Ep 102

How does someone from a beer-loving Wisconsin family end up creating a massive Rosé-themed wine playground in New York City? As well as writing a wine-themed book that is challenging the wine status quo?

Today’s guest, author Tyler Balliet, is sharing her journey on how she’s helping to reshape the wine industry with events like Rosé Mansion and Wine Riot, as well as her inspiration behind her book, Rebel School of Wine. We also dig into the heart of what’s wrong with how wine is traditionally taught - think too pretentious, too focused on technical details, and not nearly welcoming (or fun) enough!

Tyler Balliet is an entrepreneur and journalist who’s been reshaping how people experience wine since 2006. She co-founded Rosé Mansion, a massive rosé-themed wine playground in NYC, and Wine Riot, a touring wine festival, and named Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 and Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40. Her new book, Rebel School of Wine, is a bold, visually-driven manifesto for a new generation of wine drinkers.

So, if you are ready to break free from stuffy wine stereotypes and lean into Tyler’s take on why wine education should be about fun, stories, and people, then this episode is for you!

This is part 1 of my interview with Tyler so make sure you check out part 2 in episode 103!

Connect with Tyler

Website: https://rebelschoolofwine.com/

Instagram: @tylerballiet

Instagram: @rebelschoolofwine

Resources

Go to rebelschoolofwine.com and use the promo code CORKANDFIZZ to get a signed copy of Tyler’s book and a free pack of wine stickers for only $30. That's $15 off!

Codeword: REBEL YELL - DM me on Instagram or email me at Hailey@corkandfizz.com

Episode Highlights:

• Tyler Balliet’s wine journey
• Inspiration behind Tyler’s Rebel School of Wine book
• Tyler’s focus on the “why” and “who” behind wine and not just the “what”
• Exploring wine through people and culture
• Tyler’s frustration with technical, flavor/aroma-focused language
• The disconnect between how wine professionals and consumers experience wine
• The cultural shift needed in wine
• Challeng

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 101

This is the last of my Italian wine mini-series and we have to talk about Italian dessert wines! Plus, I’m going to share with you my favorite dessert wine ever!

From the late harvests, noble rot, and even frozen grapes, we will dive into the processes that give these Italian dessert wines their characteristic sweetness. Discover why certain wines retain their residual sugar and how methods like Passito enrich the wine's flavors.

You’ll discover wines like Vin Santo, Moscadello di Montalcino, and Recioto della Valpolicella. Think maraschino cherries and dark chocolate flavors. And if you aren’t a fan of sweet wine, I’ll be sharing some other options that might just make you a fan of dessert wine after all!

So, if you are ready to venture into the amazing world of Italian dessert wines then this episode is for you!

Resources

5 Lesser Known Italian White Wines You Must Try - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-99

Is Vermouth a Wine or a Liquor? https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-90

Trader Joe’s Snack and Wine Pairing Guide https://corkandfizz.myflodesk.com/dlyr59hlle

Passito Wines

Marche - Verdicchio de Castelli de Jesi Passito, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba Passito

Lombardy - Valcalepio Moscato Passito, Lugana Moscato Passito

Piedmont and Aosta Valley - Moscato d'Asti, Piemonte Moscato Passito

Sicily - Erice Passito

Sardinia - Carignano del Sucis Passito

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Italian dessert wines

• Methods for making dessert wines - late harvest, drying grapes into raisins, Noble rot, Ice wine

• Vin Santo - flavor profile and pairing recommendations

• Introduction to Passito wines

• Moscadello di Montalcino - history and flavor profile

• Recioto della Valpolicella - history and flavor profile

• Barolo Chinato

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 100

This is my 100th episode of the Cork and Fizz Guide to Wine podcast! How cool is that? To celebrate this huge milestone, we are going to talk about Italian sparkling wine!

What would you say if I told you there’s more to Italian sparkling wine than just Prosecco?

We are going to dive into the differences between Spumante and Frizzante (spoiler it’s all about the bubbles!) and I’m breaking down the different methods of making sparkling wine like Metodo Classico and the Charmat method. We’ll even hit on the sugar classifications when it comes to sparkling wine because it can be confusing!

We’ll discuss Prosecco as well as lesser known Italian sparkling wines like Franciacorta (otherwise known as the “Champagne of Italy”), Trento DOC, Moscato d’Asti, Asti Spumanti, Brachetto d’Acqui and I’m going to bust some myths around Lambrusco as well!

So, if you are curious about Italian sparkling wine that goes beyond Prosecco, this episode is for you!

All About Sparkling Wine https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-44

Episode Highlights:

• Celebrating the 100th episode of the Cork & Fizz Guide to Wine podcast!

• Overview of Italian sparkling wine

• Methods of sparkling wine production

• Metodo Classico

• Charmat Method

• Partial fermentation

• Sugar levels in sparkling wine

• Prosecco - history and characteristics

• Franciacorta - known as the “Champagne of Italy”

• Trento DOC

• Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumanti

• Brachetto d’Acqui

• Lambrusco

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 99

Italy tends to be far more known for their red wines, and if I'm being totally honest with you, I used to not think very highly of the Italian white wines.

Admittedly, there are a lot of mass produced boring white wines made in Italy that are shipped to the USA. But on the flip side, there are some really incredible Italian white wines that are so good and do not break the bank.

Today, we're going to talk about five lesser known white wines from Italy! From the fresh, lemony essence of Soave, sourced from Italy's Veneto region, to the mineral-rich crispness of Greco di Tufo, each wine offers a unique perspective on Italy’s white wine potential. Noteworthy mentions like Fiano and Etna Bianco further illustrate the diverse palate of Italian white wines, which can range from citrus-forward to more earthy or nutty profiles.

So, if you are ready to try some of Italy’s white wines that are full of incredible value and taste, then today’s episode is for you!

Resources:

A Guide to Piedmont Wines - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-95

Episode Highlights:

• Geographical location of Soave

• Tasting notes of the Garganega grape

• Verdicchio tasting notes

• Etna Bianco geographical location

• Carricante grape tasting notes

• Fiano as an alternative to a low acidic wine and tasting notes

• Greco di Tufo tasting notes

• Friulano tasting notes

• Ribolla Gialla tasting notes

• Malvasia tasting notes

• Pecorino (the wine, not cheese!) tasting notes

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 98

Do the countless names and styles of Sangiovese in Tuscany leave you feeling more confused than confident?

Today, we are unraveling the complexities of the famed Sangiovese grape. Due to this grape’s many different names and regional variations, it can often be confusing.

We are going to dig into the DOCG classification system in Italy. Tuscany alone has 11 DOCGs, with 7 requiring that red wines are predominantly Sangiovese. We will also explore Chianti and its resurgence of quality through innovative wine-making techniques. Then we will head south to explore Brunello di Montalcino, the differences between traditional and modern winemaking techniques, and how they affect the wine's flavor profile. I’ll touch on some lesser-known regions like Carmignano, Morelino di Scansano, and smaller areas that often produce exceptional Sangiovese wines at a more affordable price point.

So, if you are ready to dive into the heart of Tuscany and unravel the complexities of the Sangiovese grape, then this episode is for you!

Resources:

Tuscany Wine Map - http://media.winefolly.com/Tuscany-Wine-Map-by-Wine-Folly.jpg

Episode Highlights:

• The surprising origins and spread of Sangiovese across Tuscany

• Understanding DOCG and DOC classifications

• Italian wine labeling by variety and region

• Characteristics of Sangiovese wines

• Key wine regions within Tuscany

• Chianti's journey from region to renowned wine style

• Exploring Brunello di Montalcino’s modern and traditional styles

• The complex identity of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

• Discovering Tuscany's hidden Sangiovese gems

• Lesser known wine regions in Tuscany

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 97

From starting her own winery to exploring unique grape varietals rarely known outside of Sardinia, Nikki Dickerson, also known on Instagram as Sip with Nik, is back on the podcast today!

Today, Nikki is sharing her passion for unique wine varietals and how her love for Sardinian wine was born when she discovered rare wines like Semidano and Nuragus. Nikki shares her drive to introduce these hidden gems to a larger audience and how her Substack serves as the conduit to this. We also discuss her ambition to import wines that are not just unique but also made with sustainability in mind. She aims to highlight wines that aren’t readily available in the US, with an emphasis on biodynamic and regenerative organic agriculture. Through her work as an international wine marketer, vigneron, and writer, Nikki shares the untold stories behind each bottle.

So, if you are ready to dive into lesser known wine varietals, explore the world of Sardinian wines, and hear Nikki’s dream of importing these gems to the US, then today’s episode is for you!

This is part 2 of my conversation with Nikki. If you missed part one you can catch that at episode 96 where we talked about the complexity of Sardinia's wine culture, the lesser known indigenous grape varieties, and Nikki’s insights and passion for Sardinia.

Resources and Connect with Nikki:

30% off annual Sip with Nik Substack subscription plans - https://sipwithnik.substack.com/corkandfizz

Sip with Nik Substack: https://sipwithnik.substack.com/

Sip with Nik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipwithnik/

Geology map of Sardinia - https://www.pconti.net/doc/Sard-Geol-tjom.pdf

Episode Highlights:

• What is a substack?

• How can you monetize your substack?

• Nikki’s focus on organic, biodynamic wines and those with unique stories

• Unique varietals that Nikki thinks deserve more attention

• Why Nikki wants to become a wine importer

• What Nikki wants you to know about Sardinia

• The wine myth that bugs Nikki the most

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 96

When you think of islands in Italy, you probably think of Sicily, but what about the lesser known island of Sardinia?

Today, Nikki and I are diving into the geography of Sardinia which lends itself to a diverse tapestry of wine styles. We’ll introduce you to a variety of grape varietals, including Cannonau, Vermentino, Malvasia and Cagnulari.

From being home to one of the world’s Blue Zones, to challenges like navigating Italy’s complex regulations and unpredictable weather that killed 1/3 of her vines, you’ll learn what sets the island's lifestyle apart.

Nikki is an international wine marketer turned vigneron, writer, and (if all goes well) soon-to-be wine importer, living between the U.S. and Sardinia, Italy. After a life-changing trip to France in 2018, she left the corporate PR world for wine country, chasing harvests across California, Australia, Burgundy, and beyond. Along the way, she met her husband, an Italian winemaker, and together they planted their first vineyards in Sardinia—laying the foundation for their dream winery.

Now, through Sip with Nik, she shares her wine-soaked adventures, from discovering hidden-gem bottles to navigating the wild world of winemaking and wine imports. Whether you're looking for your next favorite wine, dreaming of vineyard life, or just here for a great story, she’s got a glass for you.

So, if you are ready to learn about the complexity and richness of Sardinia’s wine culture, dive into the lesser known indigenous grape varieties, and hear Nikki’s first hand insights and passion for Sardinia, then this episode is for you!

Resources and Connect with Nikki:

30% off annual Sip with Nik Substack subscription plans - https://sipwithnik.substack.com/corkandfizz

Sip with Nik Substack: https://sipwithnik.substack.com/

Sip with Nik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipwithnik/

Vernaccia di Oristano – Sardinia’s Most Fascinating Wine - https://sipwithnik.substack.com/p/vernaccia-di-oristano-sardinias-most?r=43xhvk&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true

Geology map of Sardinia - https://www.pconti.net/doc/Sard-Geol-tjom.pdf

Episode Highlights:

• Nikki Dickerson’s journey into wine
• Importance of Sardinia’s regions and wine grape varieties
• Challenges of starting a winery in Sardinia
• What is the blue zone in Sardinia
• An ov

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 95

Are you ready to uncover why the Piedmont region of Italy, often overshadowed by the famed Tuscan hills, is a hidden gem in the wine world?

Would it surprise you to learn that there are many similarities between the famed Burgundy region and the Piedmont region?

Today, I’m diving into the intricate geography of Piedmont and rich history that makes it such a unique wine region. I share the red wines you have probably heard of such as Barbera, Dolcetto, and the famed Nebbiolo grape, as well as lesser known indigenous varieties like Freisa and Ruché. I’m also digging into the similarities and differences between Barolo and Barbareso. And we can’t skip the white wines! I share about Gavi and Moscato d’Asti. And finally, you simply cannot drink Italian wine without food! So, I touch on the region’s French influences that create a truly unique culinary experience.

If you are ready to understand the nuanced differences between Barolo and Barbaresco and learn about the amazing Italian wine beyond the familiar Tuscan landscape then this episode is for you!

MGA’s

Barolo

• Barolo
• Castiglione Falletto
• Cherasco
• Diano d'Alba
• Grinzane Cavour
• La Morra
• Monforte d'Alba
• Novello
• Roddi
• Serralunga d'Alba
• Verduno

Barbaresco

• Barbaresco
• Terzo
• San Rocco
• Seno d’Elvio

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to the region of Piedmont, Italy

• The importance of Piedmont, Italy in wine

• Unique wine traditions in Piedmont

• Popular Piedmont wines

• Characteristics and flavors of the Nebbiolo grape

• Differences and similarities between Barolo and Barbaresco

• History of Winemaking in Piedmont

• Geography of Piedmont and it’s impact on wine production

• Wine Classifications and Regional Variations

• The specific wine regions and communes in Piedmont

• Styles and Differences of Barolo and Barbaresco

• White Wines and Sparkling Wines in Piedmont

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com