The Wine Goblins

U.S. wineries are hurting according to winemaker Patrick Cappiello from Monte Rio Cellars. Check out Patrick’s plea about the state of domestic wineries. With an attempt to help U.S. wineries, the Goblins will only be drinking wines from the U.S. for the next three episodes. In this episode, they are drinking a Pet Nat Rose from Madson. Plus the Goblins mention some of their favorite US Wineries.   Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at thewinegoblins@gmail.com 

The second episode from the Wine Goblins in-person series focuses on another damning report about the wine industry. The annual State of the Wine Industry report is in the spotlight as younger consumers are turning away from wine at an alarming rate. The Goblins discuss these downward trends and some silver linings. Plus, the blind wine returns as J.R. tries to test Dani and Aaron with two wines in this episode. The Wine List of the Week is Le Pigeon from Portland, Oregon.    Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at thewinegoblins@gmail.com 

In this very special episode of Wine Goblins, Hannah Williams, the Beverage Director at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, joins Aaron, Dani, and J.R. for an in-depth conversation about wine lists, wine and food pairings, and other tips about producers to know. Williams is a rising star in the wine world. She was named the “Best New Sommelier” by Wine and Spirits in 2019. She redefined the Wine List with her take on the book - which is available to purchase here. Follow Hannah on Instagram.    Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at thewinegoblins@gmail.com 

Welcome back to Wine Goblins! Season Two of our adventure through wine. We will laugh, we will cry, and we will drink with our best friends. In the first episode of our second season, the Wine Goblins lay out the theme of the season. We also talk about the growing wine scene in Washington. We take a look at one of the best wine list at a restaurant in Washington from Eight Row in Seattle - as the Goblins discuss what would be the best bottle on that list to go with their meal. In the glass this week is a widely available Syrah from K Vintners. Hear what the Goblins think of the Washington take on the famous Rhone grape. Confused about Old World vs. New World wine? Check out this Food & Wine article!   Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at thewinegoblins@gmail.com

Are the Wine Goblins going to buy a winery? In this episode, Dani, Aaron, and J.R. discuss the recent purchases of wineries in California - and bat around the idea of buying a winery for the Goblin Gang. We also introduce a new segment, Correction Corner. As we learn, we like to share our newfound knowledge with our friends so sometimes we need to fix our mistakes from previous episodes. The Wine List of the Week takes a look at the famous Popina from New York City. Check out the wine list here. In our glass this week is LaLu Barbera d’Alba from Piedmont.   Additional Links Discussed: Treasury to acquire Daou Gallo buys Rombauer Gallo buys Massican Gallo buys Denner Gallo buys Hahn Buy "Climbing the Vines in Burgundy" Learn about the winemakers who produced this episodes' wine Music by Half Tail (Click to listen on Spotify) Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at thewinegoblins@gmail.com   

In the debut episode of Wine Goblins, Dani, Aaron, and J.R. discuss the war on cheap wine as many famous wine regions confront the reality that quantity over quality might be over - ripped up vines, tipped over trucks, and much more. Hear the Goblins discuss what the future of the wine business might look like - and what is fine wine anyway.  Note: Correction Corner was recorded with the intention of this being the second episode of season 1. Due to an audio issue, the first episode was not released. This correction addresses a slip up about tannins.  The Goblins also introduce the Wine List of the Week segment where they discuss the best options (for each of their palates) on the restaurant’s list - and the quality of offerings. This week’s restaurant is Yang’s Kitchen in Los Angeles. Check out the wine list here. The bottle of the week is Doniene Gorrondona Bizkaiko Txakolina - a white blend from Spain. Next episode’s wine is LaLu Barbera d’Alba from Piedmont, Italy.  Please see our instagram for additional links we discuss! Music by Half Tail (Click to listen on Spotify)   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at thewinegoblins@gmail.com   

The long-awaited fruit wine episode has arrived!! It’s been our most requested episode and this one delivers.  What is fruit wine, how is it made, and how does it stack up against cider or mead? Plus, a few personal wine stories, unexpected facts, and some serious fruit-fueled opinions. Pour something juicy and press play. Things are about to get... fruity.

The goblins return from hiatus with wine in hand and stories to share. Dani’s celebrating, Aaron’s interrupting, and JR’s keeping things (mostly) on track. This week’s glass holds something a little stronger, and a lot more complex. From ancient barrels to unexpected sweetness, the goblins explore a style of wine that packs more than just a buzz. Pull up a chair and pour yourself a mystery… it’s good to be back.

Cheers! Prost! Tchin-tchin! Holiday time and festive drinks. Does chenin blanc fit the vibes? The Goblins discuss the mass appeal of the white wine from the Loire Valley in this deep-dive on chenin blanc.  Wine of the Week - 2022 Terres d'Imaginaire, Feu Follet, VdF Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

It’s the never ending question on the Wine Goblins. And in this episode, we finally have an answer. Dani talks about her love of riesling and the uniqueness of the grape. Aaron and J.R. share wine stories, which include some real sicko behavior.  Wine: 2022 Moritz Kissinger, Riesling Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

Quiz time! J.R. quizzes Dani and Aaron on some of the quirky wine abbreviations. Why? Because the Goblins are drinking a GSM from France. Affordable Aaron talks about why he picked this bottle.  Wine: 2020 Domaine Clos de la Barthassade, Cuvee H, Languedoc Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The Wine Goblins share what wines they will be drinking at Thanksgiving - and maybe at some other upcoming parties as well. Listen to the rambunctious trio talk about the beauty of sharing some memorable bottles over dinner and the joy that follows. They are drinking a red wine from Burgundy this week and J.R. explains why it was his pick for the season.  Wine: 2022 Domaine Berthaut-Gerbet, Bourgogne, Hautes Cotes de Nuits Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The start of Season Four will keep you laughing, guaranteed. In an episode that originally started out as a deep-dive into fortified wine, the episode actually takes a look at a very unique dry white wine - that is quite polarizing among the Goblins. We examine what is the winemaking style known as rancio. Why did Dani select this wine? Find out the inexplicable answer in this episode.  Wine: NV Domaine le Roc des Anges, Cioran, Cotes Catalanes Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

Champagne evangelist, social media genius, founder of your favorite wine import company (@cagechampagneco), and the best wine club (@ledeuxchampagneclub), Garth Hodgdon joins the Wine Goblins for this hilarious, entertaining, and educational interview. Learn more about the beauty of champagne in this electrifying podcast episode from the Wine Goblins.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

In the first episode of Season 4, the Wine Goblins interview Dane Curley (@dscurley), an artist who has designed the label for many highly acclaimed, award-winning wines. Learn about his wine journey, the process of designing artwork for a label, and where you can find some of Dane’s art in this episode of Wine Goblins.

In the Season Finale of the Wine Goblins, JR shares how Dani and Aaron can finally bury the hatchet regarding the missing birthday gift. The Goblins talk about Savoie, a tiny wine region that went through some hard times but looks to be on the rebound. Check out Eric Asimov’s excellent piece on the region. The Goblins are drinking a sparkling wine from Savoie that was recommended by Hannah Williams in a previous episode. The wine is the 2019 Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Ayse Les Perles du Mont Blanc. JR explains why this wine is significant beyond the juice in the glass. And the wine list of the week features a possible destination for the Three Best Friends next month for one of the Goblin’s birthday dinners.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The Goblins talk more about German wine in this episode of the Wine Goblins with a special focus on Wasenhaus’ 2022 Grand Ordinaire, perhaps the best red wine to drink during the summer. Learn about the rise of Pinot Noir (aka Spatburgunder) in Germany and some producers to know making the good stuff. On this week list of the week, the Goblins discuss the list at KOL in London.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

Have you had a corked wine before? What is a corked wine? These three wine novices run into a corked bottle for the first time and talk about how to handle the challenge. Plus JR talks about the smallest wine region in France, Jura, that is home to some of the most exciting and interesting wines. On the wine list of the week, the Goblins discuss the list at The Barbary in London - in the ongoing quest to find the perfect restaurant for an upcoming trip. Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The Wine Goblins address the drink of the moment, coke and red wine. Here Dani’s expert opinion on the perfect ratio to make this concoction. Each goblin picks a different wine for the cocktail as well. Plus, the Goblins continue the quest to find the perfect wine bar for a summer trip to London.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

In this week’s episode of Wine Goblins, it’s time for a deep dive on one wine region. Have you ever wondered about Beaujolais? JR leads the discussion about the often overlooked region of French wine that has a major place in the natural wine movement. Timing of this episode coincides with the current KickStarter from Jon Bonne about the Classification of Beaujolais. The crux of the conversation is a stellar bottle of gamay, a 2019 Mee Godard Corcelette Morgon, the the Goblins each share and gush about. In the Wine List of the Week, the Goblins hit up the famous Noble Rot.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail