Podcasts

Podcasts are everywhere. According to one study, 80 million Americans listened to at least one podcast weekly in 2021, up 24% from the previous year. While the pandemic has certainly contributed to podcast growth, the medium was already on the rise in 2019. At Wine Enthusiast, we’re honored to produce the biweekly Wine Enthusiast Podcast. Hosted by Managing Editor Lauren Buzzeo, the Wine Enthusiast Podcast explores everything related to drinks culture, from mezcal to rosé trends to the current state of craft lagers. Guests include artists, activists, winemakers, brewers and entertaining experts. In 2021, our most listened to podcasts spanned broad topics. Looking to revisit an old favorite or listen to something you might have missed? Tune into our top five podcasts of the year. 5. The Wide World of Italian Sparkling Wine From the charmat method to metodo classicos, frizzante to spumante, winemakers across Italy produce an array of sparkling wines. To break down the differences, and help you find the right pour for your palate, Tasting Director Alexander Peartree spoke to Giuseppe LoCascio, Chief Everything Officer of Vntners, an online direct-to-consumer retail shop, and Lucidity Wine Merchants, an import/wholesale wine company, about four of the country’s prominent sparkling wines: Prosecco, Franciacorta, Trentodoc and Lambrusco. 4. Why is Natural Wine So Divisive? Loosely defined as wine that’s farmed and produced with minimal intervention, natural wine has dedicated fans and fierce detractors. To try to figure out why it’s so polarizing, Associate Managing Editor of Print Layla Schlack talked to sommelier Charles Springfield and Meri Lugo of Domestique Wine shop about perceptions and misunderstandings among natural and conventional wine lovers, and how to get over the hump to expand your palate. 3. New Year, New Wine Beginnings Among the tried-and-true resolutions to eat better or connect with friends and family more, the dawn of a new year gives us the opportunity to reevaluate what and how we drink. To explore the possibilities, Managing Editor Lauren Buzzeo and Contributing Editor Christina Pickard set their wine goals for 2021, from tasting more to starting a wine club in a socially distanced reality. 2. Put a (Better) Cork In It Not all corks are created equally—but many are being made better than ever before. Contributing Editor Sean Sullivan talks to Carlos de Jesus, director of marketing and communication, and Dr. Paulo Lopes, director of innovation, from Amorim, the world’s largest cork producer, plus Vinventions’ Denis van Roey and Stéphane Vidal. Together, these innovators discuss the past, present and future of corks; how to make a more sustainable and biodegradable product; and why tainted closures may soon be a thing of the past. 1. The Insane Appeal of South African Chardonnay Our most listened to podcast of 2021 is all about myth busting. Say the name Chardonnay, and wine lovers typically turn to Burgundy and California. But what about the rest of the world? For those looking to broaden their horizons, Managing Editor Lauren Buzzeo has two words: South Africa. In this episode, she’s joined by Graham Weerts, winemaker for South Africa’s Capensis Wines in South Africa, who also makes wine at Stonestreet Estate in California’s Alexander Valley and is the Senior Vice President of Vineyard Operations for Jackson Family Wines. They explore why South Africa should be in your regular rotation for brilliant, balanced Chards.