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Wine Access Unfiltered
Published by wineaccess.com
- Arts
- Food
Wine Access Unfiltered—The Official Podcast and Wine Club of Wine Access—goes deep into what we really love about wine: the intimate moments, unforgettable occasions, and hilarious stories that a great bottle brings about. Hosted by former PRESS wine director and Napa Valley insider Amanda McCrossin with appearances from our team of unrivaled experts, we’re popping our favorite bottles and sharing them with you. The Wine Access Unfiltered Wine Club delivers a completely new wine education experience. Once every two months, you’ll receive four bottles. They will all be featured and discussed on the Wine Access Unfiltered podcast. That way, you can drink along with us as we tell stories, share knowledge, and answer your questions!
Listen on Apple PodcastsRecent episodes
- Champagne Is a Place, Not Just a Drink: A Sommelier's Guide to Navigating the Region
Champagne is more than something poured at a toast — it's a place you can actually visit, and this episode finally delivers on months of hints about a long-awaited spring trip there. Sommelier Lara Koffer joins Amanda to unpack the region's biggest split: house Champagne versus grower Champagne, and how roughly 16,000 growers keep the famous marques stocked with fruit. Grab your wine club wine, the Grumier Réserve Perpétuelle, a rare solera-style non-vintage blend dating back to 2005 and join us for stories from Reims and Épernay — Bollinger's hand-disgorged prestige cuvées, a Michelin-starred "Mysteries of Champagne" tasting menu, and hard-won advice on hiring a driver instead of renting a car. Pour a glass and settle in for a trip report worth the wait. Featured Wine: NV Maurice Grumier Réserve Perpétuelle Extra-Brut Champagne Find all of our mentions for restaurants, wineries, and hotels in Amanda's Guide to Visiting Paris and Champagne 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Wine Cities, Round Two: A German Importer's Passport featuring Jenna Fields and Zack Musick
One solo episode wasn't enough to settle the debate over the world's best wine cities — so this time, two frequent flyers weigh in. Jenna Fields and Zack Musick of the German Wine Collection, who log more travel miles promoting German wine than almost anyone in the industry, join to build their own list using the same four-part framework from the last episode: selection, people, variety, and identity. London tops it (officially "Germany-adjacent"), followed by a New York walking tour through Michelin-starred dining rooms, a surprise nod to Phoenix's under-the-radar sommelier scene, and a park-bench cheesesteak in Philly washed down with Frappato from a plastic cup. Pour a glass of the Meyer-Näkel Illusion Blanc de Noir — this month's wine club pick — and settle in for round two. Featured Wine: 2023 Meyer-Nakel "Illusion" Blanc de Noirs 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Mentions & Links Wines & Producers Domaine Tempier Rosé, Bandol — grabbed at Cru in Nantucket Frédéric Savart Champagne, Écueil — paired with ahi tuna and caviar at 53 G.D. Vàjra, Barolo — on the by-the-glass list at 53 Weingut Salwey Eichberg Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Kaiserstuhl — paired with truffled hazelnut soup at Oiji Mi Muskattrollinger Rosé — the German rarity poured at the Nantucket seminar Restaurants & Bars Cru, Nantucket Mezcaleria Alma, Denver — Michelin-starred, all-Mexican-wine list COQODAQ, NYC — the champagne-and-caviar-chicken-nugget spot Oiji Mi, NYC 53, NYC — dim sum spot Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, NYC Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna, Chicago Restaurant Progress, Phoenix Angelo's, Philadelphia — cheesesteak Di Bruno Bros., Philadelphia — wine shop Noble Rot, Mayfair (London) Devonshire, London Satan's Whiskers, London — cocktail bar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Four Cities. No Vineyards. All Wine.
We're going solo this episode, and we're going global. After months of logging serious miles across cities and continents, we wanted to revisit a format we love — not the wine regions, not the châteaux, but the cities themselves. The places that aren't necessarily making wine, but are doing it better than almost anywhere else in the world. We're breaking down our top four wine cities right now — London, Copenhagen, Tokyo, and New York — what makes each one stand out, how we navigate them for wine when we get there, and the specific spots that completely won us over. Along the way, we're also tasting the Zuccardi Polígonos Cabernet Franc from Mendoza — our wine club pick and a perfect tie-in to our earlier episode on the most exciting wine regions to visit. Pour a glass and come along. Featured Wine: Zuccardi Polígonos Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Mentions & Links Restaurants, Wine Bars, and Recs — London Hedonism Wines, London — hedonismwines.com Noble Rot, Soho — noblerot.co.uk The Eagle Bar at Chancery Rosewood — rosewoodhotels.com Mountain, Beak Street, Soho — mountainsoho.com Mayfair Townhouse (hotel) — themayFairtownhouse.com Restaurants & Wine Bars — Copenhagen Rossforth & Rossworth (bridge wine) — wine importer + outdoor wine bar; rossforthandrossworth.com Bar Vitrine Fiskebar — former Noma head sommelier; seafood focused Esse — Michelin starred; tasting menu + à la carte lounge; natural wine and French-leaning list La Banchina — natural wine; waterside cove café; labanchina.dk Poulette and Pompette — order on the app; skip the line Kinyobi — sushi from former Geranium chefs; great sake selection Bird — exceptional cocktail program; great non-alcoholic options Sanchez — tacos from a former Noma chef Hotel Sanders (hotel) — hotelsanders.com Restaurants & Wine Bars — Tokyo New York Bar, Park Hyatt Tokyo (Lost in Translation bar) — park.hyatt.com; Dom Pérignon by the glass at $45 Studio Mule — hidden second-floor wine bar; hi-fi music system; rotating rare bottles by the glass including Gravner and Paolo Bea; no signage, look for the green door Badu, Kyoto — natural wines; sister restaurant to Monk (featured on Chef's Table) Isetan Department Store — basement food hall; great sake selection to take home Restaurants & Wine Bars — New York Coqodaq — fried chicken and champagne Clemente Bar, above Eleven Madison Park La Tete d'Or by Daniel Aldo Sohm Wine Bar — aldosohmwinebar.com La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels — downtown + new Flatiron location Le Chene — great Burgundy and Champagne; splurge-worthy Union Square Cafe Gramercy Tavern Claude, East Village — reportedly excellent wine list Roscioli — wine list by Ariel Arcé, formerly of Ariel's Champagne Parlor Wines Referenced Gravner — famous orange wine producer; served by the glass at Studio Mule Tokyo Paolo Bea, Arboreus — Italian white; served by the glass at Studio Mule Tokyo Also Mentioned Toyama — day trip from Tokyo for Sake (IWA) Kalaya, Philadelphia — James Beard Award Outstanding Restaurant Levi Dalton — I'll Drink To That podcast; Noble Rot recommendation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- We Need to Talk About Bordeaux featuring Jonathan Cristaldi
Bordeaux has a reputation problem — and we're here to fix it. In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Cristaldi, North America Regional Editor at Decanter Magazine and fellow theater kid, to make the case for a region that the wine world has been too quick to dismiss. We just got back from our first trip there together and we're talking about all of it: the left bank vs. right bank divide, why the best Bordeaux you'll ever drink might cost you 25 euros, what it's actually like to navigate the city of Bordeaux as a visitor, and a surprisingly fascinating detour into the science of corks. Pour yourself something from the Haut-Médoc and open your mind — Bordeaux is better than you remember. Featured Wine: Château de l'Église Vieille, Haut-Médoc 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Mentions & Links Guest Jonathan Cristaldi — Decanter Magazine, North America Regional Editor; @jcristaldi Wineries Château de Pressac — chateaudepressac.com Château La Gafellière — gaffeliere.com Château Carbonnieux — carbonnieux.com Château Larose Trintaudon — chateau-larose-trintaudon.fr Château Kirwan — chateau-kirwan.com Château de Malleret — chateau-malleret.fr Château Pontet-Canet — pontetcanet.com (prior visit, referenced in episode) Restaurants & Dining Chez Dupont, Bordeaux Gina Rooftop, Bordeaux Brasserie Vinatier, Bordeaux La Côte à l'Os, Saint-Émilion Le Jardin de Collioure Casa Léon, Collioure Also Mentioned Cité du Vin, Bordeaux — laciteduvin.com Diam Bouchage (our trip host and technical cork producer! Thank you Diam! — diam-cork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- How to Drink Wine the Italian Way featuring Jessica Dupuy (Italianity)
Italy is one of those places that feels instantly familiar the moment you arrive — and yet the more you learn about it, the more you realize how much you've been missing. In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Dupuy, James Beard Award-winning author and self-described outsider-turned-insider, to talk about her new book Italianity — a collection of essays and stories that captures what it actually means to drink Italian wine the Italian way. We get into the concept of Italianità, why the best way to plan your Italy trip is to start with the grape you love, and what Antica Bottega del Vino in Verona looks like at 9:30 in the morning when the locals still have the place to themselves. Pour yourself a glass of Franciacorta and let this one transport you. Featured Wine: NV Le Marchesine Franciacorta Nitens Brut 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Featured Guest Jessica Dupuy, co-author — Italianity Regions Discussed Tuscany / Montalcino — Brunello, Sangiovese; the entry point for many Italy-first-timers Valpolicella / Verona — Amarone, Valpolicella Superiore; Andrea's home region Piedmont (Piemonte) — Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Alta Langa sparkling; French-border swagger Alto Adige / Trentino (Tre Venezie) — Alpine Nebbiolo, German-speaking, former Austro-Hungarian influence; Jessica's current favorite region Sicily — Nerello Mascalese, Etna; deeply historical, layered cultural influences Franciacorta — Champagne-method sparkling wine; 85% Chardonnay + Pinot Nero + Pinot Bianco Alta Langa — Piedmont-based traditional-method sparkling; historical rival to Champagne Roero — Sandy-soil Nebbiolo; lighter expression outside of Barolo/Barbaresco Valtellina — Alpine Nebbiolo north of Lake Como Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Paso Robles: Inside the Wine Region That's Quietly Doing Everything Right featuring Maggie Tillman, Alta Colina
If Paso Robles isn't already on your must-visit list, this episode will change that. Maggie Tillman, co-owner of Alta Colina and self-described "co-first-generation" winery founder, joins us to dig into what makes Paso one of the most exciting — and most underrated — wine regions in the country right now. From why the east side vs. west side divide isn't quite as "divided" as you might think, to the magic of Tin City, we're giving you an all-access pass as to why Paso rewards the traveler who puts in the effort to get there. Plus, Maggie shares her personal list of wineries, restaurants, and not-to-miss experiences — including the outdoor art installation that simply cannot be captured on your phone (don't even try). Pour yourself a glass of the Peachy Canyon Zinfandel and let this episode and wine talk you into booking your trip. Featured Wine: Peachy Canyon Zinfandel 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Featured Guest Maggie Tillman, co-owner — Alta Colina Winery, Paso Robles Amanda's Paso Robles Guides Substack Paso Robles Guide Itinerary Wineries Tablas Creek Vineyard — deep west side Rhône producer, partnership with the Perrin family of Châteauneuf-du-Pape L'Aventure Winery — Bordeaux-meets-Rhône style, founded by Stephan Asseo Hubba Wines — lighter-touch, vineyard-driven wines by a female winemaker in Tin City Royal Nonesuch Farm + Lopai — joint tasting room, York Mountain AVA area; newer, worth seeking out Niner Wine Estates — great tasting experience with a stunning culinary garden and winery lunch Giornata Winery — Italian variety focused wines owned by the Turrizzi family who also run Etto Pasta Restaurants & Food Finca — elevated Mexican in a Victorian house; Maggie's go-to for lunch Grace and Rose — seasonal comfort food, great pasta; owned by Justin and Julie Fisher In Bloom — cocktail program + fried chicken and caviar LPC / Les Petite Canailles — French fine dining, son of L'Aventure's Stephan Asseo; ask about the secret menu (bougie tots with caviar) Il Cortile — Italian; one of Paso's originals Parchetto — Il Cortile newer sibling restaurant Fish Gaucho — high-energy, great pozole and margaritas; good for groups Etto Pasta — official restaurant for the makers of fresh and dried pastas + Italian boutique grocery in Tin City; Turrizzi family Coffee & Bakeries Spearhead Coffee Black Sheep Bakery — sourdough cinnamon buns Cocktails & Nightlife Alchemist Garden + The Remedy (speakeasy) — reservation required for The Remedy; best cocktail program in Paso Eleven Twenty Two — speakeasy behind the Irish pub; no phones, great drinks, open until ~11pm/midnight Hotels Ava Hotel — newer boutique, great downtown location Hotel Cheval — downtown Paso, across from Ava Other Experiences Tin City, Paso Robles — urban winery/food/drink hub south of downtown Mighty Cap Mushrooms — mushroom tour experience in Tin City Sensorio — large-scale outdoor light installation by artist Bruce Munro; arrive before dark; Pasolivo — olive oil tasting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Paris for Wine Lovers with Chateau Montelena's Matt Crafton
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris with Chateau Montelena winemaker Matt Crafton—but we're not here to rehash history. Instead, we're diving into Paris as a wine travel destination through Matt's eyes, shaped by an accidental 10-day COVID quarantine that became the trip of a lifetime. From food tours with kids to Sunday restaurant closures, spontaneous wandering versus careful planning, and the wine bars worth seeking out, this is Paris for wine lovers who want to go beyond the guidebook. Wine featured in this episode: 2022 DeLille Cellars Signature Syrah Yakima Valley 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Portland & Willamette Valley: Wine, Food & Why Oregon Deserves Your Attention
Oregon wine country is closer, more accessible, and more delicious than you think. In this episode, we sit down with AJ Resnick—former Wine Access colleague, podcast co-creator, and current Ponzi Vineyards Chief of Marketing—to explore Portland and the Willamette Valley through the eyes of someone who left California to make Oregon home. From why Ponzi is only 20 miles from downtown Portland to which pizza shops deserve a permanent spot in your rental car, AJ breaks down how to plan your Oregon wine trip, where to eat in Portland, and why these Pinot Noirs deserve more age than they're getting. We taste Ponzi's Laurelwood Chardonnay, compare Oregon to Burgundy and California, and get AJ's insider list of restaurants, wine bars, and hidden gem wineries. Whether you're planning your first trip to the Pacific Northwest or wondering if Oregon wine lives up to the hype, this episode proves it absolutely does. 2023 Ponzi Vineyards Chardonnay Laurelwood District, Willamette Valley Restaurants - Portland: Pizza: Scottie's Pizza Parlor Baby Doll Pizza (keeps well in car trunk, per AJ) High-End/Fine Dining: Canard (Le Pigeon's sister restaurant) Kann (chef Gregory Gourdet, James Beard winner, Top Chef alum) Nodoguro (omakase) Ox (Argentine-inspired) International: Kachka (Russian) Janken (Japanese izakaya) Akadi (Portland African cuisine) Luc Lac (Vietnamese) Casual/Other: Matt's BBQ Coquine (mentioned by AJ) Gabbiano's Reel M Inn Breweries: Breakside Brewery (AJ's first stop in Portland) Bakeries/Coffee: Nuvrei (bakery Amanda couldn’t remember name of) Willamette Valley Restsaurants/food The Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg (burger highly recommended for brunch) Sushi Kichi (Vale - small town sushi) Joel Palmer House (mushroom-focused) Nick's Italian Cafe (Dundee Hills) Red Hills Market (Dundee) Wineries Mentioned: Must-Visits: Ponzi Vineyards Domaine Drouhin Domaine Serene Bergström Lingua Franca (Thomas Savre) Soter Hidden Gems: Artist Block Winery (sparkling, Syrah, creative tastings) Carlton Winemakers Studio (collective/incubator for multiple producers) Historic Oregon Producers (aged well at Press Restaurant): Domaine Drouhin Rex Hill Eyrie Vineyards (pioneering Oregon winery) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Baja Wine Country: Tacos, Ocean Views & Mexico's Best-Kept Secret
Mexico is making world-class wine—and most people have no idea. In this episode, we head to Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California with Eduardo Dingler to explore one of North America's most exciting (and accessible) wine regions. From Nebbiolo that tastes like Napa Cab to fresh Chenin Blanc perfect for fish tacos, Valle de Guadalupe is rewriting the rules on what Mexican wine can be. We break down which grapes thrive there, why it's an easy weekend trip from San Diego, how to plan your visit, and what makes this region so special. Plus, we taste Mama Mama Chenin Blanc from winemaker Lulu Martínez Ojeda—a wine that proves Mexico deserves a spot on your wine travel bucket list. Whether you're curious about emerging wine regions or just want an excuse to drink wine with tacos by the ocean, this episode is for you. Wine: 2024 Towns Wine Co. Mama Mama Chenin Blanc, Viñedo Kompali, Baja California 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Wine Region: Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico Parras, Coahuila, Mexico (oldest winery in the Americas, 1597) Winemaker/Producer: Lulu Martínez Ojeda (Mama Mama winemaker, studied in Bordeaux) Alicia Towns Franken (Towns Wine Co., championing underrepresented winemakers) Key People Mentioned: Hugo d'Acosta (pioneering winemaker in Valle de Guadalupe) Camillo Magoni (Italian winemaker from Alto Adige, came to Baja in 1960s, planted Italian varietals) California Chenin Blanc Producers Mentioned: Jurassic Vineyard Gamling & McDuck Lang and Reed Crigley Family (100 cases production) Napa Restaurants Mentioned: La Choza (tacos) Don Carlos Mothers Tacos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Wine Time Travel: Everything You Need to Know About Older Bottles
Time travel exists—and it comes in a bottle. In this solo deep dive, we're exploring everything you need to know about older wines, from what actually happens as wine ages to how to find, store, and serve bottles with serious age on them. Drawing from years of working with Press Restaurant's legendary cellar—one of the largest collections of Napa Valley wines dating back to the 1950s—we break down which wines are worth cellaring, what "good funk" really means, and why you don't need a million-dollar cellar to enjoy the magic of aged wine. Whether you're curious about that 2015 Rioja in your glass or wondering if your closet can double as wine storage, this episode answers your most-asked questions about drinking through time. Spoiler: sediment is your friend, and no, you don't have to finish the bottle in one sitting. Wine: 2015 El Centimo Real Rioja Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Previous Episode Reference: "Corked and Uncorked" Episode with PJ Awe from Amorim Cork America (about cork and wine storage misconceptions) Wine Regions/Styles Discussed for Aging: Regions Known for Age-Worthy Wines: Napa Valley, California (Cabernet Sauvignon) Bordeaux, France Burgundy, France (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) Rioja, Spain (Reserva, Gran Reserva) Barolo, Piedmont, Italy Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy Champagne, France (can age 50-70+ years) Mosel, Germany (Riesling) Sauternes, France (sweet wines) Grapes That Age Well: Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Tempranillo White: Chardonnay, Riesling Sparkling: Champagne Grapes/Styles That Don't Age Well: Rosé (with rare exceptions) Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio Albariño "Chillable reds" Wine Storage & Serving Tools Mentioned: Repour wine savers (wine preservation) Coravin (wine preservation system) VinSling Wine cradle (for serving bottles with sediment) Decanter Flashlight (for checking wine color/condition in bottle) Key Concepts Covered: Oxidation in wine aging (controlled vs. uncontrolled) Temperature control for wine storage (55°F ideal) Sediment formation and handling Decanting aged wines Color changes in aged wine (browning, brick-red hues) Primary vs. secondary vs. tertiary aromas/flavors Tannin and acidity's role in aging Cork storage myths (lying down vs. standing up) Vintage variation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- The 5 Most Exciting Wine Destinations for 2026
Forget the usual suspects—we're taking you off the beaten path with the top five most exciting wine destinations for 2026. From Portugal's incredible diversity beyond Port to Germany's underrated food scene, Argentina's high-altitude Malbecs in Mendoza, California's dynamic Paso Robles, and the UK's surprising sparkling wine regions, these are the places where wine, food, and culture collide in the best possible way. Whether you're planning your first wine trip or looking for your next adventure, this solo episode is packed with firsthand insights, travel tips, and why visiting wine regions beats any classroom education. Plus, we share what makes each destination uniquely exciting—and why now is the time to go. 2021 Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec Historic Rows Mendoza 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- The Art of Wine Travel: Expert Tips from Vintage Departures' Candice Mathis
Wine lovers don't just travel—they travel differently. And in this episode, Amanda sits down with Candice Mathis, founder of Vintage Departures and wine travel expert, to explore exactly how. From what makes a wine trip worth booking to why a great hotel bar matters more than you think, Candice shares her hard-earned wisdom from planning itineraries across Napa, Burgundy, Champagne, and beyond. They dig into the logistics of traveling with kids, why sleep is always worth the splurge, the unspoken rules of wine region etiquette, and how to unlock hotel perks you didn't know existed. Whether you're planning your first wine trip or your fiftieth, this conversation will change the way you think about where to stay, what to book, and how to make every moment count. Wine Featured on This Episode: 2022 Louis Millet Sancerre Rouge 📣 Links and Mentions Candice Mathis - Vintage Departures 🤳 @vintagedepartures 📧 c@vintagedepartures.com Hotels Napa Valley Four Seasons Meadowood Alila Auberge du Soleil Carneros Resort Le Petit Pali Champagne The Royal Champagne Piedmont (Alba) Casa di Langa 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Napa Valley, According to Wine People
We’re kicking off season four with our new theme “Unfiltered In Flight” and exploring wine the lens of travel. Whether it’s a wine producing region or a major city abroad, we’re focusing on how wine people experience the places they visit. To start, we’re returning to a region that’s both iconic and endlessly misunderstood: Napa Valley. Together with local sommelier Laura Koffer of Wine Access, who has called the valley home for more than a decade, we’re unpacking what Napa actually feels like beyond the tasting room. From Champagne-fueled nights and backyard picnics to tacos, beer, and the casual luxury that defines daily life in the valley, we break down Napa’s geography, appointment culture, and how to plan smarter tasting days, with one core takeaway in mind: the best Napa trips aren’t about doing more, they’re about doing it better. Wine Featured on This Episode: 2024 Bordo Mare Vermentino Las Brisas Vineyard 📣 Links and Mentions Wine Bars & Drinking Spots Cadet Wine Bar (Napa) Compline Wine Bar (Napa) Chispa (Yountville) Pancha’s (Yountville) Ana’s Cantina (St. Helena) Restaurants & Food St. Helena Charlie’s Gott’s Roadside The Charter Oak Brasswood Cook St. Helena PRESS Ray Ray’s Tacos Station (coffee/pastries) Model Bakery Yountville Bouchon Bistro Bottega Tacos Garcia (Taco Truck next to Pancha’s - cash only) Model Bakery (St. Helena) Napa Scala Osteria Don Giovanni A16 ZuZu Wineries & Wine Producers Opus One Promontory Inglenook Frog’s Leap Continuum Chappellet Brand Vineyard Hudson Ranch / Hudson Vineyards (Carneros) Beer Mad Fritz (Napa Valley) Hanabi Lager (Screaming Eagle winemaker) Russian River Brewing Company (Sonoma) Ernie’s Tin Bar (Sonoma; beer stop en route) Other, Logistics & Tips Oakville Grocery Adams Street Shipping (wine shipping service) Westwood Hills Park (hiking) Both State Park (hiking) Cameo Cinema Wild Vine Tours 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- How to Be a Savvy Wine Buyer: Season 3 Takeaways (and What to Drink Next)
Season three of Wine Access Unfiltered was never about turning you into a sommelier — it was about helping you become a more confident, curious, and intentional wine buyer. In this solo finale, Amanda revisits the biggest ideas and “aha” moments from the season, from why asking better questions is the most powerful wine skill you can develop, to how importers can be your greatest shortcut to finding wines you’ll actually love. Pouring a classic Chianti, Amanda reflects on where value really lives in the wine world, why popularity often drives price more than quality, and how buying wine that fits your life — not someone else’s rules — leads to better bottles and more enjoyment. Whether you’re catching up, revisiting favorite lessons, or setting intentions for the year ahead, this episode is your reminder that wine doesn’t belong to gatekeepers. It belongs to you. Wine Featured on This Episode:2023 Poggio Bonelli Villa Chigi Saracini Chianti 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Caviar and Wine: How to Pair, Serve, and Actually Enjoy It featuring Shaoching Bishop of Regiis Ova Caviar
The holidays are the perfect excuse to enjoy fancy snacks, and this episode—the last in our holiday food mini-series—is your official permission slip to indulge in the most luxurious of them: caviar. Shaoching Bishop, co-founder and CEO of Regiis Ova Caviar, the ultra-premium caviar company she built alongside three-Michelin-star chef Thomas Keller, joins to help us better understand and enjoy caviar this holiday season. From what caviar actually is to why quality, curing, and handling matter far more than prestige or price, she fills us in what it takes to produce one of the finest caviars in the world. Plus, Shaoching shares tips on how to store caviar properly at home and why you might want to consider cucumbers and ice cream (really) when serving. Whether you’re caviar-curious, already obsessed, or just looking to elevate your holiday or weeknight table, this episode will change the way you think about this iconic food. Wine Featured on This Episode 2023 Matthiasson Chardonnay Linda Vista Vineyard Napa Valley 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- How to Prepare (and Pair 🍷) Holiday Beef — with Katie Flannery of Flannery Beef
The secret to great beef isn’t luck - it’s science, aging, and choosing the right cut. And nobody explains it better than Katie Flannery, third-generation butcher and co-owner of Flannery Beef. From a humble bay-area butcher shop to a beloved brand of chefs, sommeliers, and even Robert Parker, Flannery Beef has shaped the way many of us think about steak. And with so many of us enjoying a holiday roast this time of year, we’re demystifying everything from dry-aging to grading and why the beef you choose is just as important as the wine you pour alongside it. Plus, Katie shares how one major wine importer changed their business forever. Whether you're prepping for a holiday feast or finally ready to understand what makes great beef great, this episode is the perfect blend of wine, food, and unfiltered education. Wine Featured on This Episode 2023 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Sonoma Coast Flannery Beef Cuts and Mentions Dry Aged Prime Rib Roast Dry Aged Club Roast (Bryan's Favorite) The Jorge Gift Boxes 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Mushroom Magic: Holiday Cooking & Wine Pairing featuring Mighty Cap Mushroom
We’re kicking off a special holiday mini-series focused on the foods we love and the wines that make them shine. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Battle of Mighty Cap Mushrooms, whose Paso Robles mushroom farm has become a destination for chefs and curious cooks alike. Chris pulls back the curtain on how specialty mushrooms are grown, why sourcing matters, and how one simple technique can completely transform their flavor. We also pour a Carignan from Chile and break down why the grape’s spicy, vibrant profile is a natural match for mushroom-driven dishes. From cooking tips to holiday meal inspiration, this episode blends the best of wine and food in classic Unfiltered style — equal parts fun, educational, and delicious. Wine Featured on This Episode 2021 Morandé VIGNO Carignan, Maule Valley, Chile 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access 👉 Mighty Cap Mushrooms Tours, Farm Store & ProductsBook a tour, shop their specialty mushrooms, or learn more about the farm Grow Kits (Ships Nationwide!)Grow your own mushrooms at home — they make amazing holiday gifts Follow Mighty Cap Mushrooms on InstagramStay up to date with Chris and the Mighty Cap team 👉 Mawn (Philadelphia — BYOB Cambodian)The James Beard Award–winning restaurant Amanda visited before recording 👉 Plan a Trip to Paso Robles & Tin CityAn incredible food-and-wine destination worth putting on your calendar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Zinfandel: California’s Comeback Kid featuring Chris Morisoli
Zinfandel has been called California’s grape: it’s a little rebellious, often misunderstood, and always the life of the party. In this episode of Unfiltered, we’re diving deep into Zin’s roots with Chris Morisoli, fifth-generation Napa Valley grapegrower, helicopter pilot, and host of the Nine One Wine podcast. From the old vines of Rutherford to the spicy, fruit-driven bottles from Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, Amanda and Chris unpack what makes Zinfandel so uniquely American—and why it’s poised for a major comeback. Along the way, Chris shares family stories dating back to the 1800s, what it’s really like during harvest season (spoiler: it starts at 3AM), and why the “Old Vine” label isn’t always what it seems. Wine Featured on This Episode: 2023 Dancing Zinfandel Fresh Take Dry Creek Valley 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access 🍇 Where to find Chris: Morisoli Vineyard – https://www.morisolivineyard.com Nine One Wine Podcast – https://www.nineonewine.com 🌎 Other Producers & References Ravenswood Winery Bedrock Wine Co. – Heritage vineyards & old-vine Zinfandel champions from Morgan Twain-Peterson MW Turley Wine Cellars – Referenced for “Old Vines” benchmark; Larry Turley’s 50-year rule Robert Biale Vineyards – Morisoli single-vineyard bottling, including the famous Black Chicken Zinfandel. Sandlands Wines (Tegan Passalacqua) – Celebrated for authentic, small-lot old-vine Zinfandel and lesser-known varietals Elyse Winery – Producers of Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel from 1987–2018 🥂 Restaurants, Food & Fun Mentions Buster’s Southern BBQ (Calistoga) Taco Azteca (Napa Valley) Cook St. Helena COTE Korean Steakhouse Coqodaq - Featured for “fried chicken & Champagne” pairing, as seen on Apple TV’s Chasing Stars Dry Creek General Store – Amanda’s rec for best sandwiches while exploring Dry Creek Valley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Closets & Cellars: The Art of Quiet and Loud Luxury in Fashion and Wine
Why do some bottles (and handbags) whisper luxury while others shout it from the rooftops? In this week’s episode, Amanda sits down with fashion creator and style expert Style by Wale to explore what our closets and cellars say about us. From investment pieces to everyday staples, they unpack how luxury in both fashion and wine isn’t just about price—it’s about craftsmanship, intention, and knowing your personal taste. Wale breaks down how to spot quality, find your “fashion palate,” and why letting go of trends can make room for timeless style. Amanda connects these same ideas to the wine world—explaining why a $30 Cru Beaujolais can be every bit as elegant as a $300 Burgundy, and how to shop smarter for wines that feel as good as they taste. Whether you’re a fan of The Row or just curious about what makes a wine quietly luxurious, this episode will change the way you think about how (and why) you buy. Wine Featured on This Episode:2023 Château de La Chaize Fleurie Beaujolais Follow:📸 @stylebywale 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Back-to-School, Back-to-Sanity: Weeknight Wine Luxuries Made Easy featuring Jessica Dupuy
Fall is here, school’s in full swing, and weeknights are busy as ever—but that doesn’t mean there’s no time for great wine. In this episode, writer and cookbook author Jessica Dupuy joins Amanda to talk about the little luxuries that can make even Tuesday nights feel special. If you’ve ever wondered what to pour with mac and cheese, takeout sushi, or a Five Guys burger, this is a masterclass in balancing flavor with sanity. They also explain why Grenache is like tinted moisturizer and give the ultimate tip on how to shop smarter—so the right bottle is always within reach. 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode 2023 Weingut Schafer-Frohlich Weisser Burgunder Trocken 📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: @wineaccessunfiltered Twitter: @wineaccesspod Host: Amanda McCrossin Shop all the wines at Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices