The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 324 - Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher

What does it actually take to reach the absolute pinnacle of the wine world?

In this powerhouse episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with a true titan of the industry: Massachusetts’ own Master Sommelier, Michael Meagher!

With fewer than 300 individuals worldwide holding this elite title, Michael pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary journey, his rigorous education, and the sheer dedication required to conquer the ultimate wine challenge. Whether you are a casual sipper, an aspiring industry pro, or a seasoned collector, this episode is packed with world-class insights you won't want to miss!

Inside This Episode:

• The Path to Mastery: Michael shares his fascinating education and professional background that led him to the top.
• Decoding the Court of Master Sommeliers: We break down the four intense levels, the grueling requirements, and what it really takes to pass.
• Behind the Scenes of the <300 Club: Get first-hand insight into the mindset and discipline needed to join the world's most exclusive wine circle.
• The True Meaning of a "Sommelier": We discuss the evolution of the role and how the definition is utilized in the modern world.
• Boston’s Wine Scene: Michael gives us his expert feedback on the current status of Boston restaurant wine service.
• Elevating the Local Scene: We explore the Boston Sommelier Society and Michael’s pivotal role in fostering local wine community and education.
• The Vast World of Wine Education: A look at the many different educational pathways available for wine lovers today.
• Mastering the Aisles: Finally, Michael drops invaluable insider shopping tips and discusses where to find real value in retail wine stores!

Connect with Us and Our Guest:

Listen to The Wonderful World of Wine:www.thewww.wine

Learn more about Michael Meagher:www.sommelierondemand.com

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark

 🍷🍷🍷

#WinePodcast #MasterSommelier #WineEducation #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #BostonWine #SommelierLife #WineLovers #CourtOfMasterSommers #WineSmart #RetailWine #WineCommunity

https://on.soundcloud.com/dctSJqhzPosq2EdB43

https://www.thewww.wine/inside-the-mind-of-a-master-sommelier-with-michael-meagher/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 324-Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features Tina Powderly, Franklin Food Pantry talks about how to support Hunger Action Month in September     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/the-pantrys-tina-powderly-talks-about.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 323 - Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01047380197.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features Mitzi GOusie talking about the event highlights at the Library in September   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/mitzi-gives-us-inside-view-on-event.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 323 - Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01047380197.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 323 - Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin

Get ready for an enchanting journey through the heart of Italy! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Marksit down with the multifaceted Jennifer Martin—the voice behind the acclaimed blog Vino Travels Italy and the author of the essential guide, Planning Your Dream Wedding In Tuscany.

Jennifer shares the captivating story of her Italian heritage and what inspired her to launch a blog dedicated to the vast world of Italian viticulture. Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a bride-to-be, or a lover of "La Dolce Vita," this episode is packed with expert insights.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Story Behind the Blog: Why Jen started Vino Travels Italy and a sneak peek into her upcoming quarterly newsletter.
• Destination Weddings: Pro-tips from Jen’s book on navigating the logistics and magic of planning a wedding in the Tuscan countryside.
• Italian Wine 101: An overview of Italy’s complex wine laws, plus Jen’s personal bottle recommendations and authentic food pairings.
• The Language of Italy: We discuss the beauty of learning Italian and how regional dialects and nuances change as you travel through the peninsula.

If you have an interest in destination weddings, regional culture, or world-class wine, you won’t want to miss Jen’s passion and expertise!

Learn more about Jennifer Martin: www.vinotravelsitaly.com 

Listen to more episodes: www.thewww.wine

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark

 🍷🍷🍷

#WinePodcast #ItalianWine #TuscanyWedding #VinoTravels #WeddingPlanning #ItalyTravel #WineAndFood #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WineEducation

https://on.soundcloud.com/cdnDD6s6zEf7fhsQLe

https://www.thewww.wine/destination-weddings-wine-and-the-language-of-italy-with-jennifer-martin/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 323-Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features Talking with 2 young authors "Super Kids"    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/talking-with-couple-of-super-kids-audio.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 322 - A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01540314501.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This hour features Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with a mid-summer recap and outlook to September https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-ta-jamie.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 322 - A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01540314501.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 322 - A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong 🍷

Prepare to be inspired! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with one of the most influential figures in the modern wine landscape: Deborah Parker Wong.

From her deep academic roots to her editorial leadership, Deborah shares the incredible journey that led her to become a powerhouse in wine media and education. Whether you are a casual sipper or a dedicated professional, this episode is packed with "aha!" moments.

What’s Inside the Bottle:

• The Editor’s Desk: Deborah reflects on 20 years of professional wine writing and her influential role as the Editor for Somm Journal.
• The Slow Wine Revolution: Discover the philosophy behind the Slow Wine Guide—what it is, why it matters, and Deborah’s pivotal role in championing sustainable viticulture.
• The Academic Vine: As a lecturer at three colleges and a high-level WSET instructor, Deborah breaks down how she shapes the next generation of wine experts.
• Sensory Science & Master’s Wisdom: Dive into the fascinating world of sensory science. Deborah discusses her Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology and how technical knowledge enhances the tasting experience.
• "Frankenstein" Wines: We get technical and provocative as we discuss what makes a wine "Frankenstein" and the ethics of winemaking.
• A Motto to Live By: Deborah shares her personal motto and the driving force behind her relentless passion.
• Expert Buying Tips: Wrap up with Deborah’s top advice for navigating the wine aisle like a pro.

The energy and excitement Deborah brings to the table are contagious. You don’t want to miss this deep dive into the heart of the industry!

Learn more about Deborah: www.deborahparkerwong.com 

Listen to more episodes: www.thewww.wine

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark

 🍷🍷🍷

#WineEducation #SlowWine #SommJournal #SensoryScience #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WineIndustry #WinePodcast #Viticulture #WSET #DeborahParkerWong

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-322-a-masterclass-with

https://www.thewww.wine/a-masterclass-with-deborah-parker-wong/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 322-A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This hour features the 300 Fisher St Discussion at the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-300-fisher-st-segment-of-town.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 321 - Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina (audio)
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This hour features the 300 Fisher St Discussion at the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-300-fisher-st-segment-of-town.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 321 - Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina (audio)
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 321 - Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

Grab a glass and settle in! This week on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark are joined by the powerhouse behind Boston’s most vibrant wine scene: Gabrielle Malina, owner of First Crush Boston

If you’ve ever felt that wine culture was a bit too "stiff," this episode is your antidote. Gabrielle shares her journey of moving beyond traditional tasting rooms to create a space that breathes new life into the Boston beverage scene.

Inside This Episode:

• The Origin Story: Gabrielle walks us through her background and the spark that ignited First Crush Boston.
• Shaking Up the City: Why Boston was craving a new kind of wine venue and how Gabrielle successfully captured the hearts (and palates) of the younger generation.
• The Natural Wine Debate: We dive deep into the world of natural wine. Gabrielle reveals her witty response to critics who think natural wine is just "bad wine."
• The Pop-Up Evolution: A look at how the Boston pop-up event landscape has transformed since First Crush first hit the scene.
• Perfect Pairings: From the unconventional to the "match made in heaven," we talk about the food pairings that blew her guests away.
• The Ultimate Myth: Do natural wines actually prevent hangovers? 
• The Future of First Crush: Gabrielle looks ahead to her dream events and what’s next for her growing wine empire.

Gabrielle’s passion is infectious, and her "wine for everyone" philosophy is exactly what the industry needs. You won't want to miss this one!

Connect with our Guest:

First Crush Boston: www.firstcrushboston.com

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark

Follow The Wonderful World of Wine:  Website: www.thewww.wine

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-321-crushin-it-in

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 321-Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina

https://www.thewww.wine/crushin-it-in-boston-redefining-wine-culture-with-gabrielle-malina/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This hour features the 300 Fisher St Discussion at the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-300-fisher-st-segment-of-town.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 320 - Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_0305566455.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This hour features my conversation with Mitzi Gousie as we talk about the event highlights for July 2026 at the Library    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/mitzi-fills-us-in-on-all-that-is.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 320 - Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_0305566455.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 320 - Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu

From a world-class collector to a visionary creator, Jayson Hu is redefining the pinnacle of Napa Valley luxury. In this episode, Kim and Mark sit down with the founder of Fairest Creature to go behind the glass of some of the most exclusive wines in the world.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Journey to Fairest Creature: Jayson shares his personal background and what drove him to transition from a passionate wine authority to a brand founder.
• The "Leading Authority" Label: How does Jayson feel about being dubbed the foremost Chinese expert on Napa Valley wine? We get his candid take.
• A Winemaking Dream Team: A deep dive into his collaboration with legendary "flying winemaker" Michel Rolland and his roster of world-class vintners.
• The Art of the Blend: Why blending is the ultimate expression of a winemaker’s skill and how Jayson approaches it.
• Does Terroir Matter? A provocative discussion on the importance of "place" versus the hand of the maker in modern viticulture.
• Bottled Masterpieces: The story behind the stunning, artistic labels that make Fairest Creature as beautiful on the shelf as it is in the glass.
• The 2020 Vintage Heartbreak: A transparent look at smoke taint and why Jayson made the difficult, high-stakes decision to produce no wine in 2020.

Why You Should Listen

Whether you’re a Napa devotee or a newcomer to the wine world, Jayson offers a "very interesting look" into the high-stakes reality of luxury winemaking. It’s a masterclass in quality, branding, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Cheers

🍷🍷🍷

Kim and Mark

Connect With Us & Our Guest

• Fairest Creature: www.fairestcreature.com
• The Wonderful World of Wine: www.thewww.wine

https://on.soundcloud.com/5UyiBB23uWMdsy8FW6

https://www.thewww.wine/unveiling-perfection-napas-new-icon-with-jayson-hu/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 320-Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This hour features my conversation with Mitzi Gousie as we talk about the event highlights for July 2026 at the Library    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/mitzi-fills-us-in-on-all-that-is.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 319 - Wine Digital Marketing With Molly Bossardt   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html
   

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf