The Wine Goblins

The long-awaited fruit wine episode has arrived!! It’s been our most requested episode and this one delivers.  What is fruit wine, how is it made, and how does it stack up against cider or mead? Plus, a few personal wine stories, unexpected facts, and some serious fruit-fueled opinions. Pour something juicy and press play. Things are about to get... fruity.

The goblins return from hiatus with wine in hand and stories to share. Dani’s celebrating, Aaron’s interrupting, and JR’s keeping things (mostly) on track. This week’s glass holds something a little stronger, and a lot more complex. From ancient barrels to unexpected sweetness, the goblins explore a style of wine that packs more than just a buzz. Pull up a chair and pour yourself a mystery… it’s good to be back.

Cheers! Prost! Tchin-tchin! Holiday time and festive drinks. Does chenin blanc fit the vibes? The Goblins discuss the mass appeal of the white wine from the Loire Valley in this deep-dive on chenin blanc.  Wine of the Week - 2022 Terres d'Imaginaire, Feu Follet, VdF Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

It’s the never ending question on the Wine Goblins. And in this episode, we finally have an answer. Dani talks about her love of riesling and the uniqueness of the grape. Aaron and J.R. share wine stories, which include some real sicko behavior.  Wine: 2022 Moritz Kissinger, Riesling Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

Quiz time! J.R. quizzes Dani and Aaron on some of the quirky wine abbreviations. Why? Because the Goblins are drinking a GSM from France. Affordable Aaron talks about why he picked this bottle.  Wine: 2020 Domaine Clos de la Barthassade, Cuvee H, Languedoc Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The Wine Goblins share what wines they will be drinking at Thanksgiving - and maybe at some other upcoming parties as well. Listen to the rambunctious trio talk about the beauty of sharing some memorable bottles over dinner and the joy that follows. They are drinking a red wine from Burgundy this week and J.R. explains why it was his pick for the season.  Wine: 2022 Domaine Berthaut-Gerbet, Bourgogne, Hautes Cotes de Nuits Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The start of Season Four will keep you laughing, guaranteed. In an episode that originally started out as a deep-dive into fortified wine, the episode actually takes a look at a very unique dry white wine - that is quite polarizing among the Goblins. We examine what is the winemaking style known as rancio. Why did Dani select this wine? Find out the inexplicable answer in this episode.  Wine: NV Domaine le Roc des Anges, Cioran, Cotes Catalanes Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

Champagne evangelist, social media genius, founder of your favorite wine import company (@cagechampagneco), and the best wine club (@ledeuxchampagneclub), Garth Hodgdon joins the Wine Goblins for this hilarious, entertaining, and educational interview. Learn more about the beauty of champagne in this electrifying podcast episode from the Wine Goblins.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

In the first episode of Season 4, the Wine Goblins interview Dane Curley (@dscurley), an artist who has designed the label for many highly acclaimed, award-winning wines. Learn about his wine journey, the process of designing artwork for a label, and where you can find some of Dane’s art in this episode of Wine Goblins.

In the Season Finale of the Wine Goblins, JR shares how Dani and Aaron can finally bury the hatchet regarding the missing birthday gift. The Goblins talk about Savoie, a tiny wine region that went through some hard times but looks to be on the rebound. Check out Eric Asimov’s excellent piece on the region. The Goblins are drinking a sparkling wine from Savoie that was recommended by Hannah Williams in a previous episode. The wine is the 2019 Domaine Belluard Vin de Savoie Ayse Les Perles du Mont Blanc. JR explains why this wine is significant beyond the juice in the glass. And the wine list of the week features a possible destination for the Three Best Friends next month for one of the Goblin’s birthday dinners.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The Goblins talk more about German wine in this episode of the Wine Goblins with a special focus on Wasenhaus’ 2022 Grand Ordinaire, perhaps the best red wine to drink during the summer. Learn about the rise of Pinot Noir (aka Spatburgunder) in Germany and some producers to know making the good stuff. On this week list of the week, the Goblins discuss the list at KOL in London.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

Have you had a corked wine before? What is a corked wine? These three wine novices run into a corked bottle for the first time and talk about how to handle the challenge. Plus JR talks about the smallest wine region in France, Jura, that is home to some of the most exciting and interesting wines. On the wine list of the week, the Goblins discuss the list at The Barbary in London - in the ongoing quest to find the perfect restaurant for an upcoming trip. Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The Wine Goblins address the drink of the moment, coke and red wine. Here Dani’s expert opinion on the perfect ratio to make this concoction. Each goblin picks a different wine for the cocktail as well. Plus, the Goblins continue the quest to find the perfect wine bar for a summer trip to London.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

In this week’s episode of Wine Goblins, it’s time for a deep dive on one wine region. Have you ever wondered about Beaujolais? JR leads the discussion about the often overlooked region of French wine that has a major place in the natural wine movement. Timing of this episode coincides with the current KickStarter from Jon Bonne about the Classification of Beaujolais. The crux of the conversation is a stellar bottle of gamay, a 2019 Mee Godard Corcelette Morgon, the the Goblins each share and gush about. In the Wine List of the Week, the Goblins hit up the famous Noble Rot.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

JR and Dani talk about a wedding they recently attended including some of the new beverage choices. Aaron talks about his vacation to Italy including his experiences with the giants of Italian wine in Gravner and Emidio Pepe. The Goblins do a deep-dive on a new Italian producer, Montetino, in this episode. Learn about this up-and-coming star from a unique part of Abruzzo. For the Wine List segment, the Goblins make a pick at the award-winning Mountain from London.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

  The Wine Goblins interview German wine expert (and now winemaker) Lars Carlberg (@LarsCarlberg). We discuss his website, https://www.larscarlberg.com/, his work with Hofgut Falkenstein, and the book he helped translate, Mosel Wine. Hear about his fascinating story and learn more about German wine in this special episode of The Wine Goblins.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The Wine Goblins are back! In the first episode of Season Three of Wine Goblins, the three best friends recap some wine stories from the past few months including a hilarious tale about the gift Dani tried to buy for Birthday Bitch Aaron. JR references the popularity of Bordeaux wines from the wine-searcher article. The Goblins discuss the early signs of the 2024 vintage with bad weather leading to a small production. Check out these articles with an in-depth look at how weather is destroying the 2024 vintage - Bad Weather Hammers French Vineyards and Frost Hit European Vineyards . The Wine List that the Goblins discuss comes from Estela in New York City, a modern American restaurant. The bottle that the Goblins discuss and love comes from German producer Hofgut Falkenstein. Dani gives out her highest score yet to the 2021 Hofgut Falkenstein Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Cabinet feinherb Herbert, Mosel AP-15  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail

The most important wine news of the year is the shocking article from Wine Business Monthly “How Neo-Prohibitionists Came to Shape Alcohol Policy”  The Goblins discuss this revelatory piece from Felicity Carter. JR shares a wine story about his recent work travel - and trying coconut wine! The Wine List of the Week is March from Houston, Texas. In the glass this week is 2018 Zorzal “Eggo - Tinto de Tiza” a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

The Goblins discuss LodiGrowers.com’s article “The Dirty Secret No One in California is Talking About,” which will make you reconsider your wine purchases in the future. In a personal update, Dani talks about her recent travels and the wine she consumed. She also talks about the wedding industry and recent wine trends. The Wine List of the Week is Ardesia from New York. Dani also leads the discussion on what’s in the glass this week is 2022 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Hear her thoughts on this wine and why screwtops should be the default.    Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

California gains another AVA? Wait, what is an AVA? The Wine Goblins continue the conversation about American wines with a focus on California’s wine regions. Learn about what an AVA is and hear about the exciting new region in California. Plus, hear a darling tale of how strong Dani is. In this episode’s Wine List of the Week, the Goblins talk about Torc from Napa, California. We are drinking 2022 Haarmeyer “Potrero Vineyard” Borden Ranch Lodi Rosato of Nebbiolo.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

In this episode of the Wine Goblins, Dani and Aaron call J.R. cheap for declining an invite to a wine event due to the price. Who is right? The Goblins discuss some recent news with prices falling at the Napa wine auction. What does it mean? The wine list of the week is Indienne Chicago. And the Goblins have maybe the best U.S. riesling, 2021 Hermann J. Wiemer Seneca Lake Dry Riesling. Hear their thoughts on the shockingly great, affordable wine from New York. And read about the Finger Lakes region.    Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

U.S. wineries are hurting according to winemaker Patrick Cappiello from Monte Rio Cellars. Check out Patrick’s plea about the state of domestic wineries. With an attempt to help U.S. wineries, the Goblins will only be drinking wines from the U.S. for the next three episodes. In this episode, they are drinking a Pet Nat Rose from Madson. Plus the Goblins mention some of their favorite US Wineries.   Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

Brian Carter of Brian Carter Cellars joins the Wine Goblins in this episode. A pioneer of the Northwest Wine scene, Brian Carter is an award-winning winemaker who shares his wealth of knowledge of all things wine with Dani, Aaron, and J.R. Check out Brian Carter Cellars.   Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

The second episode from the Wine Goblins in-person series focuses on another damning report about the wine industry. The annual State of the Wine Industry report is in the spotlight as younger consumers are turning away from wine at an alarming rate. The Goblins discuss these downward trends and some silver linings. Plus, the blind wine returns as J.R. tries to test Dani and Aaron with two wines in this episode. The Wine List of the Week is Le Pigeon from Portland, Oregon.    Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

In this very special episode of Wine Goblins, Hannah Williams, the Beverage Director at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, joins Aaron, Dani, and J.R. for an in-depth conversation about wine lists, wine and food pairings, and other tips about producers to know. Williams is a rising star in the wine world. She was named the “Best New Sommelier” by Wine and Spirits in 2019. She redefined the Wine List with her take on the book - which is available to purchase here. Follow Hannah on Instagram.    Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

The gang is altogether as the Wine Goblins record in person for the first time. On this episode, Aaron and Dani try their hand at blind tasting as J.R. tries to stump them with a wine from his cellar. In the Wine News of the Week, the Goblins take a look at climate change and what it means to the wine world - plus a recognition of some wineries that are leading the way in innovation to reduce their carbon footprint. Read Michael Summerfield’s definitive take on climate change and wine for more info and Are Napa Wines losing their color? The Wine List of the Week is from J.R.’s favorite restaurant, Bell’s in Los Alamos, California. Check out the wine list here.    Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

Welcome back to Wine Goblins! Season Two of our adventure through wine. We will laugh, we will cry, and we will drink with our best friends. In the first episode of our second season, the Wine Goblins lay out the theme of the season. We also talk about the growing wine scene in Washington. We take a look at one of the best wine list at a restaurant in Washington from Eight Row in Seattle - as the Goblins discuss what would be the best bottle on that list to go with their meal. In the glass this week is a widely available Syrah from K Vintners. Hear what the Goblins think of the Washington take on the famous Rhone grape. Confused about Old World vs. New World wine? Check out this Food & Wine article!   Music: Coyotes by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

Following the success of Season 1, The Wine Goblins are releasing the first episode from the season that was initially lost due to an audio issue. If you can bear with some suspect sound, listen to Dani, J.R. and Aaron find their voice in the podcast world.  In this episode, they discuss the drastic fall-off in tasting room visitors from 2023 - and how wineries can sell wine without that business. Some of the articles referenced in the discussion How Small Wineries are Selling Wine without Tasting Rooms; What’s Behind the Slump in Northern California Tasting Rooms The Wine List of the Week is Birdies from Austin, Texas. And the wine of the week is David + Veronica from Championship Bottle.  Enjoy our lost debut episode as we take a few weeks off before we release Season 2.  Music: Coyotes by Half Tail    Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

In the final episode of season 1, The Wine Goblins return to school for a lesson on champagne. Professor Aaron leads the discussion on how that delicious beverage is made. Dani and J.R. gush about their love of champagne. Check out the referenced books: Champagne by Peter Liem and Champagne Charlie by Don and Petie Kladstrup.  The wine list of the week is Juliet, a California restaurant with an amazing Champagne selection.  And, of course, the wine of the week is champagne. Dani, Aaron, and J.R. discuss Julien Prelat, Presle Blanc de Blancs (NV), a 100% chardonnay from Celles-Sur-Ource, Cote de Bar.    Music: “Coyotes” by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

Natural wine has been the lightning rod of criticism in the wine world for much of the past decade. Some adore and worship it, others cannot stand it. One of the most famous winemakers in France recently discussed her opinion on natural wine. The Wine Goblins weigh in on the sensationalized interview.  The wine list of the week is Parcelle, which is famous for the exquisite selections from the beverage program. The New York restaurant is also popular with celebrities as Taylor Swift recently visited there.  In our glass this week is the 2019 Chiara Condello Romagna Sangiovese Predappio. Learn more about this up-and-coming producer from Italy.   Music: “Coyotes” by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

Have you ever wondered why some wine labels have a score on them? And what do those numbers mean? In episode four, Wine Goblins discuss the epidemic of wine scores. We get super nerdy and deep dive into: What is the Parkerization of wine? Why do certain wine regions always score higher than other regions? We also mention Jeb Dunnuck’s recent piece on defining greatness in wine.  On this week’s Wine List of the Week, the Goblins talk about what wine pairs best with the wonderful soul food from Burdell in Oakland, California.  The bottle of the week is AFFORDABLE burgundy! Hear the goblins lust over the 2019 Domaine de la Cras Bourgugne Blanc.    Music: "Coyotes" by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected] 

Have you ever wondered how that magical elixir goes from grape to wine? Aaron leads us this week on an informational episode about how wine is made. Dani and J.R. chime in with some insights and questions as the goblins take it back to the basics.  In this episode’s Wine List of the Week, we do a deep-dive on the wine list from The Morris in San Francisco (click here to view). Our bottle for this is episode is 2020 Stephane Ogier, Saint-Joseph, Le Passage Rouge. Next week’s bottle is 2019 Domaine de la Cras (Marc Soyard), Bourgogne, Chardonnay. Music: "Coyotes" by Half Tail   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected]   

Are the Wine Goblins going to buy a winery? In this episode, Dani, Aaron, and J.R. discuss the recent purchases of wineries in California - and bat around the idea of buying a winery for the Goblin Gang. We also introduce a new segment, Correction Corner. As we learn, we like to share our newfound knowledge with our friends so sometimes we need to fix our mistakes from previous episodes. The Wine List of the Week takes a look at the famous Popina from New York City. Check out the wine list here. In our glass this week is LaLu Barbera d’Alba from Piedmont.   Additional Links Discussed: Treasury to acquire Daou Gallo buys Rombauer Gallo buys Massican Gallo buys Denner Gallo buys Hahn Buy "Climbing the Vines in Burgundy" Learn about the winemakers who produced this episodes' wine Music by Half Tail (Click to listen on Spotify) Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected]   

In the debut episode of Wine Goblins, Dani, Aaron, and J.R. discuss the war on cheap wine as many famous wine regions confront the reality that quantity over quality might be over - ripped up vines, tipped over trucks, and much more. Hear the Goblins discuss what the future of the wine business might look like - and what is fine wine anyway.  Note: Correction Corner was recorded with the intention of this being the second episode of season 1. Due to an audio issue, the first episode was not released. This correction addresses a slip up about tannins.  The Goblins also introduce the Wine List of the Week segment where they discuss the best options (for each of their palates) on the restaurant’s list - and the quality of offerings. This week’s restaurant is Yang’s Kitchen in Los Angeles. Check out the wine list here. The bottle of the week is Doniene Gorrondona Bizkaiko Txakolina - a white blend from Spain. Next episode’s wine is LaLu Barbera d’Alba from Piedmont, Italy.  Please see our instagram for additional links we discuss! Music by Half Tail (Click to listen on Spotify)   Questions? Comments? Airing of grievances? Send us an email at [email protected]