We’re Making Wine Too Complicated | Vicki Tomiser | Barrels & Roots

In this episode of Barrels & Roots, I sit down with wine industry veteran Vicki Tomiser to talk about what makes wine memorable beyond what’s inside the bottle. We dive into terroir, how soil, climate, sunlight, and location can completely change the expression of the same grape, and why learning about wine doesn’t have to feel intimidating.Vicki shares her journey from working with Gallo to sourcing wines for major airlines and eventually helping small, family-owned wineries strengthen their brand stories and direct-to-consumer experiences. We also talk about hospitality, storytelling, scent memory, wine tasting, and why wineries need to stop telling people what they’re “supposed” to taste. For Vicki, every bottle of wine carries the story of the vineyard, winemaker, family, and decisions that brought it to life.Most importantly, we explore a simple idea: wine should be welcoming, personal, and fun.Has the wine industry made wine more complicated than it needs to be?