Episodes

  • Episode 314-From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery

    Episode 314-From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery
    Apr 26 2026
    The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 314 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Beth and Patrick Downing, the visionary owners of Franklin, Massachusetts’ own GlenPharmer Distillery. It’s a fascinating look at how a professional background in pharmacy provided the perfect scientific foundation for transitioning into the world of craft spirits and hospitality. We dive deep into their incredible journey, from the initial concept to navigating the unprecedented challenge of launching a distillery and restaurant just as a global pandemic was beginning. Patrick and Beth share how they managed to make such a monumental feat sound easy. Inside the Episode: A Nod to Franklin History: We explore the storied past of the building that GlenPharmer calls home and its unique historical connection to the town's hat-making industry. Science in the Glass: Learn about the distillery's seasonal focus on both its restaurant menu and its innovative cocktail program. Patrick shares some "science of the cocktail" tips that you can use at home. Award-Winning Spirits: We discuss their lineup of acclaimed products and reveal the surprising production capacity of this local powerhouse. The Business of Spirits: From the nuances of serving laws in the distillery versus their event space to the complexities of distribution and shipping. The "Geeky" Details: We get into the nitty-gritty of the industry, discussing everything from distillery taxes to the mystery of the "Angel’s Share." Whether you are a Franklin local or a spirits enthusiast, you will love the story of grit, science, and community behind GlenPharmer. Learn More: GlenPharmer Distillery: www.glenpharmer.com The Wonderful World of Wine: www.thewww.wine Cheers, Kim and Mark 🍷🥃🍷 #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #GlenPharmerDistillery #CraftSpirits #FranklinMA #ShopLocal #DistilleryLife #CocktailScience #PharmacyToDistillery #AngelsShare #WineAndSpiritsPodcast
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    38 mins
  • Episode 313-Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik

    Episode 313-Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik
    Apr 12 2026
    The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 313 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik Ever feel like you need a PhD and a Rosetta Stone just to pick a decent bottle of Cabernet? You aren’t alone. This week on The Wonderful World of Wine(WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Marie Cheslik, the brilliant sommelier and author behind the essential new book, “How to Read a Wine Label.” Marie isn't your average wine expert—she’s a nurse and Sommelier who uses a stethoscope and corkscrew. We dive deep into the surprising parallels between the ICU and the cellar, proving that wine doesn't have to be intimidating; it just needs a little "triage." 🔍 Inside This Episode: The Nurse’s Palate: Marie shares how her background in nursing shaped her approachable, no-nonsense perspective on wine. Label Pet Peeves: Find out what common marketing gimmicks drive Marie crazy when she looks at a bottle. The "Additive" Debate: We peel back the foil on what’s actually inside your wine beyond just grapes. Teach a Man to Fish: Marie explains her philosophy on wine education—giving you the tools to choose for yourself rather than just following a "Top 10" list. Google vs. The Label: Is whipping out your phone in the wine aisle cheating? We discuss using tech to decode the glass. The "Body" Language of Wine: * Why Marie is officially "anti-milk" when it comes to describing wine texture. Kim pitches her "Soup Theory"—does it hold water (or broth)? Reading the Fine Print: A masterclass on the Address Statement and why the Importer might be the most important name on the back of the bottle. The French Connection: Marie drops an absolute gem of a line regarding the complexity (and ego) of French wine labels. The Tie-Breaker: Two wines. Same price. Same grape. Same region. How do you choose? Marie gives us her foolproof "shelf-side" strategy. 🔗 Connect With Us Guest: Marie Cheslik Explore her work and grab her book at www.slikwines.com The Wonderful World of Wine Visit us for more episodes and wine wisdom at www.thewww.wine Cheers Kim & Mark 🍷🍷🍷 #WinePodcast #Sommelier #WineLabels #SlikWines #WineEducation #WineTips #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WineAdditives #DrinkBetter #HowToReadAWineLabel
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    40 mins
  • Episode 312-Parenting, Wine And Playful Rhymes With Danielle Frank

    Episode 312-Parenting, Wine And Playful Rhymes With Danielle Frank
    Mar 29 2026
    The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 312 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Parenting, Wine, and Playful Rhymes 🍷 Grab a glass and settle in! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with the witty and insightful Danielle Frank, author of the book, A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting. Danielle joins the show to share her journey from wine professional to "parenting poet," offering a refreshing (and hilarious) perspective on how to survive the toddler years with your palate intact. Episode Highlights Beyond the "Mommy Wine Culture": We dive into the nuances of wine culture in parenting. Danielle shares her take on why we need more humor and less judgment when it comes to balancing a love for Viticulture with the chaos of kids. Rhymes and Reasons: Danielle describes her book as "tongue-in-cheek" for a reason. She walks us through the inspiration behind her clever rhymes and how humor can be a tool for navigating the ups and downs of motherhood. Live Readings: Get ready for a treat! Danielle reads two exclusive lessons from her book. We break down her creative takes on: Nosing & Aromas: Why you child should smell like your wine The Tantrum Pairing: What to pour when the floor-screaming starts. The Bully Lesson: Using wine wisdom to handle playground politics. The Golden Standard: As a Champagne expert, Danielle weighs in on the current status of bubbly in the wine world. Is it still the ultimate luxury, or is it becoming an everyday essential? What’s Next? Danielle gives us an exclusive sneak peek at her upcoming project: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Dog Breeds. Connect with Danielle Frank Want to grab a copy of the book or follow Danielle’s journey? Website: A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting Instagram: @createagreatstory Cheers! Kim and Mark 🍷🍷🍷 www.thewww.wine
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    33 mins
  • Episode 311-The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors

    Episode 311-The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors
    Mar 15 2026
    The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 311 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors In this episode, Kim and Mark dive into the art of aeration with Michael Fors, a Massachusetts-based wine inventor and the creator of The Liquid Jazz Experience. Michael shares the fascinating journey of how a background in home winemaking and a simple trip to the beach sparked the creation of a revolutionary, patented decanter and glassware system. Inside the Episode From Vines to Inventions: Michael discusses his roots in home winemaking and how his hands-on experience with the "life" of wine led him to seek a better way to express its hidden notes. The "Beach Eureka" Moment: Discover how the natural motion of the ocean inspired Michael to move away from traditional swirling and toward the "rocking" motion that defines his brand. Visualizing the Design: Michael describes his unique decanter and aerating wine glasses in detail. Learn about the "note-opening ridges" at the base of the decanter that create a cascading "wave" effect to speed up oxidation without losing delicate aromas. The Science of Decanting: Kim breaks down the "why" behind decanting—from softening harsh tannins in young reds to allowing older vintages to shed sediment and breathe. The Hands-On Test: Kim and Mark share their personal experience meeting Michael and the results of their "test drive" using the rocking decanter and glasses. The Rocking Revolution: * Rocking vs. Swirling: Michael explains why rocking the wine is a more efficient and gentler way to aerate than the traditional stem-swirl. The Rocking Stand: A look at his invention of a specialized stand that brings a theatrical and functional element to restaurant service. The Inventor’s Path: Michael provides a "behind-the-scenes" look at the patent process and the uphill battle of convincing traditional wineries to embrace a device that fundamentally changes the profile of their wine. Product Details & Where to Buy The Liquid Jazz Experience is designed to make wine "hit all the right notes" in minutes rather than hours. Website: www.liquidjazzexperience.com Cost & Availability: Michael discusses pricing for the Rocking Wave Decanter and Aerating Glasses, and where you can pick them up for your own collection. "You will hear the passion of a true Massachusetts inventor throughout this episode. It’s time to stop swirling and start rocking." Cheers Kim and Mark 🍷🍷🍷 www.thewww.wine
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    35 mins
  • Episode 310-Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards

    Episode 310-Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards
    Mar 1 2026
    The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 310 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Seth Cysewski, the visionary founder and inventor of Mistral Wine Cards. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by complex wine books or tired of staring at a screen to learn about your favorite vintage, this conversation is for you! Seth takes us on a journey through his professional wine background and shares the poetic inspiration behind the "Mistral" name. We dive deep into the philosophy of tangible learning and why Seth believes it’s time for wine education to "leave the screen." 📚 Inside the Episode: The Digital Fatigue: Seth explains why digital wine education often falls short and how physical cards create a more lasting, sensory connection to wine knowledge. The Mistral Format: We explore the design and content of the cards—built for everyone from the "wine geek" to the casual consumer. A Tool for the Trade: Discover how wine shops, restaurants, and brands are using these cards to enhance the customer experience and streamline staff training. Stop Chasing Trends: Seth shares his provocative take on why the wine industry needs to stop following fads. Plus, he reveals his surprising plan for what he’ll do if Mistral Wine Cards become a trend themselves! The Big Picture: A look at the future of the brand and the many creative ways to integrate these cards into your wine journey. 🔗 Get Your Deck! Ready to take your wine knowledge offline? You can learn more and purchase your own set at: 👉 www.mistralcards.com For more episodes and wine resources, visit us at: 👉 www.thewww.wine Cheers, Kim and Mark 🍷🍷🍷 #WineEducation #MistralWineCards #WineGeek #WineIndustry #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WineLearning #SommelierLife #WineTrends #WinePodcast #DrinkBetter
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    34 mins
  • Episode 309-Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine With Rachel Martin

    Episode 309-Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine With Rachel Martin
    Feb 15 2026
    The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 309 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine with Rachel Martin Get ready for groundbreaking wine education on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as Kim and Mark host Rachel Martin, the visionary Founder and CEO of Oceano Wines ( www.oceanowines.com ) and Co-founder of the AFNA Wine Certification Program (Alcohol-Free Non-Alcoholic).( www.alcoholfreeaficionados ) In this can't-miss episode, Rachel uncorks the secrets behind this trending wine style and the professional knowledge powering its growth. She shares her deep wine background and guides listeners on the proper way to refer to non-alcoholic wines. The conversation centers on her brand, Oceano 0, which is making waves as one of the first U.S. non-alcoholic wines made with a true sense of place and vintage dated. You'll get the scoop on: The intricate process to make non-alcoholic wines, including the advanced techniques that preserve quality. An in-depth look at the use of additives, with a specific focus on Velcorin(dimethyl dicarbonate) for microbial control. Costs, shelf life, storage, and aging potential of non-alcoholic wines. The specifics of carbonated n/a wines. Crucial FDA and TTB label information for the category. Fascinating stories and trends in the n/a world. Details on the AFNA Wine Education Program, the first-of-its-kind credential for beverage professionals. How and where you can get your hands on the Oceano 0 wines. Rachel is here to prove that removing the alcohol doesn't mean sacrificing a wine's complexity or its compelling story. Cheers, Kim and Mark 🍷🍷🍷 www.thewww.wine #wine #winetasting #wineeducation #rachelmartin #afna
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    41 mins
  • Episode 308-Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan

    Episode 308-Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan
    Feb 1 2026
    The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 308 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan Grab a glass 🥃 and join us for a very special episode as Kim and Mark take their first deep dive into the world of whiskey! We're thrilled to be joined by a true expert, Colonel Craig Duncan, the founder and president of Whiskey University. Colonel Duncan shares the fascinating journey of how Whiskey University and its foundational principles came to be, along with the story of how he earned his commission as a Colonel in both Kentucky and Tennessee. You'll quickly discover that much like wine, the location and terroir of whiskey truly matter, a concept we explore in detail. The Colonel gives us a clear definition of whiskey, and we draw fun parallels between wine stories and whiskey stories. We even compare a wine's tech sheet to a whiskey's mash bill! Get a history lesson as Colonel Duncan delves into the incredible, often surprising, history of whiskey in American government, including its impact on taxes. We also talk shop, comparing the landscape of big brands versus small, craft distilleries. Finally, the Colonel shares insights into current bourbon trends, and offers practical shopping and tasting tips to help you find your next favorite pour. Whether you're a lifelong whiskey lover or just starting your journey, this is the essential show for you! Cheers! Kim and Mark 🍷🥃🍷 www.thewww.wine For more education options, you can find Colonel Duncan at www.whiskeyuniv.com #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WWW #WhiskeyUniversity #ColonelCraigDuncan #WhiskeyPodcast #Bourbon #Scotch #Rye #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyHistory #TastingTips #MashBill #Terroir
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    40 mins
  • Episode 307-Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad

    Episode 307-Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad
    Jan 17 2026
    The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 307 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad Dive into a fascinating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the powerhouse wine entrepreneur and social media superstar, Kelly Axelrad! From college wine enthusiast to one of the top wine influencers in the worldwith over 175K followers—how did she do it? Kelly pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey, sharing stories from her extensive travels to over 700 wineries and how she cultivated her deep passion and knowledge for wine. But Kelly isn't just an influencer; she's a winery owner! Get the inside scoop on her Sonoma, CA-based company, Carnival Wine Co. (www.carnivalwineco.com), which specializes in fabulous sparkling wine. She'll discuss her winemaker, where she sources her grapes, and what makes her bubbly so special. Plus, if you're curious about content creation and personal branding, this episode is a must-listen! Kim and Mark grill Kelly on the secrets of her social media success, including: Her content approach and strategies. How she promotes her brand and chooses collaborations. How she balances her life as a global wine adventurer and a full-time social media personality. Don't miss the chance to learn from a true wine industry innovator! Find Kelly's incredible content on Instagram @kellyaxelrad Cheers, Kim and Mark 🍷🍷🍷 www.thewww.wine #wine #carnivalwineco #kellyaxelrad #thewonderfulworldofwine
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    38 mins