The invention of the cork changed everything for transporting and selling liquid, and in the case of wine, spirits, and beer it created a global culture. On today’s episode we breakdown how the cork became the method to close a bottle and get into the controversy and success that has always surrounded it. We want you to subscribe to SOMM TV! we are giving 50% off monthly subscriptions right now with this link: https://watch.sommtv.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=sommtv50&plan=monthly

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Today’s episode is hosted by Jason Wise. Expert guest is Armen Khachaturian of Morlet Family Vineyards. This episode was produced for SOMM TV by John Adams. This episode’s original hand drawn artwork was created by Brandon Lee Wise.

We are all used to grapes, grains, and things like spices flavoring our drinks, but what about olives, tomatoes, or even anchovies? On today’s episode we talk to Chris Beyer, a man who has made it his life’s mission to explore the far side of whats possible in your drink. Make sure to subscribe to sommtv.com to watch this episode and go to blindersgame.com to get our blind tasting card game.

2025 James Beard award nominated! Jason Wise talks with winemaker Moe Momtazi as he shares the story of how he and his pregnant wife escaped Iran after the revolution in 1979 and survived against all odds to found Maysara Winery in Oregon. You will not believe what wine can mean to people and culture in this award nominated episode. Make sure to go to sommtv.com to watch this episode and also watch "Cup of Salvation" the newest SOMM Film featuring wine made in Iran.

One of the largest wine and spirits event is coming May 6th & 7th to Miami. On today’s podcast we speak to the CEO of Vinexpo, Rodolphe Lameyse about what it takes to put an event this size and how the current economic and political situation will affect large multi national wine and spirits trade shows and wine itself. Members of the wine, spirits and hospitality industry who listen to this podcast will get a free badge to Vinexpo America in Miami May 7-8. To get a complimentary badge, go to vinexpo-america.com and use the code VAMERICA25 and you get in free!

The government is making cuts to the USDA and the FDA which inspect and regulate our food in the United States, but what does that mean? On today’s episode we speak with 4th generation butcher - Katie Flannery about what these agencies actually do and how they impact her job of making some of the greatest dry aged steaks in the world. To get 50% off of our blind tasting wine card game ~ go to blindersgame.com

On today’s episode Jason is joined by Pat Monahan, lead singer of the band “Train”. They talk about his wine project and count down their top songs that feature wine. To the wine and spirits professionals listening... Get ready for Vinexpo America 2025, the premier event http://vinexpo-america.com and secure your place at Vinexpo America 2025 use code VAMERICA25 to claim a complementary badge, on the Vinexpo America website.

Gamay has graduated from a darling of somms and winemakers to a full fledge wine of casual and regular wine drinkers. On today’s podcast we are re-airing this episode with newly named winemaker at Opus one: Meghan Zobeck and Wildsound Wine winemaker: John Adams to discuss one of their favorite grapes and why it has become so popular. To get our blind tasting card game “Blinders” for 50% off - go to blindersgame.com and get the best easter gift this season!

Can fine wine be made with more than just grapes? Today we speak to esteemed Napa winemakers Steve and Jill Matthiasson about the oldest and possibly most under appreciated kind of wine. Today’s episode is brought to you by Auction Napa Valley. To register for a chance to win a pair of tickets to attend the greatest barrel tasting in the United States, go to this link: https://www.sommtv.com/anv2025. No purchase necessary.