Ep 141

What if the most common belief about wine headaches is actually one of the biggest myths in the entire wine world?

This is the first episode in a new mini series where I unpack some of the biggest wine myths and separate fact from fiction. In this episode, I’m breaking down the long-standing assumption that sulfites in wine cause headaches and uncover why this claim doesn’t hold up. You’ll learn where the belief started, why the “contains sulfites” label leads so many people astray, and what science says about sulfite sensitivity.

I also get into the real reasons you might be getting headaches from wine, including factors most drinkers never think about. Plus, I dive into how sulfites naturally form during winemaking, why winemakers add them, and how they help protect wine from oxidation and bacterial spoilage. As well as the surprising truth about sulfite levels in wine compared to foods like dried apricots and frozen potatoes.

If you’ve ever blamed sulfites for a headache, felt confused about natural or organic wines, or wondered what’s actually causing reactions when you drink wine, this episode is for you!

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!
• Pour Memory: Use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your purchase at pourmemory.com. I’d recommend a starter kit that includes a journal and 24 or 48 labels. Don’t forget to download the Pour Memory iOS app to track your bottles digitally too.

Episode Highlights:

• Why sulfites appear on wine labels
  
  
• How rare true sulfite sensitivities actually are
  
  
• Why all wines naturally contain sulfites
  
  
• What sulfites do in winemaking (oxidation + bacteria control)
  
  
• Foods with far higher sulfite levels than wine
  
  
• Why red wines often have fewer sulfites than white wines
  
  
• Real reasons people get wine headaches
  
  
• How tannins, sugar, alcohol, and histamines play a role
  
  
• Truth about natural, organic, and “clean” wine claims
  
  
• Why natural and organic wines still contain sulfites

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 140

Being pregnant forced me into a real-world test of non-alcoholic wine, and the results were not what you might expect.

When I announced I was pregnant, the constant question that followed once wine was off the table was: are there any good non-alcoholic wine options? That curiosity turned into a deep dive for me where I tasted more than 40 non-alcoholic wines, all while continuing to taste traditional wine for comparison.

You’ll hear an honest breakdown of why, in my opinion, non-alcoholic wine does not taste like wine, how alcohol-removed wine differs from wine alternatives, and why expectations matter so much when approaching this category.

At the end I share six non-alcoholic wines that are genuinely enjoyable, plus where to find them if you are navigating pregnancy, sobriety or simply looking to cut back.

So if you are curious about non-alcoholic wine and want an honest take, this episode will help you know what to reach for and what to skip.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!

6 Non-Alcoholic Wines I Recommend

1. Dr. Lo Riesling - https://www.cheekyanddry.com/products/dr-lo-riesling
2. Sea Monster Tidal Wave White - https://www.cheekyanddry.com/products/sea-monster-tidal-wave-white-non-alcoholic-wine
3. Joyus Sparkling Wine - https://www.cheekyanddry.com/products/joyus-nonalcoholic-sparkling-wine
4. Domaine EdeM N.0 Sparkling Rosé - https://www.cheekyanddry.com/products/n-0-rose-e-de-m
5. Heinz Wagner Black Forest NA Bubbles - https://tupetzwine.com/product/non-alc-bubbles/ (use code CORKFIZZ15 to save 15% off 3 or more bottles)
6. Woody’s Sparkling Rosé - https://thezeroproof.com/products/woodys-sparkling-rose

Resources

The Quest for Good Non-Alcoholic Wine - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/the-quest-for-good-non-alcoholic-wine

The Zero Proof - https://thezeroproof.com/

Tupetz Wine - https://tupetzwine.com/

Non-Alcoholic Wine (Let’s Talk About That) - Episode 33

Cheeky & Dry- https://www.cheekyanddry.com/

Why German Wine Goes Beyond Sweet Riesling

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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 139

Would you believe me if I said one of the most soulful and historic wine regions in France is also the one most people barely know anything about?

This conversation, with Ioana from Princess & Bear Wine, goes deeper into the French regions of Languedoc and Roussillon through the perspective of someone who’s actually walked the vineyards, met the winemakers, and watched small family estates bring these wines to life. You’ll hear how high elevation sites, biodynamic farming, volcanic soils, and centuries of tradition all come together to create wines that are expressive, textured, and full of character.

From tiny domaines run by women to unexpected whites, reds, and sparkling wines, this episode shines a light on producers you won’t normally find at stores and the bottles that define this part of Southern France. You’ll also get three standout recommendations if you’re just starting to explore the region.

If you're curious about organic French wine, lesser known varietals, or even planning a future wine trip, you’ll want to listen in as we explore a region that deserves far more attention.

If you missed part 1 of my conversation with Ioana go back to episode 138 to listen in!

Use code BONJOUR and receive 10% off your online purchase at www.theprincessandthebear.com.

If you are in Seattle mention that you are a Cork & Fizz podcast listener and receive a complimentary tasting when you visit The Princess and Bear tasting room in January and February 2026. To make a reservation for the tasting room call, email at info@theprincessandthebear.com or you can make one on the website.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Bon Chocolats: Go to www.bonchocolats.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ10 for 10% off your order!

Connect with Ioana:

Website: https://www.theprincessandthebear.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Small, family run wineries shaping Languedoc and Roussillon
  
  
• Women winemakers and biodynamic farming practices
  
  
• How elevation and unique soils influence flavor
  
  
• Cigar shaped barrels and what they do to white wines
  
  
• Key differences between Languedoc and Roussillon
  
  
• 3 must try wines to start exploring the region
  
  
• Behind the scenes of the annual club trip
  
  
• Visiting tiny domaines and exclusive cellar experiences
  
  
• Why the region still feels raw, genuine, and soulful
  
  
• The long term vision for sharing these wines in the U.S.

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Support the show

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

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