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Wave goodbye to wine intimidation—this episode of Everyday Sommelier uncorks a future where hybrid grapes and cold climate winemaking take center stage. Yes, you should try them. Now!

Join me as I sits down with James Peterson and Mark Wedge at Dancing Dragonfly Winery in Wisconsin, unlocking the secrets behind critically acclaimed Midwest wines made from grapes like Marquette, Frontenac, La Crescent, and more.

Uncover why traditional vinifera grapes can’t thrive in Wisconsin’s short, icy growing season, and see how innovative hybrid varieties developed by teams like the University of Minnesota empower local wineries to produce bold, balanced, and food-friendly wines with surprising complexity. 

We're diving into the science behind hybridization, the learning curve of typicity, and how Midwest winemakers are rewriting the rules for wine style, blending, and customer experience.

You’ll gain actionable takeaways on how to shop for, taste, and enjoy these rebel-region wines, even if you’re a classic Cabernet or Chardonnay lover. This is your go-to guide for building wine fluency and confidence in one of wine’s fastest-rising movements—minus the snobbery.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why Midwest wineries rely on hybrid grapes, and the science behind their resilience
• How to bridge the gap from classic wine preferences to falling in love with new grape varieties
• What to expect from the acidity, sweetness, and style spectrum of cold climate wines
• How “wine snobbery” is being replaced by experimentation and genuine wine enjoyment in the Midwest

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:06:11]
  Midwest Winters vs. Wine Grapes: The Survival Challenge
  Why traditional vinifera wines aren’t viable in Wisconsin, and how hybrids win the climate battle.
• [00:10:13]
  Are Hybrid Grapes Always Foxy? Debunking Common Tasting Myths
  Addressing taste misconceptions and revealing today’s quality improvements in hybrid winemaking.
• [00:14:24]
  How Midwest Wines Redefine Typicity and Wine Style
  Exploring the new rules and creative freedoms as winemakers pioneer style profiles for unknown grapes.
• [00:18:06]
  Acidity, Sweetness, and What to Expect in Your Glass
  A breakdown of the Midwest flavor profile—why sugar balances acidity, and what it means for food pairings.
• [00:25:51]
  Pair Like a Pro: Turning Hybrid Wines into Your Dinner Power Move
  How to confidently pair high-acid, hybrid wines with modern meals, enhancing both flavor and confidence.
• [00:30:03]
  Rebel Wine Regions: Why You Need to Explore Hybrids Now
  Smart shopping advice for consumers ready to expand beyond the usual suspects and support Midwest wine.

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