
The Art of the Seal: Corks & Other Enclosures
From After Wine School by Wine School Media
February 3, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 30
About this episode
This episode explores the debate between corks and screw caps as wine closures, discussing their history, benefits, and sustainability issues.
Corks vs. Screw Caps: The Ultimate Wine Enclosure Debate Join Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe in this informative episode of 'After Wine School' as they delve into the ongoing debate between corks and screw caps. Learn the history of cork, the rise of alternatives, and how innovations like the Delvin enclosure have impacted the wine industry. Discover the issues with TCA contamination, the pros and cons of various wine closures, and the role of sustainability in this heated topic. Perfect for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike, this episode is packed with practical advice and fascinating insights. Cheers! 01:00 What is Cork? 02:02 Historical Significance of Cork 02:59 Problems with Cork and TCA 07:48 Rise of Cork Alternatives 08:53 Screw Caps and Their Benefits 09:23 Consumer Perception and Market Impact 10:50 Innovative Enclosures 14:19 Sustainability Debate 👉 Free wine class + resources: https://wineschool.us/hub
People in this episode
Host: Keith Wallace
Guest: Alana Zerbe
Topics covered
- wine enclosures
- corks
- screw caps
- TCA contamination
- sustainability
- wine industry
Keywords
- wine closures
- corks
- screw caps
- TCA contamination
- sustainability
- wine industry
- Delvin enclosure
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Wine School Media
More episodes of After Wine School
- We Were Just Named A Top Trade School! · May 19, 2026 · 20 min
- Build Your Palate Part 2 · February 24, 2026 · 19 min
- Sustainability · February 17, 2026 · 25 min
- The Future of Wine Marketing & Branding · February 10, 2026 · 21 min
- Wine & Health · January 27, 2026 · 20 min
- Palate Prep · January 20, 2026 · 30 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the After Wine School podcast page.