GuildSomm Podcast

Épisodes

• 
  Studying Vintages with MS Jonathan Eichholz 21.07.2026 1h

  In this episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, GuildSomm educator and contributor MS Jonathan Eichholz joins GuildSomm's director of education, Chris Tanghe, to discuss vintages. They talk about their approach to studying vintages, how to navigate the nuances beyond general scores, and some of their less-lauded favorites. Jonathan is based in New York City and passed his Master Sommelier exam in 2023. In addition to his GuildSomm work, he is a host and co-producer for VICE's Munchies: The Wine Show and is planning to open the restaurant After Gold in the near future. Don't miss the Vintages section on GuildSomm for vintage cards and vintage decade graphics for key regions all around the world. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Tasting with Alisha Blackwell-Calvert 23.06.2026 47min

  In this episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Advanced Sommelier Alisha Blackwell-Calvert joins GuildSomm's director of education, Chris Tanghe, to blind taste three high-acid white wines. They discuss the differences between lees and oak aging as well as the evolution of typicity in classic winemaking regions.   Alisha is based in St. Louis and is currently the wine director for Madrina. She previously worked at Cinder House in the Four Seasons Hotel and was a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service in 2025. She judges for the Decanter World Wine Awards and serves as a mentor for the Bâtonnage Mentorship Program.   Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Building a Spirit Brand with Holly Robinson 09.06.2026 47min

  In this episode, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe interviews Holly Robinson on building a spirits brand. Holly worked in restaurants before cofounding Seattle-based Captive Spirits in 2011 with partner Ben Capdevielle. Together they developed Big Gin, a London Dry style that has won many awards since its inception, then expanded their bottlings to include Bourbon Barreled Big Gin and Peat Barreled Big Gin. In 2016, Hood River Distillers acquired the brand.    Holly next launched Fast Penny Spirits, an American Amaro lineup also produced in Seattle with business partner Jamie Hunt. Dubbed Amaricano, it uses Pacific Northwest ingredients while paying homage to Jamie's Sicilian roots. Today, Holly consults for numerous PNW companies with her latest company, Fathom 35, and owns Sunny Hill restaurant in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.  Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Uruguay with Santiago Deicas 12.05.2026 53min

  In this episode, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe interviews winemaker Santiago Deicas of Bodega Familia Deicas to explore the wines of Uruguay, one of South America's most exciting winemaking countries. Santiago lays the foundation for understanding the climate, geography, varieties, and viticultural specifics of this Atlantic-influenced growing area. Santiago is the third-generation winemaker at Familia Deicas, his family's fine wine label. His family also makes wine under the Establecimiento Juanicó label. Santiago was named Young Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin in 2020. Learn more about Familia Deicas: https://www.familiadeicas.com/en/history/ Read our South America Study Guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/206/south-america  Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Managing Multiple Outlets with MS Douglas Kim 14.04.2026 42min

  In this episode, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe interviews Master Sommelier Douglas Kim about managing beverage programs for multiple outlets, each with its own team. Douglas is the executive director of wine for MGM Resorts International and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Douglas started his career in the kitchen and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where he was first exposed to the world of wine. He has worked in iconic restaurants including Restaurant Charlie by Charlie Trotter, Aureole Las Vegas by Charlie Palmer, and Picasso at Bellagio. Through his role at Picasso, he earned the opportunity to work for MGM as the executive director of wine for the entire company. He became a Master Sommelier in 2018. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Tasting with Myles Trapp MS 31.03.2026 53min

  In this episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Myles Trapp joins host MS Chris Tanghe to blind taste three red wines, identifying quality tiers within the Pinot Noir category. Chris and Myles also discuss how they focused their studies to accelerate their blind tasting skills. Myles currently works on partnerships and experience development for the Tastefuli app, a mobile platform designed to help travelers discover and book curated wine country experiences. His initial sommelier training was in France, and he built his career in restaurants and education before passing the Master Sommelier exam in 2024.  Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Alternative Wine Packaging with Melissa Saunders MW 17.03.2026 49min

  In this episode, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe interviews Master of Wine Melissa Saunders about progressive wine packaging. They discuss the use of bag-in-box (BIB) packaging for fine wine, dispelling the stereotype that these containers are only for cheap beverages. For Melissa's Master of Wine Research Paper, the final part of the certification process, she studied alternative wine packaging. What she learned while writing it was so compelling that she founded Communal Brands, a bag-in-box import company that partners with high-quality producers to bring great wine to consumers with a drastically reduced carbon footprint. Melissa lives in upstate New York, runs marathons, and is an attorney specializing in alcohol beverage law. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Read Melissa's 2021 GuildSomm article about her MW Research Paper process and findings: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/mw-perspectives/b/mw-perspectives/posts/environmental-impacts-of-packaging-retail Learn more about Communal Brands: https://www.communalbrands.com/
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  Tasting with MS Maddy Jimerson 24.02.2026 35min

  In this episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Maddy Jimerson joins host MS Chris Tanghe to blind taste three white wines. Before the tasting, she explains how she elevated her tasting game to prepare for various levels of certification.    Maddy is the wine director for the restaurant Casa Tua in Aspen, Colorado, and cofounder of Winomad Productions, which makes short films about the regions of Italy. She found her passion for Italian wine while working as a brand ambassador in the Bay Area, representing iconic Piedmontese wineries. Maddy passed her Master Sommelier Exam in 2022.  Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Beef, Butchery, and Non-Classic Pairings with Kevin Smith and Nelson Daquip 11.02.2026 1h 19min

  In this episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, we chat with Kevin Smith and Nelson Daquip of Beast & Cleaver in Seattle about beef, butchery, and non-classic wine pairings. Kevin Smith is originally from London, where he discovered the joy of cooking early in life. He found his way to butchery and in 2019 opened Beast & Cleaver with his wife, Polly. Their latest venture is Little Beast, which is focused on traditional London pub fare, using the whole animal. Kevin was a James Beard nominee for Best Emerging Chef in 2023. Nelson Daquip moved to Seattle from Hawaii and fell into wine while working at Seattle's iconic Canlis restaurant, where he worked his way up from food runner to wine director. He joined the Beast & Cleaver team last year to curate service and beverage for both Beast & Cleaver and Little Beast. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Tasting with MS David Reuss 27.01.2026 44min

  In this episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, newly minted Master Sommelier David Reuss joins host MS Chris Tanghe to blind taste three red wines. Before David starts tasting, they discuss the experience of passing the exam, the preparation and best practices that helped David reach that milestone, and what he plans to do next. David is the national education director for Jackson Family Wines. He previously worked in some of Colorado's best restaurants, including Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder and Shanahan's Steakhouse in Denver. David passed the Master Sommelier Exam in fall of 2025. Listen in and guess the wines along with David! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  2025 Year in Review 16.12.2025 1h 1min

  In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommeliers Chris Tanghe and Jonathan Eichholz reflect on the past year in wine. They cover the trends, major events, challenges, and highlights of 2025 and look ahead to 2026.   Jonathan lives and works in New York City. As an educator for GuildSomm, he maintains the Wine Law Compendium, teaches on a range of subjects, and supports the development of new content. Previously, Jonathan worked at The Modern. Chris is based in Seattle. He is GuildSomm’s director of education and the host of GuildSomm: Into the Glass. Chris spent years working in restaurants across the country and has spearheaded GuildSomm’s seminars since 2016, teaching classes throughout the US and internationally.   Thank you to all of our listeners for the amazing support of the show in 2025! We'll be working hard to bring you more fun and educational podcasts next year. Happy holidays!
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  Beaujolais with Natasha Hughes MW 25.11.2025 56min

  In this episode, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe interviews Master of Wine Natasha Hughes about the modern winemaking landscape in Beaujolais. Tune in to hear them discuss winemaking techniques, generational turnover, stylistic shifts, and more.   Natasha passed her Master of Wine exam in 2014 and writes for Decanter, World of Fine Wine, Jancis Robinson, Imbibe, and other publications. Her new book on Beaujolais was published this fall by Académie du Vin Library.   Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!   Read the latest article on GuildSomm, Natasha's in-depth explanation of winemaking techniques in Beaujolais, excerpted from her new book: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/natasha-hughes-mw/posts/winemaking-complexities-beaujolais   GuildSomm members receive a discount on Académie du Vin Library books: https://www.guildsomm.com/about_us/member-discounts/
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  Tasting with MS Jesse Becker 11.11.2025 36min

  This week on GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Jesse Becker joins host MS Chris Tanghe to blind taste three red wines. Before he starts tasting, Jesse discusses his career and tasting journeys, including the challenges he faced as he was honing his blind tasting skills prior to passing the Master Sommelier exam. Jesse is the US sales manager for Veritable Wines & Estates, an importer of premium German and Austrian wines, and brand owner at ROCKWERK Grüner Veltliner. Over the last two decades, he has worked in nearly every facet of the wine and hospitality industries. Listen in and guess the wines along with Jesse! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Check out our tasting study guide to brush up on the basics of tasting: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/2683/tasting Discover more tasting resources: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/blind-tasting/ Learn more about ROCKWERK Grüner Veltliner: https://veritable-usa.com/rockwerkwine
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  Joseph Phelps Insignia with David Pearson 28.10.2025 47min

  In our latest podcast, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe speaks with David Pearson of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. They discuss the history of the winery, its role in Napa Valley's development, and the origins and future of the brand's flagship wine, Insignia. David is the executive chairman of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Prior to this role, he served as the CEO of Opus One for 16 years. He has also held leadership roles at Robert Mondavi and Meadowood Estate. David has a BS in fermentation science and enology from UC Davis and an MBA in international business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Learn more about Joseph Phelps Vineyards: https://www.josephphelps.com/ Read our Joseph Phelps Producer Profile: https://www.guildsomm.com/research/wiki/ca/i/cabernet/joseph_phelps
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  Tasting with Tori Testa 14.10.2025 45min

  In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, sommelier Tori Testa discusses her tasting journey with host MS Chris Tanghe before blind tasting three red Italian wines. Tori is a beverage manager at Grill 23 & Bar in Boston. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, holds the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, and is working toward her Advanced Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Listen in as Tori shares her tasting challenges and tips, then guess along with her as she tastes blind! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Read our Tasting Study Guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/2683/tasting Explore more tasting resources: https://www.guildsomm.com/explore/w/tasting 
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  Spain with Sarah Jane Evans MW 16.09.2025 1h 3min

  In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with MW Sarah Jane Evans about what’s new and exciting in central and southern Spain. They discuss trends in Spanish wine, developments in Jerez, improvements in Spain’s sparkling wines, and more. Sarah Jane recently released a new book on central and southern Spain, a follow-up to her previous book on Spain’s northern regions. She is a contributing editor for Decanter magazine and resides in the UK. Keep an eye on the GuildSomm website for an excerpt from Sarah Jane’s book, coming later this week! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! GuildSomm members receive 25% off Académie du Vin Library publications, including both of Sarah Jane’s books on Spain, using the discount code on our Member Discounts page: https://www.guildsomm.com/about_us/member-discounts/ Preview The Wines of Central and Southern Spain: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/the-wines-of-central-and-southern-spain-from-catalunya-to-cadiz-sarah-jane-evans-mw Preview The Wines of Northern Spain: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/products/the-wines-of-northern-spain Explore all Classic Wine Library books from Académie du Vin Library: https://academieduvinlibrary.com/collections/classic-wine-library Read Sarah Jane’s work in Decanter: https://www.decanter.com/author/sarahjaneevans/
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  Tasting with Winemaker Erica Orr 26.08.2025 32min

  In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Erica Orr, a Washington winemaker and enologist. Erica crafts the wines for her own label, Orr, and also has a lab service providing wine analysis and consulting for other Washington wineries. Chris pours her a white, a rosé, and a red. After Erica tastes the wines blind, she and Chris discuss winemaking cause and effect. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Erica ran analysis on the wines that she and Chris tasted, which you can find on our website. Click over only when you're ready for the wines to be revealed! https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/podcasts/b/guild_podcasts/posts/tasting-with-winemaker-erica-orr  Find out more about Erica's wine lab: https://www.orrwinelab.com Learn about Orr Wines: https://ericaorrwines.com Read our Tasting Study Guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/2683/tasting Discover more GuildSomm blind tasting resources: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/blind-tasting/
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  Mount Etna with Benjamin Spencer 12.08.2025 54min

  In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with Benjamin Spencer, an American journalist and winemaker who now lives on Mount Etna in Sicily. Benjamin is the director of Etna Wine School and the author of The New Wines of Mount Etna. Chris and Benjamin discuss the history of winemaking on Mount Etna and cover grapes, styles, and producers to know. Be sure to listen all the way to the end for a blind tasting bonus! Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers! Learn more about Etna Wine School: https://etnawineschool.com Read Benjamin's book: https://etnawineschool.com/shop/the-new-wines-of-mount-etna/ Dive into our Southern Italy expert guide to keep learning: https://www.guildsomm.com/research/expert_guides/w/expert-guides/2647/italy-part-iv-southern-italy
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  Tasting: Grüner Veltliner Profile 29.07.2025 9min

  In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe takes a different approach to the study of blind tasting with a close look at Grüner Veltliner. He discusses the typicity of Grüner Veltliner and demystifies some misunderstood characteristics of the variety. Be sure to check out all the resources on GuildSomm.com, including our tasting materials and our new infographics on the typicity of classic grape varieties. Start here: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/staff-training/b/new/posts/tasting-la-cata  If you're not yet a GuildSomm member, check out our summer membership opportunity! Stay sharp this summer with full access to GuildSomm for three months at the discounted rate of US$35. Sign up by August 31: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/b/announcements/posts/summer-membership-offer Our latest article is a spotlight on the London wine industry, featuring an impressive group of London wine professionals: https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/spotlight/posts/london-spotlight  Thanks for listening and supporting our efforts here at GuildSomm. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
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  Rhône Varieties with John Alban 01.07.2025 40min

  In the latest episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, host and Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe chats with the one and only John Alban of Alban Vineyards in the Edna Valley of California. John has been a champion of Rhône varieties through his entire winemaking career, and he was a pioneer in bringing Rhône vine material to the US in the 1980s. He is the founding director for Hospice du Rhône and has been made an honorary citizen of Condrieu and Côte Rôtie for his remarkable accomplishments.   Listen in to learn about John's wine journey, the Rhône Valley, and the success of Rhône grapes in California.   Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!   Learn more about Alban Vineyards: https://www.albanvineyards.com   Read our Rhône Valley study guide: https://www.guildsomm.com/learn/study/w/study-wiki/155/rhone-valley-and-southern-france   Don't miss your chance to explore all of GuildSomm's offerings at a reduced rate this summer! Sign up for our summer membership before August 31: https://www.guildsomm.com/recurly/v1/join