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I promise I’ll never tell you what to drink, but I’ll always share what’s in my glass. A Podcast from the owners of Dracaena Wines
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It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
You all know how deeply I love Italy—the culture, the history, and of course, the incredible diversity of its wines. Today, we are heading off the coast of Sicily to the stunning volcanic island of Lipari. This place is rugged, beautiful, and shaped by ancient wind and sea, which brings us to a winery that is making absolutely stunning expressions of this unique terroir: Tenuta di Castellaro. Through their incredible work with heroic viticulture, these wines don't just taste amazing—they literally transcend you right to those sun-drenched, volcanic slopes overlooking the Mediterranean. We are doing a deep dive with a virtual tasting hosted by the estate, sharing the story behind these native varieties and the pure, salty, mineral magic they bring to the glass. So pour yourself something good, and let’s head to Lipari!
Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!
Slainte!
Find out more about my Wine Education Classes here
Order Spanish Wine Bingo Game here
Earn your Rioja Enthusiasts Certification here
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
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Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsors
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
Monday Jul 06, 2026
Monday Jul 06, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
Think of today’s region as the 'Alice in Wonderland' of California wine country. You’ve got dramatic ridges high above the fog line, soils that have been shaken up by the San Andreas Fault, and tiny, family-owned producers who are doing things their own way. It’s a place where vines struggle just enough to produce something truly magical, but where the human element? Well, that can be a bit of a rollercoaster.
We’re going to talk about the terroir, the iconic Pinot and Chardonnays, and of course, the vibe. Some of these wineries are absolute gems where you can bring the pups and soak in the redwoods, and others... let’s just say their customer service policies are, shall we call them, 'highly spirited.'
Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly paradise or a place to debate the definition of 'kid-friendly' over a glass of world-class Cabernet, I’ve got the intel you need. Let’s dive into the Santa Cruz Mountains!
Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!
Slainte!
Find out more about Tablas Creek here
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
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Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsors
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
Monday Jun 29, 2026
Monday Jun 29, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
We talk a lot about 'place' in wine, but sometimes, the best way to really understand a region is to just drop yourself right into the middle of it—even if you’re doing it in your pajamas from the comfort of your own living room!
I recently sat in on a fantastic virtual tasting that transported me straight to the breathtaking vineyards of Farra di Soligo. La Farra Winery provided such a great experience that I didn't want to just summarize it for you; I wanted you to hear it for yourself.
So, in this episode, you are actually going to be a 'fly on the wall' listening in to the live virtual tasting. We’re going to be talking about everything that makes authentic Prosecco DOC so special—the history, the family passion, and of course, those incredible steep slopes.
I want you to get comfortable, pour yourself a glass—sparkling or otherwise—and just explore along with us. It’s light, it’s educational, and it’s a whole lot of fun. Are you ready? Let’s dive in and see what's in the glass!" Thank you AB Comunicazione for this opportunity.
Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!
Slainte!
Learn about La Farra Winery here
Find out more about my Wine Education Classes here
Order Spanish Wine Bingo Game here
Earn your Rioja Enthusiasts Certification here
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
STITCHER | iTUNES | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY
Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsors
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
Monday Jun 15, 2026
Monday Jun 15, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
Today, we are lace-up our boots and continuing our journey across the incredible landscapes of Spain. Now, if you think you know Spanish wine, prepare to have your mind completely blown, because today we are diving headfirst into Navarra. This isn’t just a supporting character on the Iberian Peninsula. We’re talking about an ancient, independent kingdom that is home to Europe's only true desert right alongside lush alpine mountains, a historic highway where medieval monks literally handed out free wine to weary pilgrims, and a place that is just as famous for its world-class wines as it is for pristine white asparagus. It is a region of radical contrasts, hidden old-vine treasures, and a massive wine revolution. So, pour yourself a glass of something delicious, and let's go explore the breathtaking crossroads of Navarra!
Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!
Slainte!
Find out more about my Wine Education Classes here
Order Spanish Wine Bingo Game here
Earn your Rioja Enthusiasts Certification here
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
STITCHER | iTUNES | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY
Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsors
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
Buckle up, because we are trading the icy tundra of Alaska for the tropical humidity of Hawaii, and the drama is only getting steamier. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the high-stakes world of craft beer where things aren’t always as "chill" as they seem. We start in Anchorage, exploring a brewery with a three-story view and a management team that handles wedding catastrophes with a side of confiscated booze. But that’s just the appetizer. We’re heading to the islands to investigate a "wind tunnel" brewery where forklifts are allegedly on a kidnapping spree, a server who literally threw cutlery at a child, and a legendary "Battle of the Menu" where a VP’s "talk story" invitation turned into a local legend's war over the loss of true Pub Favorites. From moldy strawberries to the mystery of the invisible Pork Fried Rice, we’re asking the tough questions: can a beer really taste good enough to make you overlook a face full of ranch dressing?
Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!
Slainte!
Find out more about my Wine Education Classes here
Order Spanish Wine Bingo Game here
Earn your Rioja Enthusiasts Certification here
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
STITCHER | iTUNES | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY
Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsors
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
Monday May 04, 2026
Monday May 04, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
Today we return to Winephabet Street where the letter of the day is L and it stands for Lagrein. The Italian grape variety meant that it was morning drinking for me. We had the honor of having Karoline Walch of Elena Walch winery in Alto Aldige, Italy.
During the interview, we learn the history of the village, the grape variety and some fun facts. This is definitely one you won’t want to miss.
Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Did you know you can do it right now, while you are listening? New ratings and reviews are how the algorithms decide which podcasts they recommend to others and if you love the podcast, other wine lovers will too! to. So don’t forget to add your email address on the website to keep up on all things Exploring the Wine Glass.
Find out more about Elena Walch on their website.
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES
STITCHER | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY
Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
GIVE US A RATING AND REVIEW
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsor
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
GET SPECIAL OFFERS FOR DRACAENA WINES
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Monday Apr 27, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
Welcome to a special live episode of the podcast, recorded on location at ZINposium: A Tale of Two Zins—an immersive seated masterclass created for true Zinfandel lovers. In this episode, we take you inside this incredible seminar featuring two outstanding Paso Robles producers, Guyomar and Brochelle Vineyards, as they share their stories, philosophies, and some truly remarkable wines.
Because this episode was recorded live during the tasting, you’ll hear the energy of the room throughout—clinking glasses, conversations, and the ambient sounds of guests enjoying the experience right alongside us. We wanted to mention that upfront, because while there is background noise, it is all part of the atmosphere and authenticity of being there in the moment.
And what a moment it was. This seminar was thoughtful, engaging, and full of insight into the beauty and diversity of Zinfandel, with incredible wines that made this tasting especially memorable.
So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us as we revisit ZINposium: A Tale of Two Zins.
Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!
Slainte!
Find out more about Brochelle here
Find out more about Guyomar here
Find out more about my Wine Education Classes here
Order Spanish Wine Bingo Game here
Earn your Rioja Enthusiasts Certification here
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
STITCHER | iTUNES | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY
Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsors
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Monday Mar 30, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
We’re taking a sharp detour from the wine trail this week because I’m headed to one of my favorite vacation spots ever: Alaska. I went hunting for wineries, but with most of them closed, we pivoted to the next best thing. We drank a lot of beer, and let’s just say the reviews are as wild as the wilderness.
In this episode, we’re hitting the "Mother Ship" at Anchorage Brewing, where the stouts are called "world-class"—unless you’re the reviewer who claims every beer tasted like a "dirty litter box." Then, we catch a free shuttle to Alaskan Brewing Company to find out why people are catching heat for "fish abuse" in their ads, before ending at Girdwood Brewing. Is it a timber-framed masterpiece with epic mountain views, or is it just an "airport bar" for yuppies in expensive Patagonia jackets?
The owner responses are legendary, the drama is colder than a glacier, and the reviews are absolutely unhinged. You won’t want to miss this—grab a cold one and let’s head to the Last Frontier!
Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!
Slainte!
Find out more about my Wine Education Classes here
Order Spanish Wine Bingo Game here
Earn your Rioja Enthusiasts Certification here
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
STITCHER | iTUNES | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY
Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsors
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!
One day a few months ago, I was walking through a wine shop looking for something a little different. As I perused the shelves, it was the same old supermarket wine after supermarket wine. I turned to leave and as if a light was shining down to catch my attention, there was a white malbec by Bodega Trivento. My winery, Dracaena Wines, now produces a white Cabernet Franc (Blanc de Franc) so of course my curiosity peaked! I picked up the bottle, took a photo and sent it to my husband and brought it home. After enjoying it, I reached out to Trivento to ask if I could speak with the winemaker and share our love of making a white wine from a red grape.
If you listen to a lot of podcasts, you know that many ask for patreon. We do not plan on doing this, but we do ask you to support the podcast by leaving a review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Finally, don’t forget to head to the website, Exploring the Wine Glass.com to read the blog, and sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with all the happenings. Slainte!
Find out more about Bodega Trivento
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel
SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER
STITCHER | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY
Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
Please support our sponsor
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! Today, I am honored to share an episode where the table has been turned on me.
I had the honor of being interviewed by Natalie MacLean. If you are unfamiliar with her, here is her self claimed biography: To fund her late-night vinous habits, Natalie MacLean holds down day jobs as a wine writer, speaker and judge. An accredited sommelier, she is a member of the National Capital Sommelier Guild, the Wine Writers Circle and several French wine societies with complicated and impressive names. Funny, brainy and unapologetically tipsy, her goal in life is to intimidate those crusty wine stewards at fine restaurants with her staggering knowledge.
If you are a regular listener to this podcast, you know I got the opportunity to interview her also! If you missed it, please go back to episodes 253 and 254. I am not use to being on that side of the microphone, so I hope you enjoy!
While you are listening, please take a moment to rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. Ratings are now available, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Audible! Taking one minute of your time is the only way the algorithms will suggest Exploring the Wine Glass to others. Slainte!
Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video
Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Twitter!
SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES
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Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass
GIVE US A RATING AND REVIEW
STAY IN THE KNOW - GET SPECIAL OFFERS
Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com.
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Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)
Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.
Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.
Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!
Sláinte!
Please support our sponsor
Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order