
Advertise on podcast: Glass in Session® Winecast
Rating
5from
This podcast has
100 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Val CarusoExplicit
No
Date created
2019/04/03
Latest episode
2026/10/09
Average duration
21 min.
Release period
14 days
Description
Glass in Session® is a wine education podcast hosted by Val Caruso, DWS, CWE, FWS. She's a certified wine educator, lifelong learner, & shameless corkdork. Every 2nd and 4th Friday there will be a new Glass in Session® focusing on a new topic. Val's mission is to educate, entertain, and empower the wine learner, wine lover, or wine curious by seeking out the fun - and sometimes funny - side of wine education.
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The Wine and White Storks of Alsace | S23E3
2026/10/09
An exploration of the rich history of the region, grapes and styles, and what's with the storks?
Resources from this episode:
Websites:
Alsace Saveurs: Crémant d'Alsace: le guide complet du vin effervescent du vignoble alsacien (25 août 2026) https://www.alsace-saveurs.net/blog/cremant-alsace-guide-vin-effervescent/
Britannica: History of Western Australia https://www.britannica.com/place/Western-Australia/History
The Collector: Seven Facts You Need to Know about the History of Alsace, Whipple, M. (11 July 2023) https://www.thecollector.com/7-facts-you-need-to-know-about-the-history-of-the-alsace/
Ebird: White Stork https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/whisto1/cur/introduction
EBSCO: Treaty of Verdun, Jegen, M.E., and Imholte, J.Q. (2022) https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/treaty-verdun
France Today: Spotting the Storks, Alsace's Mascot, McPherson, A. (9 June 2024) https://francetoday.com/travel/spotting-the-storks-alsaces-mascot/
The Good Life: The Storks of Alsace, McPherson, A. (n.d.) https://thegoodlifefrance.com/the-storks-of-alsace/
Hauller: Alsace Wine Through the Ages https://www.hauller.fr/en/alsace-wine-through-the-ages/
Histoire Itinerante: La partition de l'Empire Carolingien (843), matrice du royaume de France et du Saint-Empire! https://histoire-itinerante.fr/cartotheque/traite-verdun-partition-empire-carolingien-843/
INAO: Cahier des Charges de l'Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (Alsace) https://extranet.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/pno-cdc-Alsace-cn250612.pdf
INAO: Cahier des Charges de l'Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (Cremant d'Alsace) https://extranet.inao.gouv.fr/fichier/PNOCDCcremantd-Alsace.pdf
National Geographic: Beloved Storks - Emblems of Fertility Rebounding in France, Wei-Hass, M. (21 July 2015) https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/150721-alsace-france-storks-conservation-birds
Regions of France: Alsace History https://www.regions-of-france.com/regions/alsace/history/
Sip Wander: Munster and Gewürztraminer - The Loudest Wine and Cheese Pairing in France, Thomas (26 June 2026) https://www.sipwander.com/2026/06/26/munster-gewurztraminer-pairing/
Sommelier Academy: Alsace - History https://sommelier-academy.de/topic/alsace-history/
Vins Alsace: https://www.vinsalsace.com
Vineyards: Wine Map Alsace https://vineyards.com/wine-map/france/alsace
Winemasters TV: Alsace Wine Explained. Four noble grapes on a mosaic of soils. https://www.winemasters.tv/pages/alsace-wine-guide-grapes-and-styles
Other Podcasts Mentioned in this Episode:
Wine Scholar Guild: Olivier Humbrecht, MW and Andrew Jefford on Alsace Part 1 https://www.winescholarguild.com/blog/insights-and-opinions/podcast-olivier-humbrecht-mw-and-andrew-jefford-on-alsace-part-1
Wine Scholar Guild: Olivier Humbrecht, MW and Andrew Jefford on Alsace Part 2 https://www.winescholarguild.com/blog/insights-and-opinions/podcast-olivier-humbrecht-mw-and-andrew-jefford-on-alsace-part-2
Wine Two Five: Episode 144 - Alsace Opulence with Cassidy Havens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Pz8saQ6Sc
Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:
S2E2: Behind Botrytis - Beautifual Wines from Ugly Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s2e2-behind-botrytis-beautiful-wines-from-ugly-grapes
S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes
S9E5: Swiss Wine, Sweet Stories https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e5-swiss-wine-sweet-stories
S12E3: Madeira Primer https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/madeira-primer-s12e3
S15E1: Champagne Part 1 - The region, history, and some chalk talk https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/champagne-the-region-history-and-some-chalk-talk
S21E3: Muscat Grape Love https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/muscat-grape-love-s21e3
S23E1: Merlot, the blackbird, and who isn't drinking any fuqing Merlot https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/merlot-the-blackbird-and-who-isnt-drinking-any-fuqing-merlot-s23e1
S23E2: Black Swans, Swan Valley Wine, and a Roman Poet https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/black-swans-swan-valley-wine-and-a-roman-poet-s23e2
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.)
Black Swans, Swan Valley Wine, and a Roman Poet | S23E2
2026/09/25
An exploration of the history of the wine region, the wine styles, and what a Roman poet and Black Swans have to do with any of it.
Resources from this episode:
Websites:
Académie du Vin Library: Swan Diversion - an unsung Australian wine valley, James, A. (2 May 2024) https://academieduvinlibrary.com/blogs/vinosity/swan-diversion-an-unsung-australian-wine-valley
Australian Atlas: Swan Valley https://www.australianatlas.com.au/wine-regions/swan-valley
Australian Wine: Swan District https://www.australianwine.com/our-places/western-australia/swan-district-wine-region
Britannica: History of Western Australia https://www.britannica.com/place/Western-Australia/History
Britannica: Juvenal https://www.britannica.com/biography/Juvenal
Britannica: Swan River https://www.britannica.com/place/Swan-River-Australia
Britannica: Western Australia https://www.britannica.com/place/Western-Australia/People
Ebird: Black Swan https://ebird.org/species/blkswa
Gutenberg: The Satires of Juvenal, Persius, Sulpicia, and Lucilius (Literally translated into English Prose, with notes, chronological tables, arguments, etc.), Evans, L. (1881) https://www.gutenberg.org/files/50657/50657-h/50657-h.htm
Houghton Wines: Our Story https://houghton-wines.com.au/pages/about-us
International Fund for Animal Welfare: Swans https://www.ifaw.org/international/animals/swans
Marketing Mag: A big bloody controversy, McConnell, S. (2016) https://www.marketingmag.com.au/hubs-c/big-bloody-controversy/
Olive Farm Wines: https://www.olivefarmwines.com.au/our-story
Pond Informer: Seven Swan Species and Swan Type (How to Identify) H. R. (14 June 2020) https://pondinformer.com/swan-species-guide/
Swan Valley Wine: History in the Making https://swanvalleywine.com/
Vineyards: Wine Map of Western Australia https://vineyards.com/wine-map/australia/western-australia
Western Australia Now and Then: Swan River (Updated 17 August 2026) https://www.wanowandthen.com/Swan-River.html
Wine Australia: Swan Valley Geographical Indication https://www.wineaustralia.com/labelling/register-of-protected-gis-and-other-terms/geographical-indications/swan-valley
Wine With Seth Wine Wiki: Swan Valley https://www.winewithseth.com/winewiki/swan-valley/
Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:
S6E3: A Sweet, Sticky Story - Rutherglen Fortified Wines https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s6e3-a-sweet-sticky-story-rurtherglen-fortified-wines
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.)
Merlot, the blackbird, and who isn't drinking any fuqing Merlot? | S23E1
2026/09/11
Merlot: Wine's Blackbird Variety an exploration of the history, Merlot in wine regions around the world, the resulting styles, and a grape gab, along with some bird blather. And who isn't drinking any fuqing Merlot?!
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, Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013)
Websites:
Birdspot: Four and Twenty Blackbirds Baked in a Pie https://www.birdspot.co.uk/culture/four-and-twenty-blackbirds-baked-in-a-pie
Cellar Tours: Merlot Grape Variety - Its Rise and Rise, Lawrence, J. (Updated 3 February 2025) https://www.cellartours.com/blog/france/the-rise-and-rise-of-merlot
Château de Tiregand: AOC Pécharmant https://chateau-de-tiregand.com/aoc-pecharmant-2/?lang=en
DO Somontano: Somontano https://dosomontano.com/?lang=en
EBird: Eurasian Blackbird https://ebird.org/species/eurbla?siteLanguage=en_AU&continue
History and Headlines: Merlot Wine - A Quick Guide, Alhazred, A. (Updated 26 July 2025) https://www.historyandheadlines.com/merlot-wine-a-quick-guide/
Markham Vineyards: From Bordeaux to the World https://markhamvineyards.com/the-history-of-merlot/
Napa Valley Wine Academy: Understanding Wine Faults: A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Aromas, Compounds, and Causes https://napavalleywineacademy.com/blogs/pouring-points/understanding-wine-faults-a-comprehensive-guide-to-types-aromas-compounds-and-causes
Nursery Rhymes Collections: Sing a Song of Sixpence https://nurseryrhymescollections.com/songs/sing-a-song-of-sixpence/
Swiss Wine: Ticino Wine Region https://www.swisswine.com/en/swiss-wine-regions/ticino-wine-region
Vins Bergerac Duras: https://www.vins-bergeracduras.fr/en/
Wikiquote: Sideways (23 August 2026) https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Sideways
Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:
S5E5: Grape Brandy Escape https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e5-grape-brandy-escape
S9E5: Swiss Wine, Sweet Stories https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e5-swiss-wine-sweet-stories
S13E2: American Rosé - The Story of our Red, White, and Blush https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/american-ros-the-story-of-our-red-white-and-blush
S13E4: Meritage- An American Blending Story with French Roots https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/meritage-an-american-blending-story-with-french-roots
S17E3: Hungarian Wine - Feasting While Crying https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/hungarian-wine-and-feasting-while-crying-s17e3
S17E4: Romanian Wine, Dracula, Gods and Goddesses: https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/romanian-wine-dracula-gods-and-goddesses
S17E5: Wine from Bulgaria https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-from-bulgaria-s17e5
S17E6: Wine of Moldova https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e5-swiss-wine-sweet-stories
S18E5: Lake Garda - Surrounded by Wine Regions https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/lake-garda-surrounded-by-wine-regions-s18e5
S19E2: Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Wine Regions in Italy https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/trentino-alto-adigesdtirol-wine-regions-in-italy-s19e2
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.)
Malta's Wine, Grapes, and ... the Bird [re-release]
2026/08/28
Originally released Nov 11, 2022
Exploring Malta's wines, the history, grapes, and styles. And what's the bird got to do with any of it?
Resources from this episode:
Books:
Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J., Harding, J. (2015)
Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours, Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013)
Websites:
Around the World in 80 Harvests: Heroic Viticuluture and Wines from Malta and Gozo, Barnes, A. (3 December 2020) https://aroundtheworldin80harvests.com/2020/12/03/heroic-viticulture-the-wines-from-malta-gozo/
Brittanica: Malta, Busuttil, S. (6 October 2022) https://www.britannica.com/place/Malta
CIA World Factbook: Malta - Country Summary (3 October 2022) https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/malta/summaries
Internet Archive: The Maltese Falcon [full movie], Huston, J. (1940) https://archive.org/details/the-maltese-falcon-1941
Malta Products: https://www.maltaproducts.com/product-category/drinks-beverages/maltese-wine/
Michelin Guide: A Roundup of Malta's Wines, (30 December 2020), https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/a-roundup-of-malta-s-wines
National Endowment for the Arts: The Maltese Falcon (24 November 2013) https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/nea-big-read/maltese-falcon
Order of Malta: History https://www.orderofmalta.int/history/
Slo Wine Country: Maltese Wine - A guide to the island's best wines (4 November 2022), Rosamie https://www.slowine.com/maltese-wine-a-guide-to-the-islands-best-wines/
Times of Malta: The Order of St. John's arrival in Malta in 1530, Grima, J. F. (24 October 2021) https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/the-order-of-st-johns-arrival-in-malta-in-1530.909655
Welcome Center Malta: Maltese Terroir - A guide to its history, terroir, and varietals, https://www.welcome-center-malta.com/maltese-wine-a-guide-to-its-history-terroir-and-varietals/
Wines of Malta: https://winesofmalta.gov.mt
Related or Referenced Glass in Session® Episodes:
S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes
S5E2: Getting Medieval - Wine and Holy Warriors https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e2-getting-medieval-wine-and-holy-warriors
S10E3: Getting Our Grappa On https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e3-getting-our-grappa-on
S10E5: Montefalco Sagrantino: Wine, Birds, & the King of Everything https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e5-montefalco-sagrantino-wine-birds-the-king-of-everything
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.)
Montefalco Sagrantino: Wine, Birds, and the King of Everything [re-release]
2026/08/14
Bird nerd meets cork dork in this summer break re-release of Montefalco Sagrantino, a beloved wine named for a king's beloved birds. Since your host is on break this month, most likely engaging in her new kink, bird watching, we're reaching back into the archives for bird-themed episodes that you can enjoy anywhere you find yourself this summer ... even on the back deck with a glass of wine in one hand, and a bird app in the other.
Originally released in July 2022, this episode explores the wines of Montefalco Sagrantino. A unique grape, cool birds, and a special growing region, along with a rich history, make this one of the host's favorite wines.
Resources from this episode:
Books:
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:
Agraria: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG - Atlante dei Prodotti Tipici, (n.d.) https://www.agraria.org/vini/montefalcosagrantino.htm
Biodiversity Library: The Birds of Asia - Saker Falcon, Falco Sacer, Gould, J. (1850 - 1853) https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/partpdf/323332
Consorzio Montefalco: https://www.consorziomontefalco.it/
Forbes: Two Italian CEOs Discuss the Joys and Trial of Taming the Sagrantino Wine Grape in Umbria, Thach, L. (29 June 2022) https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizthach/2022/06/29/two-italian-ceos-discuss-the-joys-and-trials-of-taming-the-sagrantino-wine-grape-in-umbria/?sh=4eb3d26d1292
Italian Wine Central: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, (n.d.) https://italianwinecentral.com/denomination/montefalco-sagrantino-docg/
Italian Wine Chronicle: The Rise of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, Sesto, R. (26 January 2017) https://www.italianwinechronicle.com/rise-montefalco-sagrantino-docg
The Pasta Project: Strozzapreti, Debono, J. (8 March 2017) https://www.the-pasta-project.com/strozzapreti/
Sagrantino di Montefalco: Montefalco - La Ringhiera dell'Umbria (n.d.) https://www.sagrantino-montefalco.it/montefalco.php
Strada Del Sagrantino: Vini http://www.stradadelsagrantino.it/montefalco-sagrantino-docg.php
Glass in Session® Episodes Mentioned in this Session:
S3E4: Wine from Dried Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e4-wine-from-dried-grapes
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.)
Glass in Session® merch mentioned on this show (including new wine & bird themes): https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session
Arak: The Spirit of Distillation and History | S22E6
2026/07/24
In this episode we explore the history of the alembic pot still and distillation on our way to discovering Arak, an anise-flavored spirit from the Middle East, which most likely inspired your favorite anise tipple.
Resources from this episode:
Books:
The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022)
Websites:
Atlas Obscura: Thank These Master Alchemists for the Magic of Alcohol, Eubank, A. (12 February 2018) https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/distillation-alcohol-invention-muslim
Britannica: Arak, Payne, L. https://www.britannica.com/topic/arak-beverage
Dharma Dispatch: Bengali Arrack and Bouleponge - A Glimpse into the Savage Lifestyle of European Naval Merchants and their Crew in the 17th Century Mughal Empire, Balakrishna, S. (26 January 2022) https://www.dharmadispatch.in/bengali-arrack-and-bouleponge-a-glimpse-into-the-savage-lifestyle-of-european-naval-merchants-and-their-crew-in-the-17th-century-mughal-empire/
Difford's Guide: Arrack, Difford, S. and Sutcliffe, T. (n.d.) https://www.diffordsguide.com/beer-wine-spirits/category/949/batavia-arrack
Liquor: How to Use Arak in Your Cocktails, Dingwall, K. (14 September 2022) https://www.liquor.com/arak-in-cocktails-6666222
RTL Today: Raisin moonshine banned in Iran enjoys resurgence in New York (2 May 2026) https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/raisin-moonshine-banned-in-iran-enjoys-resurgence-in-new-york-443728357
The Spruce Eats: What is Arak? A Guide to Buying and Drinking Arak, Fayed, S. (Updated 20 January 2023) https://www.thespruceeats.com/arak-middle-eastern-alcoholic-beverage-2355492
Tasting Table: The Cultural Significance Behind Arak, A Timeless Levantine Drink, Holland, J. (10 July 2023) https://www.tastingtable.com/1330174/cultural-significance-arak-levantine-drink/
This Week in Palestine: Distilled Spirits an Arab Invention, Muaddi, N. (n.d.) https://thisweekinpalestine.com/distilled-spirits-an-arab-invention/
Wine Enthusiast: Understanding Arak, an Ancient Spirit with Modern Appeal, Teclemariam, T. (Updated 8 May 2023) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/spirits/arak-middle-eastern-spirit-modern-appeal/
Wooden Cork: What is Arak? A Comprehensive Guide to this Unique Spirit (17 July 2024) https://woodencork.com/blogs/uncorked/what-is-arak-a-comprehensive-guide-to-this-unique-spirit
Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in or Related to This Episode:
S8E4: Let's Absinthe https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e4-lets-absinthe
S10E3: Getting our Grappa On https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e3-getting-our-grappa-on
S12E4: Rum - King of Booty? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/rum-king-of-booty-s12e4
S15E6: Parlez-vous Pastis? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/parlez-vous-pastis-s15e6
S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising
S22E4: Amenian Wine - Of caves, mountains, wars, and resilience https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/armenian-wine-of-caves-mountains-wars-and-resilience-s22e4
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.)
Once upon a Wine Grape Iran | S22E5
2026/07/10
An exploration of the rich history and culture of wine and grape-growing in Iran, the regions, and the hope that the Iranian diaspora offers us … in a glass.
Resources from this episode:
Books:
The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)
Papers:
Grapes Production in Afghanistan, Khasrow, A. (January 2016) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289999498_Grapes_production_in_Afghanistan/link/569429ba08ae820ff072b7fe/download
Websites:
Britannica: Achaemenid Empire, Young, T. C. (22 May 2026) https://www.britannica.com/topic/Achaemenian-Empire/Imperial-culture-and-governance
Classical Wisdom: Wine as pharmakon: Persian drinking in the Histories, McLaverty, R. (7 October 2020) https://classicalwisdom.com/symposium/wine-as-pharmakon-persian-drinking-in-the-histories/
Country Reports: The Achaemenid Persian Empire - the First Great World Empire https://www.countryreports.org/articles/the-achaemenid-persian-empire
Darioush: https://www.darioush.com/
Encyclopaedia Iranica: Angūr, Hanaway, W.L., E Planhol, X., and Bazin, M. (14 August 2018). https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/angur-grapes/
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Grape Production System in Jowzan Valley, Iran (2018) https://www.fao.org/giahs/giahs-around-the-world/iran-grape-production-system/en
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Sites in Iran and Italy designated as FAO globally important agricultural heritage sites (30 November 2018) https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/Sites-in-Iran-and-Italy-designated-FAO-globally-important-agricultural-heritage-sites/en
Forbes: The Story Behind an Oregon Pinot Noir Made by an Iranian Immigrant, Bell, K. K. (updated 31 May 2017) https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2017/05/28/the-story-behind-an-oregon-pinot-noir-made-by-an-iranian-immigrant/
Iran Daily: Iran among major exporters of grapes, raisins in the world, Dehqan, S. (24 July 2023) https://newspaper.irandaily.ir/7347/1/3726
Iran Doostan Tours: Achaemenid Empire (Map, Flag, Pronunciation, Facts), Shidfar, N. (13 March 2024) https://irandoostan.com/achaemenid-empire/
Jancis Robinson: Iranian winemaking in exile, Currin, T. (29 November 2023) https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/iranian-winemaking-exile
Keush: https://keush.com/
History Today: The Origin of the Whirling Dervishes, Fremantle, A. (5 May 1976) https://www.historytoday.com/archive/whirling-dervishes
The Legal Guide: Can You Legally Drink Alcohol in Iran (1 November 2025) https://thelegalguide.org/can-you-legally-drink-alcohol-iran/
Linked In: History of wine or alcoholic drinks in Iran, Palizma (11 March 2024) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-wine-alcoholic-drinks-iran-palizmacom-o5pwf/
Maysara: https://www.maysara.com/
Molana Wines: A profound journey of discovery https://molanawines.com/story/
Sun and Soil: Iranian Wine - The birthplace of viticulture, the 40-year silence, and the return of Persian wine (8 June 2026) https://sunandsoilshop.com/blogs/news/iranian-wine-guide
This Day in Wine History: Thus Drank Zarathustra - Zoroastrianism and wine Culture in Ancient Persia (updated 28 February 2024) https://thisdayinwinehistory.com/thus-drank-zarathustra-zoroastrianism-and-wine-culture-in-ancient-persia/
Tokba: Iran's Export Grape and its Popularity (8 March 2023) https://tokba.com/irans-export-grape-and-its-popularity/
University of Chicago - Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia and North Africa: Persepolis Fortification Archive https://isac.uchicago.edu/research/projects/persepolis-fortification-archive
Vinerra: Discovering Rasheh Wine - A Journey Through Iran's Unique Vintage https://www.vinerra.com/education/wines/discovering-rasheh-wine-a-journey-through-irans-unique-vintage
World Atlas: Iran https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/iran
World of Fine Wine: Wine in history: Shiraz, Syrah, and Shirazi, Walton, S. (20 November 2025) https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/shiraz-syrah-shirazi-persia-iran-wine
World History: Tushpa, Cartwright, M. https://www.worldhistory.org/Tushpa/
Videos:
Somm TV: Cup of Salvation [documentary] (2023) https://tubitv.com/movies/100033083/somm-cup-of-salvation
Glass in Session Episodes Related to this Episode:
S8E3: Once Upon a Wine Grape in Afghanistan https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s8e3-once-upon-a-wine-grape-in-afghanistan
S10E4: Wines of Ukraine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e4-wines-of-ukraine-yesterday-today-and-a-hopeful-tomorrow
S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising
S22E3: Wine in Albania - In the spirit of eagles … and flamigos? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-albania-in-the-spirit-of-eagles-and-flamingos-s22e3
S22E4: Amenian Wine - Of caves, mountains, wars, and resilience https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/armenian-wine-of-caves-mountains-wars-and-resilience-s22e4
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.)
American Rosé: The Story of our Red, White, and Blush [Rebroadcast for America's 250th]
2026/07/04
[originally aired May 26, 2023]
This episode explores the history of American rosé wine culture and the events that led to the blush rush of the last three decades of the 20th century.
When is it blush, when is it rosé?
We tackle these questions in this story of America's pink kink or crush on the blush.
Resources from this episode:
Books:
Exploring Wine, 3rd Edition, Kolpan, S. Smith, B., and Weiss, M. [The Culinary Institute of America] (2010)
Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015)
Rosé: A Guide to the World's Most Versatile Wine, Morgan, J.(2005)
Rosé Wine: The Guide to Drinking Pink, Simontetti-Bryan, J. (2017)
Websites:
Lodi Wine Commission: The Mystery of Zinfandel, Part 2 - The Long Strange Trip from Somewhere, Caparoso, R. (29 October 2013) https://www.lodiwine.com/index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogEntryID=657B5FB6-9AC5-B1B2-7171-E8506853BD2E
Los Angeles Magazine: A Brief History of White Zin - Why the wine that aficionados love to hate is making a comeback, Snyder, G.(16 July 2014) https://www.lamag.com/liquidlablog/a-brief-history-of-white-zin/
National Archives and Records Administration [Code of Federal Regulations]: Wine Laws, Regulations and Public Guidance - Title 27, Chapter I, Subchapter A, Part 4, Subpart C, § 4.21 The standards of identity (last amended 24 March 2023) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-4/subpart-C/section-4.21
Trinchero Family Estates: The American Dream in Napa Valley https://www.tfewines.com/about-us/
Vinepair: Your Guide to Blush Wine Which Isn't Rosé But Kind of Is, Beavers, K., (20 June 2016) https://vinepair.com/wine-geekly/your-guide-to-blush-wine-which-isnt-rose-but-kind-of-is/
Wine History Project: Wine History By Decade - 1860s, Agran, L. (8 July 2019) https://winehistoryproject.org/wine-history-by-decade-1860s/
Wine Spectator: Ask Dr. Vinny - Where does the term "blush" wine come from? (9 November 2016) https://origin.winespectator.com/articles/origin-of-blush-wine-vinny-54063
Podcasts:
Wine Two Five Episode 54 (21 April 2016) Where Wine Takes Us - Barry Wiss from Trinchero Family Estates https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-wine-takes-us-barry-wiss-from-trinchero-family/id986650051?i=1000367276787
Wine Two Five Episode 52 (7 April 2016) Enter the Zin https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enter-the-zin/id986650051?i=1000366397606
Glass in Session® Episodes Related to this Session:
S1E3: Rosato - Wading into the Italian Pink https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s1e3-rosato-wading-into-the-italian-pink
S1E4: Tavel at my Memory Palace's Table https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s1e4-tavel-at-my-memory-palaces-table
S12E6: Croatia Corkdorkery https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/croatia-corkdorkery-s12e6
S13E1: American Sparkling Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/american-sparkling-wine-s13e1
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.)
Armenian Wine: Of caves, mountains, wars, and resilience | S22E4
2026/06/26
An exploration of Armenia's wine from an ancient cave, to a mountain, through wars and occupations to the present, and how events over millennia are fermented and aged into something beautiful that tells its story in the glass today.
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:
Absolute Armenia: Areni-1 Cave: How to Visit the World's Oldest Winery (+ Tips), Varanyan, A. (Updated 11 September 2025) https://absolutearmenia.com/areni-1-cave-winery/
AP News: Turkey removes a restriction on direct trade with Armenia to improve ties (updated 13 May 2026) https://apnews.com/article/turkey-armenia-trade-restriction-lifted-c09e5d21617d45e524268eea1a2ff70b
Areni Cave: Areni-1 Cave: https://www.arenicave.am/en
The Armenia Project: Wine https://www.armeniaproject.org/wine
Britannica: Armenia https://www.britannica.com/place/Armenia
Caucasus Watch: EU Says Armenians Chose Europe and Peace, Pledges More Support Amid Russian Trade Curbs (19 June 2026) https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/eu-says-armenians-chose-europe-and-peace-pledges-more-support-amid-russian-trade-curbs.html
Caucasus Watch Iran's Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami on Armenia-Iran Relations, TRIPP, and Regional Security (22 June 2026) https://caucasuswatch.de/en/interviews/irans-ambassador-khalil-shirgholami-on-armenia-iran-relations-tripp-and-regional-security.html
Eat This Tours: Armenian Wine - Everything You Need to Know Before You Go, https://eatthistours.com/armenian-wine-everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-go/
Eurovision: Eurovision Young Musicians 2026 - All You Need to Know (1 June 2026) https://www.eurovision.com/stories/eurovision-young-musicians-2026-all-you-need-to-know/
Hatis: Areni Cave https://www.hatis.am/en/areni-cave
Karas Wines: Armenian Winemaking Regions https://karaswines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Scrolled_Website_030222.pdf
Keush: https://keush.com/
The Moscow Times: From Cognac to Apricots - These Armenian Products Are Now Off-Limits in Russia (3 June 2026) https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/03/from-cognac-to-apricots-these-armenian-products-are-now-off-limits-in-russia-a92912
Punch: One Winemaker's Fight to Preserve Armenian Wine, Sauers, C. (15 January 2025) https://punchdrink.com/articles/armenia-wine-kataro/
Support Armenian: Armenian Wine: 6,000 Years of History in Every Glass (14 April 2026) https://www.supportarmenian.com/blog/armenian-wine-6000-year-history
Vinography: Kingom of Wine - Drinking the Past, Present, and Future in Armenia, Yarrow, A. (17 April 2025) https://www.vinography.com/2025/04/kingdom-of-wine-drinking-the-past-present-and-future-in-armenia
Wine Enthusiast: 9 Grapes to Help You Understand Armenian Wine, Kingwall, K. (11January 2024) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/grapes-101/armenian-wine-grapes/
Wine Enthusiast: A Guide to Armenia, One of the World's Oldest Wine Regions, Mowery, L. (8 May 2023) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/region-rundown/armenia-wine-guide-grapes-regions/?customer_id=812-391-9340&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=6514397729&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwvKtBhDrARIsAJj-kTgD9btcvPBBef9shniv9UFmLuKo7f1Zely1HxYt9IPfIRrsaT7uyMkaAjIHEALw_wcB
Wine Enthusiast: As Uncertainty Still Looms Over Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia's Wine Industry Hangs in the Balance, Mazzeo, J. (23 April 2024) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/nagorno-karabakh-wine-armenia-war/
Wine Enthusiast: In Armenia, a Wine Renaissance Takes Root Against Odds [podcast transcript], Kettmann, M. (6 March 2024) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/armenian-wine-renaissance/
Wine Travel Awards: Areni -1 Cave: the Oldest Full-fledged Winery in the World https://winetravelawards.com/stories-of-the-nominees/areni-1-cave-the-oldest-full-fledged-winery-in-the-world/
World Atlas: Armenia https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/armenia
World History: Tushpa, Cartwright, M. https://www.worldhistory.org/Tushpa/
World History: Urartu, Cartwright, M. https://www.worldhistory.org/Urartu_Civilization/
WSET Global: A guide to Armenian Wines (9 February 2026) https://www.wsetglobal.com/knowledge-centre/blog/2026/a-guide-to-armenian-wines
Yerevan Wine Days: https://www.yerewinedays.am/en/?doing_wp_cron=1782490923.3031840324401855468750
Videos:
Somm TV: Cup of Salvation [documentary] (2023) https://tubitv.com/movies/100033083/somm-cup-of-salvation
Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET): Introduction to Armenian Wines
Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:
S3E3: Wine Caves - Dishing the Dirt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e3-wine-caves-dishing-the-dirt
S8E3: Once Upon a Wine Grape in Afghanistan https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s8e3-once-upon-a-wine-grape-in-afghanistan
S10E4: Wines of Ukraine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e4-wines-of-ukraine-yesterday-today-and-a-hopeful-tomorrow
S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising
S22E3: Wine in Albania - In the spirit of eagles … and flamigos? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-albania-in-the-spirit-of-eagles-and-flamingos-s22e3
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.)
Wine in Albania: In the spirit of eagles ... and flamingos? | S22E3
2026/06/12
An exploration of the history, grapes, and styles of Albanian wine. And what do eagles and flamingos have to do with any of it?
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:
Albanian Blogger: Albania's Path to the EU - Where Things Stand in 2026, Plaku, E. (20 April 2026) https://albanianblogger.com/albania-eu-accession-path-2026/
Albania Secrets: Albanian Wines - A Journey Through Traditions and Terroir (n.d.) https://albaniasecrets.com/albanian-wines/
Britannica: Albania https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/Land
EU Insider: Albania Enters Final Phase of EU Accession Talks as Montenegro Targets 2028 Membership (28 May 2026) https://www.euinsider.eu/news/eu-enlargement-albania-final-phase-montenegro-treaty-2026
Falstaff: Albania's World Wine Heritage (30 August 2022) https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/albanias-world-wine-heritage
The. Flamingo Revolution: A grassroots, Gen Z-let uprising against a multi-billion-dollar Kushner-linked luxury resort on Albania's protected Vjosa-Narta wetlands. https://theflamingorevolution.com/
France 24: Albania TikTok ban violated free speech, court rules (11 March 2026) https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260311-albania-tiktok-ban-violated-free-speech-court-rules
Forbes: Why Jared and Ivanka's Island Project Could Ruin Albania's Bid to Join EU, Durkee, A. (9 June 2026) https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2026/06/09/why-jared-and-ivankas-island-project-could-ruin-albanias-bid-to-join-eu/
Georank: Largest Countries by Land Area - Ranked by Size (Updated 20 April 2026) https://georank.org/size
The Guardian: 'The birds will fly away' - Can Albania's flamingo revolution keep its wetlands free from Trumps and tourists? Niranjan, A. (12 June 2026) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/12/albania-flamingos-wetlands-trump-tourists
Himara: Albanian Wine - Grapes, Regions, and Where to Taste (14 March 2026) https://himara.net/blog/albanian-wine-guide
National Albanian Registry: Albanian Raki - A Cultural Guide to the National Spirit, Zhulati, E. (1May 2026) https://albanianregistry.org/blog/albanian-raki
National Albanian Registry: What Does Shqip Mean? The Etymology of Albania's Self-Name, Zhulati, E. (17 May 2026) https://albanianregistry.org/blog/shqip-meaning
Politico: EU warns Albania over Kushner-linked project, Weizman, J. (7 June 2026) https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-warns-albania-membership-bid-jared-kushner-project-protests/
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Tehran and Tirana Brawl Amid Flamingo Revolution, RFE/RL's Kosovo Service (11 June 2026) https://www.rferl.org/a/tehran-tirana-flamingo-revolution-kushner/33778450.html
The Quirky Cork: Albania - A New Wine Frontier, Lemieux, A. (15 January 2025) https://thequirkycork.com/albania-a-new-wine-frontier/
SevenFifty Daily: What You Need to Know About Albanian Wine, Maxwell, S. (2 August 2023) https://daily.sevenfifty.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-albanian-wine/
Uka Wine: Everything You Need to Know About Albanian Wine (1 December 2023) https://ukawine.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-albanian-wine/
Wines of Albania: Grapes https://www.winesofalbania.com/grapes/
World Atlas: Albania https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/albania
Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:
S22E2: Wine in Poland - What the Little Ice Age Taketh Away Climate Change Giveth Back https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-poland-what-the-little-ice-age-taketh-away-climate-change-giveth-back
S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising
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.)
Wine in Poland: What the Little Ice Age Taketh Away Climate Change Giveth Back | S22E2
2026/05/22
This episode explores Poland's wine history, regions, grapes, and potential as a wine region on the rise. What the Little Ice Age taketh away, Climate Change giveth back.
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)
Journals:
Maciejczak, Mariusz & Mikiciuk, Jakub. (2018). Climate change impact on viticulture in Poland. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management. 11. 10.1108/IJCCSM-02-2018-0021. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328481231_Climate_change_impact_on_viticulture_in_Poland
Websites:
Britannica: Little Ice Age (LIA), Jackson, S.T., (12 May 2026) https://www.britannica.com/science/Little-Ice-Age
Grape Collective: Wine in Poland, Kuderski, A. (17 November 2016) https://www.grapecollective.com/wine-in-poland/
Falstaff: Polish Wine - The next big thing, Bońkowski, W. (4 May 2023) https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/polish-wine-the-next-big-thing
Polish Wine: Are there Wine Appellations in Poland? Gatecki, M. (1 May 2025) https://polish.wine/are-there-wine-appellations-in-poland/
Notes from Poland: Whites and reds: why Polish winemaking is thriving again, Wrońska, I. (19 November. 2021) https://notesfrompoland.com/2021/11/19/whites-and-reds-a-guide-to-polish-wine/
Velo Vino: Polish Grapes from A to Z, Shevela, N. (2 March 2023) https://www.velowino.pl/en/blog/polish-grapes-from-a-to-z/
Velo Vino: Radiant Renaissance of Polish Wine, Shevela, N. (11 February 2023) https://www.velowino.pl/en/blog/polish-wine-regions/
World Atlas: Poland https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/poland
Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:
S2E4: Orange (Amber) Wines https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s2e4-orange-amber-wines
S5E1: A Pét-Nat Chit-Chat https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e1-a-pt-nat-chit-chat
S9E6: Vodka Wars, Empires, and Culture https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e6-vodka-wars-empires-and-culutre
S10E4: Wines of Ukraine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e4-wines-of-ukraine-yesterday-today-and-a-hopeful-tomorrow
S16E1: Austrian and German Sekt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/austrian-and-german-sekt-s16e1
S16E3 (Re-release) Belgian Wines (updated) and Piwi Grapes https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/belgian-wines-updated-and-piwi-grapes-s16e3-re-release
S17E1: Wine of the Czech Republic https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-of-the-czech-republic
S17E2: Wine of the Slovak Republic: https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-of-the-slovak-republic-s17e2
S17E3: Hungarian Wine and Feasting While Crying https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/hungarian-wine-and-feasting-while-crying-s17e3
S21E3: Muscat Grape Love https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/muscat-grape-love-s21e3
S17E5: Wine from Bulgaria https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-from-bulgaria-s17e5
Link to my new audiobook narration on audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0GZ89935Y/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWU-BK-ACX0-509956&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_509956_pd_us
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.)
Wine in Lebanon: Wine, War, & Rising | S22E1
2026/05/08
Thousands of years of wine history and culture, covering everything from boiled sea snails to Roman Temples, religious influence to vineyard bombings, we arrive at one of the most emotionally resonant wines on the planet that embody courage and the resilience of the human spirit.
Resources from this episode:
Books:
Chateau Musar: The Story of a Wine Icon, Academie du Vin Library, Keevil, S. (2020)
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:
Agenda Culturel: Lebanon Wine Map (2020) https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/213dd374/files/uploaded/wineries-map-web.pdf
Britannica: Baalbek https://www.britannica.com/place/Baalbeck
Britannica: Lebanon https://www.britannica.com/place/Lebanon/Lebanon-in-the-Middle-Ages
Britannica: Tyre https://www.britannica.com/place/Tyre
Chateau Kefraya: https://chateaukefraya.com/en/kefraya
Chateau Ksara: Merwah https://shop.chateauksara.com/product/merwah/
Chateau Musar: https://chateaumusar.com/
Chateau Musar: The Story of a Wine Icon https://chateaumusar.com/chateau-musar-the-story-of-a-wine-icon/
Coteaux du Liban: Obeideh https://www.coteauxduliban.com/wines/obeideh
Decanter: Torrid times for winemakers in the Middle East - Decanter speaks to producers in Lebanon and Israel about how their day-to-day life and work has been affected by conflict in the region, Kochan, N. (Updated 9 October 2024) https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/torrid-times-for-winemakers-in-the-middle-east-540466/
Domaine des Tourelles: About the Winery https://www.domainedestourelles.com/pages/a-love-story-since-1868
Eater: We Should All Be Drinking More Lebanese Wine - How an why we tali about it, though needs to change, Berrou, F. (27 April 2021) https://www.eater.com/22369382/lebanese-wine-history-drinking
Executive Magazine; Lebanon must learn from New World wines' successes, Kahale, H. (10 October 2019) https://www.executive-magazine.com/special-report/lebanon-must-learn-from-new-world-wines-successes
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Lebanon: Agricultural damage and loss assessment on the impact of conflict (2025) https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/8cc256b6-f2c9-4667-8c5d-f66102ddd6d9/content
Food Republic: What is Arak, The Trendy Middle Eastern Liquor? Sands, C. (1 August 2023) https://www.foodrepublic.com/1352851/what-is-arak-trendy-middle-eastern-liquor/
Institut National de la Vigne et du Vin (INVV): http://invv-lb.org/
Lamma: Guide to Lebanese Arak https://www.bylamma.com/arak-guide
Libanon Weine: Lebanese Wine Regions Map https://libanonweine.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Lebanon-Wine-Regions.jpg
L'Orient-LeJour: Les années libanaises de Charles de Gaulle, Goursaud, L. (18 June 2024) https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1417567/les-annees-libanaises-de-charles-de-gaulle.html
L'Orient Today: In the Vineyards of Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa, 'War is not over,' Gemayel, F. & Goursoud, L. (8 September 2025) https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1476530/in-the-vineyards-of-southern-lebanon-and-the-bekaa-war-is-not-over.html
The New Arab: 'Our Identity, Heritage, and History': The Damaged Lebanese wineries reclaiming their legacy after Israel's war, Rayday, R. (4 December 2024) https://www.newarab.com/features/damaged-lebanese-wineries-reclaiming-their-legacy-after-war
Organisation International de la Vigne et du Vin (OIV) Lebanon's viniviticultural sector in the spotlight (28 September 2018) https://www.oiv.int/lebanons-vitivinicultural-sector-in-the-spotlight
Roman Empire Times: Born in the Purple: The Imperial Color of the Roman Empire, Athanasiou, C. (17 September 2024) https://romanempiretimes.com/born-in-the-purple-imperial-color-roman-empire/
Seven Fifty Daily: Exploring the World of Lebanese Wine - Beyond Chageau Musar, Magrini, C.S. (28 February 2022) https://daily.sevenfifty.com/exploring-the-world-of-lebanese-wine-beyond-chateau-musar/
Union Vinicole du Liban https://www.lebanonwines.com/
World Atlas: All 195 Countries Ranked By Total Area (Smallest To Largest) https://www.worldatlas.com/geography/the-smallest-countries-in-the-world.html#h_3361032045781699280567109
Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in this Episode:
S12E2: Algerian Wine Then and Now https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/algerian-wine-then-now-s12e2
S11E4: Corsican Wine, Grapes, History … and a Grave with Goblets! https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s11e4-corsican-wine-grapes-history-and-a-grave-with-goblets
S8E5: Wines of Cyprus, Kings, and Commandaria https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e5-wines-of-cyprus-kings-and-commandaria
S8E4: Let's Absinthe https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e4-lets-absinthe
S5E6: Wines of Israel and Giving Thanks https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s5e6-wines-of-israel-and-giving-thanks
Link to my new audiobook narration on audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0GZ89935Y/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWU-BK-ACX0-509956&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_509956_pd_us
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.)
Vodka: Wars, Empires, and Culture (wars) [Re-Release]
2026/04/24
[Originally Released: 25 March 2022]
Vodka: What it is, where it's from, its role in the rise and fall of empires and … barbarians? Again?
This episode is especially relevant to current events, and hopes to elucidate otherwise confusing issues around boycotting Russian Vodka: it has history, scandal, and irresistible international intrigue, especially considering the host isn't even a fan of the neutral spirit itself.
Resources from this episode:
Books:
Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide, Nickles, J. (2020)
Grossman's Guide to Wines Beers, and Spirits (7th Edition) Grossman, H., (Revised by Harriett Lembeck), (1983)
The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022)
Websites:
CNN Business: States want to boycott Russian vodka: Here's why that won't work, Valinsky, J. (27 February 2022) https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/27/business/russian-vodka-boycotts/index.html
Eater: The Empty Politics of Stoli's name change, Saxena, J. (7 March 2022) https://www.eater.com/2022/3/7/22965518/stoli-vodka-made-latvia-russian-name-change-stolichnaya
Forbes: Ditching Russian Vodka? Here's where other favorite vodkas are produced, Micallef, J.V. (26 February 2022) https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2022/02/26/ditching-russian-vodka-heres--where-your-favorite-vodkas-are-made/?sh=392f30382350
Russia Beyond: What's the Story Behind the Iconic Stolichnaya Vodka Brand? Zubacheva, K. (4 February 2020)
https://www.rbth.com/history/331637-stolichnaya-vodka-history
Stoli Group: Stoli Group Denounces Russian Aggression and Shares History of Opposition https://stoli.com/
Time: Tsar Nicholas II thought vodka was hurting Russians - but banning it helped destroy his empire, Schrad, M. L. (20 July 2021) https://time.com/6082058/russian-revolution-vodka/
Wine, Wit, and Wisdom - The Official Blog of the Society of Wine Educators: New for Norway - Norsk Vodka and Norsk Akavit PGI, Nickles, J.. (6 February 2020) https://winewitandwisdomswe.com/2020/02/06/new-for-norway-norsk-vodka-and-norsk-akvavit-pgi/
Glass in Session® Episodes Mentioned in this Session:
S9E4:The Silk Roads Lead to Samarkand & Uzbek Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e4-the-silk-roads-lead-to-samarkand-uzbek-wine
S9E2: Whisky, Burns Night, and … Beerhenge? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s9e2-whisky-burns-night-and-beerhenge
S8E3: Once Upon a Wine Grape in Afghanistan https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e3-once-upon-a-wine-grape-in-afghanistan
Glass in Session® merch mentioned on 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.)
Orange / Amber Wines [Re-Release]
2026/04/10
(Originally released Oct 25, 2019)
This orange (amber) wine episode discusses winemaking, the origins of the style, and what makes them unique. They aren't red wines, despite skin maceration and fermentation. They aren't white wines, despite being made with white grapes. And they are not rose' wines. They are their own thing, and are the subject of much more press and literature than a decade ago.
Resources from this episode:
Books:
Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition [Kindle Edition], Robinson (2015)
Uncorking the Caucases: Wines from Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia, Horkey & Tan, (2016)
Understanding Wine Technology: The science of wine explained, 3rd Edition, Bird, (2010)
The Wine Bible, 2nd Edition, MacNeil (2015)
Websites:
Early Neolithic Wine of Georgia in the South Caucasus (McGovern, Jalabadze, Batiuk et al.) https://www.pnas.org/content/114/48/E10309
Georgian Wines: Older and wiser (Jefford) https://www.ft.com/content/7307e952-f50b-11e2-b4f8-00144feabdc0
Gravner https://www.gravner.it/
Wakawaka Wine Reviews https://wakawakawinereviews.com/2012/02/20/understanding-orange-wines-2-georgian-amber-wines-pheasants-tears-rkatsiteli-vinoterra-kisi/
Wines Georgia https://www.winesgeorgia.com
Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session
Glass in session® is a production and registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.
Music: Addict Sound - Happy Acoustic - (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)
Wine (and other booze) in Space: Why, how, and some unexpected weirdness | S21E6
2026/03/27
Why did researchers send wine to space? Why is wine normally not allowed in space? Why did astronauts smuggle hooch into space anyway? We answer all these questions and more, address wet burps, a toilet tea party, and bring it home with how to smuggle cognac into space in this Season 21 Finale of the Glass in Session® Winecast.
Resources from this episode:
Websites:
BBC: Why astronauts are banned from getting drunk in space, Lufkin, B. (20 February 2017) https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170217-why-astronauts-are-banned-from-getting-drunk-in-space
Business Insider: Astronauts are banned from drinking alcohol at work, but this hasn't stopped them from sneaking everything from communion wine to cognac into space, Bhaimiya S. (23 August 2023) https://www.businessinsider.com/space-astronauts-booze-alcohol-drank-ban-examples-2023-8
Cordis Europa: What does fine wine taste like after more than a year in space? (Updated 8 April 2021) https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/429608-trending-science-what-does-fine-wine-taste-like-after-more-than-a-year-in-space
Decanter: Petrus Revealed as Wine Aged in Space, Mercer, C. (Updated 25 March 2021) https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/petrus-wine-space-research-project-455239/
Financial Times: Space Wine: What a trip to the stars did for a case of Petrus, Anson, J. (7 April 2021) https://www.ft.com/content/39c6ae7f-d2c8-4584-bac1-bb270c26cf2b
London Daily: (27 March 2026) https://londondaily.com/french-wine-that-spent-more-than-a-year-in-orbit-on-international-space-station-could-fetch-1m-at-auction
NASA: Meteors and Meteorites Facts https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/facts/
New Scientist: Beer in Space: A short but frothy history, Davidson, A. (31 July 2007) https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12388-beer-in-space-a-short-but-frothy-history/
Russia Beyond: Space Smugglers: How Russian cosmonauts sneak booze into outer space, Levkovich, Y. (12 April 2017) https://www.rbth.com/science_and_tech/2017/04/12/space-smugglers-how-russian-cosmonauts-sneak-booze-into-outer-space_740566
Space.com: Red wine in space may age faster than on Earth, study finds, Weitering, H. (5 May 2021) https://www.space.com/red-wine-in-space-aged-faster
Other Podcasts Relevant to this Episode:
Jane Anson: Inside Bordeaux Podcasts https://janeanson.com/podcasts
Wine Scholar Guild: Mastering Bordeaux … A Primer with Jane Anson (23 March 2018) https://www.winescholarguild.com/blog/wine-culture/podcast-jane-anson-andrew-jefford-on-bordeaux
Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode:
S3E5: Wine and Oxygen from Grapes to Glass https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e5-wine-oxygen-from-grapes-to-glass
S21E4: Booze Disasters https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/booze-disasters-s21e4
S21E5: Little Red Riding Hood's Wine - Fairy Tale Turned Drunk History? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/little-red-riding-hoods-wine-fairy-tale-turned-drunk-history-s21e5
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.)
Podcast reviews
Read Glass in Session® Winecast podcast reviews
laura392 2023/03/12
Learn so much
Love this podcast I listen during my lunch break I came upon it accidentally but so happy I found it
Alexstrath1 2021/08/02
Thank you for your service and for an amazing show
This is THE podcast for wine education. Val is an uplifting wine educator who you can tell, does this for the love of wine. Highly recommend!
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