DEFENDANT: Midsomar

EVIDENCE: Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio

SCENE OF THE CRIME: A Maypole Near You...

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Hey friend — welcome to our bonus midsummer episode! We kick things off with playful banter about time, podcast firsts, and then dive into the lushly sunlit weirdness of Ari Aster’s Midsommar while sipping Mary J. Blige’s Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio. Expect gossip, gross food talk, and the kind of movie chat that makes you want to rewatch with a notebook.

We nerd out on the Friuli region (hello rose-gold Pinot Grigio color!), savor juicy melon-and-nectarine tasting notes, and praise the wine for being both approachable and surprisingly complex. Then we pivot into the film: Florence Pugh’s Dani, toxic boyfriend Christian, and that creeping daylight dread that makes Midsommar feel like artful folk horror instead of just jump scares.

There’s also a playful Midsommar traditions true/false quiz, heated opinions about who deserves what, and a long, affectionate breakdown of costumes, rituals, and the film’s ambiguous place between indigenous practice and cult. We wrap with whether we’d join a cozy wine-loving cult (spoiler: yes — but only the Nancy Meyers version) and all the micro-joys that make this episode feel like a friend sitting on your patio, passing the bottle and whispering theories.

Hey friend — welcome to this episode of True Crimes Against Wine! We spent a little time nerding out about what’s popping in the wine world this summer, and honestly, some of it is super fun and worth keeping an eye out for.

First up: rosé remains everywhere. It’s the easiest glass to recognize and the easiest choice when you want something fresh, fun, and usually dry. Sparkling rosé? Instant party. It’s the mood drink for warm weather and patio hangs — dangerously drinkable in the best way.

Also gaining steam: chillable, crushable reds. Think lighter-bodied reds (not your heavy, tannic Cab) that actually taste great slightly chilled — bright, floral, cranberry-like fruit that’s perfect for a hot patio or a lazy brunch.

And here’s the spicy one: simultaneous-ferment rosés — a real old-school technique where red and white grapes are fermented together. Some winemakers are reviving it, and it’s starting to show up with a trendy nickname — blouge (ugh, right?). You might spot it first at trendy brunch spots and in big-city wine shops. It’s technically a rosé but often sits in that chillable-red vibe.

If you find a favorite pool-season bottle, tell us! Email TrueCrimesAgainstWine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram — we love hearing what you’re sipping. Also: we have new swag and a few koozies left; tell us your size if you send something and we’ll try to send one back.

Cheers — can't wait to taste-test some of this stuff with you. Bye!

Hey Miguel (and friends) — welcome to Atlanta! If you’ve got World Cup plans, here’s a friendly, no-nonsense run-down of how to actually enjoy the city without losing your mind.

First: traffic and transport. Do not rent a car. Atlanta traffic is terrible (think worse than LA in spots) and downtown parking/driving is confusing. Plan on using Uber/Lyft to get around — MARTA exists but can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar. And please, don’t rent an e-scooter unless you want people yelling at you.

Neighborhoods are the heart of Atlanta, so pick one (or two) and explore. Little Five Points is great for dive bars, thrift shops, and weirdos; Inman Park and Candler/Decatur offer walkable shops and food; East Atlanta Village and Edgewood Avenue (check out Joystick for an arcade-bar vibe) are fun nights out; Ponce City Market is huge for food and shopping and sits right on the Beltline — a lovely path for a stroll, people-watching, and dogs.

For views and golden hour, hit The Clermont Hotel rooftop. For a slightly elevated, ever-changing dining experience, try The Consulate in Midtown — amazing drinks and a rotating menu inspired by different regions. If you want late-night, local, and legendary tacos, try Nancy’s Taqueria (delivery-only, late into the night) and for classic Southern-stays-true vibes try Waffle House — it’s an essential Atlanta experience.

If you’re chasing legit international eats, make the trip to Buford Highway — it’s a destination for Asian, Latin American and other authentic cuisines. It’s a bit of a trek but worth it. Also keep an eye out for pop-ups near the stadium (there’s one at Walker & Haynes from a local bar) if you want quick drinks and snacks near the event.

Some extra tips: expect world-class soccer fans for Atlanta United (they’re predictable and courteous), but Falcons game days can get chaotic with lots of out-of-towners and bad driving. Don’t Airbnb your place to random event-goers if you’re worried about parties and damage. Oh — and don’t call the city “Hotlanta” unless you want to start a riot.

Have fun, eat well, and explore neighborhoods rather than camping out downtown. If you want specific recs based on what you like (cheap eats, craft cocktails, late-night snacks), tell me your vibe and I’ll narrow it down.