Wine Pros on the Go

Why does a glass of wine somehow taste better on a terrace in Tuscany, beside the ocean, or halfway through a trip you never want to end?

In this episode, we get into the psychology, neuroscience, and suspicious magic behind why wine can feel more delicious when we’re somewhere beautiful. From memory and mood to expectation, environment, music, company, and the way our brains process pleasure, there’s a lot more happening in that glass than just grape variety and vintage.

We’ll talk about how context change...

What happens after the story you wrote changes the way an entire generation thinks about wine?

In Episode 33 of Wine Pros On the Go, Lauren sits down with Rex Pickett, author of Sideways, for a fascinating conversation about the novel that became a cultural phenomenon—and the ripple effects that are still being felt throughout the wine world today.

Rex takes us behind Sideways: the characters, humor, heartbreak and wine-soaked adventures that inspired the story; its unexpected journey from page to screen; and what happened when one now-famous opinion about Merlot helped reshape American wine c...

There are people who build careers, and then there are people who build entire worlds around the things they love. Eric Flanagan is firmly in the second category.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we sit down with Eric Flanagan, founder of Flanagan Wines in Sonoma County, California. Over decades, Eric has built Flanagan Wines around a deep respect for place—farming vineyards across Sonoma County with an eye toward terroir, season, and stewardship. The result is a family-owned, multigenerational winery rooted in thoughtful, sustainable farming and a simple conviction: great wine be...

There are people who build careers, and then there are people who build entire worlds around the things they love. Eric Flanagan is firmly in the second category.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we sit down with Eric Flanagan, founder of Flanagan Wines in Sonoma County, California. Over decades, Eric has built Flanagan Wines around a deep respect for place—farming vineyards across Sonoma County with an eye toward terroir, season, and stewardship. The result is a family-owned, multigenerational winery rooted in thoughtful, sustainable farming and a simple conviction: great wine be...

Bobby Stuckey has spent his career proving that great hospitality isn't about perfection—it's about making people feel something.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren sits down with the legendary Master Sommelier, restaurateur, and co-founder of Frasca Hospitality Group for a conversation about wine, restaurants, leadership, and the art of taking care of people.

Bobby shares the journey that took him from washing dishes to some of America's most celebrated dining rooms, including The Little Nell and The French Laundry, before building Frasca Food and Wine in Bo...

Eric Asimov has spent decades asking one of wine's most important questions: What makes a bottle worth paying attention to?

As Chief Wine Critic of The New York Times, Eric has helped shape the way generations of readers think about wine—not through scores or status, but through culture, place, people, and the simple pleasure of drinking something meaningful.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren sits down with one of the most influential voices in modern wine writing for a wide-ranging conversation about how his career began, ho...

We like to believe our wine choices are simply matters of taste. Yet the bottles we return to often carry something more: memory, aspiration, habit, even identity.

In Episode 29, Wine Pros on the Go considers what our favorite wines may reveal about us—not as a scientific exercise, but as an affectionate study of the people behind the glass. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, rosé and more each come with their own traditions, stereotypes and devoted tribes.

The result is part wine lesson, part cultural observation and part loving roast—a remin...

Greece has been making wine for thousands of years—and still knows how to keep things interesting.

Journey through volcanic vineyards, ancient myths, seaside tables, and remarkable native grapes, from Santorini's electric Assyrtiko to Xinomavro's brooding charm.

Expect gods, great food, modern winemakers, and at least one uncle determined to teach you the circle dance.

It's part wine masterclass, part Mediterranean escape, and highly likely to end with you drinking Assyrtiko while searching for flights to Athens.

Pour a glass and join the od...

How many great bottles are waiting for a “special occasion?” What if the special occasion is today?

Most of life doesn't happen on birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. It happens on Tuesdays—in ordinary dinners, unexpected conversations, and quiet moments with the people we love. Years from now, you may realize those little moments were the big moments all along.

Join Wine Pros on the Go for a conversation about slowing down, celebrating the everyday, and why the best bottle isn't the one you save—it's the one you share. And if you've b...

Think you know Chenin Blanc? Think again.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we're diving into the wine world's ultimate overachiever—a grape that somehow manages to be crisp, rich, dry, sweet, sparkling, age-worthy, budget-friendly, and world-class, often all in the same bottle. Meet Chenin Blanc: the Swiss Army knife of wine.

From the misty castles and ancient vineyards of France's Loire Valley to the sun-drenched landscapes of South Africa, Chenin Blanc has spent centuries quietly proving it can do just about everything. And yet, somehow, it still fl...

What Shark Diving Taught Me About Hospitality

—A Wildly Human Side Quest About Sharks, Wine, Service, Fear, and Wonder

I didn't expect one of the most important lessons of my wine career to come from a shark.

But somewhere between open water, racing heartbeats, and a healthy respect for creatures with far better PR problems than they deserve, I discovered something surprising about hospitality, fear, trust, and human connection.

This episode explores the unlikely overlap between shark diving and the wine world—and why...

Portugal is a country shaped by explorers, carved by the Atlantic, and rooted in some of the oldest wine traditions on Earth.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we journey through a land where terraced vineyards cling to dramatic river valleys, ancient grape varieties thrive against all odds, and every bottle tells a story centuries in the making. From the misty hills of Vinho Verde to the sun-drenched plains of Alentejo and the legendary slopes of the Douro Valley, discover why Portugal remains one of the wine world's most captivating destinations.

Burgundy isn't a place you simply visit—it's a place you spend a lifetime trying to understand.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren sits down with Antonin Aidinian, owner of Clavelin Imports, WSET Diploma educator, and private Burgundy tour guide based in the heart of Beaune. Living and working among some of the world's most celebrated vineyards, Antonin offers a rare insider's perspective on the people, places, and philosophies that make Burgundy unlike anywhere else in wine.

Together, we explore vineyard hierarchy, vintage variation, grower culture, food an...

In this special International Women's Day episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we sit down with Sarah Pierre, founder of Atlanta's beloved 3 Parks Wine Shop and one of the most influential voices shaping the city's wine culture today.

Sarah has built more than a wine business—she's built a movement. Through hospitality, education, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, she's transformed the wine shop into a gathering place where everyone has a seat at the table.

We explore the power of community, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the future of wine culture through Sarah's thoughtful and in...

If wine has a conscience, a compass, and a rebel streak, it might sound a lot like Rajat Parr.

From the dining rooms of the world's most celebrated restaurants to the windswept vineyards of California's Central Coast, Rajat Parr has spent a career challenging assumptions about what great wine should be. Sommelier, author, farmer, winemaker, and visionary, he has become one of the most influential voices in modern wine—championing authenticity over excess, place over power, and farming over manipulation.

Through Sandhi, Domaine de la Côte, and Phelan Farm, Parr has...

Rioja doesn't chase trends. It doesn't need to.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we journey into Spain's most iconic wine region—a place where time is an ingredient, aging is an art form, and patience is rewarded in every glass. From ancient roots and legendary Tempranillo vineyards to the cellars that helped define modern fine wine, Rioja has spent centuries perfecting the long game.

We'll decode Spanish wine labels, explore aging classifications, uncover the region's top growing areas, discuss cellaring, decanting, glassware, food pairings, and the producers sh...

At the intersection of hospitality, wine, and human connection sits the 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalist, Taurean Philpott— Co-founder, Sommelier, and Director of Hospitality of Atlanta's Michelin-recognized restaurant, Avize.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren Crim sits down with one of the most respected hospitality leaders in the Southeast to explore what it truly takes to create unforgettable guest experiences at the highest level.

From his Bermudian roots to helping shape one of America's most celebrated dining destinations, Taurean shares the philosophies, disciplines, and leadership lessons that define mo...

Beaujolais is one of the most beloved—and most misunderstood—wine regions in France.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren Crim sits down with Philippe Audibert, founder of Old Creek Imports, importer of fine French wines, and lifelong ambassador of French wine culture. Together, they explore the vibrant region of Beaujolais, where Gamay thrives on granite soils and generations of growers have crafted wines defined by energy, authenticity, and a profound sense of place.

From the celebrated Crus of Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent to the global pheno...

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we sit down with the team behind Through the Grapevine, one of Atlanta's fastest-growing wine communities. We discuss the inspiration behind the brand, its mission to make wine more approachable and inclusive, and how it's building meaningful connections through curated events, hospitality, education, and shared experiences.

Join us for an engaging conversation about community, culture, entrepreneurship, and the future of wine in Atlanta, as we explore the impact of creating spaces where people can learn, connect, and celebrate wine together.

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Join Wine Pros on the Go for a conversation with one of the most respected voices in hospitality and wine: Juan Fernando Cortés, recipient of the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Atlanta Sommelier Award, and Co-Founder of the David Bowie-Inspired Atlanta Wine Bar, Under Pressure.

Known for his thoughtful approach to service, fearless creativity, and deep respect for both food and wine, Juan has spent more than a decade crafting unforgettable dining experiences across some of the world's most acclaimed restaurants. Along the way, he has mentored rising sommeliers, challenged conventional thinking, and helped redefine what exceptional h...

Join Wine Pros on the Go as we uncork the fascinating story of Pinot Grigio—the crisp, refreshing white wine that became a global phenomenon while quietly hiding one of wine's most surprising identities.

Often dismissed as simple, Pinot Grigio is anything but. From the dramatic alpine vineyards of northern Italy to the historic wine regions of France, Germany, Oregon, and beyond, this chameleon-like grape can be bright and breezy, richly textured, mineral-driven, or unexpectedly profound.

In this episode, we'll trace Pinot Grigio's remarkable journey through history, explore the climates and so...

Join Wine Pros on the Go as we sit down with Eric Palmer—Fine Wine Specialist with RNDC, newly minted Advanced Sommelier, and one of the most thoughtful voices in today's wine community.

Earning the Advanced Sommelier credential is no small feat. It requires years of relentless study, tasting thousands of wines, mastering service, and developing a deep understanding of the world's most important wine regions. But for Eric, the journey has always been about more than passing an exam.

Rooted in curiosity, hospitality, and a genuine love of people, Eric ha...

Join Wine Pros on the Go as we hop on an imaginary Vespa and head straight for the rolling hills of Tuscany to meet one of the wine world's greatest characters: Sangiovese.

This isn't just a grape. It's the heartbeat of Italy.

Sangiovese is the force behind Chianti, the soul of Brunello di Montalcino, the backbone of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and the reason countless trattorias around the world smell like tomato sauce, grilled steak, and happiness.

For centuries, this grape has thrived among Tuscany's sun-drenched hills...

Forget everything you think you know about Riesling.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood—and most beloved—grapes in the wine world. Often dismissed as simply “sweet,” Riesling is actually one of wine's greatest shape-shifters, capable of producing wines that are bone dry, lusciously sweet, sparkling, age-worthy, wildly complex, and everything in between.

Join us as we travel from the steep slate-covered vineyards of Germany to the grand cru hillsides of Alsace, the cool-climate regions of Australia, and beyo...

Join Wine Pros on the Go as we uncork the story of Cabernet Sauvignon—the undisputed King of Reds and one of the most celebrated grape varieties on Earth.

Loved by collectors, sommeliers, steak lovers, and anyone who appreciates a wine with presence, Cabernet Sauvignon has spent centuries building its reputation as the benchmark for greatness. Bold yet elegant, powerful yet capable of remarkable finesse, Cabernet is a grape that commands attention from the very first sip.

In this episode, we'll travel from its surprisingly humble origins in France to the wo...

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we sit down with one of the wine industry's true Swiss Army knives: Phillip Stice, owner of Specialty Wines Distributors and a man who has spent a lifetime seeing the wine world from nearly every angle imaginable.

Long before Phillip was building portfolios and representing family-owned wineries, his family's story in wine began during the Prohibition era in Napa Valley. That legacy planted a seed that would eventually grow into a career spanning retail floors, vineyard rows, cellar work, sales territories, and entrepreneurship.

Pour yourself a glass and settle in, because we're tackling one of wine's biggest stars: Chardonnay.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we're exploring the grape that has inspired devotion, debate, and more than a few strong opinions. Loved by millions and misunderstood by many, Chardonnay is far more than buttery California wine and far more exciting than its reputation sometimes suggests.

From the limestone-rich vineyards of Burgundy to the windswept coastlines of California, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and beyond, Chardonnay has become the world's most influential...

Join Wine Pros on the Go as they explore the complex worlds of wine and cheese with the brilliant Stephanie Patrick. Curd Nerd: Meet Cork Dork! Stephanies ninja level of mastery is so inspiring and authentically cool, it may actually knock your socks off- and we're not ‘Curding.

Discover classic cheese and wine pairings, anatomy of the perfect bite, building cheese boards, top cheese tools and a LIVE Pairing lead by Stephanie on piloting a professional tasting note. Without further adieu, let's cut the cheese with the fascinating Stephanie Patrick.

Wine Pr...

Some grapes make wine. Pinot Noir makes people fall in love.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we're diving into one of the wine world's most captivating, frustrating, celebrated, and downright irresistible grapes: Pinot Noir.

Known for producing some of the most sought-after wines on Earth, Pinot Noir has earned a reputation as the heartbreak grape—a variety so delicate, temperamental, and difficult to grow that many winemakers swear they'll never work with it again… right before planting more.

From the legendary vineyards of Burg...

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, Lauren Crim sits down with Samantha Holley, founder of Atlantik Imports, to explore the often-unseen world of wine importing. From discovering producers and building a portfolio to navigating distributors, global travel, and industry events, Samantha shares what it really takes to bring great wines to market. Along the way, she pours and discusses Austrian wines from the Atlantik Imports portfolio, offering listeners a taste of the stories, strategy, and relationships behind every bottle.

Whether you're considering a career in wine or simply curious about how wines find their...

Join Wine Pros on the Go as we step inside the life of a wine sales representative with Atlanta wine veteran Ryan Mullins. From breaking into the industry and navigating a typical day in the field to building expertise, organizing a cellar, and discovering the books, films, and experiences that shape a successful wine career, Ryan shares hard-earned wisdom from years in the business.

Equal parts practical advice, storytelling, and Atlanta wine culture, this conversation offers an honest look at one of the wine industry's most influential—and often misunderstood—roles.

Wine...

Join Wine Pros on the Go as we raise a glass to Rosé with Sonoma winemaker Riley Flanagan, founder of Riley's Rows. From surviving Sonoma's devastating wildfires to falling in love with Rosé while living in France, Riley shares the experiences that inspired her acclaimed Rosé of Syrah.

Along the way, we explore Rosé food pairings, smart cellaring tips, and the family values that shaped her journey through the wine world. It's a conversation filled with resilience, adventure, and a reminder that great wine is always about more than what's in the glass.

Wine Pros on t...

Join Wine Pros on the Go as we uncork the story of Sauvignon Blanc—one of the wine world's most vibrant, expressive, and globally celebrated white grape varieties.

From the historic vineyards of France's Loire Valley to the sun-drenched landscapes of New Zealand, California, South Africa, and beyond, we'll explore how climate, soil, and winemaking shape Sauvignon Blanc's unmistakable personality.

Discover the grape's fascinating history, ideal growing conditions, world-class regions, signature aromas and flavor profiles, tasting notes, cellaring potential, serving recommendations, glassware tips, and the food pairings that make it shine—alon...

Champagne is often treated as a symbol—a bottle opened at weddings, victories, anniversaries, and midnight countdowns. But long before it became the world's universal language of celebration, Champagne was a place.

A cold, chalky corner of northeastern France. A landscape shaped by ancient seas, stubborn monks, ambitious merchants, and generations of growers who learned that greatness could emerge from one of Europe's most challenging climates.

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we're going beyond the bubbles.

Together, we'll explore how Champagne became the mo...

In this episode of Wine Pros on the Go, we're exploring one of the wine world's most legendary grapes: Syrah.

From the rugged hillsides of France's Northern Rhône Valley to the vineyards of Australia, California, South Africa, and beyond, Syrah is a grape of remarkable personality—capable of being powerful and bold, yet elegant and refined.

We'll uncover the history of this iconic variety, explore the regions that made it famous, and discover why sommeliers and wine lovers remain endlessly fascinated by its ability to express place. Along the way, we...