VinePair Podcast

On this special episode of The VinePair Podcast, Adam is joined by Nicole Hitchcock, the estate director of J Vineyards & Winery in Sonoma, California about her background in wine, what's so exciting about California sparkling wine, and the current state of Sonoma. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to [email protected]. Thanks for listening, and cheers!

Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair
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Joanna and Zach are joined by VinePair spirits editor Aaron Goldfarb to discuss his recently-published list of the Best Tequilas of 2026, including a growing number of bottlings proclaiming the use of tahona in the crushing process, a surprisingly strong set of reposados, and even a tequila that isn't technically a tequila. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to [email protected]. Thanks for listening, and cheers!

Zach is drinking: Sacred Shore Albariño

Joanna is drinking: Dry Stout from Forever Brewing

Aaron is drinking: House Martini at La Tête d'Or by Daniel

Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair
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Joanna and Zach discuss the recent news that Sazerac has taken a minority stake in Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila. Despite persistent questions about whether celebrity tequila has peaked, as well as the controversy that surrounded the brand's launch, it has been performing well of late, perhaps making it a smart pickup for the New Orleans-based company. Does the price-conscious, youth-oriented brand have the potential for broader reach, and can it stay relevant with the younger cohort it clearly clamors for? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to [email protected]. Thanks for listening, and cheers!

Zach is reading: Pittsburgh Is Aggressively Courting Cocktail Enthusiasts. Will Other Secondary Markets Follow?

Joanna is reading: Canada Dumped U.S. Alcohol Amid Tariff Turmoil. Here’s What Canadians Are Drinking Now Instead.

Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair
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Adam and Joanna discuss the recently opened 550 Madison and how restaurateurs like Simon Kim are making such a bold and obvious play for the ultra-wealthy, or at least those who want to pretend to be so for the night. While this kind of restaurant has always existed, in the past they've been a bit more quiet and restrained, not heavily promoted and covered. Is New York becoming Las Vegas East? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to [email protected]. Thanks for listening, and cheers!

Joanna is drinking: Fines Herbes Gibson from A Pop-Up Called Pancakes

Adam is drinking: 1971 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello

Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair
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Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the curious case of spirits brands and even prestige publications turning to sommeliers in lieu of bartenders for site visits, trips, and expert commentary. Is there actually some logic in looking beyond the traditional framework of "top bartenders at top bars" when you're either looking to make inroads in the on-premise or just get some good, audience-friendly commentary? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to [email protected]. Thanks for listening, and cheers!

Zach is reading: The Wines That Changed How America Drinks, Decade by Decade

Joanna is reading: The 12 Most Important IPAs of the 21st Century So Far

Adam is reading: White Claw’s Parent Co. Bought Finnish Long Drink Because Flavor Is King

Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.