Claim OwnershipEveryday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield, Wine Educator
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© 2025 Everyday Sommelier with Kristi Mayfield, Wine Educator
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Ever found yourself staring in the wine aisle at your local grocery store or sitting at a restaurant, totally clueless about which wine to choose? You know what you like when you taste it, but when it’s time to pick a bottle for your next dinner party or match it with a meal, you’re scanning labels, Googling wine pairings, and still second-guessing every choice.
But here’s the thing: You don’t need to be a sommelier to enjoy wine confidently. With the right knowledge and a little guidance to understand wine lingo and unlock your own palate, you’ll be able to order at a restaurant without asking for a recommendation or walk into a wine shop and pick a bottle to pair with a meal like a pro.
I’m your host, Kristi Mayfield, a certified sommelier who used to be the one staring at the shelf, swapping the bottle I chose for the one someone else recommended because I didn’t trust my own taste. But over the past 5 years, I’ve turned that confusion into expertise, teaching thousands of wine enthusiasts and professionals how to cut through the pretentiousness and complexity of wine so they can confidently choose and enjoy wines they love.
Each week on the podcast, we’ll break down wine into simple, easy-to-understand terms. From regions and styles to winemaking techniques and tasting tips, you’ll get insights from experts and industry pros to help you grab a glass and learn wine your way.
21 Episodes
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Send us a text Join Kristi Mayfield and guest Reid Patterson from Mount Eden Vineyards as they delve into the nuanced world of wine varietals. Explore wine labeling complexities comparing Bordeaux blends to California's Cabernet Sauvignon and other nuances. You’ll uncover why a wine labeled as one varietal might contain more than just one grape in the mix. Reid shares his family’s legacy in wine production, offering insight into varietal labeling and its impact on wine qual...
Send us a text Ever picked up a bottle just because it had a 90+ rating—only to be disappointed? You’re not alone. In Episode 19 of the Everyday Sommelier Podcast, host Kristi Mayfield uncorks the truth about wine ratings and whether they actually help or hinder your wine-buying confidence. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: How wine ratings are determined and who the critics areWhy a high score doesn’t guarantee you’ll love the wineThe biggest misconceptions about relying on rating...
Send us a text In this enlightening episode, we're exploring the journey to discovering your favorite wine and the importance of tracking your preferences. Together, we’ll demystify the daunting question, "What's your favorite wine?" Want the good news? There's no incorrect response when it comes to personal taste. We’ll breaks down the key elements—sugar, acidity, tannin, alcohol, and body (SATAB)—to help you and your fellow wine enthusiasts pinpoint your unique preferences. ...
Send us a text Join Kristi Mayfield and guest winemaker Rae Wilson in this enticing episode of the Everyday Sommelier Podcast! Dive into the refreshing world of chillable red wines, tucked perfectly between robust reds and crisp whites, tailored for those delightful summer days or perfectly paired with a variety of cuisine. This is your year-round chillable red wine. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • The unique allure and flav...
Send us a text Join us in this fascinating episode where Hugo del Pozzo, co-founder of Pinea Wines, unveils the intricacies behind second wine labels. Kristi Mayfield, your Everyday Sommelier, navigates the complexities with Hugo to demystify why wineries launch second brands and how they can elevate your wine-tasting experience. Hugo's rich background, rooted in vibrant winemaking traditions from Mexico, Italy, and Spain, offers an insightful perspective on what second labels can truly...
Send us a text In this revealing episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Kristi Mayfield pulls back the curtain on wine additives and their impact on your favorite bottles. From common preservatives to controversial color enhancers, we explore what really goes into making modern wines. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: The most common wine additives and why they're used • How additives like MegaPurple affect wine color and taste The truth about sulfites a...
Send us a text Biodynamic wine is gaining popularity for its sustainable and clean practices, but what does it really mean for wine lovers? In this episode, Kristi sits down with William Davis, Advanced Sommelier and Director of Education at Wilson Daniels, to break down the essentials of biodynamic farming and how it influences wine. From moon-phase planting to chemical-free winemaking, this episode explores why biodynamic wine could change the way you sip and savor. BY THE TIME YOU F...
Send us a text Does your favorite bottle of wine sometimes taste off? In today’s episode of Everyday Sommelier, host Christy Mayfield explores why wine flavors can change and how to embrace these nuances. From the impact of storage conditions and serving temperatures to the role of glassware and even the influence of the biodynamic calendar, Christy explains how various factors can alter your wine experience. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How a wine's aging process...
Send us a text Wine doesn’t have to break the bank to be enjoyable. In this episode, Kristi demystifies the world of budget-friendly wines, sharing practical tips and insider knowledge to help you shop smarter and sip confidently. Whether you’re navigating a crowded wine aisle or scanning a restaurant wine list, you’ll discover how to identify quality wines that fit your budget without feeling like you’re missing out. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Simple tricks to ...
Send us a text Does the shape of your wine glass matter? In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, I chat with Doug Reed, Southwest Retail Sales Manager for Riedel, to uncover the science and art behind wine glass design. From varietal-specific glasses to universal options, we explore how glass shapes impact aroma, flavor, and the overall wine experience. Doug breaks down common misconceptions, the role of decanting, and even emerging trends in glassware. BY THE TIME YOU FINI...
Send us a text Do you know why some wines are labeled "Old World" while others are "New World," especially when some of those "New World" regions have been making wine for centuries? Wine lovers often feel restricted by these traditional categorizations, missing out on amazing wines because they're labeled in ways that don't reflect modern winemaking realities. In this episode, I'm joined by Kelsey Kramer, Director of Education at William Chris Wine Company and Wine Enthusiast Fut...
Send us a text Wine tastings are an incredible way to explore wine styles, regions, and varieties. But let’s face it, they can also be chaotic, overwhelming, and, if you’re not careful, downright exhausting. In this episode, we’re taking the guesswork out of wine-tasting events with 3 insider tips to help you sip with confidence, maximize your experience, and walk away feeling like a pro. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned enthusiast, these tips will transform your approach to wine ...
Send us a text Been dreaming about turning your wine passion into a career but don't know where to start? Many wine enthusiasts feel overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of wine certifications (WSET, CMS, SWE) and aren't sure which path is right for them – or if they need certification at all. In this episode, GuildSOMM Executive Director Jenny Hemmer shares insider insights about wine education paths, helping you understand your options whether you're an enthusiast or an aspiring industry ...
Send us a text Alcohol-free or non-alcoholic wines are growing in popularity, but are they worth a try? In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, I dive deep into the world of non-alcoholic wines—exploring how they're made, common misconceptions, and whether they can hold their own against traditional wines. If you've ever been curious but hesitant to try them, this episode will arm you with the knowledge you need to decide if these wines have a place in your glass. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH...
Send us a text Have you ever wondered if Dry January is worth the hype—or if there’s a way to enjoy wine while being more mindful about your habits? In today’s episode, we’re diving into Dry January and its growing popularity, along with alternative approaches like Try January and Come Over October. Whether you’re fully abstaining or just seeking balance, you’ll learn how to make the most of these trends without feeling restricted or left out. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL D...
Send us a text Are you overwhelmed by the sheer variety of red wines? From light and fruity to bold and tannic, even the same grape varietal can taste wildly different depending on its style. There are many varietals of red wine, each with unique characteristics. Your personal preference plays a significant role in wine selection, so understanding these styles will be the perfect guide on your red wine journey. In this episode, I’ll break down red wines into three distinct styles—Fresh & ...
Send us a text Are you a member of the "ABC" club—Anything But Chardonnay? It’s an understandable position! With so many unpredictable styles of white wine, it’s easy to order or pick the wrong one. But here's the good news: you can simplify your wine choices by breaking down white wines into 3 SIMPLE STYLES! In this episode, I’ll help you decode white wine styles so you can confidently order or select the perfect bottle for any occasion. No more guessing, no more mismatched picks—just ...
Send us a text Ever wonder why that wine club Chardonnay tastes completely different from what you remember at the winery? Wine lovers often feel confused and disappointed when their favorite wines taste different from bottle to bottle, making them question their own wine-tasting abilities. In this episode, I'll reveal why some wines taste the same year after year while others change dramatically – and why both styles can be exactly what you're looking for! BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, Y...
Send us a text Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of wine knowledge out there? Many wine enthusiasts believe they need encyclopedic wine knowledge to truly enjoy and appreciate wine, leading them to feel frustrated and inadequate when exploring the wine world. In this episode, I'm sharing why it's literally impossible for anyone — even Master Sommeliers — to know everything about wine, and why that's great news for your wine journey! BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DI...
Send us a text Ever found yourself paralyzed when handed a wine list at an important dinner? Most of us default to ordering the same familiar wines or making random selections just to avoid embarrassment. In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, I'm sharing my own journey from corporate executive to wine expert and educator and why I'm passionate about helping you learn wine on your terms – no pretension, no judgment, just fun and practical knowledge you can actually use. BY THE T...
Send us a text Love wine but feel overwhelmed by its complexity? You’re not alone! Whether you’re browsing endless aisles of wine bottles, struggling to decode labels, or feeling intimidated by wine-tasting jargon, it can all feel like too much. You’ve subscribed to wine magazines, bought books to boost your knowledge, only to feel less confident and more confused. Does everyone around you seem to have a better wine palate, leaving you wondering what you’re missing? Here’s the truth: wine doe...
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