, 2025 25 mins

Unveiling the Psychology Behind Wine Tasting

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the psychology of wine tasting. They explore how context, environment, and expectations can alter our perception of wine. Keith and Alana discuss personal experiences, famous experiments like the Judgment of Paris, and key scientific studies that highlight the power of suggestion in wine appreciation. Th...

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November 4, 2025 25 mins

Climate Change and Innovations in Winemaking In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the impact of climate change on the wine industry. Though the topic is inherently dark, they provide an optimistic look at how winemakers and regions are adapting and innovating. They discuss historical shifts in wine regions due to climate change, current challenges such as extreme weather, and the vari...

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October 28, 2025 21 mins

The Impact and Evolution of Oak in Winemaking

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the world of oak and its significant role in winemaking. They discuss the historical evolution of oak usage, starting from the Gauls' beer barrels to its modern-day application in winemaking. They highlight different types of oak such as French, American, Baltic, and Croatian, each contributing unique flavors...

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October 21, 2025 32 mins

The Fascinating Role of Yeast in Winemaking

In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith Wallace, joined by fermentation expert Alana Zerbe, delves deep into the critical role yeast plays in winemaking. They explore why wines have distinct smells, how yeast converts grape sugars into alcohol, and the influence yeast has on flavors, mouthfeel, and terroir. The discussion covers the complexity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, native ...

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October 14, 2025 22 mins

What's Really in Your Wine? Unveiling Hidden Ingredients and Natural Processes In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the various additives and processes used in winemaking in the U.S. and Europe. They explore natural additives such as Bentonite Clay, egg whites, and sulfites, as well as techniques like malolactic fermentation and oak aging. They also delve into more controversial practices like...

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October 7, 2025 26 mins

Unveiling Sommelier Secrets: Practical Tips and Restaurant Insights

In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive into the world of sommeliers, peeling back the layers of snobbery and pretentiousness to uncover practical tips and secrets from the trade. The discussion starts with basic skills like properly using a waiter's corkscrew and the significance of pouring techniques. They then explore how...

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September 30, 2025 27 mins

Decoding Wine Labels: Old World vs. New World and Common Marketing Terms In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the complexities of wine labels, discussing the differences between Old World and New World labeling conventions. They explore how regions like France emphasize the place of origin, whereas New World regions like the United States focus on grape varieties and location. The hos...

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September 23, 2025 18 mins
5 Wine Rules to Break for Better Enjoyment - After Wine School Podcast In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss five common wine rules that deserve to be broken. They explore pairing white wine with fish and red wine with meat, serving red wine at room temperature, decanting only old wines, aging all wines, and saving champagne for special occasions. They provide practical advice and scienc...
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September 16, 2025 29 mins
Debunking Common Wine Myths In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe from the Wine School of Philadelphia tackle five prevalent wine myths. They debunk misconceptions such as 'expensive wines are always better,' the idea that 'cheap wine is always bad,' and the notion that 'sommelier are gods.' They also discuss the importance of swirling wine and clarify that 'old wine is always better' isn't nece...
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From Philly to New Zealand: The Winemaking Adventures of Daniel Brennan

 

In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith welcomes Daniel Brennan, a Philly native and accomplished winemaker now based in New Zealand's Hawke’s Bay with Decibel Wines. The conversation covers Danny’s unique journey from cheesesteak pop-ups in Hastings to pioneering organic vineyards and making Malbec a new staple in New Zealand. They delve into the in...

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Gamble Family Vineyards: A Conversation with Tom Gamble

 

In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith Wallace welcomes Tom Gamble of Gamble Family Vineyards. They delve into the rich history of Napa Valley, discussing topics from prohibition era challenges to the intricate relationship winemakers have with certain grape varieties like Charbonneau. Tom shares his experiences as a third-generation Napa farmer and the transition ...

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June 10, 2025 25 mins

Mastering Wine Tasting: Practical Tips and Personal Insights

In this episode of the After Wine School Podcast, hosts Keith and Alana discuss techniques to enhance wine tasting abilities. They cover practical advice on developing your palate through mindful activities like grocery shopping, cooking, and exploring diverse aromas. They also share personal anecdotes about how authenticity in describing wine flavors and focusing on a si...

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June 3, 2025 38 mins

From Slam Poetry to Somm Success: A Conversation with Anna Binkovitz

In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith Wallace interviews Anna Binkovitz, the newly named Sommelier Student of the Year at the Wine School of Philadelphia. They discuss Anna's unconventional journey from being a nationally ranked slam poet to becoming a service manager at one of the top restaurants in Philly. Anna shares insights into her career shift, h...

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Navigating Wine Tariffs: Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses

 

In this episode of the After Wine School Podcast, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the complex topic of wine tariffs and their impact on wine lovers and small businesses. They discuss past experiences with tariffs, offer insights on the current economic landscape, and explore the potential future scenarios for the wine industry. They highlight the ...

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May 6, 2025 19 mins

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the world of wine, demystifying the concept of terroir. Keith passionately argues that terroir is often overstated and emphasizes the significant role of yeast and winemaking techniques. The duo also explores the magic of precise winemaking as they taste a Sancerre. They share candid insights and engage in an entertaining discussion about wine educ...

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In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe reveal why asking a Sommelier about their favorite wine is considered the most annoying question. They explore the subjective nature of wine appreciation, emphasizing that personal preferences vary greatly. The hosts share engaging anecdotes about their favorite wine experiences and discuss how simpler questions can promote a more inclusive conversation a...

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Uncorking Wine Buying Tips: From Supermarkets to Boutique Shops

 

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace steps in solo as Alana Zerbe embarks on an intriguing NASA mission. Keith demystifies wine buying by discussing four major types of wine shops in the U.S.: Supermarkets and National Chains, Big Box Wine Shops, Boutique City Wine Shops, and Suburban Mall Wine Shops. He offers insights and insider tips on selecting wi...

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