Ep 120

What comes to mind when you hear the word “hybrid”? Probably a car you can plug in and not a grape growing on the vine! But in the world of wine, hybrid grapes are sparking some of the most important conversations about sustainability, climate change, and the future of winemaking.

In this episode, I’m diving into what hybrid grapes actually are, how they’re different from crosses, mutations, and clones, and why they’re gaining more attention than ever before. From their fascinating history in early American vineyards to their controversial banning in France, hybrids have a story that’s as complex as the wines they produce.

You’ll learn the benefits of hybrid grapes such as their natural disease resistance, ability to thrive in tough climates, and role in reducing chemical sprays alongside the challenges, including lingering market stigma and misconceptions about their flavor.

We’ll also look at where these grapes are grown today, from the cold Midwest and Canada to Northern Europe and even Champagne, and why winemakers are experimenting with them in response to shifting climates and consumer curiosity.

Finally, I’ll share examples of hybrid grapes you can actually find and taste such as Vidal Blanc, Marquette, Norton, and Baco Noir, along with what makes them unique in the glass.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what the future of wine might look like, this episode will show you why hybrid grapes could be leading the way.

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

Resources:

Embracing hybrid grapes and creating unique wine with Wisconsin winemaker Erin Rasmussen - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-10

Episode Highlights:

• What hybrid grapes are (and how they differ from crosses, mutations, and clones)
• The history of hybrid grapes in the U.S. and Europe
• Benefits of hybrids: disease resistance, climate adaptability, sustainability
• Downsides: market stigma, lower tannins, historical bans
• Where hybrids are grown today, from North America to Northern Europe and Brazil
• How climate change and consumer demand are fueling interest in hybrid grapes
• Examples of notable hybrids: Vidal Blanc, Seyn

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 119

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee? For this milestone episode, things look a little different and a lot more personal!

In celebration of turning 30, I’m sitting on the other side of the mic while my husband (aka “Mr. Cork & Fizz”) takes over the questions. From how this wine journey began to the lessons I’ve learned running a business, you’ll hear personal stories and reflections I’ve never talked about on the podcast.

You’ll hear how Cork & Fizz was born out of a casual wine club, the challenges of building a business without a formal background, and the pivots along the way that shaped it into what it is today. We also dig into how to host your own wine nights, from picking themes and setting the vibe to keeping guests engaged without overcomplicating the experience.

We also talk about podcasting, the behind-the-scenes planning that keeps weekly episodes flowing, and what it’s really like to show up consistently as a creator. Plus, I open up about big life updates, including a surprise announcement which ties into how I’m navigating tastings without drinking, and my hopes for balancing business and motherhood.

So, if you’re curious how a casual wine night with friends turned into a thriving wine education business and a hit podcast, this episode is full of stories and tips you won’t want to miss!

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

Episode Highlights:

• The story of how Cork & Fizz began during a rainy cabin weekend
  
  
  
• Tips for turning friends into wine drinkers (without pressure)
  
  
  
• Essential skills for starting a wine-related business
  
  
  
• The journey of launching and sustaining a podcast
  
  
  
• Hosting your own wine nights: themes, notes, and tips
  
  
  
• Thoughts on pregnancy, wine, and planning for maternity leave
  
  
  
• Dream wine regions still on the bucket list

• Which wine I would pick if I was on a deserted island
  
  
  

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 118

What if the biggest barrier to wine sustainability isn’t the farming, but the bottle itself?

In part 2 of my conversation with Daniel Rodriguez, CEO of Currently Wine Co., we dive deep into how wine packaging, labeling, and consumer education all play a role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive wine industry.

We explore Currently’s decision to use aluminum bottles instead of glass, not just for aesthetic appeal, but to drastically reduce the wine’s carbon footprint. Daniel breaks down why weight and distance matter in emissions, and how switching from glass to aluminum can cut the carbon footprint in half.

You’ll learn why Currently is proudly certified vegan and how they’re promoting transparency around additives, sugar content and winemaking practices. Daniel also explains why they include calorie and sugar information on their bottles, even though it’s not required, to help consumers feel more informed and empowered.

We also dig into the consumer psychology behind wine packaging and labeling, including how words like “dry” are often misunderstood. Daniel explains how they approach wine education without snobbery and how their Sauvignon Blanc was intentionally crafted to be crisp, clean, and grapefruit-free; think more Sancerre than California. Plus, you’ll hear why aluminum bottles are more approachable than cans and how they make the wine more portable and shareable.

So, if you are ready to dive into how Currently balances sustainability, quality and approachability all while creating a wine that’s meant to be enjoyed anywhere, from boats to beach to your backyard, then this episode is for you!

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

As a listener of this podcast, go to https://currentlywine.com/ and you will receive a 20% discount with promo code CorkandFizz20 - discount valid through 9/23/2025. Up to 3 purchases per customer.

Connect with Daniel

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drodriguez4/

Episode Highlights:

• How aluminum bottles cut carbon emissions in half
• Why Currently is certified vegan and what that really means
• Where Currently gets thei

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com