Épisodes

  • Muscat Grape Love | S21E3
    Feb 13 2026

    This episode explores main muscat wine grape varieties, the many wine styles, a little history, and terminology … all to help you fall in love with new styles of wine - and other beverages - made with this ancient grape that is still very much loved around the world. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

    Resources from this episode:

    Books:

    Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viticulture (Princeton Science Library Book 76) [Kindle Version], McGovern, P. (2003)

    Grapes and Wines: A comprehensive guide to varieties and flavours, Clarke, O. and Rand, M. (2010)

    The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)

    Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013)

    Websites:

    Italian Wine Central: Moscato https://italianwinecentral.com/variety/moscato/

    Muscat Wines: Muscat Wines of the United States https://www.muscat-wines.com/muscat-wines/muscat-wines-of-the-united-states/

    Vinopedia: Muscat https://vinopedia.org/wiki/Muscat

    Vins Alsace: Fresh & Dry Muscat d'Alsace https://www.vinsalsace.com/en/gouts-et-couleurs/cepages/frais-et-secs/muscat-dalsace/

    Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode:

    S1E6: Doing the Diois - Clairette de Die Sparkling Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s1e6-doing-the-diois-clairette-de-die-sparkling-wine

    S3E1: Asti DOCG - Bubbles in the New Year, Decade, and Season! https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e1-asti-docg-bubbles-in-the-new-year-decade-and-season

    S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes

    S6E2: A Pisco Party! https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s6e2-a-pisco-party

    S6E3: A Sweet, Sticky Story - Rutherglen Fortified Wines https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s6e3-a-sweet-sticky-story-rurtherglen-fortified-wines

    S14E4: Constantia - The wine, the place, the history, and juicy bits https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/constantia-the-wine-the-place-the-history-and-juicy-bits-s14e4

    Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session

    Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.

    Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

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    16 min
  • A Whisky Sweater for Burns Night (Whisky Re-Release)
    Jan 24 2026

    In addition to this re-release of "Whisky, Burns Night, and … Beerhenge?" (Originally Released Jan 28, 2022 ) I give a new, quick introduction to Burns night before treating you to this episode on whisky, in which I discuss: what it is, a little history, how it's produced, distinguishing the styles, and a little silliness (because your host cannot help herself).

    Just the thing for a cold, January in the northern hemisphere on this weird third rock from the sun.

    Resources from this episode:

    Books:

    Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Society of Wine Educators, Nickles, J. (2020)

    The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022)

    Whiskey: The Definitive World Guide, Jackson, M. (2005)

    The World Atlas of Whisky [2nd Edition], Broom, D. (2014)

    Websites:

    Difford's Guide: On this Day - 25 January, Sutcliffe, T. & Difford, S., (2020) https://www.diffordsguide.com/on-this-day/january/25

    Independent: How to Address you Haggis in Honor of the Great, According to Robert Burns, Sommerlad, J. (25 January 2022) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/address-to-the-haggis-burns-night-b2000134.html

    Merriam Webster: Auld lang syne: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auld%20lang%20syne

    Scotch Whisky: Famous Whisky Drinkers - Robert Burns, Smith, G.D., (25 January 2016) https://scotchwhisky.com/magazine/famous-whisky-drinkers/8261/famous-whisky-drinkers-robert-burns/

    Some of Val's Favorite Whisky Personalities:

    Whiskycast: Cask Strength Conversation, by Mark Gillespie - https://whiskycast.com/

    The Unwritable Rant: Bourbon-Soaked Stories, by Juliette Miranda - https://theunwritablerant.com/

    Related Topics by Glass in Session®:

    S7E3: Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 1 - Champagne & Whiskey - https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/glassinsession/id/19435472

    S4E6: Got Wood? Talkin' bout Oak - https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/glassinsession/id/15334700

    S4E5: Roll out the (Bourbon) Barrel ... and put Wine in it? - https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/glassinsession/id/15148409

    S13E5: Bourbon: The Distinctly American Spirit https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/bourbon-the-distinctly-american-spirit

    Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session

    Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.

    Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock

    Bourbon Segment: "Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

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    28 min
  • Chardonnay Rose | S21E2
    Jan 23 2026

    This episode explores the pink mutation of the Chardonnay grape, and why it's now in the pantheon of Champagne's primary grape varieties.

    Resources from this episode:

    Books:

    The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)

    Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013)

    Websites:

    Champagne Education [Comité Champange]: Chardonnay Rose (9 January 2026) https://www.champagne.education/en/chardonnay-rose-champagne

    Comité Champagne: Grape Varieties https://www.champagne.fr/en/about-champagne/a-great-blended-wine/champagne-and-its-grape-varieties

    Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Agro-Alimentaire, et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire: Bulletin Officiel - Cahier des Charges du 07-08-2025 [Cahier des charges de l'appellation d'origine contrôlée "Champagne" homologué par l'arrêté du 31 juillet 2025 (AGRT2518163A)] https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/boagri/document_administratif-677d59b2-d392-4220-9fa3-e65dbc723244

    PIWI International: The "Voltis" grape variety has been approved for the production of Champagne AOC, Rebsorten & Züchtung (21 February 2022) https://piwi-international.org/en/2022/02/grape-variety-voltis-was-released-for-the-production-of-champagne-aoc/

    Wine Business: Pink Chardonnay, a Forgotten Grape Variety that is Regaining its Place in Champagnes Heritage (20 October 2025) https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309480

    Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode:

    S3E3: Wine Caves - Dishing the Dirt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e3-wine-caves-dishing-the-dirt

    S15E2: Champagne Part 2 - Grape to Glass https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/champagne-part-2-grape-to-glass

    S16E3: Belgian Wines (updated) and PIWI Grapes (re-release) https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/belgian-wines-updated-and-piwi-grapes-s16e3-re-release

    Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session

    Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.

    Music:

    "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

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    8 min
  • Sparkling Wines of Limoux | S21 E1
    Jan 9 2026

    This episode explores some of the world's first sparkling wines, their styles, and a little history from the "Soul of Southern France."

    Resources from this episode:

    Books:

    The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)

    Websites:

    Limoux AOC: Les AOP de Limoux https://www.limoux-aoc.com/les-vins#les-vins-aop-de-limoux

    Limoux AOC: Limoux Wines https://www.limoux-aoc.com/en

    Medium: Exploring Echoes: The Birth of Champagne - How Monk Dom Pérignon Didn't Actually Invent It, De Wolfe, A. (6 April 2025), https://medium.com/exploring-echoes/the-birth-of-champagne-how-monk-dom-pérignon-didnt-actually-invent-it-af7cc99fd039

    Provence and Beyond: Saint Hilaire Abbey Collins, R. (2019) https://www.beyond.fr/sites/st-hilaire-abbey.html

    Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode:

    S1E6: Doing the Diois - Clairette de Die Sparkling Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s1e6-doing-the-diois-clairette-de-die-sparkling-wine

    S5E1: A Pét-Nat Chit Chat https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e1-a-pt-nat-chit-chat

    S13E2: American Rosé - The Story of our Red, White and Blush https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/american-ros-the-story-of-our-red-white-and-blush

    S15E2: Champagne Part 2 - Grape to Glass https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/champagne-part-2-grape-to-glass

    Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session

    Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.

    Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

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    11 min
  • The Eggnog Riot of 1826 (re-release)
    Dec 24 2025

    "Get your dirks and bayonets... and pistols if you have them." A quote heard during the Eggnog Riot at West Point on Christmas Eve in 1826.

    This is a quick re-visit of part of the Booze Riots and Rebellions series from Season 7.

    Happy Holidays & Cheers ~

    Resources from this episode:

    Websites:

    Big Think: The Boozy and Violent Story Behind America's Eggnog Riot, Davis, M. (2018) https://bigthink.com/culture-religion/what-was-the-eggnog-riot?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

    How Stuff Works: Ridiculous History - When West Point cadets rioted over eggnog in 1826, Dove, L. L. (2015) https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/ridiculous-history-heres-why-west-point-cadets-rioted-eggnog-1826.htm

    US Army: The Eggnog Riot, Funck, C. S., (2010) https://www.army.mil/article/49823/the_eggnog_riot

    Podcasts:

    Stuff You Missed in History Class: The Eggnog Riot https://www.iheart.com/podcast/stuff-you-missed-in-history-cl-21124503/episode/symhc-classics-eggnog-riot-75374468/

    Related Glass in Session® Episodes:

    S7E3: Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 1: Champagne and Whiskey https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s7e3-booze-riots-and-rebellions-part-1-champagne-whiskey

    S7E4: Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 2: Rum https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s7e4-booze-riots-and-rebellions-part-2-rum

    S7E5: Booze Riots and Rebellions, Part 3: Lager Beer and Eggnog Riots [full episode] https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s7e4-booze-riots-and-rebellions-part-3-lager-beer-and-eggnog-riots

    Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.

    Website: GlassInSession.com

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    8 min
  • A Happy Winter Wonderland Wine: Bugey-Cerdon [Re-Release]
    Dec 11 2025

    This week I spied Santa Claus ... hanging out in a dumpster. I reflected on how something as cynical as identifying with Santa in a Dumpster can be a source of unexpected joy.

    Bugey-Cerdon, to me, is a holiday entertaining essential because of it fun fizz, sweetness, and its ability to rock everything from charcuterie to Christmas cookes. Oh, and the low alcohol is a bonus!

    I hope you enjoy this timely re-relase of this episode on Bugey, a wine region between Jura and Savoie in France, and that you spot the joy in unexpected places.

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    16 min
  • A Tale of Two Wine Cities: Verdicchio from Le Marche | S20E6
    Nov 29 2025

    In this season finale we explore the Verdicchio wines of Le Marche's Jesi and Matelica appellations.

    Resources from this episode:

    Books:

    The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)

    Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013)

    Websites:

    Britannica: Sharecropping https://www.britannica.com/topic/sharecropping

    Do Bianchi: From sharecropper to landowner, an Italian Parable (26 June 2013) Parzen, J. https://dobianchi.com/2013/06/26/italy-sharecropping-mezzadria/

    Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela Vini: Verdicchio https://www.imtdoc.it/verdicchio/

    Italian Wine Central: https://italianwinecentral.com/

    Quattrocalici: Il Vino Nelle Marche - Vitigni, Vino, Enogastronomia https://www.quattrocalici.it/regione/Marche/

    Wine Two Five: Episode 163 - Grape Gab - Getting Geekio with Verdicchio (24 May 2018) https://www.winetwofive.com/episode-163-mays-grape-gab-getting-geekio-with-verdicchio/ (*note: this website will be taken down in January 2026, but this episode and most of the others will remain on the podcast's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@winetwofivepodcast1721)

    Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi: https://www.verdicchiodeicastellidijesi.it/

    Vinous: New Releases from the Marche: Life Beyond Verdicchio? D'Agata, I. (14 February 2018) https://vinous.com/articles/new-releases-from-the-marche-life-beyond-verdicchio-feb-2018

    Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:

    S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes

    S10E5: Montefalco Sagrantino: Wine, Birds, and the King of Everything https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e5-montefalco-sagrantino-wine-birds-the-king-of-everything

    Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session

    Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.

    Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

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    18 min
  • Orvieto: Wine Built this City, Paid Painters, and Bathed Popes | S20E5
    Nov 14 2025

    Orvieto is a clifftop city, a wine region, and a wine culture all its own with a rich history loaded with silly anecdotes. When your host says there's more in a glass of wine than fermented grape juice, she's not kidding, and Orvieto is an excellent example of that.

    Resources from this episode:

    Books:

    The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)

    Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013)

    Websites:

    Antinori: Cervaro della Sala https://www.antinori.it/en/vino/cervaro-della-sala-en/

    Britannica: Orvieto https://www.britannica.com/place/Orvieto

    Consorzio Vino Orvieto: http://www.consorziovinidiorvieto.it

    Italian Wine Central: Orvieto https://italianwinecentral.com/denomination/orvieto-doc/

    Madonna del Latte: https://www.madonnadellatte.it/en/products/item/orvieto-doc

    Orvieto Viva: The History of Orvieto https://www.orvietoviva.com/en/orvieto-history/

    Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:

    S2E2: Behind Botrytis - Beautiful Wines from Ugly Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s2e2-behind-botrytis-beautiful-wines-from-ugly-grapes

    S10E5: Montefalco Sagrantino - Wine, Birds, and the King of Everything https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e5-montefalco-sagrantino-wine-birds-the-king-of-everything

    Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session

    Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.

    Music:

    "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

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    15 min