Did you know the U.S. still uses the word Champagne on some labels, even though it's illegal almost everywhere else in the world? In today’s episode, we’ll find out why. Today we tell the tale of the 100 year battle California fought (and sometimes ignored) with the French region of Champagne for the name they owned. Make sure to subscribe to SOMMTV.com for the greatest content you can find anywhere about wine, food, and the culture that makes it so great. Get 50% off a monthly subscription with the code: sommtv50 at checkout.

You think the Mcrib is special? Food writer Gary He has spent years traveling the world and documenting every Mcdonalds in over 55 countries. His new book “The Mcatlas” is the definitive unauthorized guide to all the crazy local meals, wild architecture and surprises you can find across the world of this iconic fast food institution. We tell the story of his book, the wild things Mcdonalds serves outside the United States and follow the book through the 2025 James Beard awards where it is nominated in two categories. Make sure to subscribe to SOMM TV at sommtv.com and get 50% off by entering code: sommtv50 at checkout!

For hundreds of years Billecart Champagne has set a standard and remained a family business against incredible odds. On today’s episode Mathieu Billecart, the seventh generation of the Champagne house discusses how this family has defied the odds, survived world wars fought in their backyard, and what it feels like to be the next in charge of the history and future. We also discuss the new release of their top Champagne. Watch this episode now on sommtv.com and use code sommtv50 to get 50% off a subscription.