Wine Tripping with Amanda McCrossin

Picture this: you’re on the train, outside your window breathtaking landscapes carved by a serpentine river roll past. On the river’s banks, sun-drenched, terraced vineyards seem to touch the sky. Welcome to Portugal’s Douro Valley. But the gorgeous scenery is only the beginning of what Portugal’s wine scene has to offer. In this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda is your guide to one of the world’s most stunning (and underrated) wine regions, sharing the kind of insider tips you’ve come to expect from your favorite Sommvivant.From the winding streets of Porto, to the steep, vine-laden hillsides of the Douro, Amanda recounts her own jaw-dropping first impressions and tales of the month she spent exploring Portugal’s wildly diverse wine scene. You’ll learn why Port isn’t just a dessert wine, how foot-treading grapes is still a thing (yes, like “I Love Lucy”), and what makes Portuguese wine so affordable, delicious, and full of surprises—even for a sommelier.Along the way, Amanda spills her secrets for navigating Portugal’s wine lists (even when you have no idea what’s on them), reveals the must-try local cocktails and pastries (hello, pastel de nata and white port & tonic), and shares her favorite ways to experience the country—by boat, by train, and always with comfy shoes. Plus, she’ll help you decode the difference between Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Port, and explain why you might want to leave a little extra space in your suitcase.So grab a glass of something delightful and get ready to discover why Portugal is the wine world's most charming and delicious secret.---For more, check out Amanda on…Instagram - @sommvivantTikTok - @somm_vivantand on the web - sommvivant.me---Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan HammondMixing and Mastering by Julian KwasneskiExecutive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky---At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!Want more? Head to www.cercatravel.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looking for the chance to live like French Royalty? Does sipping world-class wine on the lawn of a storybook château sound like your idea of the perfect escape? If you answered yes, then Bordeaux — the land of legendary reds, decadent dinners, and a little bit of snobbery (in the best way possible) -- is where you want to go.In this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda spills all about her first-ever Bordeaux trip: from marathon meals that would make a gourmand blush (gout, anyone?) to sweaty bike rides in search of pastries, and the friendships forged over glasses of the region’s finest. But Bordeaux isn’t just about first growths and fancy names — Amanda uncorks the secrets behind the famous 1855 classification, reveals why collectors obsess over these bottles, and shows you how to find hidden gems that won’t break the bank.You’ll learn why Bordeaux is the birthplace of the iconic blend, how to decode the left bank vs. right bank rivalry, and what makes the region’s sweet wines truly magical (hint: it involves a “noble rot”). Amanda shares her pro tips for planning your own Bordeaux adventure, from must-visit châteaux and Michelin-starred meals to the art of wine shopping and the joy of getting a little lost in Saint-Émilion’s cobblestone streets.Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just Bordeaux-curious, Amanda’s got you covered with approachable advice, a dash of history, and plenty of stories that’ll make you want to book a flight — or at least uncork a bottle. So, press play, raise a glass, and get inspired to plan your own adventure. Or just impress your friends at your next wine night. (we did say a little snobbery is a good thing).---For more, check out Amanda on…Instagram - @sommvivantTikTok - @somm_vivantand on the web - sommvivant.me---Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan HammondMixing and Mastering by Julian KwasneskiExecutive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky---At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!Want more? Head to www.cercatravel.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you close your eyes and think of Washington State what do you see? Grey skies and perpetual drizzle? A certain hospital with a ridiculously good looking staff of surgeons? Well, on this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda is here to open your eyes to the real Washington - through the lens of the perfect bottle of wine of course!Because Washington, with its snow-capped mountains, rolling rivers, and endless evergreens, is one of America’s most exciting wine regions. You might know Napa for Cabernet or Oregon for Pinot Noir, but Washington is a wild card, producing over 80 different grape varieties and styles for every palate and budget. Amanda peels back the layers, revealing the dramatic landscape shifts created by the Cascade Mountains, the refreshing rise of diverse winemakers , and how ancient floods shaped the very soil where these incredible wines now thrive.From the sun-drenched slopes of the Columbia Valley to the quirky tasting rooms of Walla Walla, you’ll get a taste of the state’s unique terroir, hear Amanda’s firsthand tales — like the time she braved a rainy harvest, only to discover the magic of a perfectly balanced Syrah — and find out why Washington’s wine scene is all about innovation, community, and a little bit of wild spirit.And of course, Amanda’s got you covered with recommendations for her favorite wineries, restaurants and hidden gems, plus a pro-tip on how you can sample a huge amount of Washington’s wines even if you’re only able to visit Seattle.Whether you’re dreaming of a Pacific Northwest getaway or just want to bring a little Washington wonder to your next wine night, this episode will help you sip smarter, travel better, and fall in love with the Evergreen State just like Amanda did. (But we make no promises about meeting any ridiculously hot surgeons).---For more, check out Amanda on…Instagram - @sommvivantTikTok - @somm_vivantand on the web - sommvivant.me---Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan HammondMixing and Mastering by Julian KwasneskiExecutive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky---At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Confession time: despite Italian wines having a reputation as some of the most legendary wines to ever fill a stemmed glass, Amanda had always been lukewarm on them.  They just didn’t stir her imagination that way other regions did.That is until she was invited to visit Tuscany by one of the OG producers of Brunello di Montalcino - Biondi-Santi. And once she stepped foot on their vineyard, breathed the Tuscan air and tasted the food while sipping from her glass, Amanda finally fell for Italian wines (and also,  you know, Italy).So on this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda whisks you away to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where every bottle tells a story of place, tradition, and a little bit of Italian magic.Ever wondered why Italian wine labels never mention the grape? Or what BDT, IGT, DOC, and DOCG mean? After this trip, you’ll be able to decode them like a pro. Amanda cracks open the secrets of Italian wine regions, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Chianti to the storied cellars of Montalcino, explains why Sangiovese is the soul of Tuscany, and gives you some must-know tips on how to survive those winding Tuscan roads,So pour yourself a glass, press play, and get ready to fall in love with Italy—one region, one grape, and one unforgettable story at a time.---For more, check out Amanda on…Instagram - @sommvivantTikTok - @somm_vivantand on the web - sommvivant.me---Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan HammondMixing and Mastering by Julian KwasneskiExecutive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky---At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered if there’s actual fruit in your wine? (Spoiler: there isn’t—but the story behind those “cherry” and “lemon” notes is fascinating!) In this episode of Wine Tripping, we’re swirling, sniffing, and sipping our way through the art and science of tasting wine. You’ll learn why wine pros use fruity metaphors, how to actually train your nose and palate, and the real impact of glassware and temperature on your next pour.We’ll break down the flavor families for both red and white wines, demystify those earthy and “funky” notes, explain why it’s OK to spit at your next wine tasting (it really is, we promise), and share practical tips for storing your bottles like a pro (hint: think mushrooms)..Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned sipper, this episode will help you taste smarter, store better, and—most importantly—enjoy get every last drop of enjoyment from your next glass.---For more, check out Amanda on…Instagram - @sommvivantTikTok - @somm_vivantand on the web - sommvivant.me---Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan HammondMixing and Mastering by Julian KwasneskiExecutive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky---At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered why a Chardonnay from California tastes like baked apples, while one from Burgundy is all tart and zipy? In this episode of Wine Tripping, Amanda uncorks the magic of terroir—the mysterious “sense of place” that makes every bottle unique.Join Amanda as she shares sun-soaked stories from the south of France, explains why even tomatoes taste better at that one particular stand at Jersey Shore, and reveals how dirt, wind, and weather leave their mark on your glass. You’ll learn to spot the difference between warm and cool climate wines, decode those cryptic wine labels, and discover why winemakers obsess over soil (and sometimes, even the energy of a place).Get ready to become a detective with your senses—Amanda’s got practical tips for noticing the smells, sights, and feels that shape every sip. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned sipper, this episode will help you taste the world in every glass.So pour yourself something delicious and let’s explore the world of wine, one terroir at a time. Cheers!---For more, check out Amanda on…Instagram - @sommvivantTikTok - @somm_vivantand on the web - sommvivant.me---Wine Tripping is Written, Hosted, and Produced by Amanda McCrossin, and Produced by Neil Innes.Editing and Sound Design by Neil Innes with additional help from Ryan HammondMixing and Mastering by Julian KwasneskiExecutive Produced by Stacey Book, Dominique Ferrari, and Avi Glijansky---At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wonder how dirt, weather, and a single grape can change everything in your glass? Wine has shaped civilization for thousands of years, and sommelier Amanda McCrossin is your guide to exploring it all.From Napa to Tuscany, Argentina to Portugal’s breathtaking Douro Valley and beyond, Amanda is your guide on a globe-trotting adventure to uncork the secrets of Wine and help you begin - or level up - your own wine Journey.She’ll share insider tips on tastings, the right questions to ask at wineries, and how to discover your own wine style—no passport required. Think of it as your personal invitation to become a modern-day Renaissance person, knowledgeable, cultured, and ready to sip something fabulous wherever your travels take you.Plus, she’s got the inside track on the best way to wine trip through some of the best places for it - Argentina, Oregon, Washington, Bordeaux, Champagne, Amanda has you covered.So Join Amanda McCrossin—sommelier, wine nerd, and your new favorite travel buddy—for Wine Tripping, launching May 28th, only from Cerca. Cheers and happy travels!---Amanda McCrossin is a certified sommelier, wine personality, and TikTok/Instagram/YouTube creator. She is known as one of the most influential creators in the wine community creating wine-focused, relatable content to help consumers via her @sommvivant channels. She has been featured by Food & Wine Magazine, Decanter, Food Network, San Francisco Chronicle, on the cover of SOMM Journal and Wine Enthusiast who named her a Wine Star nominee for 'Sommelier of the Year.' ---At Cerca, our goal is to help you explore the world like never before. Visit www.cercatravel.com for Immersive audio travel guides to some of the most amazing places in the world - written and voiced by locals - articles on everything from the best places to eat in Havana to a guide to all of Helsinki's underground bunkers, and the best travel podcasts you can find... like this one!Want more? Download the Cerca App for free now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.