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Glass in Session® Winecast

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.

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  • 21 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 18 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • S23 · E2
    Yesterday · 14 min

    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) https://academieduvinlibrary.com/blogs/vinosity/swan-diversion-an-unsung-australian-wine-valley Australian Atlas: Swan Valley https://www.australianatlas.com.au/wine-regions/swan-valley Australian Wine: Swan District https://www.australianwine.com/our-places/western-australia/swan-district-wine-region Britannica: History of Western Australia https://www.britannica.com/place/Western-Australia/History Britannica: Juvenal https://www.britannica.com/biography/Juvenal Britannica: Swan River https://www.britannica.com/place/Swan-River-Australia Britannica: Western Australia https://www.britannica.com/place/Western-Australia/People Ebird: Black Swan https://ebird.org/species/blkswa Gutenberg: The Satires of Juvenal, Persius, Sulpicia, and Lucilius (Literally translated into English Prose, with notes, chronological tables, arguments, etc.), Evans, L. (1881) https://www.gutenberg.org/files/50657/50657-h/50657-h.htm Houghton Wines: Our Story https://houghton-wines.com.au/pages/about-us International Fund for Animal Welfare: Swans https://www.ifaw.org/international/animals/swans Marketing Mag: A big bloody controversy, McConnell, S. (2016) https://www.marketingmag.com.au/hubs-c/big-bloody-controversy/ Olive Farm Wines: https://www.olivefarmwines.com.au/our-story Pond Informer: Seven Swan Species and Swan Type (How to Identify) H. R. (14 June 2020) https://pondinformer.com/swan-species-guide/ Swan Valley Wine: History in the Making https://swanvalleywine.com/ Vineyards: Wine Map of Western Australia https://vineyards.com/wine-map/australia/western-australia Western Australia Now and Then: Swan River (Updated 17 August 2026) https://www.wanowandthen.com/Swan-River.html Wine Australia: Swan Valley Geographical Indication https://www.wineaustralia.com/labelling/register-of-protected-gis-and-other-terms/geographical-indications/swan-valley Wine With Seth Wine Wiki: Swan Valley https://www.winewithseth.com/winewiki/swan-valley/ Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode: S6E3: A Sweet, Sticky Story - Rutherglen Fortified Wines https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s6e3-a-sweet-sticky-story-rurtherglen-fortified-wines Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S23 · E1
    September 11 · 20 min

    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, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours, Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Birdspot: Four and Twenty Blackbirds Baked in a Pie https://www.birdspot.co.uk/culture/four-and-twenty-blackbirds-baked-in-a-pie Cellar Tours: Merlot Grape Variety - Its Rise and Rise, Lawrence, J. (Updated 3 February 2025) https://www.cellartours.com/blog/france/the-rise-and-rise-of-merlot Château de Tiregand: AOC Pécharmant https://chateau-de-tiregand.com/aoc-pecharmant-2/?lang=en DO Somontano: Somontano https://dosomontano.com/?lang=en EBird: Eurasian Blackbird https://ebird.org/species/eurbla?siteLanguage=en_AU&continue History and Headlines: Merlot Wine - A Quick Guide, Alhazred, A. (Updated 26 July 2025) https://www.historyandheadlines.com/merlot-wine-a-quick-guide/ Markham Vineyards: From Bordeaux to the World https://markhamvineyards.com/the-history-of-merlot/ Napa Valley Wine Academy: Understanding Wine Faults: A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Aromas, Compounds, and Causes https://napavalleywineacademy.com/blogs/pouring-points/understanding-wine-faults-a-comprehensive-guide-to-types-aromas-compounds-and-causes Nursery Rhymes Collections: Sing a Song of Sixpence https://nurseryrhymescollections.com/songs/sing-a-song-of-sixpence/ Swiss Wine: Ticino Wine Region https://www.swisswine.com/en/swiss-wine-regions/ticino-wine-region Vins Bergerac Duras: https://www.vins-bergeracduras.fr/en/ Wikiquote: Sideways (23 August 2026) https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Sideways Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode: S5E5: Grape Brandy Escape https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e5-grape-brandy-escape S9E5: Swiss Wine, Sweet Stories https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e5-swiss-wine-sweet-stories S13E2: American Rosé - The Story of our Red, White, and Blush https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/american-ros-the-story-of-our-red-white-and-blush S13E4: Meritage- An American Blending Story with French Roots https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/meritage-an-american-blending-story-with-french-roots S17E3: Hungarian Wine - Feasting While Crying https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/hungarian-wine-and-feasting-while-crying-s17e3 S17E4: Romanian Wine, Dracula, Gods and Goddesses: https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/romanian-wine-dracula-gods-and-goddesses S17E5: Wine from Bulgaria https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-from-bulgaria-s17e5 S17E6: Wine of Moldova https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e5-swiss-wine-sweet-stories S18E5: Lake Garda - Surrounded by Wine Regions https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/lake-garda-surrounded-by-wine-regions-s18e5 S19E2: Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Wine Regions in Italy https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/trentino-alto-adigesdtirol-wine-regions-in-italy-s19e2 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • August 28 · 19 min

    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 Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours, Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Around the World in 80 Harvests: Heroic Viticuluture and Wines from Malta and Gozo, Barnes, A. (3 December 2020) https://aroundtheworldin80harvests.com/2020/12/03/heroic-viticulture-the-wines-from-malta-gozo/ Brittanica: Malta, Busuttil, S. (6 October 2022) https://www.britannica.com/place/Malta CIA World Factbook: Malta - Country Summary (3 October 2022) https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/malta/summaries Internet Archive: The Maltese Falcon [full movie], Huston, J. (1940) https://archive.org/details/the-maltese-falcon-1941 Malta Products: https://www.maltaproducts.com/product-category/drinks-beverages/maltese-wine/ Michelin Guide: A Roundup of Malta's Wines, (30 December 2020), https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/a-roundup-of-malta-s-wines National Endowment for the Arts: The Maltese Falcon (24 November 2013) https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/nea-big-read/maltese-falcon Order of Malta: History https://www.orderofmalta.int/history/ Slo Wine Country: Maltese Wine - A guide to the island's best wines (4 November 2022), Rosamie https://www.slowine.com/maltese-wine-a-guide-to-the-islands-best-wines/ Times of Malta: The Order of St. John's arrival in Malta in 1530, Grima, J. F. (24 October 2021) https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/the-order-of-st-johns-arrival-in-malta-in-1530.909655 Welcome Center Malta: Maltese Terroir - A guide to its history, terroir, and varietals, https://www.welcome-center-malta.com/maltese-wine-a-guide-to-its-history-terroir-and-varietals/ Wines of Malta: https://winesofmalta.gov.mt Related or Referenced Glass in Session® Episodes: S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes S5E2: Getting Medieval - Wine and Holy Warriors https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e2-getting-medieval-wine-and-holy-warriors S10E3: Getting Our Grappa On https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e3-getting-our-grappa-on S10E5: Montefalco Sagrantino: Wine, Birds, & the King of Everything https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e5-montefalco-sagrantino-wine-birds-the-king-of-everything Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • August 14 · 20 min

    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 can enjoy anywhere you find yourself this summer ... even on the back deck with a glass of wine in one hand, and a bird app in the other. Originally released in July 2022, this episode explores the wines of Montefalco Sagrantino. A unique grape, cool birds, and a special growing region, along with a rich history, make this one of the host's favorite wines. 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., & Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Agraria: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG - Atlante dei Prodotti Tipici, (n.d.) https://www.agraria.org/vini/montefalcosagrantino.htm Biodiversity Library: The Birds of Asia - Saker Falcon, Falco Sacer, Gould, J. (1850 - 1853) https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/partpdf/323332 Consorzio Montefalco: https://www.consorziomontefalco.it/ Forbes: Two Italian CEOs Discuss the Joys and Trial of Taming the Sagrantino Wine Grape in Umbria, Thach, L. (29 June 2022) https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizthach/2022/06/29/two-italian-ceos-discuss-the-joys-and-trials-of-taming-the-sagrantino-wine-grape-in-umbria/?sh=4eb3d26d1292 Italian Wine Central: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, (n.d.) https://italianwinecentral.com/denomination/montefalco-sagrantino-docg/ Italian Wine Chronicle: The Rise of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, Sesto, R. (26 January 2017) https://www.italianwinechronicle.com/rise-montefalco-sagrantino-docg The Pasta Project: Strozzapreti, Debono, J. (8 March 2017) https://www.the-pasta-project.com/strozzapreti/ Sagrantino di Montefalco: Montefalco - La Ringhiera dell'Umbria (n.d.) https://www.sagrantino-montefalco.it/montefalco.php Strada Del Sagrantino: Vini http://www.stradadelsagrantino.it/montefalco-sagrantino-docg.php Glass in Session® Episodes Mentioned in this Session: S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.) Glass in Session® merch mentioned on this show (including new wine & bird themes): https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session

  • S22 · E6
    July 24 · 14 min

    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 [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Websites: Atlas Obscura: Thank These Master Alchemists for the Magic of Alcohol, Eubank, A. (12 February 2018) https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/distillation-alcohol-invention-muslim Britannica: Arak, Payne, L. https://www.britannica.com/topic/arak-beverage Dharma Dispatch: Bengali Arrack and Bouleponge - A Glimpse into the Savage Lifestyle of European Naval Merchants and their Crew in the 17th Century Mughal Empire, Balakrishna, S. (26 January 2022) https://www.dharmadispatch.in/bengali-arrack-and-bouleponge-a-glimpse-into-the-savage-lifestyle-of-european-naval-merchants-and-their-crew-in-the-17th-century-mughal-empire/ Difford's Guide: Arrack, Difford, S. and Sutcliffe, T. (n.d.) https://www.diffordsguide.com/beer-wine-spirits/category/949/batavia-arrack Liquor: How to Use Arak in Your Cocktails, Dingwall, K. (14 September 2022) https://www.liquor.com/arak-in-cocktails-6666222 RTL Today: Raisin moonshine banned in Iran enjoys resurgence in New York (2 May 2026) https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/raisin-moonshine-banned-in-iran-enjoys-resurgence-in-new-york-443728357 The Spruce Eats: What is Arak? A Guide to Buying and Drinking Arak, Fayed, S. (Updated 20 January 2023) https://www.thespruceeats.com/arak-middle-eastern-alcoholic-beverage-2355492 Tasting Table: The Cultural Significance Behind Arak, A Timeless Levantine Drink, Holland, J. (10 July 2023) https://www.tastingtable.com/1330174/cultural-significance-arak-levantine-drink/ This Week in Palestine: Distilled Spirits an Arab Invention, Muaddi, N. (n.d.) https://thisweekinpalestine.com/distilled-spirits-an-arab-invention/ Wine Enthusiast: Understanding Arak, an Ancient Spirit with Modern Appeal, Teclemariam, T. (Updated 8 May 2023) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/spirits/arak-middle-eastern-spirit-modern-appeal/ Wooden Cork: What is Arak? A Comprehensive Guide to this Unique Spirit (17 July 2024) https://woodencork.com/blogs/uncorked/what-is-arak-a-comprehensive-guide-to-this-unique-spirit Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in or Related to This Episode: S8E4: Let's Absinthe https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e4-lets-absinthe S10E3: Getting our Grappa On https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e3-getting-our-grappa-on S12E4: Rum - King of Booty? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/rum-king-of-booty-s12e4 S15E6: Parlez-vous Pastis? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/parlez-vous-pastis-s15e6 S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising S22E4: Amenian Wine - Of caves, mountains, wars, and resilience https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/armenian-wine-of-caves-mountains-wars-and-resilience-s22e4 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S22 · E5
    July 10 · 22 min

    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. (2023) Papers: Grapes Production in Afghanistan, Khasrow, A. (January 2016) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289999498_Grapes_production_in_Afghanistan/link/569429ba08ae820ff072b7fe/download Websites: Britannica: Achaemenid Empire, Young, T. C. (22 May 2026) https://www.britannica.com/topic/Achaemenian-Empire/Imperial-culture-and-governance Classical Wisdom: Wine as pharmakon: Persian drinking in the Histories, McLaverty, R. (7 October 2020) https://classicalwisdom.com/symposium/wine-as-pharmakon-persian-drinking-in-the-histories/ Country Reports: The Achaemenid Persian Empire - the First Great World Empire https://www.countryreports.org/articles/the-achaemenid-persian-empire Darioush: https://www.darioush.com/ Encyclopaedia Iranica: Angūr, Hanaway, W.L., E Planhol, X., and Bazin, M. (14 August 2018). https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/angur-grapes/ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Grape Production System in Jowzan Valley, Iran (2018) https://www.fao.org/giahs/giahs-around-the-world/iran-grape-production-system/en Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Sites in Iran and Italy designated as FAO globally important agricultural heritage sites (30 November 2018) https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/Sites-in-Iran-and-Italy-designated-FAO-globally-important-agricultural-heritage-sites/en Forbes: The Story Behind an Oregon Pinot Noir Made by an Iranian Immigrant, Bell, K. K. (updated 31 May 2017) https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2017/05/28/the-story-behind-an-oregon-pinot-noir-made-by-an-iranian-immigrant/ Iran Daily: Iran among major exporters of grapes, raisins in the world, Dehqan, S. (24 July 2023) https://newspaper.irandaily.ir/7347/1/3726 Iran Doostan Tours: Achaemenid Empire (Map, Flag, Pronunciation, Facts), Shidfar, N. (13 March 2024) https://irandoostan.com/achaemenid-empire/ Jancis Robinson: Iranian winemaking in exile, Currin, T. (29 November 2023) https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/iranian-winemaking-exile Keush: https://keush.com/ History Today: The Origin of the Whirling Dervishes, Fremantle, A. (5 May 1976) https://www.historytoday.com/archive/whirling-dervishes The Legal Guide: Can You Legally Drink Alcohol in Iran (1 November 2025) https://thelegalguide.org/can-you-legally-drink-alcohol-iran/ Linked In: History of wine or alcoholic drinks in Iran, Palizma (11 March 2024) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-wine-alcoholic-drinks-iran-palizmacom-o5pwf/ Maysara: https://www.maysara.com/ Molana Wines: A profound journey of discovery https://molanawines.com/story/ Sun and Soil: Iranian Wine - The birthplace of viticulture, the 40-year silence, and the return of Persian wine (8 June 2026) https://sunandsoilshop.com/blogs/news/iranian-wine-guide This Day in Wine History: Thus Drank Zarathustra - Zoroastrianism and wine Culture in Ancient Persia (updated 28 February 2024) https://thisdayinwinehistory.com/thus-drank-zarathustra-zoroastrianism-and-wine-culture-in-ancient-persia/ Tokba: Iran's Export Grape and its Popularity (8 March 2023) https://tokba.com/irans-export-grape-and-its-popularity/ University of Chicago - Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia and North Africa: Persepolis Fortification Archive https://isac.uchicago.edu/research/projects/persepolis-fortification-archive Vinerra: Discovering Rasheh Wine - A Journey Through Iran's Unique Vintage https://www.vinerra.com/education/wines/discovering-rasheh-wine-a-journey-through-irans-unique-vintage World Atlas: Iran https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/iran World of Fine Wine: Wine in history: Shiraz, Syrah, and Shirazi, Walton, S. (20 November 2025) https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/shiraz-syrah-shirazi-persia-iran-wine World History: Tushpa, Cartwright, M. https://www.worldhistory.org/Tushpa/ Videos: Somm TV: Cup of Salvation [documentary] (2023) https://tubitv.com/movies/100033083/somm-cup-of-salvation Glass in Session Episodes Related to this Episode: S8E3: Once Upon a Wine Grape in Afghanistan https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s8e3-once-upon-a-wine-grape-in-afghanistan S10E4: Wines of Ukraine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e4-wines-of-ukraine-yesterday-today-and-a-hopeful-tomorrow S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising S22E3: Wine in Albania - In the spirit of eagles … and flamigos? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-albania-in-the-spirit-of-eagles-and-flamingos-s22e3 S22E4: Amenian Wine - Of caves, mountains, wars, and resilience https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/armenian-wine-of-caves-mountains-wars-and-resilience-s22e4 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • July 4 · 21 min

    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 the blush. Resources from this episode: Books: Exploring Wine, 3rd Edition, Kolpan, S. Smith, B., and Weiss, M. [The Culinary Institute of America] (2010) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) Rosé: A Guide to the World's Most Versatile Wine, Morgan, J.(2005) Rosé Wine: The Guide to Drinking Pink, Simontetti-Bryan, J. (2017) Websites: Lodi Wine Commission: The Mystery of Zinfandel, Part 2 - The Long Strange Trip from Somewhere, Caparoso, R. (29 October 2013) https://www.lodiwine.com/index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogEntryID=657B5FB6-9AC5-B1B2-7171-E8506853BD2E Los Angeles Magazine: A Brief History of White Zin - Why the wine that aficionados love to hate is making a comeback, Snyder, G.(16 July 2014) https://www.lamag.com/liquidlablog/a-brief-history-of-white-zin/ National Archives and Records Administration [Code of Federal Regulations]: Wine Laws, Regulations and Public Guidance - Title 27, Chapter I, Subchapter A, Part 4, Subpart C, § 4.21 The standards of identity (last amended 24 March 2023) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-4/subpart-C/section-4.21 Trinchero Family Estates: The American Dream in Napa Valley https://www.tfewines.com/about-us/ Vinepair: Your Guide to Blush Wine Which Isn't Rosé But Kind of Is, Beavers, K., (20 June 2016) https://vinepair.com/wine-geekly/your-guide-to-blush-wine-which-isnt-rose-but-kind-of-is/ Wine History Project: Wine History By Decade - 1860s, Agran, L. (8 July 2019) https://winehistoryproject.org/wine-history-by-decade-1860s/ Wine Spectator: Ask Dr. Vinny - Where does the term "blush" wine come from? (9 November 2016) https://origin.winespectator.com/articles/origin-of-blush-wine-vinny-54063 Podcasts: Wine Two Five Episode 54 (21 April 2016) Where Wine Takes Us - Barry Wiss from Trinchero Family Estates https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-wine-takes-us-barry-wiss-from-trinchero-family/id986650051?i=1000367276787 Wine Two Five Episode 52 (7 April 2016) Enter the Zin https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enter-the-zin/id986650051?i=1000366397606 Glass in Session® Episodes Related to this Session: S1E3: Rosato - Wading into the Italian Pink https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s1e3-rosato-wading-into-the-italian-pink S1E4: Tavel at my Memory Palace's Table https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s1e4-tavel-at-my-memory-palaces-table S12E6: Croatia Corkdorkery https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/croatia-corkdorkery-s12e6 S13E1: American Sparkling Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/american-sparkling-wine-s13e1 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S22 · E4
    June 26 · 25 min

    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 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 Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Absolute Armenia: Areni-1 Cave: How to Visit the World's Oldest Winery (+ Tips), Varanyan, A. (Updated 11 September 2025) https://absolutearmenia.com/areni-1-cave-winery/ AP News: Turkey removes a restriction on direct trade with Armenia to improve ties (updated 13 May 2026) https://apnews.com/article/turkey-armenia-trade-restriction-lifted-c09e5d21617d45e524268eea1a2ff70b Areni Cave: Areni-1 Cave: https://www.arenicave.am/en The Armenia Project: Wine https://www.armeniaproject.org/wine Britannica: Armenia https://www.britannica.com/place/Armenia Caucasus Watch: EU Says Armenians Chose Europe and Peace, Pledges More Support Amid Russian Trade Curbs (19 June 2026) https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/eu-says-armenians-chose-europe-and-peace-pledges-more-support-amid-russian-trade-curbs.html Caucasus Watch Iran's Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami on Armenia-Iran Relations, TRIPP, and Regional Security (22 June 2026) https://caucasuswatch.de/en/interviews/irans-ambassador-khalil-shirgholami-on-armenia-iran-relations-tripp-and-regional-security.html Eat This Tours: Armenian Wine - Everything You Need to Know Before You Go, https://eatthistours.com/armenian-wine-everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-go/ Eurovision: Eurovision Young Musicians 2026 - All You Need to Know (1 June 2026) https://www.eurovision.com/stories/eurovision-young-musicians-2026-all-you-need-to-know/ Hatis: Areni Cave https://www.hatis.am/en/areni-cave Karas Wines: Armenian Winemaking Regions https://karaswines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Scrolled_Website_030222.pdf Keush: https://keush.com/ The Moscow Times: From Cognac to Apricots - These Armenian Products Are Now Off-Limits in Russia (3 June 2026) https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/03/from-cognac-to-apricots-these-armenian-products-are-now-off-limits-in-russia-a92912 Punch: One Winemaker's Fight to Preserve Armenian Wine, Sauers, C. (15 January 2025) https://punchdrink.com/articles/armenia-wine-kataro/ Support Armenian: Armenian Wine: 6,000 Years of History in Every Glass (14 April 2026) https://www.supportarmenian.com/blog/armenian-wine-6000-year-history Vinography: Kingom of Wine - Drinking the Past, Present, and Future in Armenia, Yarrow, A. (17 April 2025) https://www.vinography.com/2025/04/kingdom-of-wine-drinking-the-past-present-and-future-in-armenia Wine Enthusiast: 9 Grapes to Help You Understand Armenian Wine, Kingwall, K. (11January 2024) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/grapes-101/armenian-wine-grapes/ Wine Enthusiast: A Guide to Armenia, One of the World's Oldest Wine Regions, Mowery, L. (8 May 2023) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/region-rundown/armenia-wine-guide-grapes-regions/?customer_id=812-391-9340&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=6514397729&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwvKtBhDrARIsAJj-kTgD9btcvPBBef9shniv9UFmLuKo7f1Zely1HxYt9IPfIRrsaT7uyMkaAjIHEALw_wcB Wine Enthusiast: As Uncertainty Still Looms Over Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia's Wine Industry Hangs in the Balance, Mazzeo, J. (23 April 2024) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/nagorno-karabakh-wine-armenia-war/ Wine Enthusiast: In Armenia, a Wine Renaissance Takes Root Against Odds [podcast transcript], Kettmann, M. (6 March 2024) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/armenian-wine-renaissance/ Wine Travel Awards: Areni -1 Cave: the Oldest Full-fledged Winery in the World https://winetravelawards.com/stories-of-the-nominees/areni-1-cave-the-oldest-full-fledged-winery-in-the-world/ World Atlas: Armenia https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/armenia World History: Tushpa, Cartwright, M. https://www.worldhistory.org/Tushpa/ World History: Urartu, Cartwright, M. https://www.worldhistory.org/Urartu_Civilization/ WSET Global: A guide to Armenian Wines (9 February 2026) https://www.wsetglobal.com/knowledge-centre/blog/2026/a-guide-to-armenian-wines Yerevan Wine Days: https://www.yerewinedays.am/en/?doing_wp_cron=1782490923.3031840324401855468750 Videos: Somm TV: Cup of Salvation [documentary] (2023) https://tubitv.com/movies/100033083/somm-cup-of-salvation Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET): Introduction to Armenian Wines Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode: S3E3: Wine Caves - Dishing the Dirt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e3-wine-caves-dishing-the-dirt S8E3: Once Upon a Wine Grape in Afghanistan https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s8e3-once-upon-a-wine-grape-in-afghanistan S10E4: Wines of Ukraine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e4-wines-of-ukraine-yesterday-today-and-a-hopeful-tomorrow S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising S22E3: Wine in Albania - In the spirit of eagles … and flamigos? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-albania-in-the-spirit-of-eagles-and-flamingos-s22e3 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S22 · E3
    June 12 · 20 min

    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 Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Albanian Blogger: Albania's Path to the EU - Where Things Stand in 2026, Plaku, E. (20 April 2026) https://albanianblogger.com/albania-eu-accession-path-2026/ Albania Secrets: Albanian Wines - A Journey Through Traditions and Terroir (n.d.) https://albaniasecrets.com/albanian-wines/ Britannica: Albania https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/Land EU Insider: Albania Enters Final Phase of EU Accession Talks as Montenegro Targets 2028 Membership (28 May 2026) https://www.euinsider.eu/news/eu-enlargement-albania-final-phase-montenegro-treaty-2026 Falstaff: Albania's World Wine Heritage (30 August 2022) https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/albanias-world-wine-heritage The. Flamingo Revolution: A grassroots, Gen Z-let uprising against a multi-billion-dollar Kushner-linked luxury resort on Albania's protected Vjosa-Narta wetlands. https://theflamingorevolution.com/ France 24: Albania TikTok ban violated free speech, court rules (11 March 2026) https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260311-albania-tiktok-ban-violated-free-speech-court-rules Forbes: Why Jared and Ivanka's Island Project Could Ruin Albania's Bid to Join EU, Durkee, A. (9 June 2026) https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2026/06/09/why-jared-and-ivankas-island-project-could-ruin-albanias-bid-to-join-eu/ Georank: Largest Countries by Land Area - Ranked by Size (Updated 20 April 2026) https://georank.org/size The Guardian: 'The birds will fly away' - Can Albania's flamingo revolution keep its wetlands free from Trumps and tourists? Niranjan, A. (12 June 2026) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/12/albania-flamingos-wetlands-trump-tourists Himara: Albanian Wine - Grapes, Regions, and Where to Taste (14 March 2026) https://himara.net/blog/albanian-wine-guide National Albanian Registry: Albanian Raki - A Cultural Guide to the National Spirit, Zhulati, E. (1May 2026) https://albanianregistry.org/blog/albanian-raki National Albanian Registry: What Does Shqip Mean? The Etymology of Albania's Self-Name, Zhulati, E. (17 May 2026) https://albanianregistry.org/blog/shqip-meaning Politico: EU warns Albania over Kushner-linked project, Weizman, J. (7 June 2026) https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-warns-albania-membership-bid-jared-kushner-project-protests/ Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Tehran and Tirana Brawl Amid Flamingo Revolution, RFE/RL's Kosovo Service (11 June 2026) https://www.rferl.org/a/tehran-tirana-flamingo-revolution-kushner/33778450.html The Quirky Cork: Albania - A New Wine Frontier, Lemieux, A. (15 January 2025) https://thequirkycork.com/albania-a-new-wine-frontier/ SevenFifty Daily: What You Need to Know About Albanian Wine, Maxwell, S. (2 August 2023) https://daily.sevenfifty.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-albanian-wine/ Uka Wine: Everything You Need to Know About Albanian Wine (1 December 2023) https://ukawine.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-albanian-wine/ Wines of Albania: Grapes https://www.winesofalbania.com/grapes/ World Atlas: Albania https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/albania Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode: S22E2: Wine in Poland - What the Little Ice Age Taketh Away Climate Change Giveth Back https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-poland-what-the-little-ice-age-taketh-away-climate-change-giveth-back S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S22 · E2
    May 22 · 19 min

    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., Thomas, T. (2023) Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Journals: Maciejczak, Mariusz & Mikiciuk, Jakub. (2018). Climate change impact on viticulture in Poland. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management. 11. 10.1108/IJCCSM-02-2018-0021. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328481231_Climate_change_impact_on_viticulture_in_Poland Websites: Britannica: Little Ice Age (LIA), Jackson, S.T., (12 May 2026) https://www.britannica.com/science/Little-Ice-Age Grape Collective: Wine in Poland, Kuderski, A. (17 November 2016) https://www.grapecollective.com/wine-in-poland/ Falstaff: Polish Wine - The next big thing, Bońkowski, W. (4 May 2023) https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/polish-wine-the-next-big-thing Polish Wine: Are there Wine Appellations in Poland? Gatecki, M. (1 May 2025) https://polish.wine/are-there-wine-appellations-in-poland/ Notes from Poland: Whites and reds: why Polish winemaking is thriving again, Wrońska, I. (19 November. 2021) https://notesfrompoland.com/2021/11/19/whites-and-reds-a-guide-to-polish-wine/ Velo Vino: Polish Grapes from A to Z, Shevela, N. (2 March 2023) https://www.velowino.pl/en/blog/polish-grapes-from-a-to-z/ Velo Vino: Radiant Renaissance of Polish Wine, Shevela, N. (11 February 2023) https://www.velowino.pl/en/blog/polish-wine-regions/ World Atlas: Poland https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/poland Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode: S2E4: Orange (Amber) Wines https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s2e4-orange-amber-wines S5E1: A Pét-Nat Chit-Chat https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e1-a-pt-nat-chit-chat S9E6: Vodka Wars, Empires, and Culture https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e6-vodka-wars-empires-and-culutre S10E4: Wines of Ukraine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e4-wines-of-ukraine-yesterday-today-and-a-hopeful-tomorrow S16E1: Austrian and German Sekt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/austrian-and-german-sekt-s16e1 S16E3 (Re-release) Belgian Wines (updated) and Piwi Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/belgian-wines-updated-and-piwi-grapes-s16e3-re-release S17E1: Wine of the Czech Republic https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-of-the-czech-republic S17E2: Wine of the Slovak Republic: https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-of-the-slovak-republic-s17e2 S17E3: Hungarian Wine and Feasting While Crying https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/hungarian-wine-and-feasting-while-crying-s17e3 S21E3: Muscat Grape Love https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/muscat-grape-love-s21e3 S17E5: Wine from Bulgaria https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-from-bulgaria-s17e5 Link to my new audiobook narration on audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0GZ89935Y/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWU-BK-ACX0-509956&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_509956_pd_us Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S22 · E1
    May 8 · 28 min

    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 this episode: Books: Chateau Musar: The Story of a Wine Icon, Academie du Vin Library, Keevil, S. (2020) 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 Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Agenda Culturel: Lebanon Wine Map (2020) https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/213dd374/files/uploaded/wineries-map-web.pdf Britannica: Baalbek https://www.britannica.com/place/Baalbeck Britannica: Lebanon https://www.britannica.com/place/Lebanon/Lebanon-in-the-Middle-Ages Britannica: Tyre https://www.britannica.com/place/Tyre Chateau Kefraya: https://chateaukefraya.com/en/kefraya Chateau Ksara: Merwah https://shop.chateauksara.com/product/merwah/ Chateau Musar: https://chateaumusar.com/ Chateau Musar: The Story of a Wine Icon https://chateaumusar.com/chateau-musar-the-story-of-a-wine-icon/ Coteaux du Liban: Obeideh https://www.coteauxduliban.com/wines/obeideh Decanter: Torrid times for winemakers in the Middle East - Decanter speaks to producers in Lebanon and Israel about how their day-to-day life and work has been affected by conflict in the region, Kochan, N. (Updated 9 October 2024) https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/torrid-times-for-winemakers-in-the-middle-east-540466/ Domaine des Tourelles: About the Winery https://www.domainedestourelles.com/pages/a-love-story-since-1868 Eater: We Should All Be Drinking More Lebanese Wine - How an why we tali about it, though needs to change, Berrou, F. (27 April 2021) https://www.eater.com/22369382/lebanese-wine-history-drinking Executive Magazine; Lebanon must learn from New World wines' successes, Kahale, H. (10 October 2019) https://www.executive-magazine.com/special-report/lebanon-must-learn-from-new-world-wines-successes Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Lebanon: Agricultural damage and loss assessment on the impact of conflict (2025) https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/8cc256b6-f2c9-4667-8c5d-f66102ddd6d9/content Food Republic: What is Arak, The Trendy Middle Eastern Liquor? Sands, C. (1 August 2023) https://www.foodrepublic.com/1352851/what-is-arak-trendy-middle-eastern-liquor/ Institut National de la Vigne et du Vin (INVV): http://invv-lb.org/ Lamma: Guide to Lebanese Arak https://www.bylamma.com/arak-guide Libanon Weine: Lebanese Wine Regions Map https://libanonweine.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Lebanon-Wine-Regions.jpg L'Orient-LeJour: Les années libanaises de Charles de Gaulle, Goursaud, L. (18 June 2024) https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1417567/les-annees-libanaises-de-charles-de-gaulle.html L'Orient Today: In the Vineyards of Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa, 'War is not over,' Gemayel, F. & Goursoud, L. (8 September 2025) https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1476530/in-the-vineyards-of-southern-lebanon-and-the-bekaa-war-is-not-over.html The New Arab: 'Our Identity, Heritage, and History': The Damaged Lebanese wineries reclaiming their legacy after Israel's war, Rayday, R. (4 December 2024) https://www.newarab.com/features/damaged-lebanese-wineries-reclaiming-their-legacy-after-war Organisation International de la Vigne et du Vin (OIV) Lebanon's viniviticultural sector in the spotlight (28 September 2018) https://www.oiv.int/lebanons-vitivinicultural-sector-in-the-spotlight Roman Empire Times: Born in the Purple: The Imperial Color of the Roman Empire, Athanasiou, C. (17 September 2024) https://romanempiretimes.com/born-in-the-purple-imperial-color-roman-empire/ Seven Fifty Daily: Exploring the World of Lebanese Wine - Beyond Chageau Musar, Magrini, C.S. (28 February 2022) https://daily.sevenfifty.com/exploring-the-world-of-lebanese-wine-beyond-chateau-musar/ Union Vinicole du Liban https://www.lebanonwines.com/ World Atlas: All 195 Countries Ranked By Total Area (Smallest To Largest) https://www.worldatlas.com/geography/the-smallest-countries-in-the-world.html#h_3361032045781699280567109 Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode: S12E2: Algerian Wine Then and Now https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/algerian-wine-then-now-s12e2 S11E4: Corsican Wine, Grapes, History … and a Grave with Goblets! https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s11e4-corsican-wine-grapes-history-and-a-grave-with-goblets S8E5: Wines of Cyprus, Kings, and Commandaria https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e5-wines-of-cyprus-kings-and-commandaria S8E4: Let's Absinthe https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e4-lets-absinthe S5E6: Wines of Israel and Giving Thanks https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e6-wines-of-israel-and-giving-thanks Link to my new audiobook narration on audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0GZ89935Y/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWU-BK-ACX0-509956&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_509956_pd_us Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • April 24 · 26 min

    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, scandal, and irresistible international intrigue, especially considering the host isn't even a fan of the neutral spirit itself. Resources from this episode: Books: Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020) Grossman's Guide to Wines Beers, and Spirits (7th Edition) Grossman, H., (Revised by Harriett Lembeck), (1983) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Websites: CNN Business: States want to boycott Russian vodka: Here's why that won't work, Valinsky, J. (27 February 2022) https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/27/business/russian-vodka-boycotts/index.html Eater: The Empty Politics of Stoli's name change, Saxena, J. (7 March 2022) https://www.eater.com/2022/3/7/22965518/stoli-vodka-made-latvia-russian-name-change-stolichnaya Forbes: Ditching Russian Vodka? Here's where other favorite vodkas are produced, Micallef, J.V. (26 February 2022) https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2022/02/26/ditching-russian-vodka-heres--where-your-favorite-vodkas-are-made/?sh=392f30382350 Russia Beyond: What's the Story Behind the Iconic Stolichnaya Vodka Brand? Zubacheva, K. (4 February 2020) https://www.rbth.com/history/331637-stolichnaya-vodka-history Stoli Group: Stoli Group Denounces Russian Aggression and Shares History of Opposition https://stoli.com/ Time: Tsar Nicholas II thought vodka was hurting Russians - but banning it helped destroy his empire, Schrad, M. L. (20 July 2021) https://time.com/6082058/russian-revolution-vodka/ Wine, Wit, and Wisdom - The Official Blog of the Society of Wine Educators: New for Norway - Norsk Vodka and Norsk Akavit PGI, Nickles, J.. (6 February 2020) https://winewitandwisdomswe.com/2020/02/06/new-for-norway-norsk-vodka-and-norsk-akvavit-pgi/ Glass in Session® Episodes Mentioned in this Session: S9E4:The Silk Roads Lead to Samarkand & Uzbek Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e4-the-silk-roads-lead-to-samarkand-uzbek-wine S9E2: Whisky, Burns Night, and … Beerhenge? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e2-whisky-burns-night-and-beerhenge S8E3: Once Upon a Wine Grape in Afghanistan https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e3-once-upon-a-wine-grape-in-afghanistan Glass in Session® merch mentioned on this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • April 10 · 17 min

    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' wines. They are their own thing, and are the subject of much more press and literature than a decade ago. Resources from this episode: Books: Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition [Kindle Edition], Robinson (2015) Uncorking the Caucases: Wines from Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia, Horkey & Tan, (2016) Understanding Wine Technology: The science of wine explained, 3rd Edition, Bird, (2010) The Wine Bible, 2nd Edition, MacNeil (2015) Websites: Early Neolithic Wine of Georgia in the South Caucasus (McGovern, Jalabadze, Batiuk et al.) https://www.pnas.org/content/114/48/E10309 Georgian Wines: Older and wiser (Jefford) https://www.ft.com/content/7307e952-f50b-11e2-b4f8-00144feabdc0 Gravner https://www.gravner.it/ Wakawaka Wine Reviews https://wakawakawinereviews.com/2012/02/20/understanding-orange-wines-2-georgian-amber-wines-pheasants-tears-rkatsiteli-vinoterra-kisi/ Wines Georgia https://www.winesgeorgia.com Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in session® is a production and registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: Addict Sound - Happy Acoustic - (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S21 · E6
    March 27 · 13 min

    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 the Glass in Session® Winecast. Resources from this episode: Websites: BBC: Why astronauts are banned from getting drunk in space, Lufkin, B. (20 February 2017) https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170217-why-astronauts-are-banned-from-getting-drunk-in-space Business Insider: Astronauts are banned from drinking alcohol at work, but this hasn't stopped them from sneaking everything from communion wine to cognac into space, Bhaimiya S. (23 August 2023) https://www.businessinsider.com/space-astronauts-booze-alcohol-drank-ban-examples-2023-8 Cordis Europa: What does fine wine taste like after more than a year in space? (Updated 8 April 2021) https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/429608-trending-science-what-does-fine-wine-taste-like-after-more-than-a-year-in-space Decanter: Petrus Revealed as Wine Aged in Space, Mercer, C. (Updated 25 March 2021) https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/petrus-wine-space-research-project-455239/ Financial Times: Space Wine: What a trip to the stars did for a case of Petrus, Anson, J. (7 April 2021) https://www.ft.com/content/39c6ae7f-d2c8-4584-bac1-bb270c26cf2b London Daily: (27 March 2026) https://londondaily.com/french-wine-that-spent-more-than-a-year-in-orbit-on-international-space-station-could-fetch-1m-at-auction NASA: Meteors and Meteorites Facts https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/facts/ New Scientist: Beer in Space: A short but frothy history, Davidson, A. (31 July 2007) https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12388-beer-in-space-a-short-but-frothy-history/ Russia Beyond: Space Smugglers: How Russian cosmonauts sneak booze into outer space, Levkovich, Y. (12 April 2017) https://www.rbth.com/science_and_tech/2017/04/12/space-smugglers-how-russian-cosmonauts-sneak-booze-into-outer-space_740566 Space.com: Red wine in space may age faster than on Earth, study finds, Weitering, H. (5 May 2021) https://www.space.com/red-wine-in-space-aged-faster Other Podcasts Relevant to this Episode: Jane Anson: Inside Bordeaux Podcasts https://janeanson.com/podcasts Wine Scholar Guild: Mastering Bordeaux … A Primer with Jane Anson (23 March 2018) https://www.winescholarguild.com/blog/wine-culture/podcast-jane-anson-andrew-jefford-on-bordeaux Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode: S3E5: Wine and Oxygen from Grapes to Glass https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e5-wine-oxygen-from-grapes-to-glass S21E4: Booze Disasters https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/booze-disasters-s21e4 S21E5: Little Red Riding Hood's Wine - Fairy Tale Turned Drunk History? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/little-red-riding-hoods-wine-fairy-tale-turned-drunk-history-s21e5 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S21 · E5
    March 13 · 15 min

    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. We end with a crazy pairing ... all in the spirit of entertainment. Resources from this episode: Websites: Banned Books Weekly: Guardians of The Fairy Tale - The Brothers Grimm, O'Niell, T. https://bannedbooksweek.weebly.com/the-banning-of-grimmsrsquo-fairytales.html Britannica: Little Red Riding Hood https://www.britannica.com/topic/Little-Red-Riding-Hood DPMA (German Patent and Trademark Office): Rotkäppchen Sparkling Wine (Updated 10 December 2025) https://www.dpma.de/english/our_office/about_us/history/30yearsofgermanunity/eastbrands/rotkaeppchen/index.html Daily Gazette: Calif. Elementary School Bans Little Red Riding Hood (19 May 1990) https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1957&dat=19900519&id=SWMhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bIkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3413,5003771 Forbes: This Sparkling Wine Survived Nationalization and Privatization to Become Germany's Favorite, Persio, S. L. (Updated 14 November 2019) https://www.forbes.com/sites/sofialottopersio/2019/11/11/this-sparkling-wine-survived-nationalization-and-privatization-to-become-germanys-favorite/ Mirriam-Webster: Bocksbeutel https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bocksbeutel Seattle Times: Little Red Riding Hood Banned, AP, (19 May 1990) https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19900519/1072598/little-red-riding-hood-banned Smithsonian Magazine: There Are 58 Versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Some are 1,000 Years Older Than the Brothers Grimm's, Nuwer, R. (15 November 2013) https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/there-are-58-versions-of-little-red-riding-hood-some-1000-years-older-than-the-brothers-grimms-180947704/ University of Pittsburgh: Folklore Archives, The Grimm Brothers' Children's and Household Tales (Grimms' Fairy Tales), [No. 26, Little Red Cap], Ashliman, D.L. https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/grimm026.html University of Pittsburgh: Grimm Brothers' Home Page, Ashliman, D.L. https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/grimm.html Wine Atlas: Saale-Unstrut https://www.wine-atlas.org/regions/saale-unstrut Wines of Germany: Franken https://winesofgermany.co.uk/regions/franken/ Wines of Germany: Rotkäppchen Sparkling Wine Cellar https://www.winesofgermany.com/our-regions/highlight-of-wine-culture/354/rotkäppchen-sparkling-wine-cellar WorthPoint: Little Red Riding Hood Wine Advertising Rotkappchen Freiburg Germany 1010s https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/little-red-riding-hood-wine-4577027708 Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode: S7E2: Wines of Anjou, the Musketeers … and a Salad to Go? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s7e2-wines-of-anjou-the-musketeers-and-a-salad-to-go S16E1: Austrian and German Sekt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/austrian-and-german-sekt-s16e1 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S21 · E4
    February 27 · 14 min

    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 tank after wine distillery explosion, CNN, (4 October 2018) https://abc7chicago.com/post/8k-gallons-of-prosecco-spew-out-of-tank-after-blast/4412259/?userab=abcn_du_cat_topic_feature_holdout-474*variant_b_redesign-1939,abcn_news_for_you_exp-528*variant_a_control-2203 All That's Interesting: When Burning Whiskey Flooded Dublin's Streets, 13 Died Drinking Booze Out of Their Boots, Margaritoff, M. (Updated 18 December 2024) https://allthatsinteresting.com/dublin-whiskey-fire Great Italian Food Trade: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG: A guide to excellence and stability, Dongo, D. (14 February 2026) https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/en/vino-italiano/conegliano-valdobbiadene-prosecco-docg-guida-sostenibilita/ History: The London Beer Flood - On October 17, 1814, a brewery accident unleashed a deadly tidal wave of beer through a London Neighborhood in one of history's strangest disasters, Klein, C. (Updated 27 May 2025) https://www.history.com/articles/london-beer-flood History Press UK: The London Beer Flood (17 October 2016) https://thehistorypress.co.uk/article/the-london-beer-flood/ The Irish Times: The night a river of whiskey ran through the streets of Dublin, Ruxton, D. (3 August 2016) https://www.irishtimes.com/news/offbeat/the-night-a-river-of-whiskey-ran-through-the-streets-of-dublin-1.2743517 Liberties Dublin: Keep Discovering the Liberties https://libertiesdublin.ie/visit-the-liberties/ Prosecco.wine: Prosecco DOC - 667 Milioni di Bottiglie Nel 2025 (13 January 2026) https://www.prosecco.wine/prosecco/ Smithsonian Magazine: This 1814 Beer Flood Killed Eight People - More than a hundred thousand gallons of beer burst onto the streets of London when a vat broke, Eschner, K. (4 August 2017) https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/1814-beer-flood-killed-eight-people-180964256/ Time: Thousands of Gallons of Prosecco Wasted in Dramatic Viral Winery Explosion (4 October 2018) https://time.com/5415344/prosecco-explosion/ VinePair: Veneto Winery Loses 30,000 Liters of Prosecco after Tank Explosion, McKirdy, T. (3 October 2018) https://vinepair.com/booze-news/prosecco-winery-explosion/ Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode: S7E3: Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 1 - Champagne & Whiskey https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s7e3-booze-riots-and-rebellions-part-1-champagne-whiskey S7E4: Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 2 - Rum https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s7e4-booze-riots-and-rebellions-part-2-rum S7E5: Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 3 - Lager Beer and Eggnog Riots https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s7e4-booze-riots-and-rebellions-part-3-lager-beer-and-eggnog-riots Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S21 · E3
    February 13 · 16 min

    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 Day! Resources from this episode: Books: Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viticulture (Princeton Science Library Book 76) [Kindle Version], McGovern, P. (2003) Grapes and Wines: A comprehensive guide to varieties and flavours, Clarke, O. and Rand, M. (2010) 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 Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Italian Wine Central: Moscato https://italianwinecentral.com/variety/moscato/ Muscat Wines: Muscat Wines of the United States https://www.muscat-wines.com/muscat-wines/muscat-wines-of-the-united-states/ Vinopedia: Muscat https://vinopedia.org/wiki/Muscat Vins Alsace: Fresh & Dry Muscat d'Alsace https://www.vinsalsace.com/en/gouts-et-couleurs/cepages/frais-et-secs/muscat-dalsace/ Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode: S1E6: Doing the Diois - Clairette de Die Sparkling Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s1e6-doing-the-diois-clairette-de-die-sparkling-wine S3E1: Asti DOCG - Bubbles in the New Year, Decade, and Season! https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e1-asti-docg-bubbles-in-the-new-year-decade-and-season S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes S6E2: A Pisco Party! https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s6e2-a-pisco-party S6E3: A Sweet, Sticky Story - Rutherglen Fortified Wines https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s6e3-a-sweet-sticky-story-rurtherglen-fortified-wines S14E4: Constantia - The wine, the place, the history, and juicy bits https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/constantia-the-wine-the-place-the-history-and-juicy-bits-s14e4 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • January 24 · 28 min

    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 styles, and a little silliness (because your host cannot help herself). Just the thing for a cold, January in the northern hemisphere on this weird third rock from the sun. Resources from this episode: Books: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Society of Wine Educators, Nickles, J. (2020) The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022) Whiskey: The Definitive World Guide, Jackson, M. (2005) The World Atlas of Whisky [2nd Edition], Broom, D. (2014) Websites: Difford's Guide: On this Day - 25 January, Sutcliffe, T. & Difford, S., (2020) https://www.diffordsguide.com/on-this-day/january/25 Independent: How to Address you Haggis in Honor of the Great, According to Robert Burns, Sommerlad, J. (25 January 2022) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/address-to-the-haggis-burns-night-b2000134.html Merriam Webster: Auld lang syne: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auld%20lang%20syne Scotch Whisky: Famous Whisky Drinkers - Robert Burns, Smith, G.D., (25 January 2016) https://scotchwhisky.com/magazine/famous-whisky-drinkers/8261/famous-whisky-drinkers-robert-burns/ Some of Val's Favorite Whisky Personalities: Whiskycast: Cask Strength Conversation, by Mark Gillespie - https://whiskycast.com/ The Unwritable Rant: Bourbon-Soaked Stories, by Juliette Miranda - https://theunwritablerant.com/ Related Topics by Glass in Session®: S7E3: Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 1 - Champagne & Whiskey - https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/glassinsession/id/19435472 S4E6: Got Wood? Talkin' bout Oak - https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/glassinsession/id/15334700 S4E5: Roll out the (Bourbon) Barrel ... and put Wine in it? - https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/glassinsession/id/15148409 S13E5: Bourbon: The Distinctly American Spirit https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/bourbon-the-distinctly-american-spirit Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock Bourbon Segment: "Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

  • S21 · E2
    January 23 · 8 min

    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 Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013) Websites: Champagne Education [Comité Champange]: Chardonnay Rose (9 January 2026) https://www.champagne.education/en/chardonnay-rose-champagne Comité Champagne: Grape Varieties https://www.champagne.fr/en/about-champagne/a-great-blended-wine/champagne-and-its-grape-varieties Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Agro-Alimentaire, et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire: Bulletin Officiel - Cahier des Charges du 07-08-2025 [Cahier des charges de l'appellation d'origine contrôlée "Champagne" homologué par l'arrêté du 31 juillet 2025 (AGRT2518163A)] https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/boagri/document_administratif-677d59b2-d392-4220-9fa3-e65dbc723244 PIWI International: The "Voltis" grape variety has been approved for the production of Champagne AOC, Rebsorten & Züchtung (21 February 2022) https://piwi-international.org/en/2022/02/grape-variety-voltis-was-released-for-the-production-of-champagne-aoc/ Wine Business: Pink Chardonnay, a Forgotten Grape Variety that is Regaining its Place in Champagnes Heritage (20 October 2025) https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309480 Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode: S3E3: Wine Caves - Dishing the Dirt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e3-wine-caves-dishing-the-dirt S15E2: Champagne Part 2 - Grape to Glass https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/champagne-part-2-grape-to-glass S16E3: Belgian Wines (updated) and PIWI Grapes (re-release) https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/belgian-wines-updated-and-piwi-grapes-s16e3-re-release Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

  • S21 · E1
    January 9 · 11 min

    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 AOC: Les AOP de Limoux https://www.limoux-aoc.com/les-vins#les-vins-aop-de-limoux Limoux AOC: Limoux Wines https://www.limoux-aoc.com/en Medium: Exploring Echoes: The Birth of Champagne - How Monk Dom Pérignon Didn't Actually Invent It, De Wolfe, A. (6 April 2025), https://medium.com/exploring-echoes/the-birth-of-champagne-how-monk-dom-pérignon-didnt-actually-invent-it-af7cc99fd039 Provence and Beyond: Saint Hilaire Abbey Collins, R. (2019) https://www.beyond.fr/sites/st-hilaire-abbey.html Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode: S1E6: Doing the Diois - Clairette de Die Sparkling Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s1e6-doing-the-diois-clairette-de-die-sparkling-wine S5E1: A Pét-Nat Chit Chat https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e1-a-pt-nat-chit-chat S13E2: American Rosé - The Story of our Red, White and Blush https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/american-ros-the-story-of-our-red-white-and-blush S15E2: Champagne Part 2 - Grape to Glass https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/champagne-part-2-grape-to-glass Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

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