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True Crimes Against Wine

Judge Topher, Judge Rachel, Champlify Media

Celebrities can be talented, sure, but should they really be making wine? Join Judges Topher and Rachel as they use their oenological savvy and pop culture deep cuts to answer that very question. After drinking all the evidence and sorting their way through red herrings, they will determine whether some of Hollywood and music's biggest stars are, in fact, guilty of True Crimes Against Wine.

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#376
Monday · 12 min
People's Court Ep. 15:Pinky Promise Betrayal: Mafia Game Turns Marital Trust Upside-Down
Hey friend — settle in, this one’s a wild little ride. A 26-year-old woman tells the story of playing Mafia with friends, pinky-promising her husband she wasn’t the mafia, then immediately killing him in the next round. He was the nurse who’d saved her, and the next day he’s convinced her win proves she could manipulate him outside the game. Yikes. The hosts lose it (in the best way) — because it’s literally a game built on lying and deception, and expecting a solemn, grown-up pinky promise in the middle of Mafia is peak teenage energy. Verdict? Not the asshole. The husband? Labeled a big baby. The panel dishes out deliciously petty suggestions: double down, treat him like the toddler he’s being, and do not grant his dramatic trust meltdown the time of day. There’s also a ridiculous, nostalgic detour about SpaghettiOs and Chef Boyardee raviolis, because what’s a podcast without a tangential rant about canned pasta ruin? It’s part roast, part therapy, and all snark — the kind of episode where the hosts are laughing with you and at the absurdity of grown adults throwing a fit over a game. So, what would you do? Laugh, roll your eyes, or prepare for trial by combat? Either way, pour a glass, join the banter, and enjoy the chaos. Cheers.
S6 · E375
November 2 · 1 hr 50 min
CASE 0605: I Vant to Drink Your Vine!
DEFENDANT: Vampire Wine EVIDENCE: Vampire Pinot Noir SCENE OF THE CRIME: Napa, CA -- Hey friend — welcome to our cozy, slightly spooky corner where we pair pop-culture deep dives with a glass of something fun. In this episode Judge Topher and Judge Rachel uncork a California Pinot Noir called "Vampire" and take a gleeful, rambling tour through vampire lore, wine bottle capes, 80s rock-star winemakers (hello Lisa Dominique), and all the ways the undead have stalked global storytelling. Expect laughs, awkward confessions, ridiculous quizzes, and a whole lot of wine-fueled speculation about bats, fae, garlic, and whether Oprah might secretly be nocturnal. We sip, sniff, and debate tasting notes (raisinettes, anyone?), wardrobe vibes (leather pants + vampire choker = mood), and the many cultural versions of vampires from Transylvania to the Americas. Along the way: surprisingly sweet wine history, bizarre World Market shopping antics, the best vampire media to binge, and a spirited quiz that will test your knowledge of garlic, running water, and thorny roses. Pour yourself something nice, tuck under a blanket, and join us for a chat that’s equal parts spooky folklore class, wine tasting, and late-night friends’ gossip. Whether you’re a vampire scholar, a True Blood stan, or just here for the bottle with a cape, we promise chills, chuckles, and maybe a little bite of mystery.
#365
October 26 · 18 min
Sidebar Ep. 147: Halloween Candy & Wine Pairings: Tips from True Crimes Against Wine
Hey friend—grab a glass and let's talk Halloween candy and wine like this is just us on the couch. This episode of True Crimes Against Wine dives into fun, easy pairings for those classic treats parents (and secret candy-stealers) might sip while handing out goodies. We cover gummy sweets like Swedish Fish and gummy bears with a light, fruity Gamay; chocolatey-carameled bars like Snickers with a friendly Chardonnay; and icebox favorites like Three Musketeers with a soft, earthy Pinot Noir. For tart, chalky Smarties, try a zippy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; candy corn? Just drink whatever you love—no rules. Caramel apples get a nuanced pick (Chablis-style Chardonnay or a cozy Chenin Blanc depending on apple type), Reese’s calls for a bold Malbec, and surprisingly, rosé makes a playful companion for Tootsie Pops. There’s also nostalgic chat, sticky-finger confessions, and the kind of banter that makes you hungry—so maybe keep a snack handy. Hit us up with your candy dilemmas at TrueCrimesAgainstWine@gmail.com and we’ll send swag. Cheers and happy Halloween!
S6 · E362
October 19 · 2 hr 10 min
CASE 0604: Would You Drink Me? I'd Drink Me
DEFENDANT: Hannibal Lecter EVIDENCE: Frescobaldi Castiglione Chianti DOCG SCENE OF THE CRIME: Chianti, Tuscany, IT -- Hey friend — grab a glass and pull up a chair. In this cozy, spooky episode of True Crimes Against Wine, Judge Topher and Judge Rachel uncork a breezy Chianti (Frescobaldi’s Castiglione DOCG) and take you on a trip through vineyards, vintage trivia, and one of cinema’s creepiest minds: Hannibal Lecter. We wander through Italian wine regions, decode what “Chianti” really means (it’s a place, not a grape), and chat about Sangiovese — the grape whose name literally translates to “blood of Jove.” We taste pomegranate, raspberry, and gentle tannins, debate decanting, and marvel at how much character can come from a $15–$20 bottle. Then the episode pivots into pop-culture mode: an affectionate, spoiler-rich deep dive into The Silence of the Lambs — Jodie Foster’s Clarice, Anthony Hopkins’ unnerving Hannibal, the iconic Buffalo Bill scene, and why the film still gives us chills. We toss in juicy behind-the-scenes bits (the director charming a singer in drag, casting what-ifs, and Ted Levine’s dance-prep), a playful Hannibal wardrobe breakdown, and a trivia quiz filled with booze-fueled misfires. It’s intimate, funny, and a little bit creepy — like a perfect Halloween hangout with old friends who love wine and true crime-adjacent pop culture. Come for the Chianti, stay for the chilling movie talk (and the questionable life choices). Cheers — and maybe don’t let strange men into your hatchback.
#359
October 12 · 19 min
Sidebar Ep. 146: Sydney Sweeney’s Shockingly Salacious Sports Ad — Too Far or Just Marketing?
Join us for a candid, no-filter breakdown of the recent Sydney Sweeney ad for a sports betting app — the one everyone's talking about. We dig into the ad’s over-the-top sexualization (yes, it looks like porn), the predatory nature of online sports gambling, and the hypocrisy of moral posturing from conservative corners. We also talk about how celebrities profit from male-gaze-focused branding, why this kind of content is alarming when it airs during family TV viewing, and the broader advertising culture that allows it to exist. It’s part critique, part bafflement, and a whole lot of "did that just happen?" Tune in as we vent, joke, and try to make sense of this rancid dumpster fire together.
S6 · E350
October 5 · 1 hr 49 min
CASE 0603: I See Empty Bottles
DEFENDANT: M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense EVIDENCE: Michael David Winery 6th Sense Syrah SCENE OF THE CRIME: Lodi, CA -- Hey friend — pour yourself a glass and settle in. This episode of True Crimes Against Wine pairs a bold California Syrah called Sixth Sense with M. Night Shyamalan's classic twist-filled film, The Sixth Sense. We chat about the Michael David Joint Winery (the creative minds behind Freakshow), their Lodi sustainability rules, the wine’s ripe-plum, chocolate-cherry flavors, and that sneaky 15.5% alcohol that keeps things interesting. Then we dive into movie talk: wigs, red color cues, Toni Collette’s heartbreaking performance, Haley Joel Osment’s unforgettable presence, and how the film still holds up as more drama than horror. We trade ghost stories, dream up spooky-season outfits, debate whether ghosts are real or just our imaginations, and spill some ridiculous ideas — like a Sixth Sense musical and a Jane Austen crossover. Spoilers abound, vibes are cozy (even if it’s 96 degrees outside), and we get hilariously sidetracked by Halloween decor, husband behavior, and what kind of ghost we’d want to be. Come for the wine notes, stay for the grief, humor, and the endearing feel-good chills. Cheers!
#349
September 28 · 16 min
Sidebar Ep. 145: When Heat Steals the Harvest: Wine's Wild Growing Season
Hey — if you love wine (or just enjoy weather drama), this episode dives into how this summer's brutal heatwave upended vineyards around the globe. Short version: grapes ripened insanely fast. In places like Napa and Sonoma harvests wrapped in late August instead of October — some vines barely had a normal growing season because bud break happened late and then, boom, two months to harvest. That usually means riper fruit, higher sugars and alcohol, and a punchier, more "fruit bomb" style instead of subtle, old‑world finesse. Different regions will feel it differently: cooler spots like Willamette Valley, Burgundy or the Loire could be facing unfamiliar challenges, while winemakers in hotter regions (hello, parts of Australia) might have tips worth sharing. And don’t forget the southern hemisphere — their spring is just starting, so timing shifts there could ripple through next year’s bottles. The big worries: flavor shifts we might not fully understand for years; the staggering cost for small wineries if they have to relocate or replant; and an industry pushed toward quicker-turnover grapes, irrigation and climate-control tech, or even new stylistic directions. There’s a silver lining — this could spark more global collaboration and creative adaptation across the wine world — but it’s also anxiety‑inducing for anyone who cares about the craft. If you work at a vineyard and want to share what you’re seeing, send us the inside scoop at truecrimesagainstwine@gmail.com or find us on Instagram. We’ll send swag. Cheers.
S6 · E348
September 21 · 2 hr 14 min
CASE 0602: A Classic Unboxing
DEFENDANT: Alexander Dumas EVIDENCE: Medley Rosé SCENE OF THE CRIME: Languedoc, France -- Hey — we’re starting Season 6 with boxed rosé, bad accents, and a whole lot of literary chaos. Join Judge Topher (beverage boss) and Judge Rachel (pop-culture prosecutor) as they unbox Medley’s Languedoc rosé, gush over the pool-friendly packaging, debate whether boxed wine counts as classy, and taste notes of apple, pear, and a cheeky finish of strawberry. Spoiler: it’s an easy, drinkable crowd-pleaser and perfect for pool days and boat trips. Then we stumble through The Count of Monte Cristo — from Edmond Dantès’s naive beginnings and prison metamorphosis to a pirate-fueled treasure haul and one very dramatic revenge tour. There are detours into Napoleon-era politics, serialized 19th-century publishing, Henry Cavill’s youthful cameo, and too many accent attempts to count. Expect goofy banter, surprising historical tidbits (Dumas’ family history is wild), and a lot of laughs — plus a trivia quiz that goes off the rails in the best way. Whether you love wine talk, classic revenge tales, or just want a podcast that feels like two friends riffing over a bottle, this episode’s your vibe. Pop a cork (or pull a bag tab), get comfy, and come for the rosé, stay for the drama.
#338
September 14 · 19 min
People's Court Ep. 14: Funeral Crashers & Online Witch Hunts
Hey friend — this episode is a wild, messy ride through gossip, revenge, and the limits of grieving. We dig into a story about a daughter who publicly outed her best friend for alleged cheating, only to learn she was wrong and ended up destroying her friend’s life — and possibly contributing to her early death. The moms weigh in, judgments fly, and the question becomes: does someone who caused that much pain still have the right to mourn? Think of this like a late-night chat with your nosy pals: we unpack motives (jealousy vs. trauma), community judgment, and whether warning the grieving family is the right move. Expect equal parts hilarity, righteous anger, and uncomfortable honesty as we decide who’s in the wrong and whether an apology—or an escort out of the funeral—would even matter. Grab your wine and brace yourself for some deliciously petty takes, heartfelt calls for accountability, and the kind of gossip that makes you squirm and shout at the same time. We’d honestly love to hear from Trina Tinsley if she’s listening… but maybe not at the funeral.
S6 · E337
September 7 · 2 hr 5 min
CASE 0601: Who Says You Can't Go Home?
DEFENDANT: The Odyssey EVIDENCE: "Odyssey" Miner Family Winery Red Blend 2021 SCENE OF THE CRIME: Napa, CA -- Hey friend — welcome to our Season 6 kickoff of True Crimes Against Wine! We popped a slightly fancier Napa GSM, uncorked some ancient Greek drama, and laughed (and cried a little) our way through Polyphemus, Calypso, and the many questionable choices of Odysseus. We took this bottle on a little detective walk-through — sniffing eucalyptus, tasting red plums, and decoding why the wine felt lighter than expected. It’s a celebration-splurge kind of pour: balanced, food-friendly, and surprisingly low-ABV for a Napa blend. We also dove into Christopher Nolan’s new Odyssey film — casting surprises, scene highlights (hello sirens and practical effects), and the ways the movie leans into war trauma more than the racy bits of the original epic. Plus, a rapid-fire Greek-or-not quiz that may have gotten a little too competitive, lots of gossip about wishbone and pop culture, and of course, a plea for listeners to Venmo us so we can go sample vineyards in person. This episode is cozy, honest, and full of nerdy joy — think wine notes, mythological tangents, and big feelings about dogs, hubris, and how language evolves. Pour yourself something special and join us for the ride — we’re loud, affectionate, and absolutely here for season six.
#334
August 31 · 17 min
People's Court Ep. 13: Meat Raffle Mayhem: Were We Wrong to Suspect a Fix?
Hey friend — dive into this wild episode where we unpack a meat raffle that smelled fishier than the prize cooler. We narrate an animated tale of suspicious organizers, awkward confrontations, and the kind of midwestern bar drama you didn’t know you needed. From people in charge winning prizes to an MC calling out their own victory, we react, joke, and pass judgement (literally) as things escalate to glares and a hasty exit. Whether you love a good steak or just crave juicy gossip, we keep it casual, hilarious, and oddly heartwarming as we debate etiquette, ethics, and the golden rule of raffles: if you run it, don’t play. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite snack (not the raffle meat), and listen in — we’re calling it: not the asshole, but the situation deserves a hard side-eye.
#333
August 24 · 14 min
Sidebar Ep. 144: We Thought We’d Recorded This — Tori Amos Live Follow‑Up
Hey — welcome back to the True Crimes Against Wine sidebar. This one’s a little embarrassing (false memories are real) but also delightful: Rachel and Fact Checker finally made it to Tori Amos in Atlanta, and I’m here to spill everything — the good, the ridiculous, and the emotional. First, quick housekeeping: we both genuinely thought we’d already recorded this, so shoutout to Jamie for reminding us. Also, Rachel owes the producer a giant apology — she really put him through it and even promised to pay for therapy (but only once). True podcast drama, right? OK, the show: it was amazing. Tori turned 63 (happy birthday, Tori!), and while her voice has deepened a bit with age, her signature sound absolutely shines. She had three backup singers — a new addition for her — and they filled in harmonies and high notes beautifully. The band (drums with cool chimes setup and bass) brought a fuller, more intense energy to songs that felt almost heavy-metal at times. The set was a lovely mix of new tracks, deep cuts, and classics — Fire to Your Plane, Shush (which hit like a revelation live), Ruby Through the Looking Glass, Precious Things, Taxi Ride, Spring Haze, and of course Cornflake Girl and Big Wheel encores. She even closed with Imagine which brought Fact Checker to tears — I loved that. The crowd was a whole vibe: diehard fans, moms bringing teens who ended up smiling by the end, and one woman who danced her whole body off in her seat after a few drinks (amusing, not annoying from where we were). And yes, in true concert spirit, someone dared and someone threw a bra on stage — double-dog dared energy intact. There’s something magical when a group of musicians genuinely enjoy playing together, and you could feel that trust and joy on stage. If you love Tori even a little, go — the tour’s still happening and this was absolutely worth it. If you want to reach us, email truecrimesagainstwine@gmail.com or find us on Instagram. And once again, Rachel says sorry to the producer — therapy’s on her, but just this once.
#331
August 17 · 20 min
People's Court Ep.12 : I Told My Coworker 'I'm Fat'—Am I the A-hole?
A non-binary person with GERD keeps their medication in a Tylenol bottle at work. A coworker named Bob accuses them of getting high at work, then calls HR after they respond to his comment with self-deprecating humor, calling themselves "fat." The hosts discuss workplace harassment, the role of HR, documenting incidents, and whether the letter writer was in the wrong. Spoiler: they weren't. The episode turns into a lively chat about ageism, queerphobia, and toxic office culture, complete with hilarious side tangents about cat pageants and imaginary office soap operas.
#330
August 10 · 20 min
Sidebar Ep.143: Wine, Wits & Client Dinners: What to Order to Look Effortlessly Competen
Hey, Renee — and hey friend. If you’ve got a client dinner coming up and don’t want to look out of your depth (but also don’t want to be stiff and boring), this chat has your back. There are two main vibes you can lean into: the quietly sophisticated move or the casually cool cocktail move. For the low-key, impress-without-trying option, go wine: a Pinot Noir, especially from Willamette Valley or Burgundy, is a safe, classy choice that says you’re worldly and confident without shouting it. Avoid polarizing picks like big Cabs or sweet Rieslings. If the spot is more modern or has a fun cocktail program, use the menu to your advantage — pick a base spirit you like (tequila, rum, whiskey) and ask the server about a cocktail by name, or ask its flavor profile. That shows thoughtfulness and curiosity without pretending to be an expert. In old-school or male-dominated settings, ordering a whiskey-forward cocktail, an Old Fashioned, or a specific scotch can be an intentional power move — annoying and unfair that it works, but also effective. Conversely, avoid party drinks (Long Island Iced Tea, shots) unless you’re celebrating and the group is going there. Martini fans: if you go this route, know the terminology (gin vs. vodka, dry vs. extra dry, stirred vs. shaken, up vs. on the rocks, garnish) so you don’t give away that you’re faking it. If you can, glance at the cocktail list before you sit so you’re not flustered, and don’t be the person who orders first unless you know what you want — mirroring the group and projecting calm confidence will take you far. Bottom line: it’s less about the exact drink and more about how you order it — poised, informed, and present. Now go close that deal, hold your drink like you know what you’re doing, and hey — if it’s Margaritaville and scooters with cup holders, send pics.
#327
August 3 · 15 min
Sidebar Ep.142: Margarita Batch Magic: Poolside Drinks That Actually Work
Hey friend — if you’re planning a pool day and want to bring something better than boxed rosé (but still chill and easy), this episode’s for you. We’re big fans of low-drama, high-fun batched drinks: think margaritas and mojitos as the MVPs. They’re simple to scale, super tweakable, and they won’t leave you with a sad, flat, sugary mess after a few hours in the sun. Quick PSA: don’t bring Long Island iced tea to the heat. Also, please don’t do blue motherfuckers. Learned that the hard way — way too much alcohol with way too much artificial sugar and a color that makes you question life choices. If you’re making something for a group, pick something that stays pleasant in a pitcher. Real talk on batched cocktails: start simple. Margaritas are the perfect base — tequila, lime, and a touch of agave. Mojitos are great too, just keep the soda separate so it stays fizzy when you serve. For fruit-forward sweetness, use ripe fruit (watermelon, strawberries, peaches) and muddle it in the pitcher for natural flavor instead of dumping in extra sugar. Sugar + sun = rough morning, so let the fruit do the work. Want to get fancy? Try spicy margaritas with jalapeño, or play with citrus like blood orange or a lemon-lime-orange blend. If you want bubbles, batch the base and top each poured drink with Prosecco or soda — don’t pre-mix the fizz. Also, remember large-batch ratios sometimes need a little tweaking from your single-drink recipe, so taste and adjust before you serve. Another favorite hack: make a few different lemonades (spicy watermelon lemonade, triple-citrus lemonade, ginger-peach lemonade) and let folks pick their liquor — rum, vodka, tequila, gin — so people can control strength and sweetness. It’s great for guests who don’t drink much; they still get a delicious refresher without the buzz. Bottom line: keep it fresh, keep it simple, and don’t over-sweeten. If you try one of these batched ideas (or invent your own twist), tell us how it went — we love hearing your variations. Hit us up at truecrimesagainstwine@gmail.com or on Instagram. We’ll send you some swag if it’s cute enough. Cheers and enjoy the pool!
#326
July 27 · 24 min
People's Court Ep.11: Mom Confronts Daughter for Bringing Baby to Homophobic In‑Laws — Drama Explodes
Hey — this episode is one for the books. A mom finds out her adult daughter has been secretly taking her grandchild to stay with the father’s religious, homophobic family after the dad came out and was disowned. She tells her daughter she’s disgusted, informs the dad, and now custody leniency is gone. Big feelings and bigger consequences all around. Listen, I get it — there are layers here. The dad was forced into a life he couldn’t sustain and finally came out; his parents reacted terribly. The daughter’s hurt and anger after the breakup are real, but sneaking the child around people who actively disowned their own son? That crosses a line. It’s spiteful, and it puts a kid in the middle of adults’ unresolved drama. There’s sympathy to go around: for the dad trying to be authentic, for the daughter coping with betrayal, and even for the grandparents who are trapped in their own beliefs (even if they behaved cruelly). But at the end of the day, protecting the child matters most — and telling your grown kid you’re disgusted for enabling hate is hard, brave, and necessary. No neat endings here — custody is tighter now and relationships are strained — but this is a reminder that adults’ choices have real impact on kids. If you’re on Team Boundaries and Basic Human Decency, this episode will land. If you’re still wrestling with empathy for everyone involved, that’s okay too — it’s complicated, messy, and painfully real.
#325
July 20 · 17 min
People's Court Ep. 10: Am I the A-Hole for Calling Out My Wife’s ‘Jokey’ Friend in Front of Everyone?
Hey — quick catch-up: this episode dives into a husband who’s been the butt of his wife’s friend Megan’s “jokes” for months. Little digs about cooking, fixing things, and asking if he’s sulking turned into a pattern that felt less like teasing and more like deliberate bullying. He usually laughed it off to avoid awkwardness, but when it kept happening at a party, he finally said, “Can you stop? It’s getting annoying being the punchline every time we hang out.” The room went quiet, Megan got embarrassed and left early, and later a few people scolded him for not pulling her aside. But here’s the thing — if someone is chronically making your partner uncomfortable and your friend group watches it happen, you can’t just expect the target to always tiptoe around the problem. Sometimes boundaries have to be set in the moment. This conversation gets into who’s actually in the wrong — Megan for the mean comments, the wife and friends for letting it go on, and whether calling someone out publicly is ever justified when the behavior has been ongoing. There’s also a hint of possible flirtation or “negging,” and the classic bully defense: “I’m just joking.” So what do you think? Would you have pulled her aside privately, or stood up in the moment like he did? Tell me how you’d handle a friend who keeps making your partner the punchline — I want to hear your take.
#324
July 13 · 2 hr 11 min
BREAKING CASE: A Midsummer Human Sacrifice
DEFENDANT: Midsomar EVIDENCE: Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio SCENE OF THE CRIME: A Maypole Near You... -- Hey friend — welcome to our bonus midsummer episode! We kick things off with playful banter about time, podcast firsts, and then dive into the lushly sunlit weirdness of Ari Aster’s Midsommar while sipping Mary J. Blige’s Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio. Expect gossip, gross food talk, and the kind of movie chat that makes you want to rewatch with a notebook. We nerd out on the Friuli region (hello rose-gold Pinot Grigio color!), savor juicy melon-and-nectarine tasting notes, and praise the wine for being both approachable and surprisingly complex. Then we pivot into the film: Florence Pugh’s Dani, toxic boyfriend Christian, and that creeping daylight dread that makes Midsommar feel like artful folk horror instead of just jump scares. There’s also a playful Midsommar traditions true/false quiz, heated opinions about who deserves what, and a long, affectionate breakdown of costumes, rituals, and the film’s ambiguous place between indigenous practice and cult. We wrap with whether we’d join a cozy wine-loving cult (spoiler: yes — but only the Nancy Meyers version) and all the micro-joys that make this episode feel like a friend sitting on your patio, passing the bottle and whispering theories.
#323
July 6 · 10 min
Sidebar Ep.141: Rosé All Day? Summer Wine Trends You'll Actually Want to Try
Hey friend — welcome to this episode of True Crimes Against Wine! We spent a little time nerding out about what’s popping in the wine world this summer, and honestly, some of it is super fun and worth keeping an eye out for. First up: rosé remains everywhere. It’s the easiest glass to recognize and the easiest choice when you want something fresh, fun, and usually dry. Sparkling rosé? Instant party. It’s the mood drink for warm weather and patio hangs — dangerously drinkable in the best way. Also gaining steam: chillable, crushable reds. Think lighter-bodied reds (not your heavy, tannic Cab) that actually taste great slightly chilled — bright, floral, cranberry-like fruit that’s perfect for a hot patio or a lazy brunch. And here’s the spicy one: simultaneous-ferment rosés — a real old-school technique where red and white grapes are fermented together. Some winemakers are reviving it, and it’s starting to show up with a trendy nickname — blouge (ugh, right?). You might spot it first at trendy brunch spots and in big-city wine shops. It’s technically a rosé but often sits in that chillable-red vibe. If you find a favorite pool-season bottle, tell us! Email TrueCrimesAgainstWine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram — we love hearing what you’re sipping. Also: we have new swag and a few koozies left; tell us your size if you send something and we’ll try to send one back. Cheers — can't wait to taste-test some of this stuff with you. Bye!
#320
June 29 · 19 min
Sidebar Ep.140: Atlanta Survival Guide for the World Cup: Eat, Drink, Wander
Hey Miguel (and friends) — welcome to Atlanta! If you’ve got World Cup plans, here’s a friendly, no-nonsense run-down of how to actually enjoy the city without losing your mind. First: traffic and transport. Do not rent a car. Atlanta traffic is terrible (think worse than LA in spots) and downtown parking/driving is confusing. Plan on using Uber/Lyft to get around — MARTA exists but can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar. And please, don’t rent an e-scooter unless you want people yelling at you. Neighborhoods are the heart of Atlanta, so pick one (or two) and explore. Little Five Points is great for dive bars, thrift shops, and weirdos; Inman Park and Candler/Decatur offer walkable shops and food; East Atlanta Village and Edgewood Avenue (check out Joystick for an arcade-bar vibe) are fun nights out; Ponce City Market is huge for food and shopping and sits right on the Beltline — a lovely path for a stroll, people-watching, and dogs. For views and golden hour, hit The Clermont Hotel rooftop. For a slightly elevated, ever-changing dining experience, try The Consulate in Midtown — amazing drinks and a rotating menu inspired by different regions. If you want late-night, local, and legendary tacos, try Nancy’s Taqueria (delivery-only, late into the night) and for classic Southern-stays-true vibes try Waffle House — it’s an essential Atlanta experience. If you’re chasing legit international eats, make the trip to Buford Highway — it’s a destination for Asian, Latin American and other authentic cuisines. It’s a bit of a trek but worth it. Also keep an eye out for pop-ups near the stadium (there’s one at Walker & Haynes from a local bar) if you want quick drinks and snacks near the event. Some extra tips: expect world-class soccer fans for Atlanta United (they’re predictable and courteous), but Falcons game days can get chaotic with lots of out-of-towners and bad driving. Don’t Airbnb your place to random event-goers if you’re worried about parties and damage. Oh — and don’t call the city “Hotlanta” unless you want to start a riot. Have fun, eat well, and explore neighborhoods rather than camping out downtown. If you want specific recs based on what you like (cheap eats, craft cocktails, late-night snacks), tell me your vibe and I’ll narrow it down.

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