After Wine School

From Slam Poetry to Somm Success: A Conversation with Anna Binkovitz

In this episode of After Wine School, host Keith Wallace interviews Anna Binkovitz, the newly named Sommelier Student of the Year at the Wine School of Philadelphia. They discuss Anna's unconventional journey from being a nationally ranked slam poet to becoming a service manager at one of the top restaurants in Philly. Anna shares insights into her career shift, h...

Navigating Wine Tariffs: Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses

In this episode of the After Wine School Podcast, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the complex topic of wine tariffs and their impact on wine lovers and small businesses. They discuss past experiences with tariffs, offer insights on the current economic landscape, and explore the potential future scenarios for the wine industry. They highlight the ...

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the world of wine, demystifying the concept of terroir. Keith passionately argues that terroir is often overstated and emphasizes the significant role of yeast and winemaking techniques. The duo also explores the magic of precise winemaking as they taste a Sancerre. They share candid insights and engage in an entertaining discussion about wine educ...

In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe reveal why asking a Sommelier about their favorite wine is considered the most annoying question. They explore the subjective nature of wine appreciation, emphasizing that personal preferences vary greatly. The hosts share engaging anecdotes about their favorite wine experiences and discuss how simpler questions can promote a more inclusive conversation a...

Uncorking Wine Buying Tips: From Supermarkets to Boutique Shops

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace steps in solo as Alana Zerbe embarks on an intriguing NASA mission. Keith demystifies wine buying by discussing four major types of wine shops in the U.S.: Supermarkets and National Chains, Big Box Wine Shops, Boutique City Wine Shops, and Suburban Mall Wine Shops. He offers insights and insider tips on selecting wi...

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the declining presence of wine books and the need for updated, accessible wine education. They share personal experiences, including Keith's decision to write a food and wine pairing book instead of a traditional wine book, and the challenges of keeping wine information current due to rapidly changing details. The episode highlights the importance of ...

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the intricacies of wine marketing, revealing how industry insiders are influenced and how certain wines become popular. They reminisce about an influential cruise promoting Rosé and recount a memorable trip to Paso Robles. They also conduct a detailed tasting of a Rosé de Provence, exploring its characteristics and potential food pairings. The episode en...

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive into the intricacies of oak aging in wine. They explore the historical significance, the flavor contributions, and the various types of oak used by winemakers. The discussion is enriched by Wallace’s insights into winemaking practices and the management of oak barrels. The episode concludes with a tasting and analysis of a beautiful Fronsac, highlighting...

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive deep into the world of sparkling wines, starting with a critique of generic Prosecco and moving on to various high-quality alternatives like Cava, Loire Valley bubbles, and Anderson Valley wines. They discuss the importance of lees, the complexities of different sparkling wines, and touch upon unique varieties like Bougie Cerdan and Greek orange wines. T...

Demystifying Wine Ratings and Reviews with Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, leading wine experts, dive into the topic of wine ratings and reviews. They explain the importance of wine ratings, their history, and how they can guide wine selections. They review a Chateauneuf du Pape wine and discuss the significance and correct usage of wine ratings. The hosts a...

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss their paths from law and journalism to becoming top wine experts. They share anecdotes about the transition, the cultural lens of wine, and the prevalence of lawyers in the wine industry. The episode also highlights a tasting of Cab Franc from the Loire Valley, focusing on its unique flavors and characteristics. Tune in for an engaging mix of wine education...

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the complexities of wine pricing, offering insights into how different tiers of wine are priced. They explore factors from production costs to market placement and offer actionable advice for selecting the best wines within a given price range. The hosts also cover the nuances of wine aging, gifting strategies, and smart buying techniques. Later, they...

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe explore the world of Chardonnay. They discuss the wine's rich history, its varied styles, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Keith shares his personal journey with Chardonnay and why he values it as a winemaker. Alana presents a Southern Burgundy Chardonnay, , highlighting its tasting notes and characteristics. The episode balances humor, professional ins...

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, renowned wine experts, explore the nuances of French wines. From discussing Burgundy and Bordeaux to offering tips on how to buy high-quality wines at reasonable prices, they provide insights into winemaking, regional characteristics, and even discuss organic and biodynamic wines. They also share their personal favorites and the unique factors that affect wine p...

Uncorking Bubbles: Champagne vs. Cava - The Ultimate Wine Showdown

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, leading wine experts, dive deep into the world of sparkling wines, comparing champagne and cava. At the end, they uncork a showdown between Champagne and Cava, discussing their unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and ideal pairings. From the misconceptions of aging champagne to the dangers of ...