Trending

My Wine Podcast Playlist

By Ricki-Lee Podolecki, DipWSET

When I decided in 2015 to begin my journey in wine, my first step was enrolling in a WSET class with Jones & Company. Juggling the life of a full-time student while managing a restaurant, I could not waste a second while awake. This is where I discovered the wonderful world of podcasts. Listening to a wine podcast while closing up the restaurant or driving to school became an essential study tool that I used from WSET 2 through my diploma— and continue to use today. Likewise, podcasts have been instrumental for Wine & Drinks College Manitoba students to keep the wine conversation and education flowing to stay sharp for classes in 2022.

Wine Playlist

Podcasts vary in education level and content, so we have chosen a selection of podcasts, from “fun for everyone” to “serious wine scholar”—along with a wine pairing to enjoy while you listen.

Podcasts are the perfect supplement for those of us who love to continually learn about the vast wine world—but nothing beats being in the classroom with you! Wine & Drinks College Manitoba is offering WSET classes in 2022/2023. See page 58 for details.

Wine Skool’D/VinePair:

Keith Beavers is an energetic fan of Star Wars and everything beverage based. His charismatic delivery makes this podcast a favourite for walks or cleaning the house. • LEVEL: Fun for everyone• FIND HERE: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Vinepair.com• PAIR WITH: This podcast is funky and fun, so I like sipping on some natural wines that complement Keith’s style. TRY: Davide Xodo 2018 Sessantaquattro Rosso Veneto, Italy ($23.99)

Weekly Wine Show:

Tony and Betty Notto’s shows are between 5 and 30 minutes long. They are incredibly easy to understand, covering wine basics, regions, grapes, and fun interviews. • LEVEL: WSET Level 1+ • FIND HERE: Spotify and Apple Podcasts, WeeklyWineShow.com • PAIR WITH: This quick, fun podcast needs something that’s easygoing and helps build the basics, so try wines from a few classic grape varieties— Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. TRY: Undurraga 2019 Sibaris Pinot Noir Leyda Valley, Chile ($22.99)

Matthew’s World of Wine and Drink:

By far one of my favourites, this podcast was a key to passing my WSET Level 3 and diploma. Matthew offers details on every region you must know to be successful in the WSET programs, and its average run time of 15 minutes makes it perfect for car rides or quick study sessions. • LEVEL: WSET Level 3+ • FIND HERE: Apple Podcasts or Matthewsworldofwineanddrink.com• PAIR WITH: Matthew’s delivery is sophisticated, so this podcast goes well with a Bordeaux (or the region you are currently studying). TRY: Fleur Haut-Gaussens 2015 Bordeaux Supérieur, France ($21.99)

The Business of Wine

It was a pleasure to meet one of our customers who is equally intrigued by the wine podcast world but whose interests were in the business of wine and individual producers. Maury Donen sends me lists of his favourite podcast episodes, keeping my listening very well rounded.

“Podcasts shed light into the life of the winemaker— his or her vision for the wine, thinking through how the terroir contributes to taste and how best to blend,” says Maury. “It is like taking a plane across the world and meeting with these esteemed individuals faceto-face. They can also provide a tremendous history of the wine industry. Whether it is the contributions of the late Becky Wasserman (Burgundy wines) or the Judgement in Paris organized by the late Steven Spurrier (the best of California Cabernet vs the best of France’s Bordeaux), podcasts opened my eyes to the commitment and passion of many who put the wine industry on the map.”

Maury’s Picks (available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts):

• I’ll Drink to That • The Grape Nation • The James Suckling Podcast • Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy