Everyday Sommelier Podcast: Wise About Wine

Alcohol consumption seems to be a popular topic for thousands of podcasts. There's the WhiskyCast podcast, The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, and The Beerists Craft Beer Podcast, along with a cast of innumerable podcasts. 

A wine podcast can attract a sizable audience, given that U.S. wine sales reached $107 billion last year, and in 2023, American wine consumption was 2.68 gallons per resident. This means that in total, Americans consumed approximately 964 million gallons of wine. 

Wine has long ago established its snobbish appeal and is constantly trying to shake it off, appealing to more middle-class Americans. For example, actor Patrick Warburton is known for his commercials for Barefoot Cellars wine, particularly for their spot featuring the tagline "Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL." These commercials often poke fun at the complexities of both football and wine, highlighting the ease and enjoyment of enjoying Barefoot Cellars with friends. He also appears in Barefoot Cellars commercials that emphasize the ease of enjoying wine with friends and making your own traditions.

Therefore, a wine podcast that simplifies wine choice for consumers and decodes the complexities of the "sweet grape" can have mass appeal.

That's the case with the Everyday Sommelier podcast with Kristi Mayfield, wine educator. Mayfield's marketing pitch is a simple one: "Welcome to Everyday Sommelier, where we make learning about wine approachable, fun, and something you can actually enjoy. I’m your host, Kristi Mayfield — think of me as your sommelier next door, here to help you cut through the complexity so you can enjoy every glass with confidence and learn wine your way."

Like many who use a podcast about an alcohol product to generate revenues for their ancillary business, Kristi Mayfield is no exception. 

Mayfield explains: "Driven by a passion for wine and a desire to empower others, I founded WINE WIZE to provide foundational wine education and take the fear out of wine. Combining extensive corporate experience with a deep knowledge of wine, I understand the importance of creating memorable experiences and ensuring that your wine skills shine."

Mayfield continues: "Discover wine confidence with Wine Wize’s programs designed for YOU. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, service professional, or business leader, we offer approachable classes, immersive workshops, and custom corporate training. Learn wine your way—building skills, connections, and confidence with every sip."

It's a smart way to use podcasting to bolster your core business.
The podcast, which began in December 2024, is off to an encouraging start. First, the episodes run about 25 minutes, which is perfect timing before listeners' heads explode with wine jargon. Second, Kristi Mayfield is both knowledgeable about wine and excellent at conveying interesting and useful information about wine drinking. For example, Mayfield explains the concept of vintage variation, when the same wine with the same grapes grown in the same location can have a taste differential. 

For example, in the first episode, Mayfield explains that there are only 400 Masters of Wine in the world, 200 Master Sommeliers. She also tells that there are over 1,000 wine-making grapes around the world. That's news to many wine drinkers, who know only Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay!

Mayfield explodes the myth that "to truly enjoy wine, you have to know it all." 

She comforts her listeners by exhorting, "consider me your Sommelier next door, so you can cut through the complexity."

Mayfield, it turns out, is a superb podcast host with an intuitive knack for speaking to listeners via the microphone. Her interviewing skills are solid, and her passion for her topic is evident. 

In the January 14, 2025, episode, "Why your favorite wine tastes different this time," Mayfield explains the difference between predictable wines and authentic wines. 

Kudos to Kristi Mayfield for adding a section to her show notes called, "By the time you finish listening, you'll discover." It's an excellent teaching tool and lends credibility to her show's objective about wine education. Nicely done, Kristi.

The April 1, 2025, episode about Chardonnay is full of fun facts and new knowledge about the "chameleon of wines," as Mayfield terms Chardonnay. Her interview with winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez Rave hit all the right notes and leaves listeners with no bitter aftertaste. In the world of Chardonnay, it's a creamy, buttery show.

Kristi Mayfield also has an uncanny ability to devise episodes that hit at the heart of understanding wine. Other episodes so far include The Truth about Wine Additives, Good Cheap Wine (My favorite subject!), Mastering the Art of Wine Tasting and Navigating a Wine List with Ease.

 Mayfield is eminently qualified in the study of wine. Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET) is a world-recognized leader in wine education. Kristi has completed WSET 3 with Distinction, the highest mark, and continues to test her wine knowledge and skills.

Additional Certifications: WSET2 with Distinction, Court of Master Sommeliers Intro, Texas Wine Ambassador

Mayfield is proud of her resume: "With over 20 years of corporate experience in sales leadership and international business development, I confidently navigate the world of wine in both personal and professional settings. From corporate dinners to networking events, wine tastings to beverage industry gatherings, I approach the wine list with assurance, knowing exactly where to begin."

 I highly recommend Everyday Sommelier podcast. Kristi Mayfield makes the show interesting, informative, and engaging within a convenient runtime. If you drink wine, you can become more knowledgeable with no expectation of expertness. If you don't, you can learn about an activity you've not yet experienced.