Passion, Curiosity and Change: How to Rethink Wine
From Wine Behind The Scenes by Laurel Simmons
January 28, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 94
About this episode
Laurel Simmons discusses the evolving wine industry with Irem Eren, focusing on the Master of Wine program, No and Low Alcohol wines, and the future of rosé.
She's back and bolder than ever. In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes , Laurel Simmons reconnects with wine consultant, educator, and Master of Wine candidate Irem Eren for a conversation that's as honest as it is inspiring. From the intense demands of the Master of Wine program (less than 5% make it through) to global shifts in consumer behaviour, Irem offers a front-row seat to what's happening in wine right now and what's coming next. Together, they explore the rise of No and Low Alcohol wines, the strategic and stylistic power of rosé, and how wine professionals can embrace change without losing the heart of tradition. Irem also opens up about burnout in the industry, what it's like to be in the thick of Master of Wine Stage 2, and why rosé deserves more than a seasonal spotlight. What You'll Learn: What the Master of Wine program really takes mentally and emotionally Why rosé deserves respect and how brands are rethinking its future The science and strategy behind No and Low Alcohol wines How the wine world is evolving and who's driving the change How wine education and confidence go hand-in-hand Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about what's in your glass…
People in this episode
Host: Laurel Simmons
Guest: Irem Eren
Topics covered
- Master of Wine program
- No and Low Alcohol wines
- rosé
- wine education
- industry change
Keywords
- wine
- Master of Wine
- No Alcohol
- Low Alcohol
- rosé
- wine education
- industry change
- burnout
- consumer behaviour
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Master of Wine, No and Low Alcohol wines, rosé
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