Rethinking How We Discover Wine w/ Ashwin Muthiah (Part 2)

Ep 147Most wine drinkers assume the wines they see are the only wines that exist, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.In part two of my conversation with Unpinned Wine Club founder, Ashwin Muthiah, he offers insight into how wine discovery actually works, from the systems that favor familiarity to the biases that keep lesser known grapes out of view.He shares how his own lived experience in wine regions across Europe shaped a different approach to curation, one rooted in storytelling, balance, and drinkability. He uses this unique approach in selecting wines for his monthly club shipment.We also dive into what natural wine really means, why it gained a reputation for being “funky,” and how Ashwin thinks about balancing experimentation with drinkability. Along the way, he highlights rare and underrepresented grapes from places like Greece, Hungary, and Georgia, and explains why pronunciation, pricing, and perception all play a role in what we choose to drink.If you’ve ever felt boxed into the same familiar wines, this episode offers a clearer look at why that happens and what’s really shaping wine discovery.Skip the waitlist to join the UnPINNED Wine Club with this exclusive link just for pod listeners - https://unpinnedwineclub.com/pages/access-upwcqrzThank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bottle, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.lastbottlewines.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!)Connect with AshwinWebsite - https://unpinnedwineclub.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unpinnedwine/ Grapes mentioned by AshwinXinomavro (Greece)Juhfark, Furmint (Hungary)Kisi (Georgia)Episode Highlights:Wine discovery is shaped by access, not just tasteHow wine club themes are curatedForgotten and underrepresented grape varietiesNatural wine vs flawed wineWhy pronunciation affects buying decisionsHow comparison tastings lower the risk of trying new winesExamples of grapes from Greece, Hungary, and GeorgiaWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 146You probably learned about wine the same way most people do. A handful of regions, the same familiar grapes, and a lot of unspoken rules about what matters and what does not.In this episode, Ashwin Muthiah challenges that narrow view and asks a bigger question. What if the wine world has been leaving out entire regions, cultures, and histories all along? He shares how travel shaped his curiosity, why Georgia (the country not the state) is essential to understanding wine’s origins, and how formal wine education often skips over more than it explains.We also dig into why only a small number of grapes dominate store shelves, how thousands of others are quietly disappearing, and what pretension and gatekeeping have to do with the way we drink today. Ashwin breaks down how branding, consumer habits, and industry power shape what ends up in your glass.You will also hear how his curiosity and years of travel eventually led him to create a wine club focused on sharing wines most people never get the chance to try. This conversation is less about telling you what to drink and more about noticing what has been missing all along. Throughout the conversation, Ashwin reframes wine as culture, history, and agriculture rather than just a consumer product.If you are tired of defaulting to the same bottles and want to understand what the wine world is not talking about, this episode is a must listen! It will change how you think about wine.Skip the waitlist to join Ashwin’s UnPINNED Wine Club with this exclusive link just for pod listeners - https://unpinnedwineclub.com/pages/access-upwcqrzThank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bottle, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.lastbottlewines.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!)Connect with AshwinWebsite - https://unpinnedwineclub.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unpinnedwine/ Episode Highlights:Why wine education skips entire regionsGeorgia’s role in wine historyHow only a few grapes dominate the marketWhat happens when grape varieties disappearPretension and gatekeeping in wine cultureWhy grocery store wine limits choiceThe origin of Unpinned Wine ClubReal wine vs manufactured wineHow younger drinkers are changing wineWhy curiosity matters more than credentialsWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 145You can’t age white wine. Or at least that’s what most people think.In this episode, that assumption gets unpacked and challenged. While it’s true that many white wines are made to be enjoyed young, that doesn’t mean white wine as a category isn’t capable of aging. The difference comes down to how the wine is made and what’s actually in the bottle.I’m sharing why white wines change color over time, what oxidation really means, and why browning doesn’t automatically signal a bad wine. I also break down the real factors that determine ageability including acidity, sugar, complexity, and specific winemaking choices. You’ll also learn why grapes like Riesling, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Semillon are often capable of aging far longer than most people expect.You’ll hear what an aged white wine tends to taste like over time, and how to feel more confident opening an older bottle, as well as why dessert and fortified white wines often age for decades thanks to sugar, acidity, and alcohol.So the next time you’re staring at an older bottle of white wine and wondering if it’s still good, you’ll actually know what to look for.Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bottle, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.lastbottlewines.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 10% off your order! (And be sure to sign up for their mailing list so you never miss a bottle!)Episode Highlights:Why white wine can ageWhat oxidation really doesWhy white wine turns brownThe role of acidity in agingHow sugar affects longevityWhite grapes that age wellHow flavors change over timeWhat aged white wine tastes likeWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 144Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!Pour Memory: Use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your purchase at www.pourmemory.com. I’d recommend a starter kit that includes a journal and 24 or 48 labels. Don’t forget to download the Pour Memory iOS app to track your bottles digitally too.The outdated rules of drinking red wine at room temperature and white wine straight out of the fridge may sound correct, but they’re not doing your wine any favors.In this episode of my wine mythbusters series, the serving temperature myth gets put to the test! I start with where these rules even came from and why they no longer make sense in modern homes. What used to work centuries ago does not line up with how we heat, cool, and store wine today.You’ll learn how temperature directly impacts aroma, flavor, tannins, and alcohol, and why most wines actually taste better somewhere in the middle of room and fridge temp. I’m also sharing some simple, realistic tips for fixing wine that is too warm or too cold, whether you are at home or sitting in a restaurant.At the end of the day, there are guidelines worth knowing, but this episode is also about learning how you like to drink wine and paying attention to what actually tastes good in your glass.Episode Highlights:Where the room temperature myth came fromWhy red wine is usually served too warmWhy white wine is often served too coldHow temperature changes aroma and flavorWhat heat does to tannins and alcoholSimple fixes at home and in restaurantsHow wine body affects serving temperatureWhy personal preference still mattersWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 143Wine school can teach you the theory, but it cannot teach you what actually happens once the grapes hit the cellar.Today on the podcast I have Katie Truscott from 1 Mill Road Winery in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada back on the podcast. She talks about the shift from studying wine to making it, and what changes once that knowledge has to be put into practice. From learning cellar basics the hard way to realizing how much of winemaking is practical rather than academic, Katie dives into the steep learning curve behind the scenes of making wine at a small wineryKatie also digs into winemaking philosophy, from honoring the vineyard and responding to the growing season to staying hands off in the cellar whenever possible. Sustainability, patience, and refinement over growth all come into focus as part of a long term vision rooted in place rather than production volume.So if you’ve ever wondered how wine goes from something you study to something you trust your hands and instincts to create, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at what really makes great wine.Don’t miss part 1 of my conversation with Katie where we chat about what makes Okanagan Valley wine so different!Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!Pour Memory: Use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your purchase at www.pourmemory.com. I’d recommend a starter kit that includes a journal and 24 or 48 labels. Don’t forget to download the Pour Memory iOS app to track your bottles digitally too.Connect with KatiePersonal Instagram - @katies.wine.lifeWinery Instagram - @1millroadWebsite - https://www.1millroad.ca/Episode Highlights:What wine education does not prepare you forLearning winemaking through hands on experienceWhy cleanliness in the cellar mattersHow the growing season shapes wine styleBlending decisions and palate fatigueLetting the vineyard lead the processSustainability beyond environmental buzzwordsWhy growth is about precision, not volumeWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 142What makes wine from the Okanagan Valley so different from anywhere else?In today’s episode I’m chatting with Katie Truscott from 1 Mill Road where we explore her journey into wine. It began unexpectedly with Chenin Blanc in South Africa and evolved into building a small, family-run winery in the heart of Naramata, British Columbia, Canada with her life (and business) partner, Ben. Katie shares her unconventional path into the wine world, from early curiosity and formal wine education to eventually producing wine full time in the Okanagan Valley.Katie shares what defines the Okanagan Valley as a wine region. From long summer days and short growing seasons to the influence of a massive glacial lake, this episode breaks down how geography and climate shape what grows where. You’ll hear why Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive in certain parts of the valley and how site selection plays a critical role in wine style.Katie also addresses the realities of farming and winemaking in this region, including extreme cold events, wildfire risk, and unpredictable yields. She also explains why most Canadian wines never leave British Columbia and what it will take for Okanagan Valley wines to gain broader recognition.So, if you are ready to learn what makes the Okanagan Valley so special and unique then this episode is for you!Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!Pour Memory: Use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your purchase at www.pourmemory.com. I’d recommend a starter kit that includes a journal and 24 or 48 labels. Don’t forget to download the Pour Memory iOS app to track your bottles digitally too.Connect with KatiePersonal Instagram - @katies.wine.lifeWinery Instagram - @1millroadWebsite - https://www.1millroad.ca/Episode Highlights:Falling in love with wine through Chenin BlancA nontraditional path into the wine industryWhat defines the Okanagan Valley as a wine regionWhy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive thereThe impact of long summer days and short growing seasonsHow extreme cold and wildfires affect vineyardsWhy most Canadian wine stays in CanadaWhat it takes for Okanagan wines to reach global marketsWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 141What if the most common belief about wine headaches is actually one of the biggest myths in the entire wine world?This is the first episode in a new mini series where I unpack some of the biggest wine myths and separate fact from fiction. In this episode, I’m breaking down the long-standing assumption that sulfites in wine cause headaches and uncover why this claim doesn’t hold up. You’ll learn where the belief started, why the “contains sulfites” label leads so many people astray, and what science says about sulfite sensitivity.I also get into the real reasons you might be getting headaches from wine, including factors most drinkers never think about. Plus, I dive into how sulfites naturally form during winemaking, why winemakers add them, and how they help protect wine from oxidation and bacterial spoilage. As well as the surprising truth about sulfite levels in wine compared to foods like dried apricots and frozen potatoes.If you’ve ever blamed sulfites for a headache, felt confused about natural or organic wines, or wondered what’s actually causing reactions when you drink wine, this episode is for you!Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!Pour Memory: Use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your purchase at pourmemory.com. I’d recommend a starter kit that includes a journal and 24 or 48 labels. Don’t forget to download the Pour Memory iOS app to track your bottles digitally too.Episode Highlights:Why sulfites appear on wine labelsHow rare true sulfite sensitivities actually areWhy all wines naturally contain sulfitesWhat sulfites do in winemaking (oxidation + bacteria control)Foods with far higher sulfite levels than wineWhy red wines often have fewer sulfites than white winesReal reasons people get wine headachesHow tannins, sugar, alcohol, and histamines play a roleTruth about natural, organic, and “clean” wine claimsWhy natural and organic wines still contain sulfitesWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 140Being pregnant forced me into a real-world test of non-alcoholic wine, and the results were not what you might expect.When I announced I was pregnant, the constant question that followed once wine was off the table was: are there any good non-alcoholic wine options? That curiosity turned into a deep dive for me where I tasted more than 40 non-alcoholic wines, all while continuing to taste traditional wine for comparison.You’ll hear an honest breakdown of why, in my opinion, non-alcoholic wine does not taste like wine, how alcohol-removed wine differs from wine alternatives, and why expectations matter so much when approaching this category. At the end I share six non-alcoholic wines that are genuinely enjoyable, plus where to find them if you are navigating pregnancy, sobriety or simply looking to cut back.So if you are curious about non-alcoholic wine and want an honest take, this episode will help you know what to reach for and what to skip.Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!6 Non-Alcoholic Wines I RecommendDr. Lo Riesling - https://www.cheekyanddry.com/products/dr-lo-rieslingSea Monster Tidal Wave White - https://www.cheekyanddry.com/products/sea-monster-tidal-wave-white-non-alcoholic-wineJoyus Sparkling Wine - https://www.cheekyanddry.com/products/joyus-nonalcoholic-sparkling-wineDomaine EdeM N.0 Sparkling Rosé - https://www.cheekyanddry.com/products/n-0-rose-e-de-m Heinz Wagner Black Forest NA Bubbles - https://tupetzwine.com/product/non-alc-bubbles/ (use code CORKFIZZ15 to save 15% off 3 or more bottles)Woody’s Sparkling Rosé - https://thezeroproof.com/products/woodys-sparkling-rose ResourcesThe Quest for Good Non-Alcoholic Wine - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/the-quest-for-good-non-alcoholic-wineThe Zero Proof - https://thezeroproof.com/Tupetz Wine - https://tupetzwine.com/Non-Alcoholic Wine (Let’s Talk About That) - Episode 33Cheeky & Dry- https://www.cheekyanddry.com/Why German Wine Goes Beyond Sweet RieslingWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 139Would you believe me if I said one of the most soulful and historic wine regions in France is also the one most people barely know anything about?This conversation, with Ioana from Princess & Bear Wine, goes deeper into the French regions of Languedoc and Roussillon through the perspective of someone who’s actually walked the vineyards, met the winemakers, and watched small family estates bring these wines to life. You’ll hear how high elevation sites, biodynamic farming, volcanic soils, and centuries of tradition all come together to create wines that are expressive, textured, and full of character.From tiny domaines run by women to unexpected whites, reds, and sparkling wines, this episode shines a light on producers you won’t normally find at stores and the bottles that define this part of Southern France. You’ll also get three standout recommendations if you’re just starting to explore the region.If you're curious about organic French wine, lesser known varietals, or even planning a future wine trip, you’ll want to listen in as we explore a region that deserves far more attention.If you missed part 1 of my conversation with Ioana go back to episode 138 to listen in!Use code BONJOUR and receive 10% off your online purchase at www.theprincessandthebear.com.If you are in Seattle mention that you are a Cork & Fizz podcast listener and receive a complimentary tasting when you visit The Princess and Bear tasting room in January and February 2026. To make a reservation for the tasting room call, email at [email protected] or you can make one on the website.Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!Connect with Ioana:Website: https://www.theprincessandthebear.com/Episode Highlights:Small, family run wineries shaping Languedoc and RoussillonWomen winemakers and biodynamic farming practicesHow elevation and unique soils influence flavorCigar shaped barrels and what they do to white winesKey differences between Languedoc and Roussillon3 must try wines to start exploring the regionBehind the scenes of the annual club tripVisiting tiny domaines and exclusive cellar experiencesWhy the region still feels raw, genuine, and soulfulThe long term vision for sharing these wines in the U.S.What did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ep 138What if one of the oldest wine regions in the world is also the one most wine lovers overlook?This conversation with Ioana Bucur, new co-owner of Princess and Bear Wines, dives deep into the heart of Languedoc and Roussillon, the southern French wine regions known for authenticity, history, and an unmatched sense of place. You’ll hear how centuries of tradition, diverse terroir, and small artisanal domaines shape wines that are vibrant, expressive, and surprisingly affordable.From mountain vineyards and Mediterranean breezes to volcanic soils and female winemakers, this episode is a journey through the people, land, and stories that make these wines so unforgettable. Whether you love crisp whites, bold reds, or sparkling wines, this region has it all and then some.If you’ve been wanting to explore new wine regions or step outside your comfort zone, this is the perfect place to start!And don’t miss next week's episode where I’m back with another conversation with Ioana! Use code BONJOUR and receive 10% off your online purchase at www.theprincessandthebear.com.And if you are in the Seattle area, mention that you are a Cork & Fizz podcast listener and receive a complimentary tasting when you visit the Princess and Bear tasting room in January and February 2026. To make a reservation for the tasting room call, email at [email protected] or you can make one on the website.Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!Connect with Ioana:Website: https://www.theprincessandthebear.com/Episode Highlights:Childhood memories that shaped a lifelong connection to wineHow Princess and Bear Wines beganWhat makes Languedoc-Roussillon authentic and overlookedClimate and terroir factors that keep wines fresh in a warm regionWhy organic and biodynamic farming thrive hereLimoux as the birthplace of traditional sparkling wineStandout white wine styles, from crisp and mineral to complex and savoryHow volcanic soils and fossils influence flavorWhy trying unfamiliar wines expands your palateWhat to expect from the region’s red wines, from juicy to bold and complexThe traditional-method sparkling wines of Limoux and their blendsWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Support the showDon't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]