After Wine School

Decoding Wine Labels: Old World vs. New World and Common Marketing Terms In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the complexities of wine labels, discussing the differences between Old World and New World labeling conventions. They explore how regions like France emphasize the place of origin, whereas New World regions like the United States focus on grape varieties and location. The hosts also debunk common myths and marketing terms such as 'reserve,' 'old vines,' 'estate bottled,' and the often-misunderstood 'contains sulfites.' Practical tips for selecting quality wine, including looking for smaller appellations and trusted importers, are shared to help listeners make informed wine purchases. The episode wraps up with a quick-fire round on label terms IGT, VdF, and organic or sustainable certifications, offering insights into their real meanings. 00:00 Wine Labels Simplified 00:09 Introduction 01:26 I. French Wine Labels 07:44 II. U.S. Label Terms 08:02 Reserve 09:48 Old Vines 11:54 Estate-Bottled 13:21 Contains Sulfites 17:13 The Back Label 18:11 Dryness 20:16 Blends 22:03 III. Practical Tips for Buying Wine 24:18 Know Your Importers 25:27 Lightening Round 26:49 IV. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

5 Wine Rules to Break for Better Enjoyment - After Wine School Podcast In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss five common wine rules that deserve to be broken. They explore pairing white wine with fish and red wine with meat, serving red wine at room temperature, decanting only old wines, aging all wines, and saving champagne for special occasions. They provide practical advice and science-based insights to help listeners enjoy wine without adhering to snobbery. The episode also includes a fun lightning round to debunk more myths and encourage listeners to enjoy wine in a more relaxed and enjoyable way. Don't miss these expert tips and secrets from industry professionals! 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:40 Breaking Wine Pairing Rules 05:21 Temperature Tips for Red Wine 07:17 Decanting Myths Debunked 10:11 The Truth About Aging Wines 13:05 Champagne for Everyday Moments 15:10 Lightning Round: Quick Wine Tips 17:52 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser   🔔Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel here: /wineschoolUSA  ➡️Follow Us: Instagram: National.wine Twitter: wineschool

Debunking Common Wine Myths In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe from the Wine School of Philadelphia tackle five prevalent wine myths. They debunk misconceptions such as 'expensive wines are always better,' the idea that 'cheap wine is always bad,' and the notion that 'sommelier are gods.' They also discuss the importance of swirling wine and clarify that 'old wine is always better' isn't necessarily true. Throughout the discussion, they provide insights on how to get the best wine deals and how to appreciate a variety of wines without falling for common myths. The episode concludes with a lightning round of quick myth debunking and information about their wine certification programs and classes. 00:00 5 Wine Myths 7.23.2025 00:52 Wine Myth #1: Expensive Wines Are Always Better 09:51 Wine Myth #2: Cheap Wine Is Always Bad 13:28 Wine Myth #3: Swirling Wine Is Snobby 17:27 Myth #4: Sommeliers are Gods 22:18 Myth #5: Old Wine is Better Wine 26:52 Lightning Round: Quick Wine Myths Debunked 28:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From Slam Poetry to Somm Success: A Conversation with Anna Binkovitz In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith Wallace interviews Anna Binkovitz, the newly named Sommelier Student of the Year at the Wine School of Philadelphia. They discuss Anna's unconventional journey from being a nationally ranked slam poet to becoming a service manager at one of the top restaurants in Philly. Anna shares insights into her career shift, her experiences with sparkling wine, and why she believes Philadelphia is an ideal city for wine enthusiasts. The conversation also touches upon the challenges and rewards of working in the restaurant industry, making poetry and hospitality accessible, and Anna's future aspirations in wine education and hospitality. 00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:04 Meet Anna Binkovitz: From Slam Poet to Sommelier 02:50 Anna's Journey to Philadelphia 05:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Careers 06:22 Discovering the Wine School of Philadelphia 07:54 Anna's Rise in the Hospitality Industry 14:46 Comparing Poets and Chefs 15:57 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections 19:10 A Theologian's Household 19:23 Family Dynamics and Religion 20:11 Hospitality and Poetry 23:35 Restaurant Anecdotes 25:07 The Value of Restaurant Experience 34:45 Dreams and Aspirations 37:05 Conclusion and Farewell

Navigating Wine Tariffs: Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses   In this episode of the After Wine School Podcast, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the complex topic of wine tariffs and their impact on wine lovers and small businesses. They discuss past experiences with tariffs, offer insights on the current economic landscape, and explore the potential future scenarios for the wine industry. They highlight the interconnected nature of the wine supply chain, the unique challenges of state-specific liquor laws, and the potential opportunities that market disruptions can bring. The discussion also includes reflections on changing wine consumption trends, the resilience of small businesses, and the potential for growth in local wine production. Despite the difficult subject matter, they aim to provide a balanced perspective, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.   00:00 Introduction to the After Wine School Podcast 00:25 Diving into Tariffs and Their Impact 01:32 Challenges Faced by Small Wine Businesses 03:18 The Unique Difficulties of the Wine Trade 05:32 Trends in Wine Preferences 10:13 The Interconnectedness of the Wine Industry 15:50 Preparing for Tariffs: A Historical Perspective 17:51 Changing Demographics of Wine Drinkers 18:15 Stockpiling Wine in Anticipation of Tariffs 19:21 Impact of Tariffs on Wine Prices 20:32 Business Strategies Amid Tariff Challenges 23:20 Opportunities in the Wine Trade 26:36 Potential Growth for East Coast Wine Production 30:08 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the world of wine, demystifying the concept of terroir. Keith passionately argues that terroir is often overstated and emphasizes the significant role of yeast and winemaking techniques. The duo also explores the magic of precise winemaking as they taste a Sancerre. They share candid insights and engage in an entertaining discussion about wine education, pairing suggestions, and the elusive quality that makes some wines truly extraordinary. Tune in for wine wisdom, hearty laughs, and passionate debates.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe 01:01 Legal Disclaimer and Podcast Humor 01:59 The Terroir Debate: Keith's Controversial Take 03:19 Defining Terroir: Classical vs. Modern Views 04:35 The Role of Yeast in Winemaking 07:43 The Magic of Winemaking 12:40 Wine Tasting: Sancerre 17:40 Food Pairings and Final Thoughts 18:57 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

  In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe reveal why asking a Sommelier about their favorite wine is considered the most annoying question. They explore the subjective nature of wine appreciation, emphasizing that personal preferences vary greatly. The hosts share engaging anecdotes about their favorite wine experiences and discuss how simpler questions can promote a more inclusive conversation about wine. The episode concludes with an in-depth tasting of Muscadet, showcasing the complexity and joy of wine tasting. Listeners are encouraged to enjoy wine in a carefree manner and subscribe for more wine stories and advice.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe 01:08 The Most Annoying Wine Question 01:53 Why Asking a Sommelier's Favorite Wine is a Bad Idea 06:00 Wine Experiences and Personal Stories 11:12 Tasting Muscadet: A Sensory Journey 17:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Uncorking Wine Buying Tips: From Supermarkets to Boutique Shops   In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace steps in solo as Alana Zerbe embarks on an intriguing NASA mission. Keith demystifies wine buying by discussing four major types of wine shops in the U.S.: Supermarkets and National Chains, Big Box Wine Shops, Boutique City Wine Shops, and Suburban Mall Wine Shops. He offers insights and insider tips on selecting wines, particularly for those interested in wine education and sommelier training. Sponsored by the National Wine School, this episode provides a blend of practical advice and wine expertise.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:41 Alana's Top-Secret Mission and Keith's Wine Shop Guide 01:13 Supermarkets and National Chains 01:51 Big Box Wine Shops 03:08 Boutique City Wine Shops 04:03 Suburban Mall Wine Shops 04:48 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the declining presence of wine books and the need for updated, accessible wine education. They share personal experiences, including Keith's decision to write a food and wine pairing book instead of a traditional wine book, and the challenges of keeping wine information current due to rapidly changing details. The episode highlights the importance of electronic resources and honest, jargon-free approaches to wine education. They also taste and review a Syrah from Côte de Roussillon. Throughout the discussion, Keith and Alana emphasize the need for honest, engaging content in the wine world and invite listeners to join the conversation and share their thoughts.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:53 The Decline of Wine Books 01:54 Personal Story: Writing a Wine Book 03:29 Challenges with Wine Books 04:48 The Evolution of Wine Information 11:26 The Future of Wine Writing 20:55 Tasting Syrah 25:32 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the intricacies of wine marketing, revealing how industry insiders are influenced and how certain wines become popular. They reminisce about an influential cruise promoting Rosé and recount a memorable trip to Paso Robles. They also conduct a detailed tasting of a Rosé de Provence, exploring its characteristics and potential food pairings. The episode ends with practical advice for those interested in joining the wine trade and enjoying its unique perks. Don't forget to subscribe and share the love of wine.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:41 Today's Topic: The Dark Arts of Wine Marketing 00:59 Wine Tasting: Rosé de Provence 01:37 Reintroduction and Sponsor Shoutout 03:08 The Wine Cruise Experience 05:16 The Rosé Revolution 06:52 Marketing Strategies in the Wine Trade 13:20 Wine Tasting:  Rosé 17:08 Pairing Rosé with Food 19:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the ins and outs of wine tasting room experiences, sharing both horror stories and tips for making the most of your visit. From the importance of setting appointments and being polite to understanding the different types of visitors (and how tasting room staff should cater to each), they cover it all. The episode also features a tasting and detailed analysis of a premier cru burgundy wine, highlighting its complex flavors and aromas. They emphasize the importance of never asking for freebies, always being respectful, and enhancing your tasting experience by asking informed questions. Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or a casual enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into enjoying wine tastings the right way.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:49 Today's Topic: Tasting Room Nightmares 01:11 Wine Tasting Session Begins 01:39 Meet the Hosts and Sponsor 02:50 The Importance of Tasting Rooms 04:07 Tasting Room Horror Stories 08:30 How to Be a Good Tasting Room Guest 16:58 Maximizing Your Tasting Room Experience 19:02 Respect and Etiquette in Wine Tasting 20:39 Handling Unfavorable Wines with Grace 21:17 Navigating Local Wineries and Sweet Wines 22:23 Avoiding Palate Disruption 23:14 The Importance of Being Genuine 24:53 Comparing Wines Side by Side 26:02 Enjoying Premier Cru Burgundy 27:10 Describing the Complexities of Pinot Noir 34:07 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive into the intricacies of oak aging in wine. They explore the historical significance, the flavor contributions, and the various types of oak used by winemakers. The discussion is enriched by Wallace’s insights into winemaking practices and the management of oak barrels. The episode concludes with a tasting and analysis of a beautiful Fronsac, highlighting its complex flavor profile and the impact of oak aging. Listeners are invited to engage with the podcast and enjoy wine in a relaxed, enjoyable manner.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe 00:47 The Role of Oak in Winemaking 03:20 Historical Use of Oak in Winemaking 05:47 The Science Behind Oak Aging 09:52 Managing Oak Barrels in Winemaking 18:26 Different Types of Oak and Their Impact 23:06 Tasting Chateau Carl Magnus 28:22 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive deep into the world of sparkling wines, starting with a critique of generic Prosecco and moving on to various high-quality alternatives like Cava, Loire Valley bubbles, and Anderson Valley wines. They discuss the importance of lees, the complexities of different sparkling wines, and touch upon unique varieties like Bougie Cerdan and Greek orange wines. The episode aims to educate listeners on identifying good quality bubbles without the snobbery, highlighting the joy in discovering diverse and lesser-known sparkling wines.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:41 Today's Topic: Bubbles 01:31 Prosecco: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 02:52 Understanding Quality in Sparkling Wines 05:52 Exploring Cava and Its Complexities 17:19 The Charm of Loire and Other French Bubbles 19:06 American Sparkling Wines: Hidden Gems 22:24 Weird and Wonderful: Unique Sparkling Wines 27:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Demystifying Wine Ratings and Reviews with Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe   In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, leading wine experts, dive into the topic of wine ratings and reviews. They explain the importance of wine ratings, their history, and how they can guide wine selections. They review a Chateauneuf du Pape wine and discuss the significance and correct usage of wine ratings. The hosts advocate for using ratings judiciously and discuss the pitfalls of crowdsourced reviews. The episode caps off with a wine tasting, highlighting the complexities and unique attributes of the wine. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the podcast, particularly with wine snobs for a dose of humble pie.   00:00 Welcome to After Wine School 00:41 Introducing the Hosts and Today's Topic 00:57 Wine Reviews: Chateauneuf du Pape 02:55 Understanding Wine Ratings 08:41 The Evolution of Wine Ratings 11:24 How Wines Get Reviewed 15:17 The Evolution of Wine Critic Practices 15:43 Modern Wine Review Expectations 17:16 The Role of Wine Ratings Today 18:20 Navigating Wine Selections with Reviews 22:12 Crowdsourced Wine Reviews: Pros and Cons 24:06 Understanding Wine Characteristics 25:10 Grenache: A Deep Dive 30:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss their paths from law and journalism to becoming top wine experts. They share anecdotes about the transition, the cultural lens of wine, and the prevalence of lawyers in the wine industry. The episode also highlights a tasting of Cab Franc from the Loire Valley, focusing on its unique flavors and characteristics. Tune in for an engaging mix of wine education, personal stories, and humor.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe 01:53 The Lawyer's Journey to Wine 05:25 Cultural Insights Through Wine 12:31 Tasting Cab Franc from the Loire Valley 16:36 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the complexities of wine pricing, offering insights into how different tiers of wine are priced. They explore factors from production costs to market placement and offer actionable advice for selecting the best wines within a given price range. The hosts also cover the nuances of wine aging, gifting strategies, and smart buying techniques. Later, they sample a sommelier's favorite, a wine from  Cahors, and offer pairing recommendations. Sponsored by the National Wine School, the episode wraps up with valuable tips for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:45 Today's Topic: Secrets of Wine Pricing 02:06 Understanding Wine Pricing Tiers 06:51 Factors Influencing Wine Prices 10:54 Tips for Buying Wine 16:07 When to Splurge on Luxury Wines 16:53 Aging Wine: A Complex Topic 17:10 Wine School Sponsorship 17:53 Choosing the Right Wine: Price and Quality 18:54 Gifting Wine: Tips and Tricks 20:52 Dealing with Wine Snobs 27:09 Wine Tasting and Pairing 31:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe explore the world of Chardonnay. They discuss the wine's rich history, its varied styles, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Keith shares his personal journey with Chardonnay and why he values it as a winemaker. Alana presents a Southern Burgundy Chardonnay, , highlighting its tasting notes and characteristics. The episode balances humor, professional insight, and practical advice, aiming to demystify Chardonnay and make it accessible to all wine lovers.   00:00 Welcome to After Wine School 00:41 Introducing the Hosts and Today's Topic 02:44 Keith's Love for Chardonnay 08:22 The Popularity and Criticism of Chardonnay 15:51 Tasting and Analyzing a White Burgundy 21:36 Conclusion and Farewell

  In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, renowned wine experts, explore the nuances of French wines. From discussing Burgundy and Bordeaux to offering tips on how to buy high-quality wines at reasonable prices, they provide insights into winemaking, regional characteristics, and even discuss organic and biodynamic wines. They also share their personal favorites and the unique factors that affect wine purchasing decisions. Sponsored by the National Wine School, this episode is perfect for both wine enthusiasts and those looking to deepen their understanding of French wines.   00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe 00:51 Exploring French Wines: Burgundy and Bordeaux 04:28 Tips for Buying French Wines 07:59 The Importance of Wine Regions and Producers 11:20 Biodynamic and Organic Wines 13:45 Top Shelf Wine Recommendations 16:48 Class Overview and Final Thoughts 20:48 Conclusion and Farewell

Uncorking Bubbles: Champagne vs. Cava - The Ultimate Wine Showdown In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, leading wine experts, dive deep into the world of sparkling wines, comparing champagne and cava. At the end, they uncork a showdown between Champagne and Cava, discussing their unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and ideal pairings. From the misconceptions of aging champagne to the dangers of sabered bottles, Keith and Alana share their expert insights with a touch of humor. They also highlight key advice like the best times to purchase champagne and the suitability of different regions for sparkling wine production. Sponsored by the National Wine School, this episode merges wine education with entertaining conversations and practical tips. 00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:44 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe 01:10 Bubbles and Trouble: Champagne vs. Cava 02:52 Perfect Pairings: Champagne and Food 04:51 Champagne Memories and Missteps 09:10 The Art of Aging Champagne 11:48 Global Sparkling Wine Regions 15:50 Post-Holiday Champagne Prices 16:15 Sabrage: A Dangerous Art 17:24 The Risks of Sabering Champagne 18:15 What to Do with Leftover Champagne 19:46 Tasting Affordable Cava 24:36 Comparing Cava and Champagne 28:58 Understanding Champagne Labels 30:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell