Glass in Session® Winecast
by Val Caruso
Glass in Session® is a wine education podcast hosted by Val Caruso, DWS, CWE, FWS. She's a certified wine educator, lifelong learner, & shameless corkdork.Every 2nd and 4th Friday there will be a new Glass in Session® focusing on a new topic. Val's mission is to educate, entertain, and empower the wine learner, wine lover, or wine curious by seeking out the fun - and sometimes funny - side of wine education.
Episodes
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High Altitude Wine and Hummingbirds in Salta, Argentina | S23E4
An exploration of the Salta, Argentina's wine history and high-altitude styles paired with their unique hummingbird population. Resources from this episode: Books: The South America Wine Guide: A definitive guide to wine in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, & Peru, [Kindle Edition]…
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The Wine and White Storks of Alsace | S23E3
An exploration of the rich history of the region, grapes and styles, and what's with the storks? Resources from this episode: Websites: Alsace Saveurs: Crémant d'Alsace: le guide complet du vin effervescent du vignoble alsacien (25 août 2026)...
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Black Swans, Swan Valley Wine, and a Roman Poet | S23E2
An exploration of the history of the wine region, the wine styles, and what a Roman poet and Black Swans have to do with any of it. Resources from this episode: Websites: Académie du Vin Library: Swan Diversion - an unsung Australian wine valley, James, A. (2 May 2024)...
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Merlot, the blackbird, and who isn't drinking any fuqing Merlot? | S23E1
Merlot: Wine's Blackbird Variety an exploration of the history, Merlot in wine regions around the world, the resulting styles, and a grape gab, along with some bird blather. And who isn't drinking any fuqing Merlot?! Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition,...
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Malta's Wine, Grapes, and ... the Bird [re-release]
Originally released Nov 11, 2022 Exploring Malta's wines, the history, grapes, and styles. And what's the bird got to do with any of it? Resources from this episode: Books: Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J., Harding, J. (2015) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine…
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Montefalco Sagrantino: Wine, Birds, and the King of Everything [re-release]
Bird nerd meets cork dork in this summer break re-release of Montefalco Sagrantino, a beloved wine named for a king's beloved birds. Since your host is on break this month, most likely engaging in her new kink, bird watching, we're reaching back into the archives for bird-themed episodes that you...
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Arak: The Spirit of Distillation and History | S22E6
In this episode we explore the history of the alembic pot still and distillation on our way to discovering Arak, an anise-flavored spirit from the Middle East, which most likely inspired your favorite anise tipple. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails...
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Once upon a Wine Grape Iran | S22E5
An exploration of the rich history and culture of wine and grape-growing in Iran, the regions, and the hope that the Iranian diaspora offers us … in a glass. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T.…
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American Rosé: The Story of our Red, White, and Blush [Rebroadcast for America's 250th]
[originally aired May 26, 2023] This episode explores the history of American rosé wine culture and the events that led to the blush rush of the last three decades of the 20th century. When is it blush, when is it rosé? We tackle these questions in this story of America's pink kink or crush on…
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Armenian Wine: Of caves, mountains, wars, and resilience | S22E4
An exploration of Armenia's wine from an ancient cave, to a mountain, through wars and occupations to the present, and how events over millennia are fermented and aged into something beautiful that tells its story in the glass today. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to…
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Wine in Albania: In the spirit of eagles ... and flamingos? | S22E3
An exploration of the history, grapes, and styles of Albanian wine. And what do eagles and flamingos have to do with any of it? Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete…
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Wine in Poland: What the Little Ice Age Taketh Away Climate Change Giveth Back | S22E2
This episode explores Poland's wine history, regions, grapes, and potential as a wine region on the rise. What the Little Ice Age taketh away, Climate Change giveth back. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J.,...
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Wine in Lebanon: Wine, War, & Rising | S22E1
Thousands of years of wine history and culture, covering everything from boiled sea snails to Roman Temples, religious influence to vineyard bombings, we arrive at one of the most emotionally resonant wines on the planet that embody courage and the resilience of the human spirit. Resources from...
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Vodka: Wars, Empires, and Culture (wars) [Re-Release]
[Originally Released: 25 March 2022] Vodka: What it is, where it's from, its role in the rise and fall of empires and … barbarians? Again? This episode is especially relevant to current events, and hopes to elucidate otherwise confusing issues around boycotting Russian Vodka: it has history,...
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Orange / Amber Wines [Re-Release]
(Originally released Oct 25, 2019) This orange (amber) wine episode discusses winemaking, the origins of the style, and what makes them unique. They aren't red wines, despite skin maceration and fermentation. They aren't white wines, despite being made with white grapes. And they are not rose'...
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Wine (and other booze) in Space: Why, how, and some unexpected weirdness | S21E6
Why did researchers send wine to space? Why is wine normally not allowed in space? Why did astronauts smuggle hooch into space anyway? We answer all these questions and more, address wet burps, a toilet tea party, and bring it home with how to smuggle cognac into space in this Season 21 Finale of...
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Little Red Riding Hood's Wine: Fairy Tale Turned Drunk History? | S21E5
This episode explores some controversial silliness over a bottle of wine that shows up in a classic fairy tale. We take a look at the history, and then casually address the wine Little Red Riding Hood may have actually hauled through the woods to her ailing grandma in rural 19th century Germany.…
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Booze Disasters | S21E4
This episode explores some of history's tragic booze disasters, and while we're at it, lays down some geeky booze knowledge. It is first in a new series of potable potpourri podcast episodes this season. Resources from this episode: Websites: ABC 7 Chicago: 8,000 gallons of Prosecco spew out of...
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Muscat Grape Love | S21E3
This episode explores main muscat wine grape varieties, the many wine styles, a little history, and terminology … all to help you fall in love with new styles of wine - and other beverages - made with this ancient grape that is still very much loved around the world. Just in time for Valentine's...
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A Whisky Sweater for Burns Night (Whisky Re-Release)
In addition to this re-release of "Whisky, Burns Night, and … Beerhenge?" (Originally Released Jan 28, 2022 ) I give a new, quick introduction to Burns night before treating you to this episode on whisky, in which I discuss: what it is, a little history, how it's produced, distinguishing the...
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Chardonnay Rose | S21E2
This episode explores the pink mutation of the Chardonnay grape, and why it's now in the pantheon of Champagne's primary grape varieties. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A...
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Sparkling Wines of Limoux | S21 E1
This episode explores some of the world's first sparkling wines, their styles, and a little history from the "Soul of Southern France." Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites: Limoux…
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The Eggnog Riot of 1826 (re-release)
"Get your dirks and bayonets... and pistols if you have them." A quote heard during the Eggnog Riot at West Point on Christmas Eve in 1826. This is a quick re-visit of part of the Booze Riots and Rebellions series from Season 7. Happy Holidays & Cheers ~ Resources from this episode: Websites: Big...
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A Happy Winter Wonderland Wine: Bugey-Cerdon [Re-Release]
This week I spied Santa Claus ... hanging out in a dumpster. I reflected on how something as cynical as identifying with Santa in a Dumpster can be a source of unexpected joy. Bugey-Cerdon, to me, is a holiday entertaining essential because of it fun fizz, sweetness, and its ability to rock...
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A Tale of Two Wine Cities: Verdicchio from Le Marche | S20E6
In this season finale we explore the Verdicchio wines of Le Marche's Jesi and Matelica appellations. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties,...
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Orvieto: Wine Built this City, Paid Painters, and Bathed Popes | S20E5
Orvieto is a clifftop city, a wine region, and a wine culture all its own with a rich history loaded with silly anecdotes. When your host says there's more in a glass of wine than fermented grape juice, she's not kidding, and Orvieto is an excellent example of that. Resources from this episode:...
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Hello Again Vino Novello, My Friend
Originally Released 8 November 2019 ~ Celebration is in the air as Beaujolais Nouveau is released each November. However, Vino Novello is released weeks prior. Some would say it's the Italian answer to the Nouveau, but there are some differences. This episode explores Vino Novello, carbonic...
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Let's Absinthe ... Again! (re-release for Halloween)
Just in time for spooky season we explore a treat of a fine spirit with a tricky past. Absinthe: what it is, how it behaves in the glass, the deal on wormwood, a brief history, and some thujone theory. Please absinthe responsibly, and apologies for the historical nugget on dog flatulence.…
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Soave - A Classic White Wine from Veneto | S20E4
An exploration of Soave wine region, grapes, and styles, come Soave culture anecdotes, plus a silly "ricco Soave" joke. Resources from this episode: Books: Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J.,...
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Super Tuscany and Spiritual Swagger | S20E3
An exploration of the origins of Super Tuscans & the spirit of free thinking, progress, and stepping (or sippng) outside the box. Resources from this episode: Websites: Antinori: The Antinori Family https://www.antinori.it/en/family/ Author's Calendar: Giosuè Carducci (1835 - 1907)...
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A Quick Exploration of Emilia-Romagna Wine | S20E2
Emilia Romagna: An exploration of North-Central Italy's eclectic collection of wines and vines. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties,...
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Ligurian Wine | S20E1
An exploration of the wines and the region of Liguria on Italy's northwestern coast Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their...
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Summer Splash: Getting Our Grappa On - Again! (Re-release)
Since we have been all immersed in vino Italiano this season, I thought it would be fun to revisit this episode while I'm , let's just say, out of the cellar this month: Getting Our Grappa On (S10E3) A deep dive into grappa—the bold Italian spirit made from pomace, with anecdotes on its enduring...
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Summer Splash: Rosato Refresh - Italian Rosé Re-release
Since we're between seasons where we're exploring Italian wine and working our way down Italy's boot, I thought we'd revisit the Rosato episode from way back in Season 1. Rosato, Italian for rosé wine, it's literally what's in my glass right now. T I hope you can find a glass of Italian rosé to...
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The Great White Wines of Piemonte, a Nymph, a Rascal, and a Princess | S19E6
An exploration of the major white wines and grapes, and legends of Piemonte (Piedmont), Italy Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties…
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The Wine & Region of Valle d'Aosta, Italy ... and a Saint Bernard? |S19E5
An exploration of the wines, grapes, and the gorgeously mountainous region of Valle d'Aosta Italy, where we meet up with a Saint Bernard. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A...
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The Wines and the Region of Lombardia, Italy | S19E4
An exploration of the vast, diverse styles of wines, grapes, and the stunning region of Lombardia, Italy Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine...
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Wine from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy |S19E3
An exploration of the wines, grapes, and region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Some serious grape gabbery & cork dorkery in this one! Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete…
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Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Wine Regions in Italy | S19E2
An episode chock full of new grapes & places & wine styles unlike other regions of Italy we've explored so far. Click play to see what's unique, yet necessary, to find & sip from Trentino-Alto Adige. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition],...
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Trentodoc on Deck: Classic Method Sparkling Wine from Northern Italy | S19E1
Kicking off Season 19 with classic method sparkling wine from Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol: a brief history, style summary and some extras. Quick, dirty, and delicious. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J.…
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Nagambie Lakes Australia: Wines, History, & Some Grape Geekery | S18E6
In this final episode of this series about wine regions near lakes, we sail to the southern hemisphere to visit Nagambie Lakes in Australia. This lake region is quite different than the others we have explored in this season and in the past; click play to learn more in this short but punchy...
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Lake Garda - Surrounded by Wine Regions | S18E5
Italy's largest lake is surrounded by vines and three different wine regions. The variety of wine styles, grapes, and scenery - paired with fascinating history - is where we are quenching our thirst this week as we embark on the penultimate episode of Glass in Session®'s season dedicated to wine...
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Lake Constance: One Lake, Wine from Three Countries | S18E4
Exploring the wine regions around Lake Constance in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. We find grapes on an island, and wine aged under the lake. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine…
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Wine from Lake Neusiedl | S18E3
Exploring the wines & region of Lake Neusiedl, Austria. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Websites: Austrian Wine: https://www.austrianwine.com Austrian Vineyards [wine maps]:...
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Michigan Wine | S18E2
Exploring the wine, grapes and regions of the Mitten State. What pairs best with a wet burrito, and what does a Cadillac have to do with any of this? Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine...
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Finger Lakes Wine Fun | S18E1
A sail on the Finger Lakes of New York focusing on the lakes, wine regions and grapes. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including…
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Wine of Moldova | S17E6
A basic introduction to the wine of the Moldova, this episode explores some of the history, regions, grapes and wines. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to…
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Wine from Bulgaria | S17E5
A basic introduction to the wine region, history, and grapes Bulgaria. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and...
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Romanian Wine, Dracula, Gods and Goddesses | S17E4
A basic introduction to the wine of the Romania this episode explores some of the history, regions, grapes, and unique wine styles. Dracula stops by for "a taste" and we bring it all home with gods and goddesses. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition…
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Hungarian Wine and Feasting While Crying | S17E3
A basic introduction to the wine of the Hungary this episode explores some of the history, regions, grapes and unique wine styles. Resources from this episode: Books: The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368…
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About this show
Glass in Session® is a wine education podcast hosted by Val Caruso, DWS, CWE, FWS. She's a certified wine educator, lifelong learner, & shameless corkdork.Every 2nd and 4th Friday there will be a new Glass in Session® focusing on a new topic. Val's mission is to educate, entertain, and empower the wine learner, wine lover, or wine curious by seeking out the fun - and sometimes funny - side of wine education.
Hosted by
Val Caruso