Ep 139

Would you believe me if I said one of the most soulful and historic wine regions in France is also the one most people barely know anything about?

This conversation, with Ioana from Princess & Bear Wine, goes deeper into the French regions of Languedoc and Roussillon through the perspective of someone who’s actually walked the vineyards, met the winemakers, and watched small family estates bring these wines to life. You’ll hear how high elevation sites, biodynamic farming, volcanic soils, and centuries of tradition all come together to create wines that are expressive, textured, and full of character.

From tiny domaines run by women to unexpected whites, reds, and sparkling wines, this episode shines a light on producers you won’t normally find at stores and the bottles that define this part of Southern France. You’ll also get three standout recommendations if you’re just starting to explore the region.

If you're curious about organic French wine, lesser known varietals, or even planning a future wine trip, you’ll want to listen in as we explore a region that deserves far more attention.

If you missed part 1 of my conversation with Ioana go back to episode 138 to listen in!

Use code BONJOUR and receive 10% off your online purchase at www.theprincessandthebear.com.

If you are in Seattle mention that you are a Cork & Fizz podcast listener and receive a complimentary tasting when you visit The Princess and Bear tasting room in January and February 2026. To make a reservation for the tasting room call, email at info@theprincessandthebear.com or you can make one on the website.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!

Connect with Ioana:

Website: https://www.theprincessandthebear.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Small, family run wineries shaping Languedoc and Roussillon
  
  
• Women winemakers and biodynamic farming practices
  
  
• How elevation and unique soils influence flavor
  
  
• Cigar shaped barrels and what they do to white wines
  
  
• Key differences between Languedoc and Roussillon
  
  
• 3 must try wines to start exploring the region
  
  
• Behind the scenes of the annual club trip
  
  
• Visiting tiny domaines and exclusive cellar experiences
  
  
• Why the region still feels raw, genuine, and soulful
  
  
• The long term vision for sharing these wines in the U.S.

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 138

What if one of the oldest wine regions in the world is also the one most wine lovers overlook?

This conversation with Ioana Bucur, new co-owner of Princess and Bear Wines, dives deep into the heart of Languedoc and Roussillon, the southern French wine regions known for authenticity, history, and an unmatched sense of place. You’ll hear how centuries of tradition, diverse terroir, and small artisanal domaines shape wines that are vibrant, expressive, and surprisingly affordable.

From mountain vineyards and Mediterranean breezes to volcanic soils and female winemakers, this episode is a journey through the people, land, and stories that make these wines so unforgettable. Whether you love crisp whites, bold reds, or sparkling wines, this region has it all and then some.

If you’ve been wanting to explore new wine regions or step outside your comfort zone, this is the perfect place to start!

And don’t miss next week's episode where I’m back with another conversation with Ioana!

Use code BONJOUR and receive 10% off your online purchase at www.theprincessandthebear.com.

And if you are in the Seattle area, mention that you are a Cork & Fizz podcast listener and receive a complimentary tasting when you visit the Princess and Bear tasting room in January and February 2026. To make a reservation for the tasting room call, email at info@theprincessandthebear.com or you can make one on the website.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!

Connect with Ioana:

Website: https://www.theprincessandthebear.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Childhood memories that shaped a lifelong connection to wine
  
  
• How Princess and Bear Wines began
  
  
• What makes Languedoc-Roussillon authentic and overlooked
  
  
• Climate and terroir factors that keep wines fresh in a warm region
  
  
• Why organic and biodynamic farming thrive here
  
  
• Limoux as the birthplace of traditional sparkling wine
  
  
• Standout white wine styles, from crisp and mineral to complex and savory
  
  
• How volcanic soils and fossils influence flavor
  
  
• Why trying unfamiliar wines expands your palate
  
  
• What to expect from the region’s red wines, from juicy to bold and complex

• The traditional-method sparkling wines of Limoux and their blends

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 137

If you're ready to feel more confident about wine but have no idea where to start, this episode breaks the entire process down into five simple steps.

You’ll learn my simple five step framework that makes learning about wine feel doable and not overwhelming. From building a consistent tasting habit to knowing which basics actually matter, this roadmap gives you an easy way to try new wines with more intention and a lot less second-guessing.

You’ll also hear practical ideas for comparison tastings, finding the right books and classes, what to do at your local wine shop, and how to experiment with friends without making it complicated. And if you’re setting wine goals (yes, that’s a thing), this episode will help you choose ones you’ll actually stick with.

So, if you’re ready to feel more confident about what’s in your glass, this is where your wine journey really begins!

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!

Resources:

My 4-Step Wine Tasting Method - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-1

How to Start Your Own Wine Club Kit - https://www.corkandfizz.com/store/p35/diy-wine-tasting-club-downloadable-kit.html

Garden Party Done-For-You Wine Tasting Kit - https://www.corkandfizz.com/store/p46/garden-party-dfy-wine-tasting-party-kit.html

Wine & Cheese Pairing Done-For-You Tasting Party Kit - https://www.corkandfizz.com/store/p45/wine-and-cheese-dfy-tasting-party-kit.html

Episode Highlights:

• How to build a consistent wine habit
  
  
• Creating a simple rating system for every bottle
  
  
• Trying one new wine each month or week
  
  
• Why becoming a regular at a local wine shop matters
  
  
• Tools and apps that help track what you taste
  
  
• The core wine basics every beginner should learn
  
  
• Recommended books, podcasts, and classes
  
  
• The four step tasting method and where to learn it
  
  
• How to explore new wines with intention
  
  
• Doing comparison tastings at home
  
  
• Tools that keep wine fresh longer
  
  
• Hosting casual wine nights with friends
  
  
• Easy wine goals to set

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 136

Staring at a wall of wine and wishing someone would just hand you a curated list of bottles actually worth drinking?

In this episode I’m sharing my 12 standout wines from 2025 in honor of the 12 days of Christmas. Wines from Washington Chardonnay to Idaho Mourvedre to canned Albariño, Soave from Italy, and a wild, nutty Vin Jaune from France. You’ll hear why each bottle earned a spot on the list, how it tastes, and the stories and memories tied to each one, including travel moments, family visits, and retreat highlights.

You’ll also learn why mixed oak and stainless aging affects Chardonnay, why Soave is such a reliable go-to at the grocery store, what makes orange wine and Pet Nat so distinctive, and how to think about “funky” wines like Vin Jaune or Condrieu without feeling intimidated.

So, whether you’re hunting for a weeknight bottle, a Trader Joe’s steal, or something special to share with friends, this episode is a ready-made shopping list for any wine drinker!

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!

Wines Mentioned in this Episode:

1. Kinhaven 2023 Chardonnay
2. 2020 Siegloch Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc)
3. 2021 Telaya Wine Co. Mourvèdre
4. Maker Wine Albariño (Camins 2 Dreams)
5. Clos du Gravillas 2020 À Fleur de Peau Vin Blanc de Maceration
6. Casaponte Soave Classico
7. Cecilia Beretta Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore
8. Domaine Baud Generation 9 Chateau Chalon
9. 2023 Pieropan Soave Clasico
10. 2024 Grosgrain Sémillon Pet Nat
11. 2021 Yves Cuilleron La Petite Cote Condrieu
12. Raventos i Blanc | Blanc de Blancs 2021

Resources:

Ep 40 - What Sets Camins 2 Dreams Apart From Other Wineries

Ep 68 - A Family Legacy with Spanish Winemaker Pepe Raventos

Ep 69 - Exploring Spanish Sparkling Wine with Pepe Raventos: Breaking Away From Cava

Ep 122 - Why German Wine Goes Beyond Sweet Riesling with Lisa Tupetz

Ep 123 - Sekt: Germany’s Sparkling Wine You Need to Know with Lisa Tupetz

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 135

What if the easiest way to pick better wine has been sitting on the bottle this whole time?

Learning how to read a wine label doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In my conversation with Marie, she breaks down her approachable, beginner-friendly system that she teaches in her new book “How to Read a Wine Label.” It’s a method built around three core concepts that can help anyone predict how a wine will taste before ever pulling the cork. She explains how to spot Old World vs. New World styles, how climate affects flavor, and why grape skin thickness matters more than you think.

You’ll also hear why she intentionally kept the book short, what she chose to leave out (and why), and how she hopes this knowledge empowers people to move beyond choosing wine by the “cute label.” This episode is full of simple, repeatable tips that make wine shopping far less intimidating, so that the next time you are staring at a wall of wine, you’ll actually know what you are looking for.

And if you missed last week’s episode, go back and listen to part 1 of my chat with Marie.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!
• Last Bottle: Go to www.lastbottlewines.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!)

Connect with Marie

• Instagram - @slikwines
• Marie’s Book - How to Read a Wine Label
• Website - https://www.slikwines.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Why so many people choose wine based on the label
  
  
• The three concepts that instantly help you predict taste (Old World vs. New World, climate, grape skin thickness)
  
  
• How to spot meaningful info on a label vs. marketing tactics
  
  
• Why the book focuses only on what beginners actually need
  
  
• How repeated core concepts build confidence when shopping for wine
  
  
• What Marie hopes to change about the way people choose wine bottles
  
  
• Why aged wines aren’t automatically “better”

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 134

What if blind tasting isn’t actually about guessing the wine at all but about learning to trust your palate?

In this conversation, author, sommelier, and content creator Marie Cheslik shares an unfiltered look at blind tasting, wine education, and the confidence-building process behind learning what you like. She explains the original purpose of blind tasting, why it’s rooted in regional typicity, and how she now uses the same framework to help everyday drinkers feel less intimidated and more empowered.

You’ll hear Marie talk about the tension between subjective tasting and objective correctness, why some tasting notes really are more “right” than others, and how comparing wines side-by-side teaches people far more than memorizing facts ever will. She also opens up about balancing a creative business with the stability of her nursing career, the myth of “going all in,” and the hard lesson she learned about time investment not guaranteeing growth.

If you’ve ever felt uncertain about how to describe wine, confused about what you’re “supposed” to taste, or intimidated by blind tasting, tune into this episode where you’ll get the clarity, context, and permission you’ve been hoping for!

And don’t miss next week's episode which is part 2 of my chat with Marie where we dig into her book How to Read a Wine Label.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• VoChill: Go to vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!
• Wine Wash Co: Go to winewashco.com and use code CORK for 20% off your order, plus free U.S. shipping on orders over $35!

Connect with Marie

Instagram - @slikwines

Marie’s Book - How to Read a Wine Label

Website - https://www.slikwines.com/

Episode Highlights:

• How Marie discovered wine through restaurant work
  
  
• Starting Slick Wines during Covid and growing through virtual events
  
  
• Why she still works as a registered nurse
  
  
• The myth of “going all in” on your business
  
  
• What blind tasting is actually designed to teach
  
  
• Understanding typicity and classic wine markers
  
  
• The balance between subjective and objective tasting notes
  
  
• Using side-by-side tastings to build confidence
  
  
• Old World vs New World Chardonnay flavor differences
  
  
• Why storytelling connects better than soil talk
  
  

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 133

What if one of wine’s most recognizable symbols, the oak barrel, was never meant to be used for aging wine at all?

In this episode, we’re diving into the history and science of oak in winemaking. From the Roman Empire’s accidental discovery of oak barrels to how modern winemakers use them intentionally today, you’ll learn why oak has become one of the most powerful tools for shaping a wine’s flavor, texture, and aroma.

We’ll break down what really happens inside the barrel, from how oxygen softens tannins to the compounds that add notes of vanilla, spice, and caramel. You’ll also discover the truth behind that “buttery” flavor in Chardonnay and why it’s not actually coming from the oak itself.

Finally, we’ll explore the different types of oak used around the world, what makes French, American, and Hungarian barrels unique, and the rise of sustainable alternatives like oak chips and staves.

If you’ve ever wondered how oak barrels influence what’s in your glass or what winemakers mean when they say a wine was “oaked”, this episode is for you!

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• VoChill: Go to vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!
• Wine Wash Co: Go to winewashco.com and use code CORK for 20% off your order, plus free U.S. shipping on orders over $35!

Episode Highlights:

• How oak barrels were first used by the Romans
  
  
• The key reasons winemakers choose oak today: flavor, texture, and fermentation environment
  
  
• The truth about “buttery” wines and malolactic fermentation
  
  
• The process of crafting an oak barrel, from staves to toasting
  
  
• Differences between French, American, and Hungarian oak
  
  
• Cost and sustainability factors in oak barrel use
  
  
• Why new vs. old oak matters for flavor
  
  
• Oak alternatives: chips, cubes, and staves
  
  
• The meaning of “the angel’s share” in winemaking
  
  
• How winemakers balance tradition with innovation

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 132

Do you ever feel lost when people start throwing around fancy wine terms like “tannin” or “terroir”? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re going back to the basics with 15 essential wine words that will instantly boost your confidence when talking about wine. You’ll learn how to describe what you’re tasting, from acidity to body, and finally understand what those mysterious words like “minerality,” “dry,” and “complex” actually mean.

This is your chance to learn how to speak like a sommelier (aka a wine expert!)

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to describe what’s in your glass or want to understand what others mean when they talk about wine, this episode is the perfect place to start.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• VoChill: Go to vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!
• Wine Wash Co: Go to winewashco.com and use code CORK for 20% off your order, plus free U.S. shipping on orders over $35!

Resources:

• What makes wine taste the way it does? Tannin, acidity and body - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-125
• The light, crisp French white wine you’re missing out on - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-75

Episode Highlights:

• The difference between “variety” and “varietal” (and why even experts mix them up)
  
  
• What a “vintage” really tells you about your wine
  
  
• How to identify acidity, body, tannin, and finish
  
  
• Why “dry” doesn’t always mean what you think it does
  
  
• Understanding terroir and minerality
  
  
• How to use words like “crisp,” “complex,” and “silky” to describe wine
  
  
• What “Lees,” “Brett,” and “mouthfeel” actually mean
  
  
• The truth about when a wine is “tight” or “closed off”
  
  
• How to tell if your wine is ready to drink or needs time to open up
  
  

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

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