Episode Notes
Episode 25 – Controversy and Turmoil in America’s Wine Industry
Pete and VinoMike welcome back special guest, Dan Pilkey. Dan joined them on episode 11 to talk about the 2018 Court of Master Sommeliers exam scandal. Now, Dan is back with the guys to talk more about the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas (CMSA) and their slow response on matters of social justice, including Black Lives Matter, as well as the overall lack of transparency in the non-profit organization.
Pete starts things off by giving his perspective on the state of the wine world, and our society in general. He states and is backed by Mike and Dan, that #BlackLivesMatter. This is not a political issue. It is a human rights issue. Pete invites anyone who would like to discuss it to reach out on social media.
Before the guys launch into the topic, they crack open a bottle of 2016 Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Sourced from mostly estate vineyards across the Russian River Valley, this is a spectacular expression of Pinot Noir with bright fruit, a punch of earth, and a long, complex finish. Get you some!
VinoMike takes over leading the discussion starting with the resignation letter of now-former Master Sommelier, Richard Betts. Mike also brings up the resignation letters of two more Master Sommeliers – Brian McClintic (famous for being a star in the movie Somm) and Nate Ready.
Overall, Dan, VinoMike, and Pete get deep into a myriad of long-overdue topics with CMSA and the larger wine world. From #BlackLivesMatter, to the status of CMSA as a non-profit, to the treatment of women, the LGBTQIA+ community and other BIPOC persons, and the lack of transparency in the CMSA organization, they discuss it all. Lots to unpack here, and a much-needed roundtable discussion.
If you want to check out the certification path Dan Pilkey has taken, you can find information on the Masters of Wine program here.
As a reminder, Pete and Mike do not accept advertising dollars from wineries or wine wholesalers. They purchase the bottles they taste on the show. These are not paid endorsements. They could use the money, so this integrity thing sucks.
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