Some bottles don’t just win a tasting or sell a lot of cases. They change what the whole world pours. For this episode, I’m tracing three moments that did exactly that.

First, Chardonnay. Yes, Wente was labeling it as a varietal back in the 1930s, but it was the 1976 Paris Tasting, with Chateau Montelena in the spotlight, that proved California (and then others) could match the Burgundy benchmark. That set Chardonnay on its way to becoming the #1 grape in the world. We’ll hear how it inspired Catena to try proving Argentina’s potential with Chardonnay, starting with the 1991 vintage (Malbec came later), with Laura Catena sharing the story in my documentary. And we’ll look at how Kendall-Jackson put the grape in the hands of everyday drinkers.

Next, Pinot Noir and the Sideways effect, with voices from my documentary, including Susan Sokol Blosser and Richard Sanford. (I’m in the book, too, but that’s a story for the show.)

Finally, sparkling wine for every day, and how Mionetto’s Prosecco helped move bubbles from special-occasion toasts to an everyday glass.

In the glass:
Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2023
Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina 2025
Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Pinot Noir 2023
Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023
Mionetto Prestige Collection Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut
Mionetto Luxury Collection Cartizze DOCG Dry

That’s a lot for one hour, but by design, I keep it fast and fun. You’ll get documentary clips, a taste-along, and bites from The Grove for the in-person crowd.

Join us at Copia, or watch live from wherever you are. I hope you’ll pour a glass and come along!