Why Michigan Wine Is Gaining Momentum w/ Stranger Wine Co

Ep 159The region matters. The grape matters. But how the wine is made is what changes everything.There’s a level of intention happening behind the scenes that most people never see. In this episode with Maxx and Sidney from Stranger Wine Co., you’ll hear how winemaking decisions like not crushing grapes, using native yeasts, and limiting intervention completely change the structure, texture, and expression of the wine. In a cold climate like Michigan, even small choices can impact tannins, aromatics, and balance in a big way. This isn’t about doing things a certain way just because that’s how it’s always been done. It’s about making intentional choices that actually impact how the wine tastes.We also get into what it actually looks like to build a winery from the ground up, from regenerative farming and taking on more vineyard land to navigating sales, distribution, and growth as a small team. Because making the wine is only part of it, getting people to understand it and buy into it is a completely different challenge.If you’ve ever wondered why some wines feel more expressive, more balanced, or just plain different, this episode will tell you exactly what’s behind that.Connect with Maxx and Sidney from Stranger Wine Co.Website: https://www.strangerwineco.com/Episode Highlights:How cold climate impacts winemaking decisionsWhy they avoid crushing grapes in productionThe role of sulfur and common misconceptionsWhat it takes to build a winery from scratchHow they divide roles as a small teamWhy selling wine is often the hardest partTheir approach to minimal intervention winemaking4 wines that best represent the style of Stranger Wine Co.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 158Michigan wine has been underestimated for years, but that’s starting to change.For a long time, Michigan wine has been known for sweeter styles and honestly, a lot of people wrote it off because of that. But what’s happening now is very different. There’s a new wave of winemakers coming in with experience from other regions, and they’re approaching things with a completely different level of intention and focus on quality.In this episode, Maxx and Sidney from Stranger Wine Co. get into what it actually takes to grow and make wine in Michigan. They talk through the realities of working in a cold climate, from snow and freezing temperatures to the risk that comes with every growing season and how they adapt to it. They also break down how those conditions influence what they plant, why grapes like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Grüner Veltliner, and Kerner are working there, and how those choices are starting to shape a different direction for Michigan wine.Curious to learn more about Michigan wine? This is a good place to start.Connect with Maxx and Sidney from Stranger Wine Co.Website: https://www.strangerwineco.com/Resources: Why Blind Tasting Really Matters w/ Marie Cheslik (part 1) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-134The Simple framework for understanding any wine label w/ Marie Cheslik (part 2) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-135Episode Highlights:Why Michigan wine has been underestimated for so longWhat it actually takes to grow grapes in a cold climateHow snow and freezing temperatures impact the vinesThe risk winemakers face each growing seasonWhy grapes like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc are working in MichiganLesser-known varieties like Grüner Veltliner and KernerHow winemakers decide what to plant in this regionWhat’s changing in Michigan wine right nowHow a new wave of winemakers is approaching quality differentlyWhy more people are starting to pay attention to Michigan wineWhat 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 157You’ve probably heard that a glass of red wine is “good for you” but how much of that is actually true?The idea that red wine is “healthy” has been around for decades: from the French paradox, to antioxidants and longevity claims. It sounds convincing and honestly, it’s something a lot of people want to believe. But when you actually look at the research, most of it comes down to correlation, not causation. And that changes everything.In this episode, I’m breaking down where this myth came from, what science actually supports, and why wine isn’t something you should ever consider medicine. We’ll also talk about what those “health benefits” really mean, what alcohol is actually doing in your body, and why wine is, at best, a trade-off and not a health strategy.Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, First Bottle Wines, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.firstbottlewines.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:The real origin of the “red wine is healthy” mythWhat the French paradox actually meansWhy correlation is not the same as causationThe truth about antioxidants in wineWhat alcohol actually does in your bodyWhy “clean” and “low sugar” wine claims are misleadingWhat 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 156If you’ve ever assumed that a bottle labeled “red blend” or “white blend” must be lower quality than a single varietal wine, you’re not alone. But that belief leaves out a huge part of how great wine is actually made.In this Mythbusters episode, I’m breaking down the idea that blended wines are somehow inferior. While it’s true that some inexpensive red blends and white blends can be made with lower quality grapes, blending itself isn’t the problem. In fact, blending has been part of winemaking for centuries and is often what gives a wine its balance, complexity, and structure.You’ll learn why winemakers blend grapes in the first place, how different grape varieties contribute things like aroma, texture, and tannin, and why even wines labeled as a single varietal often involve blending behind the scenes. We’ll also look at famous blends like GSM and Bordeaux blends and explain why those grapes work so well together.So the next time you see the word “blend” on a wine label, you might look at that bottle a little differently after you listen to this episode!Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, First Bottle Wines, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.firstbottlewines.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 the myth about blended wines existsThe difference between cheap blends and quality blendsWhy blending has been used in winemaking for centuriesHow blending improves balance, flavor, and structureWhy even single varietal wines are often blendedWhat makes a GSM blend work so wellHow Bordeaux blends are structuredWhat field blends are and why they were historically usedWhy blending is both an art and a science in winemakingWhat 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 155Most people think they know German wine, but they’re only seeing a small part of it.If you immediately think of sweet Riesling or those super cheap bottles at the grocery store when you think of German wine, you’re not alone. That’s what most people think. But it’s not the full picture and, honestly, it’s why so many really good wines get overlooked.In this episode, I’m sitting down again with Lisa Tupetz, importer and founder of Tupetz Wine Connection, along with German winemaker Max from Weingut Greiner, and we’re talking about what’s actually happening with German wine right now. We talk about how winemaking has changed over time, why this lesser-known region in the Black Forest is worth paying attention to, and what makes these wines different from what you might expect. We also get into how wine makes it from a small winery in Germany all the way to a shop or restaurant here in the US, because it’s not nearly as simple as you’d think.You’ll walk away with a much better understanding of what to look for, what’s worth trying, and why German wine deserves a spot on your radar.If you’ve been skipping over German wine or assuming it’s all the same, this might change that.Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, First Bottle Wines, for sponsoring this episode. Go to www.firstbottlewines.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 Lisa:Website - www.tupetzwine.com Instagram - @tupetzwineConnect with Max:Website: weingut-greiner.comEpisode Highlights:How winemaking evolves from first vintage to todayWhy the Black Forest region creates unique winesHow forests impact vineyard climate and wine styleThe real process of importing wine into the USWhy small producers struggle to get distributionHow German wine perception is shifting in the USThe difference between sweet and dry Riesling demandWhat “GG” wines actually mean on a labelWhat it actually takes to build a wine import businessWhy distribution is one of the biggest challenges in wineWhat 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 154You’ve probably seen “biodynamic” on a wine label and assumed it’s just another marketing term.Most people do. It sounds complicated, a little vague, and honestly it’s easy to ignore. But what’s actually happening in biodynamic vineyards has a direct impact on how wine tastes, how it evolves, and why some wines feel more alive in the glass than others.In this episode, I’m sitting down with Lisa Tupetz, founder of Tupetz Wine Connection, along with German winemaker Max from Weingut Greiner, and we break down why biodynamic wine isn’t just a label and what it actually changes in the glass. You’ll hear how soil health, farming decisions, and even things like animals in the vineyard all play a role in the final wine and why the real work of great wine happens in the vineyard, not the cellar. Plus, why some winemakers are willing to take on more risk to farm this way and what they believe it does differently compared to organic practices.We also get into how these wines are being received in the US, why more drinkers are looking beyond familiar grape varieties, and what to pay attention to the next time you see “biodynamic” on a bottle.So if you’ve ever wondered whether biodynamic wine actually matters or if it’s just another trend, this episode will change how you think about what actually determines the quality of the wine in your glass.Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bubbles, for sponsoring this episode. Download the Last Bubbles app or go to www.lastbubbles.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 Lisa:Website - www.tupetzwine.com Instagram - @tupetzwineConnect with Max:Website: weingut-greiner.comEpisode Highlights:What biodynamic wine actually meansThe difference between organic and biodynamicHow soil health impacts wine qualityWhy biodynamic wines taste more “alive”The role of animals and natural systems in vineyardsHow US consumers are responding to biodynamic winesWhy lesser-known grape varieties are gaining popularityWhat 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 153Do you really need a different wine glass for every single varietal you drink?In this Mythbusters episode, I’m tackling the idea that you need a Pinot Noir glass, a Cabernet glass, a Riesling glass, and basically an entire cabinet dedicated to stemware. Yes, glass shape does matter. There is actual science behind how aroma travels and how the bowl affects flavor. But no, you do not need one glass per varietal.In this episode, I break down what actually makes a difference, why bowl shape matters more than having a separate glass for every grape, and the simple way to think about choosing a glass. I’ll walk you through the three types of glasses that will cover almost everything you drink, from Bordeaux and Burgundy styles to narrower Riesling glasses and when a universal wine glass makes sense.So if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re using the “right” wine glass and want to cut through the marketing to what actually matters, this episode is for you.Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bubbles, for sponsoring this episode. Download the Last Bubbles app or go to www.lastbubbles.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!)Resources:Elevating Everyday Wine with Hand-Blown Glasvin Wine Glasses w/ David Kong - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-43Episode Highlights:The real science behind wine glass shapeWhy bowl size mattersStem vs stemless truthThe 3 wine glasses that cover everythingWhen to use a universal wine glassWhy you shouldn’t overfill your wine glassWhat 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 152Sweet wine has been associated with having an unrefined palate or being a beginner in the wine world. But that does not automatically mean you are a wine amateur if you like sweet wine.In this Mythbusters episode, we are setting the record straight. Sweet wine does not equal low quality. While there are plenty of mass produced sugary bottles out there, sweetness itself is just another attribute of wine, right alongside acidity, tannin, and body. When made with intention and quality grapes, sweet wine can be balanced, complex, and can even rank among the most expensive wines in the world.You will learn how noble rot works, why ice wine is so rare, how Port is fortified, and why balance between sugar and acidity is everything. From Sauternes in Bordeaux to Tokaji in Hungary, Vin Santo in Italy, Recioto della Valpolicella, Port, and Pedro Ximénez sherry, there are sweet wines being made all over the world that are high quality, traditional, and in many cases some of the most sought after bottles out there. You will also hear why sweet wines are incredible with salty, spicy, and even funky cheeses.So if you have ever felt like ordering a sweet wine makes you look like a beginner, this episode is for you.Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bubbles, for sponsoring this episode. Download the Last Bubbles app or go to www.lastbubbles.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!)Resources:12 Wines I’d Recommend to Any Curious Wine Drinker - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-136Episode Highlights:Where the sweet wine stereotype beganWhy sweetness is just another wine attributeHow noble rot concentrates flavorWhy Sauternes can cost thousandsHow true ice wine is made and why it is rareThe difference between Amarone and ReciotoHow Port is fortified and why it is strongWhy sweet wines pair well with salty and spicy foodsHow sugar helps wine ageWhat 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 151What if the simplest way to support your favorite winery takes less than five minutes?In part two of our conversation, Heather Daenitz shares how photography, storytelling, and consumer engagement can completely shift the way people experience wine. From highlighting vineyard workers to encouraging thoughtful reviews and rethinking how you shop at your local wine store, she explains how small actions like tagging a winery or naming a tasting room host can have a real impact behind the scenes.And because we are both pregnant while recording this episode we dig into the topic of non alcoholic wine, sober curiosity, and whether still wine without alcohol can ever truly match the complexity of the original. Heather shares why Germany is ahead when it comes to non-alcoholic wine, why aromatic varieties like Riesling may be key, and what needs to change in the industry to make non-alcoholic wine better.So if you’ve ever wondered how much power wine lovers really have and what role you play in the industry’s future, this episode will change how you see it.Thank you to our exclusive sponsor, Last Bubbles, for sponsoring this episode. Download the Last Bubbles app or go to www.lastbubbles.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 Heather:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/craftandclusterThe Wine Marketing Field Guide - https://www.winemarketingfieldguide.com/Pour Memories Podcast - https://www.pourmemories.com/Episode Highlights:Why reviews matter more than you thinkHow tagging wineries helps them growThe role of user generated contentThe truth about non alcoholic wineWhy Germany is ahead in NA (non-alcoholic) wine productionAromatic grapes and NA potentialSupporting sober curious consumersHow to shop smarter at wine storesWhat 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 150What does it really look like behind those beautiful wine photos you see online?In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Daenitz, a wine industry photographer and marketing strategist based in Santa Barbara wine country. Heather shares how she went from studying viticulture and working in vineyard management to launching her business, Craft & Cluster, where she now helps small wineries connect with their audiences through authentic behind-the-scenes photography and marketing strategies.Heather shares what harvest actually feels like at 3 a.m., why grapes are picked at night, and the reality behind those dreamy sunrise vineyard shots. She also dives into why she chooses to work with small wineries, what consumers often misunderstand about wine pricing, and how many hands touch the wine before it reaches your glass.So, if you are ready to see your glass of wine with a little more context and a lot more appreciation then this episode is for you.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!)Connect with Heather:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/craftandclusterThe Wine Marketing Field Guide - https://www.winemarketingfieldguide.com/Pour Memories Podcast - https://www.pourmemories.com/Episode Highlights:How Heather found her way into wineFrom vineyard work to wine photographyHow Craft and Cluster beganWhy small wineries need marketing supportWhat harvest at 3 a.m. really looks likeWhy grapes are picked at nightThe reality behind romantic wine photosThe people behind every bottleWhy wine costs what it doesWhat 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]