After Wine School

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**After Wine School**

After Wine School is where real wine education meets real-world storytelling. Hosted by winemaker Keith Wallace and professor Alana Zerbe, the show cuts through myths, marketing, and snobbery to reveal how wine actually works: historically, scientifically, culturally, and sensorially. Every episode blends sharp insight, deep knowledge, and plenty of irreverence as Keith and Alana explore everything from ancient amphorae and climate change to yeast, psychology, and modern winemaking. Pour a glass, learn something real, and understand wine the way professionals do.

**Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub**

Latest Episodes:

Bonus Episode! Keith Answers Your Wine Questions Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

One Question That Stumps the Best Sommeliers, and Tasting Some Muscadet Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe reveal why asking a Sommelier about their favorite wine is considered the most annoying question. They explore the subjective nature of wine appreciation, emphasizing that personal preferences vary greatly. The hosts share engaging anecdotes about their favorite wine experiences and discuss how simpler questions can promote a more inclusive conversation about wine. The episode concludes with an in-depth tasting of Muscadet, showcasing the complexity and joy of wine tasting. Listeners are encouraged to enjoy wine in a carefree manner and subscribe for more wine stories and advice.

00:00 Introduction to After Wine School

00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe

01:08 The Most Annoying Wine Question

01:53 Why Asking a Sommelier's Favorite Wine is a Bad Idea

06:00 Wine Experiences and Personal Stories

11:12 Tasting Muscadet: A Sensory Journey

17:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Bonus Episode - Keith's Wine Buying Tips: From Supermarkets to Boutique Shops Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Uncorking Wine Buying Tips: From Supermarkets to Boutique Shops

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace steps in solo as Alana Zerbe embarks on an intriguing NASA mission. Keith demystifies wine buying by discussing four major types of wine shops in the U.S.: Supermarkets and National Chains, Big Box Wine Shops, Boutique City Wine Shops, and Suburban Mall Wine Shops. He offers insights and insider tips on selecting wines, particularly for those interested in wine education and sommelier training. Sponsored by the National Wine School, this episode provides a blend of practical advice and wine expertise.

00:00 Introduction to After Wine School

00:41 Alana's Top-Secret Mission and Keith's Wine Shop Guide

01:13 Supermarkets and National Chains

01:51 Big Box Wine Shops

03:08 Boutique City Wine Shops

04:03 Suburban Mall Wine Shops

04:48 Conclusion and Farewell

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

The Case of the Disappearing Wine Books, Plus a Syrah Tasting Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the declining presence of wine books and the need for updated, accessible wine education. They share personal experiences, including Keith's decision to write a food and wine pairing book instead of a traditional wine book, and the challenges of keeping wine information current due to rapidly changing details. The episode highlights the importance of electronic resources and honest, jargon-free approaches to wine education. They also taste and review a Syrah from Côte de Roussillon. Throughout the discussion, Keith and Alana emphasize the need for honest, engaging content in the wine world and invite listeners to join the conversation and share their thoughts.

00:00 Introduction to After Wine School

00:53 The Decline of Wine Books

01:54 Personal Story: Writing a Wine Book

03:29 Challenges with Wine Books

04:48 The Evolution of Wine Information

11:26 The Future of Wine Writing

20:55 Tasting Syrah

25:32 Conclusion and Farewell

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

The Dark Arts of Wine Marketing (and Some Rose) Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the intricacies of wine marketing, revealing how industry insiders are influenced and how certain wines become popular. They reminisce about an influential cruise promoting Rosé and recount a memorable trip to Paso Robles. They also conduct a detailed tasting of a Rosé de Provence, exploring its characteristics and potential food pairings. The episode ends with practical advice for those interested in joining the wine trade and enjoying its unique perks. Don't forget to subscribe and share the love of wine.

00:00 Introduction to After Wine School

00:41 Today's Topic: The Dark Arts of Wine Marketing

00:59 Wine Tasting: Rosé de Provence

01:37 Reintroduction and Sponsor Shoutout

03:08 The Wine Cruise Experience

05:16 The Rosé Revolution

06:52 Marketing Strategies in the Wine Trade

13:20 Wine Tasting: Rosé

17:08 Pairing Rosé with Food

19:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Tasting Room Nightmares and Diving into Some Burgundy Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the ins and outs of wine tasting room experiences, sharing both horror stories and tips for making the most of your visit. From the importance of setting appointments and being polite to understanding the different types of visitors (and how tasting room staff should cater to each), they cover it all. The episode also features a tasting and detailed analysis of a premier cru burgundy wine, highlighting its complex flavors and aromas. They emphasize the importance of never asking for freebies, always being respectful, and enhancing your tasting experience by asking informed questions. Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or a casual enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into enjoying wine tastings the right way. 00:00 Introduction to After Wine School 00:49 Today's Topic: Tasting Room Nightmares 01:11 Wine Tasting Session Begins 01:39 Meet the Hosts and Sponsor 02:50 The Importance of Tasting Rooms 04:07 Tasting Room Horror Stories 08:30 How to Be a Good Tasting Room Guest 16:58 Maximizing Your Tasting Room Experience 19:02 Respect and Etiquette in Wine Tasting 20:39 Handling Unfavorable Wines with Grace 21:17 Navigating Local Wineries and Sweet Wines 22:23 Avoiding Palate Disruption 23:14 The Importance of Being Genuine 24:53 Comparing Wines Side by Side 26:02 Enjoying Premier Cru Burgundy 27:10 Describing the Complexities of Pinot Noir 34:07 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell 👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Unlocking the Secrets of Oak & A Bordeaux Tasting Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive into the intricacies of oak aging in wine. They explore the historical significance, the flavor contributions, and the various types of oak used by winemakers. The discussion is enriched by Wallace’s insights into winemaking practices and the management of oak barrels. The episode concludes with a tasting and analysis of a beautiful Fronsac, highlighting its complex flavor profile and the impact of oak aging. Listeners are invited to engage with the podcast and enjoy wine in a relaxed, enjoyable manner.

00:00 Introduction to After Wine School

00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe

00:47 The Role of Oak in Winemaking

03:20 Historical Use of Oak in Winemaking

05:47 The Science Behind Oak Aging

09:52 Managing Oak Barrels in Winemaking

18:26 Different Types of Oak and Their Impact

23:06 Tasting Chateau Carl Magnus

28:22 Final Thoughts and Farewell

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Why Does Keith Hates Prosecco so Much? Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive deep into the world of sparkling wines, starting with a critique of generic Prosecco and moving on to various high-quality alternatives like Cava, Loire Valley bubbles, and Anderson Valley wines. They discuss the importance of lees, the complexities of different sparkling wines, and touch upon unique varieties like Bougie Cerdan and Greek orange wines. The episode aims to educate listeners on identifying good quality bubbles without the snobbery, highlighting the joy in discovering diverse and lesser-known sparkling wines.

00:00 Introduction to After Wine School

00:41 Today's Topic: Bubbles

01:31 Prosecco: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

02:52 Understanding Quality in Sparkling Wines

05:52 Exploring Cava and Its Complexities

17:19 The Charm of Loire and Other French Bubbles

19:06 American Sparkling Wines: Hidden Gems

22:24 Weird and Wonderful: Unique Sparkling Wines

27:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Demystifying Wine Ratings and Reviews (and Chateneuf du Pape!) Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Demystifying Wine Ratings and Reviews with Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, leading wine experts, dive into the topic of wine ratings and reviews. They explain the importance of wine ratings, their history, and how they can guide wine selections. They review a Chateauneuf du Pape wine and discuss the significance and correct usage of wine ratings. The hosts advocate for using ratings judiciously and discuss the pitfalls of crowdsourced reviews. The episode caps off with a wine tasting, highlighting the complexities and unique attributes of the wine. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the podcast, particularly with wine snobs for a dose of humble pie.

00:00 Welcome to After Wine School

00:41 Introducing the Hosts and Today's Topic

00:57 Wine Reviews: Chateauneuf du Pape

02:55 Understanding Wine Ratings

08:41 The Evolution of Wine Ratings

11:24 How Wines Get Reviewed

15:17 The Evolution of Wine Critic Practices

15:43 Modern Wine Review Expectations

17:16 The Role of Wine Ratings Today

18:20 Navigating Wine Selections with Reviews

22:12 Crowdsourced Wine Reviews: Pros and Cons

24:06 Understanding Wine Characteristics

25:10 Grenache: A Deep Dive

30:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub

Lawyers Guns and Vineyards Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss their paths from law and journalism to becoming top wine experts. They share anecdotes about the transition, the cultural lens of wine, and the prevalence of lawyers in the wine industry. The episode also highlights a tasting of Cab Franc from the Loire Valley, focusing on its unique flavors and characteristics. Tune in for an engaging mix of wine education, personal stories, and humor.

00:00 Introduction to After Wine School

00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe

01:53 The Lawyer's Journey to Wine

05:25 Cultural Insights Through Wine

12:31 Tasting Cab Franc from the Loire Valley

16:36 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub