Join sommelier Erin as she looks ahead at some of the biggest wine trends in 2025. Discover key movements in sustainability, the rise of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic wines, a return to classic wine styles, and the embrace of adventurous tastes from lesser-known regions. Plus, learn about the impact of technology on wine labels and the growing popularity of natural wines. Erin also shares an important podcast update for 2025. Don't miss this episode, which is packed with practical tips for ev...
Join sommelier Erin on this Christmas Eve 2024 episode as she shares her top 7-holiday entertaining tips to help you easily navigate the busy holiday season. From keeping chilled bottles ready for unexpected guests to elevating your holiday punches with frozen berries, Erin's practical advice is sure to make your festivities more enjoyable. As a professional sommelier with over 20 years of experience, she also provides pairing tips and creative ideas for adding a festive touch to your drinks....
In this episode, sommelier Erin delves into the delightful world of sparkling wines. Whether you're planning for the holidays or want to add some fizz to your weekly routine, Erin shares valuable tips on selecting the perfect bottle, deciphering label terms, and navigating various sparkling wine styles from around the globe. Additionally, you'll discover ideal food pairings to elevate your festive dishes. From understanding 'Brut' and 'Extra Dry' to exploring Champagne, Prosecco, and m...
Join sommelier Erin as she shares her top four Christmas cookie and wine pairings to enrich your holiday festivities. Whether you enjoy them by a cozy fire, at a holiday gathering, or as thoughtful gifts, Erin's expertly curated combinations will bring extra magic to the season. Discover delicious pairings for thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam and Lambrusco, gingerbread cookies with a 20-year-old Tawny Port, sugar cookies with Moscato d'Asti, and shortbread with full-bodied Chardonnay or ...
Welcome to the first episode of Mrs. Claus's Wine Tasting Club! In this episode, sommelier Erin explores Mrs. Claus's magical history and shares delicious recipes for a festive cocktail party. From cranberry punch to gingerbread trifles, these easy-to-make recipes will bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Also included are tips on wine pairings and practical advice for stress-free hosting. Join Erin for a fun and informative kickoff to this special December series. 02:00 The History of Mr...
Get into the holiday spirit with host sommelier Erin as she takes you on a festive world tour, introducing you to 14 holiday traditions involving wine and spirits. From Germany's Glühwein to Spain's Cava and 12 grapes tradition, each celebration is a unique experience. Also, don't miss out on her upcoming Mrs. Claus holiday wine newsletter for even more festive fun. Sign up using the link below. 02:07 Germany 02:42 France 03:14 Germany 04:47 The Alps 05:17 Spain 05:38 England 06:21 Italy 07...
Join Sommelier Erin as she shares her top tips for navigating Black Friday wine sales. Learn how to create a shopping list, identify favorite wine styles, and discover budget-friendly options for entertaining and gift-giving. Erin also provides insights on selecting rosé, sparkling wines, and collectible bottles. Stay on budget and make informed choices with her practical advice. Additionally, get a sneak peek into her upcoming festive email series Ms. Clauses Wine Tasting Club for more holid...
In this episode, sommelier Erin takes a unique twist on wine pairing tips by sharing some cringe-worthy pairings that most people find unpalatable. Emphasizing that there is no absolute right or wrong in wine pairings, Erin explains the science behind why some pairings fail and covers basic rules for successful pairings. You'll learn practical tips for matching wine intensity, balancing sweetness and acidity, minding tannins, and considering the main ingredient. Tune in to discover what pairi...
Join sommelier Erin on a journey through American history with a wine twist! Discover how wine has influenced iconic moments in U.S. politics—from Thomas Jefferson's passion for vineyards to President Lyndon B. Johnson's pivotal promotion of California wines. Uncover fun historical wine facts tied to U.S. election day, featuring the White House wine cellar, the 'wine track voter,' and wines served at inaugural balls. Perfect for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike! 02:08 Thomas Jeffers...
This week, sommelier Erin demystifies the art of pairing wines with desserts and sweet dishes. Learn the difference between ripe fruit-flavored wines and sweet wines, and discover practical tips for creating perfect pairings. Explore the importance of matching sugar levels, body, and mouthfeel, and receive guidance on interpreting wine label terminology. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of wine, Erin's insights, classic pairing examples, and real-life tips, includ...
In this Halloween-themed episode, sommelier Erin delves into the eerie and fascinating history of winemaking practices that were once considered witchcraft. Discover how fermentation, lunar cycles, blessings, and ancient rituals were intertwined with mysticism and superstition. Don't miss the fun Halloween quiz to discover your wine witch style and perfect pairings for the spooky season. Join Erin for an enchanting journey through the magical past of winemaking. 00:00 Wine, Witches & Won...
In this episode, sommelier Erin Rosar dives into the unpredictable force of weather and its impact on winemaking. Erin discusses five key weather events—frost, rain, heat waves, hail, and drought—and their effects on grape harvests, using vintage examples such as Burgundy 2016, Bordeaux 2013, and California 2015. She explains how these weather conditions can lead to either the making or breaking of a vintage, affecting everything from grape yields to wine complexity. Erin also touches ...
Join sommelier Erin, as she explores why not all grapes are suitable for winemaking and uncover the unique qualities of the Vinifera grape family. This episode addresses the question of why only certain grapes are chosen for wine, explaining the different grape varieties within the Vitus family, their characteristics, and the role of grafting in protecting grapevines from phylloxera. Learn why Vinifera grapes are preferred in the wine industry, and learn some fun facts about grape history and...
Join sommelier Erin as she takes a deep dive into the world of herbal aromas in wine. This episode explores five classic wine styles known for their distinctive herbaceous notes, which are key markers of the grape variety and terroir. Erin also provides practical wine pairing tips for each style and explains the difference between aroma-driven and bouquet-driven wines. Learn to identify and appreciate these unique flavors, and discover perfect food pairings to elevate your tasting experience....
Join Sommelier Erin as she takes you on a delightful journey through her favorite fall wine and cheese pairings. With over 20 years of professional experience, Erin shares practical tips and insights to help you find the perfect combinations for a cozy evening or an elegant gathering. Discover the best wines to enjoy with smoked Gouda, aged cheddar, Gruyere, and Comté, and learn about the history and unique characteristics of each cheese. Don't miss Erin's tips on creating a sophisticated yet...
Join Sommelier Erin for this episode as she shares five fun facts about the vineyard activities leading up to this year's harvest. You'll learn about the importance of sugar and acid balance in grapes, the preference for handpicking, the role of grape tasting in the field, the benefits of nighttime harvesting, and the unique characteristics of wild yeast fermentation. Also, don't forget to check out the links below for the Fall Pairing Inspiration Guide and the Palate Personality Quiz. ...
Join sommelier Erin as she walks you through her Fall 2024 Pairing Inspiration Guide. In this episode, Erin shares some of her favorite apple-themed recipes, including Baked Brie with apples and walnuts, Apple Crepes, Roasted Pork with apples, and more. She also provides tips on wine and cider pairings and offers practical advice on how to read Calvados labels. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or planning a Sunday dinner, Erin's guide has all the delicious pairings and seasonal cocktai...
Join sommelier Erin as she shares practical tips for enrolling in wine courses and tastings. Erin discusses tips for choosing the right course, the importance of learning from different teachers, setting realistic expectations, and the lifelong journey of wine education. Get ready to deepen your wine knowledge while having fun and meeting new people. Be sure to follow for more wine tips, and stay tuned for next week's episode on apple-inspired pairings. 00:00 Intro 03:34 Tip #1 - Read the Cl...
Join sommelier Erin as she leads you through the basis of Chablis. You'll discover the unique characteristics of this 100% Chardonnay wine from the northern part of Burgundy, France, and learn about its distinctive terroir, including the Jurassic-era limestone soil, and how this impacts Chablis' signature minerality and high acidity. Erin also discusses the history of Chablis vineyards, the different classifications and labeling terms, and offers practical tips for selecting the perfect bottl...
Join sommelier Erin on an exciting adventure to Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, as she dives into this renowned wine region's unique soil types and their impact on rich reds and complex whites. Learn the fascinating history behind the soils, including the dramatic 1931 earthquake and the formation of the famous Gimblett Gravels. Discover top wineries producing outstanding wines in this region and get practical tips for choosing your next bottle. Perfect for wine enthusiasts who love big reds and ar...