Two Ear-Worthy Wine Podcasts: The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast & After Wine School

 I don't know how you're going to take this news. Brace yourself. Last year, wine volume in the U.S. decreased by 3%.

In fact, wine consumption has been declining around the world.
This is due to a number of factors, including inflation, geopolitical tensions, and changes in consumer preferences, namely toward spirits, flavored malt beverages, and hard seltzers. 

They're not smiling in the beer industry, either. Beer consumption has been declining for several years. 

Still, there were 899 million gallons of wine served in the U.S. Plus, people are still buying the merchandise with corny wine sayings on them. You know -- Life Happens, Wine Helps / I tried running, but I kept spilling my wine. There's a million of them. One more: Wine flies when you're having a good time.

There is even a shirt that reads Embrace Diversity that shows a glass of red wine and white wine. I'm not sure if that violates the Presidential Directive on DEI suppression.

Today, we will review two ear-worthy wine podcasts. These wine podcasts approach the topic of wine in radically different approaches. Both podcasts are independent, although one is run, quite appropriately, by a wine school.
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 Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast

The podcast's marketing pitch is: "Join Forrest Kelly each week on The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, where we take you on a whirlwind journey through the world’s most enchanting wineries.

"In just five minutes, you'll discover irresistible wine conversation starters, hidden travel gems, and expert insights—all while fueling your passion for wine and wanderlust. Named one of WELP Magazine’s Best Travel Podcasts of 2021, this podcast is your passport to a world of flavor, adventure, and unforgettable experiences."

First, I love the five-minute runtime. Creator/host Forrest Kelly is economical with his interviews and packs a wallop in a few minutes.

Second, the show has completed over 180 episodes and is still going strong, so Kelly must be doing something right.

Third, Forrest Kelly, who has been a radio and television broadcaster since the 80s, is an excellent host with just the right blend of enthusiasm and curiosity. The show is well-constructed, with catchy intro music that could be a Top 40 hit, and then an easy listening tune at the end with lyrics that encourage listeners to subscribe.

 The structure of the show revolves around interviewing wineries and wine business people and sommeliers around the world. Kelly has interviewed people from wineries as far away as Rome and as close as Virginia. 

What I admire about Kelly and the show is that they tackle societal issues as well as just blah-blahing about wineries. For example, in September-October 2024, Forrest Kelly did six episodes with Laura DePasquale, senior VP of Artisanal Wines at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. In that interview, Kelly focused on female leadeship, women breaking barriers in the industry, and a NextGen leadership program the company started.

Earlier this month, Forrest Kelly interviewed Jake Kloberdanz, the owner of OneHope Wine, where ten percent of every purchase goes to a charity of the buyer's choice. 

If you're into wine, check out The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast. Forrest Kelly is a seasoned pro who can fascinate with his visits to wineries around the world. I love the five-minute increments. Kelly has multiple episodes on one winery or topic because of that runtime, which make editing a chore for him and his team, but it is a seamless process for listeners.

 

 

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 After Wine School Podcast 

After Wine School accurately bills itself as "an informal and fun podcast where wine school instructors discuss all things wine. You’ll hear stories from their classes, tips for wine tasting, and a touch of wine-inspired philosophy."

The podcast is hosted by Keith Mitchell and Alana Zerbe. Their marketing pitch says: "Join them as they uncork lively discussions, share insider secrets, and help you find your next favorite bottle."

 

The podcast just began in late January 2025 and is off to a promising start.  The show assures listeners that it is not "about stuffy lectures and confusing jargon." The show smartly keeps that promise.

The co-hosts are school Founder is Keith Wallace, who is a renowned wine educator, winemaker, and podcast host. Known for his sharp wit and deep expertise, he combines irreverent humor with insider knowledge to demystify the world of wine.

The other co-host is Alana Zerbe, who is the Director of Wine Education, and is a wine educator and podcast co-host known for her keen insights and engaging style. With years of experience in wine education, she combines expertise with wit to make wine approachable.

 

  I enjoyed the episode on February 4 on Chardonnay. If you don't know, there are a lot of Chardonnay haters out there -- probably the same people who booed Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl. Anyway, the co-hosts discuss the wine’s history, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Then, Alana Zerbe presents a Southern Burgundy Chardonnay for our consideration.

 

 Check out the After Wine School podcast. The co-hosts are knowledgeable but not boring. They have sold chemistry and can make themselves and the listeners laugh, and you can learn something about wine without feeling you're in a lecture hall. The show maintains a nice balance of wit, insight from two experts, and advice on wine. It's a nice blend.

In addition, the episodes are "a one-glass of wine" in length, about 20–30 minutes.

 

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There are numerous independent wine podcasts. Check out the Wine Enthusiast podcast -- which is a great listen for those who are interested in the latest trends in the drinks game. The podcast is produced by editors of Wine Enthusiast. Each episode explores emerging trends, provide educational tidbits, and introduce you to the passionate people who craft, shake, ferment and pour their beverage of choice.

Also, check out the I'll Drink To That podcast, which is focused on a more serious wine drinker. On the show, former sommelier Levi Dalton interviews some of the world's best winemakers and gets the lowdown on their life story and background, their influences and their wine philosophy.  It's a deep dive. Episodes can be over 90 minutes long.