What podcasts to listen to for learning about wine?
Quick answer
Podcasts are one of the easiest ways to learn about wine while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog. Top picks: 'Wine for Normal People' (accessible and fun), 'GuildSomm Podcast' (professional-level), 'The Wine Podcast' (interviews with winemakers), and 'I'll Drink to That!' (deep dives with industry legends). In French, try 'La Pépite de Vino' and 'Le Podcast du Vin.'
Detailed answer
Wine podcasts are a secret weapon for learning. You can absorb an incredible amount of knowledge while doing laundry, commuting, or cooking dinner. Here are the ones worth your time.
'Wine for Normal People' by Elizabeth Schneider is the gold standard for beginners and intermediates. Episodes run 45-60 minutes and cover everything from 'What does Chardonnay actually taste like?' to deep dives into obscure Italian appellations. Elizabeth's no-nonsense style and helpful mnemonics make complex topics stick.
'GuildSomm Podcast' is aimed at working sommeliers and CMS candidates. Episodes are more technical, covering specific regions in exam-ready detail. If you are studying for WSET Level 3 or above, this is essential listening.
'I'll Drink to That!' by Levi Dalton features long-form interviews (60-90 minutes) with wine legends -- winemakers, critics, importers, Master Sommeliers. The depth of conversation is unmatched. Start with the episodes featuring Jancis Robinson, Aubert de Villaine, or Randall Grahm.
'The Wine Podcast' keeps things casual with interviews of winemakers from around the world. Great for discovering new producers and regions you might not encounter otherwise.
In French, 'La Pépite de Vino' offers 20-30 minute episodes on grapes, regions, and trends. 'Le Podcast du Vin' focuses on winemaker interviews and appellation deep dives, with a lean toward natural and biodynamic wines.
Pro tip: pair your listening with tasting. If a podcast episode covers Barolo, grab a bottle of Nebbiolo and taste along. Take notes on what you hear and what you taste. The combination of auditory learning and sensory experience is remarkably powerful for building wine knowledge.
| Podcast | Language | Level | Average length | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wine for Normal People | EN | Beginner-intermediate | 45-60 min | Pedagogy, mnemonics |
| GuildSomm Podcast | EN | Advanced-professional | 30-45 min | CMS/WSET prep |
| I'll Drink to That! | EN | All levels | 60-90 min | In-depth interviews |
| La Pepite de Vino | FR | Beginner-intermediate | 20-30 min | Short format, accessible |
| Le Podcast du Vin | FR | Intermediate | 30-45 min | Winemakers, natural/organic |
| WSET Global | EN | Intermediate-advanced | 30-45 min | Official masterclasses |