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.

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