How is wine culture changing, and what still holds true? Eric Asimov, the long-standing chief wine critic for The New York Times, joins us for a candid conversation to answer these questions. With his signature clarity and cultural insight, Eric brings a rare, unpretentious perspective to the complexities of wine criticism, the industry’s growing pains, and the surprising role of wellness and celebrity in shaping what ends up in our glasses.

We explore the quiet transformation happening in California wine, the tension between wine as a personal experience and a consumer product, and why wine education needs to feel more like an invitation than an exam. Eric unpacks the way media, tech, and generational values are shifting the center of gravity in wine, not always for better, but not always for worse either.

His reflections are rooted in decades of experience, yet they remain open, questioning, and refreshingly grounded. This isn’t about scores or hype. It’s about culture, connection, and the enduring pleasure of a shared bottle.

#EricAsimov #WineCentricShow #WineCulture #WineCriticism #CaliforniaWine #MindfulDrinking #WineAndWellness #WineEducation #WineMedia #WineCommunity

📍 What You’ll Learn:

• Eric Asimov sees himself as an observer of the wine industry, not a part of it.
• Wine criticism can influence sales but is not driven by financial gain.
• The wine industry is a complex network of small businesses.
• California wines are evolving towards more diverse styles.
• Technology has democratized wine discussions and education.
• Celebrity endorsements can spark interest in wine among new audiences.
• Wine should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced lifestyle.
• Cultural events can enhance the wine experience beyond just tasting.
• Wine education should be accessible and engaging, not elitist.
• Personal connections and shared experiences are at the heart of wine enjoyment.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Eric Asimov and His Role in Wine Criticism
02:39 The Distinction Between Wine Critic and Industry
05:04 Criticism and Confrontation in Wine Writing
07:46 The Evolution of Wine Styles and Criticism
10:29 Influential Voices in Wine Criticism
12:47 California Wine: A Shift in Focus
15:24 The Impact of the Internet on Wine Culture
18:12 The Power of Wine Criticism and Its Effects
20:27 Allocation and Accessibility in the Wine Market
29:08 The Economics of Wine Allocation
31:27 Martial Arts and Wine: A Unique Comparison
34:49 Athletes and Celebrity Wines
38:27 The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Wine
42:13 Wine, Hip Hop, and Cultural Crossover
48:37 The Emotional Connection of Wine Experiences

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms
🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com

We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners:

▪️Fearrington House: https://fearrington.com/

▪️Heather Donovan Real Estate: https://heatherdhomes.com/

Backend Tags:

Eric Asimov, wine podcast, wine culture, wine criticism, California wine, celebrity wine brands, wine education, wine and wellness, mindful drinking, wine industry, sommelier podcast, wine journalism, The New York Times wine, wine lifestyle, wine commentary, wine trends, wine media, wine storytelling, modern wine culture, wine influencers

Champagne maker Jérôme Dehours brings a rare blend of tradition and rebellion, redefining what Champagne can be through a lens of integrity, terroir, and deep-rooted family legacy.

After the early loss of his father and the forced sale of the Dehours estate, Jérôme and his sisters reclaimed their family’s land in 1996. From that moment, he began reshaping the estate’s identity, challenging Champagne’s prestige-driven norms and choosing authenticity over convention.

Influenced by Burgundy’s philosophy of place, Jérôme creates “wines that happen to sparkle,” guided not by lab metrics but by instinct, observation, and the expressive character of each vineyard. His commitment to Pinot Meunier, a grape often overshadowed, and his early decision to list lieux-dits on his labels positioned him as a revolutionary voice within Champagne.

Joined by Troy Revell, Wine Director at Fearrington House, this episode also features a rare on-camera tasting, offering a front-row view into how a top sommelier experiences these unapologetically terroir-driven wines.

Jérôme’s approach is both minimalist and intentional: a Coquard basket press, natural fermentation, and malolactic in bottle all contribute to wines that speak clearly of origin, season, and soil.

📍 What You’ll Learn:

• Jerome's journey into winemaking began after his father's passing.
• The Vallée de la Marne is known for its unique terroir.
• Pinot Meunier is often underestimated but has great potential.
• Transitioning from grape grower to winemaker was a significant challenge.
• Single vineyard labeling was a bold move in Champagne.
• Understanding yields is crucial for quality production.
• Traditional pressing techniques impact the final wine quality.
• Aging in large wooden vats adds complexity to the wine.
• The influence of terroir is evident in the wine's character.
• Jerome emphasizes the importance of natural winemaking practices.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms
🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com

We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate.

Backend Tags:

jerome dehours, champagne dehours, grower champagne, pinot meunier champagne, vallée de la marne champagne, lieux dits champagne, natural winemaking, terroir driven wines, burgundian style champagne, champagne wine podcast, wine centric show, artisan champagne, champagne terroir, french wine documentary, independent winemaker, champagne tasting, sommelier interview, wine podcast 2025, champagne with troy revell, champagne philosophy

How does Chateau Musar create a wine so instantly recognizable—vibrant, soulful, unmistakably Musar? In this episode, Marc Hochar takes us inside the family’s collaborative blending process, revealing how each member’s unique palate shapes the final wine. From generational taste differences to the guiding hand of Gaston, the Musar blend is crafted through shared vision, spirited debate, and a reverence for the winery’s heritage.

Unlike wines polished to perfection, Musar embraces vibrancy, quirk, and character—the very traits that define its identity. The result is a blend that reflects continuity, lineage, and the soulful imperfections that make Musar one of Lebanon’s most iconic wineries.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Hochar family maintains consistency while honoring individuality, ensuring every vintage carries forward Musar’s legacy.

📍 What You’ll Learn

• Why Gaston has the final say in the blending process
• How each family member’s palate contributes to the final wine
• How Musar achieves continuity without sacrificing character
• Why vibrancy and quirk are essential to Musar’s style
• How family opinions and collaboration drive blend decisions
• Why “too perfect” is not Musar

🔑 Keywords

Chateau Musar, wine blending, signature style, family tradition, wine tasting, Lebanese wine, Marc Hochar

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into global wine culture
🎧 Listen on YouTube + all podcast platforms
🔗 Full episode + show notes: winecentricshow.com

🙏 Episode Partners

▪️ Fearrington House – https://fearrington.com/
▪️ Heather Donovan Real Estate – https://heatherdhomes.com/
▪️ Conscious Strong – https://go.consciousstrong.com/