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Wine 101

VinePair·Hosted by Keith Beavers·322 episodes

ArtsFoodEducationWine educationSolo lessonsWinery historyBeginner-friendlyWeeklyShort episodes

Wine 101 is a wine podcast for the everyday wine lover. Once a week VinePair's tastings director Keith Beavers will breakdown everything from how wine is made to wine regions of the world in easy-to-digest fashion giving the listener the confidence they need on their wine journey.Follow Keith on Instagram for episode previews and general wine lover musings @vinepairkeith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why listen

Wine 101 makes wine feel learnable instead of intimidating. Keith Beavers moves between short solo lessons, regional history, producer stories, and occasional winemaker conversations, so listeners get both practical confidence and a sense of why certain bottles, grapes, and places matter. It is a good fit for curious wine drinkers who want more context without signing up for a formal course.

Series(9)

Episodes

15 min
Jul 15, 2026
Château Latour, Part II: The Eve of 1855

The tower on the hill finally emerges as the future first growth it’s destined to be—but not without a bit of drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 min
Jul 8, 2026
Chateau Latour Part I: Pigeons And Wealth

As the land that will one day become a famous First Growth Chateau changes ownership, the future of this coupe is set in motion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 min
Jul 1, 2026
Château Latour | Prologue: The Knight and the Tower

With war looming, a knight sets his eyes on a plot of land in the Médoc. A brief prologue introducing the history and origins of this iconic Bordeaux First Growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 min
Jun 24, 2026
American Pinot Noir Is American Now

We are at the point in our wine history where comparisons to Bourgogne are becoming less and less relevant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 min
Jun 17, 2026
Château Lafite Rothschild IV: A Legacy Sealed

A quick wrap-up of Legacy Lafite before we move on to the next First Growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 min
Jun 10, 2026
Wine is Community. Period.

The human element of wine might just be its most important constituency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 min
Jun 3, 2026
Château Lafite Rothschild III: Prince of the Vines

Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur took his father's work, expanded it, and solidified the Lafite brand within the elite upper echelons of French royal culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 min
May 27, 2026
In Defense Of Cabernet Sauvignon 50 Years After The Judgement Of Paris

It's one of the most popular grapes on the globe, especially in the US, particularly in Northern California. We have been in a big, bold trend for years, but after tasting bottles for this year's VinePair's Best Cabernet Sauvignons of 2026, I observed a shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 min
May 20, 2026
Château Lafite Rothschild II: Ségur-le-Château

When a military family enters the Bordeaux government, they discover the Médoc's untapped potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 min
May 16, 2026
Wine 101: The Story of Orin Swift with Dave Phinney

On this special episode of Wine 101, we share with you an episode that ran on The VinePair Podcast earlier this week. Adam Teeter is joined by Dave Phinney, the founder of Orin Swift, to discuss his storied career in the wine industry, why he's so committed to traveling to sell and support his wines, what reaching new consumers means in this day and age, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 min
May 13, 2026
Château Lafite Rothschild I: A Mound In The Marsh

Before Château Lafite Rothschild existed, there was only a la hite in the Médoc archipelago. Allow me to explain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 min
May 9, 2026
Wine 101: Sparkling Wine in Sonoma with Nicole Hitchcock

On this special episode of Wine 101, we share with you an episode that ran on The VinePair Podcast earlier this week. Adam Teeter is joined by Nicole Hitchcock, the estate director of J Vineyards & Winery in Sonoma, California, about her background in wine, what's so exciting about California sparkling wine, and the current state of Sonoma.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 min
May 6, 2026
Haut Brion IV: PontacksHead

We cap off our Haut Brion story with the Chateau creating the first wine bar, the first luxury wine brand, and the source of the first published tasting note. All this with Lafite waiting in the wings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 min
Apr 29, 2026
Haut Brion Part III: It's A (THE?) New Style

As a new generation takes stewardship of Haut-Brion, war erupts abroad. When the smoke finally clears, Arnaud III de Pontac is ready to change the world of wine forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 min
Apr 25, 2026
30 Years of West Coast Pinot Noir

Keith chats with Matt Revelette, head winemaker at Siduri, about how Pinot Noir has evolved over the three decades the winery has worked with the grape. What challenges shaped that evolution? How has the style shifted over time? And what changed when growing this notoriously finicky variety across different regions? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 min
Apr 22, 2026
Haut Brion Part II: Wine, War and Religion

Before we can appreciate the Haut Brion of today, we need to examine an era of this property that was key to its survival and success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 min
Apr 15, 2026
Haut Brion Part I: A Mound of Earth

Did Haut-Brion invent the modern Bordeaux Chateau? We’re diving into the history of a legend, starting with the land itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 min
Apr 8, 2026
Thoughts on American Wine Before We Fly To Bordeaux

I wanted to take a quick moment to talk about some big realizations I had while exploring the country's top wineries. It’s a short one, but I have a theory about where we are in history right now that I can’t wait to share with you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 min
Apr 1, 2026
Quintessa

As Napa Valley built up around it, it became the last of the Valley's virgin soil. It became something more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 min
Mar 25, 2026
Joseph Phelps Vineyards

He came to build a winery; he stayed to build a legacy. Discover how a construction project led Joseph Phelps to fall in love with viticulture and cement his place in Napa Valley history with two legendary industry firsts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 min
Mar 18, 2026
Chateau Montelena IV

Chateau Montelena’s legacy represents one of the most quintessential stories in American cultural history. And it is still being told. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 min
Mar 11, 2026
Chateau Montelena Part III

A dreamer escapes Communist Yugoslavia for the soil of California. He arrived with nothing but a suitcase and a passion for viticulture—and went on to change the wine world forever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 min
Mar 4, 2026
Chateau Montelena Part II

A high-powered LA real estate lawyer joins forces with a local Calistoga couple to restore a legendary, yet crumbling, winery to its former glory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 min
Feb 25, 2026
Chateau Montelena Part I

We explore the origins of one of the world’s most iconic wineries, beginning with the journey of a San Francisco entrepreneur and Senator who set his sights north on the Napa Valley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 min
Feb 18, 2026
Shafer Vineyards

Discover the history of Napa Valley’s first hillside vineyard. With a master winemaker at the helm to steward its unique terraces, Shafer Vineyards began its journey of crafting award-winning wines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 min
Feb 11, 2026
Dominus

Following the success of the famous French-American collaboration, Opus One, Napa Valley is about to experience another historic partnership—this time, featuring the expertise of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 min
Feb 4, 2026
Mondavi V

The story of Mondavi reaches its peak as a French baron arrives with a proposal for Robert that would redefine Napa Valley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 min
Jan 28, 2026
Mondavi Part IV

A legendary meeting with a French Baron is about to change everything. But first, Robert Mondavi must face the storm of family conflict and valley drama threatening to boil over Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 min
Jan 21, 2026
Mondavi Part III

A winery is built, and wine is made all at the same time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 min
Jan 14, 2026
Mondavi Part II

We continue our story of the Mondavi wine empire, and things get a bit fisty-cuffs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 min
Jan 7, 2026
Mondavi Part I

We begin the story of one of the most famous winemaking families in American history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 min
Dec 31, 2025
A Thank You and A Wine Riff into 2026

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 hr 1 min
Dec 24, 2025
The Buildout: Maison Premiere

In 2011, industry veterans Joshua Boissy and Krystof Zizka quietly opened Maison Premiere on a then-sleepy stretch of Bedford Avenue—far from the bustling hotspot it would later become. The bar didn’t stay quiet for long. Its immersive, transportive design and exceptional cocktails quickly drew crowds and set a new standard for New York hospitality. Adam sits down with Joshua to unpack the near-miss funding that almost kept the bar from opening, the rapid rise that followed, and where the Maison Premiere brand is headed next.Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/buildoutpodcastMaison Premiere: https://www.instagram.com/maisonpremiereVinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepairHosted by VinePair Co-Founder: https://www.instagram.com/adamteeterProduced and edited by: https://www.instagram.com/dolldoctor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Dec 17, 2025
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

The story behind one of the most pivotal bottles in American wine history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 min
Dec 10, 2025
Why American Wine Hits Different

What is it about American wine that sets it apart from the wines of Europe? I had a thought and riffed it out. Let me know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 min
Dec 3, 2025
A Year In Wine Review

I take stock of all the great bottles that came through the tasting room this year and talk about the state of our most loved varieties and styles going into the new year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 min
Nov 26, 2025
Mayacamas Vineyards

The story behind one of the most iconic wineries in the US, high above the Napa Valley...in the Napa Valley AVA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 min
Nov 22, 2025
Cave de Lugny

Journey to Burgundy’s Mâcon region with Cave de Lugny, a leader in White Burgundy since 1926. In this episode, we speak with Managing Director Stéphane Garrigue and fourth-generation grower Emmanuel Nonain. Discover how this historic cooperative crafts expressive unoaked Chardonnays through sustainable, grower-led practices, and explore the terroir-driven character of Cave de Lugny wines: La Côte Blanche, Les Charmes, and Cœur de Charmes. You can find these wines and more at the link here: https://www.cavedelugnyus.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 min
Nov 19, 2025
Thanksgiving Wine PSA

It's a wine podcast, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so you know we gotta talk about it. Here is Wine 101's advice on Turkey Day and wine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 min
Nov 12, 2025
Zinfandel Hot Takes

For the first time, Vinepair conducted a Zinfandel Round Up for our Buy This Booze section for 2025. Getting to know this variety by tasting such a large amount from a wide spectrum of styles sparked more than a few realizations about one of our oldest Vitis Vinifera transplants. Here are some takes on a favorite grape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 min
Nov 5, 2025
Spottswoode

Spottswoode is not only a pioneering winery of the Napa Valley, but a forward-thinking property that made a critical decision in the mid-80s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 min
Oct 29, 2025
Silver Oak

Silver Oak stands out in the Napa Valley crowd for sticking to a very unique mission statement. Here's Justin and Ray's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 min
Oct 22, 2025
Heitz Cellar

The story of the first American vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 min
Oct 18, 2025
Exceptional From Every Angle: The Justin Wines Story

On this episode of “Wine 101,” Keith sits down with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Winemaker Scott Shirley. The duo discuss the brand’s beginnings in Paso Robles, the premier Bordeaux-style wines they produce, and guest experiences at the JUSTIN Estate, spanning a Michelin star restaurant, five-star inn, and tasting room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 min
Oct 15, 2025
Beaulieu Vineyard

Exploring one of the most essential wineries in Napa Valley that set the stage for the region’s future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 min
Oct 8, 2025
Caymus

A historic name embedded in California history, and three families that created one of the most loved and polarizing American wines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 min
Oct 1, 2025
Harlan Estate

How did an American wine that retails today for $1500 come to be? H. William Harlan had three dreams, and one of them was to own a vineyard. How did he get there? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 min
Sep 24, 2025
Screaming Eagle

One of the most expensive wines in the US is made in the US and filled with mystery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 hr 13 min
Sep 20, 2025
WINE 101 LIVE AT VINEPAIR WITH PAUL BRADY

BUY UP NORTH AMERICAN SPARKLER HERE Wine 101's First Live podcast ever! Paul Brady, of Paul Brady Wine in Beacon, New York, has made the first official American Sparkler (we'll explain). He came to the Vinepair offices to share it with us and sat down to chat about all things New York, hybrids, and American Sapklers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 min
Sep 17, 2025
The Prisoner

Let's Wine 101 the roller coaster ride this modern American icon has gone through, where it is now, and where it's going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.