The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast

In this episode of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, host Forrest Kelly sits down with Master Sommelier Ian Cauble — one of the most recognized wine experts in the world and a central figure in the acclaimed documentary SOMM — for a candid and entertaining conversation about wine, life, and what it really means to guide someone to the perfect bottle.

Ian opens up about the philosophy behind great sommeliering: it's not about showing off knowledge, it's about helping people spend their money wisely, pair wine beautifully with food, and leave the table with a smile. Whether you have $55 or $500 to spend, Ian believes a great sommelier finds you something special every single time.

The conversation takes a fun turn as Ian reflects on life after SOMM — being recognized in customs lines in Vietnam, stopped on streets in Austria and Mexico, and walking into European restaurants where the staff already knows his face. Fame, it turns out, follows you in the wine world.

Ian then dives into his brand new venture, The Caubleist — a daily email wine discovery service launched in early November that sends subscribers a curated 500-word deep dive on a single bottle every morning at 10am, including history, food pairings, recipes, glassware recommendations, and the best price available nationwide. With flat-rate shipping, an upcoming monthly four-bottle club, a private client cellar-building division, and live tasting events, The Cobalist is shaping up to be a must-follow for any serious wine lover.

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What does it take to join one of the most exclusive wine clubs in the world? In Part 2 of The Caubleist, Master Sommelier Ian Cauble pulls back the curtain on the grueling journey to earning the master sommelier title — a distinction held by fewer than 275 people worldwide. Forrest digs into Ian's story, from a self-described "savant" moment at age 17 to globe-trotting through Croatia, South Korea, Japan, and beyond, as Ian shares how a lifelong love of food, culture, and fermented beverages drove him to conquer a three-part exam with a staggering 3% pass rate. Ian breaks down exactly what the master exam demands — from blind tasting six wines with pinpoint precision to navigating a live service exam in front of the world's top sommeliers. Whether you're a wine-curious beginner or an aspiring certified sommelier, this episode is a masterclass in taste, memory, and the art of making people feel at ease. 

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Ever wonder what it takes to join the elite 5% who pass the Master Sommelier exam? Ian Cauble, featured in the acclaimed documentary "SOMM," shares his incredible journey from pre-med student to Master Sommelier and founder of TheCaubleist.com.
In this episode, Ian reveals the pivotal moment at age 17 when a single bite of heirloom tomato with goat cheese and Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc changed his life trajectory forever. From working for $2 an hour at Portugal's oldest port house to landing at Beverly Hills' Wine Merchant, Ian's path is anything but conventional.
Discover why Ian sources 90% of his wines from Europe, which American regions offer the best value (hint: Oregon!), and how tariffs are impacting wine pricing. Ian also shares his philosophy on organic and biodynamic wines, and why he focuses on small-production "art pieces" rather than mass-market bottles.
Whether you're a wine novice or aspiring sommelier, Ian's insights on building a palate and discovering world-class wines will transform how you think about wine.

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Discover More from The Best 5 Minute Podcast Network:
Wine Podcast
Music Podcast
Travel Podcast

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Join host Forrest Kelly as he wraps up an exhilarating conversation with Namratha Stanley, the brilliant mind behind 'Vineyard Melody' and the innovative wine brand Sola Cantus.  "Wine is a song of the soil," Namratha passionately states, capturing the essence of her craft and inviting listeners to dive deep into the world of wine. Namratha shares the captivating story behind the name Solicantus, derived from Latin, symbolizing how wine embodies the harmony of nature.  With a focus on balanced, aromatic wines that appeal to a broad audience, she reveals her artistic label design inspired by the surreal works of Salvador Dali.
Listeners will discover how Namratha's passion for cooking seamlessly intertwines with her newfound love for wine, as she explores the art of wine pairing tips—particularly her exciting project of pairing Indian wines with French cuisine.  Whether you're curious about how to choose wine for seafood, wine with steak, or even the best sparkling wine to elevate your meals, Namrata's journey offers practical advice and a fresh perspective on wine basics. 
To celebrate the launch of Vineyard Melody, she’s also offering an exclusive giveaway inspired by the vineyards that brought this book to life.
Grand Prize:
A two-night, three-day stay at the enchanting Château Siran in France’s famed Margaux appellation, plus a private full-day tour of the Médoc wine region—complete with vineyard visits, curated tastings, and access to their incredible wine museum and legendary bunker. Plus a private full-day tour of the Médoc wine region in partnership with Luxury Limousine Services!
Second Prize:
A case of six bottles of Solicantus wines from the Côtes de Bordeaux—elegant, expressive, and absolutely delicious.
Entry Period: December 1, 2025 to February 10, 2026
Winner Announced: February 10, 2026
To enter, simply submit your details and upload proof of your Vineyard Melody pre-order—just a screenshot of receipt. United States orders can enter here.
So, if you're ready to embark on a journey filled with resilience, adventure, and delectable wine experiences, tune in to this week's episode of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast.  Let Namratha's story inspire you to embrace your passions—because, as she reminds us, Life is too short for mediocre wine!

@thebestwinepod
Discover More from The Best 5 Minute Podcast Network:
Wine Podcast
Music Podcast
Travel Podcast

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What happens when a woman with a passion for cooking and a tumultuous past finds herself navigating the intricate world of wine?  Join host Forrest Kelly as he welcomes the inspiring Namratha, author of "Vineyard Melody," in this captivating episode.  Namratha's journey from being an abused housewife in India to becoming a wine merchant in France is not just a story of survival; it's a testament to resilience and the pursuit of passion in the culinary and wine sectors.  As she puts it, "Wine is not just a drink; it's a story waiting to be told. "
In this engaging conversation, Namratha shares her vivid experiences from her upbringing in Bangalore, where culinary adventures began in her childhood kitchen.  She candidly discusses the cultural challenges she faced while striving to bring her daughter to France, all while developing her wine knowledge.  This episode is packed with valuable wine tips and insights, perfect for anyone looking to learn about wine or enhance their wine confidence.  
Listeners will discover how Namratha's passion for cooking seamlessly intertwines with her newfound love for wine, as she explores the art of wine pairing tips—particularly her exciting project of pairing Indian wines with French cuisine.  Whether you're curious about how to choose wine for seafood, wine with steak, or even the best sparkling wine to elevate your meals, Namrata's journey offers practical advice and a fresh perspective on wine basics. 
To celebrate the launch of Vineyard Melody, she’s also offering an exclusive giveaway inspired by the vineyards that brought this book to life.
Grand Prize:
A two-night, three-day stay at the enchanting Château Siran in France’s famed Margaux appellation, plus a private full-day tour of the Médoc wine region—complete with vineyard visits, curated tastings, and access to their incredible wine museum and legendary bunker. Plus a private full-day tour of the Médoc wine region in partnership with Luxury Limousine Services!
Second Prize:
A case of six bottles of Solicantus wines from the Côtes de Bordeaux—elegant, expressive, and absolutely delicious.
Entry Period: December 1, 2025 to February 10, 2026
Winner Announced: February 10, 2026
To enter, simply submit your details and upload proof of your Vineyard Melody pre-order—just a screenshot of receipt. United States orders can enter here.
So, if you're ready to embark on a journey filled with resilience, adventure, and delectable wine experiences, tune in to this week's episode of The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast.  Let Namratha's story inspire you to embrace your passions—because, as she reminds us, Life is too short for mediocre wine!

@thebestwinepod
Discover More from The Best 5 Minute Podcast Network:
Wine Podcast
Music Podcast
Travel Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.