Episode 10: Forget Everything You Think You Know About Wine

Wine education doesn’t have to feel like cramming for an exam. In this week’s episode of Renegade: A Blackthorn Podcast, we’re throwing out the textbook, ditching the pop quizzes, and starting fresh. September’s theme, Back to Blackthorn, channels all the best parts of back-to-school energy — sharpened pencils, fresh notebooks, that feeling of new beginnings — but applies them to your wine life.

This isn’t about memorizing grape varietals or reciting pairing charts. It’s about reclaiming wine on your own terms: joyful, intentional, and just a little rebellious.

Whether you’re brand new to wine or you’ve been drinking for years but still feel like you “don’t know enough,” this episode is your official initiation into the Blackthorn way of drinking.

Why Wine Feels Intimidating: The History of Wine Snobbery

If you’ve ever felt like wine was “too fancy” or “too complicated,” you’re not imagining it. Wine has a long history of being tied to class and status.

• In ancient Greece and Rome, wine was a symbol of privilege. The wealthy drank it; everyone else was pushed toward beer or cider. Writers like Homer and Pliny the Elder reinforced this divide, treating wine as noble and beer as a drink for “others.”

• In early America, wine never had the chance to become an everyday beverage. Grapes struggled to grow on the East Coast, so quality wine had to be imported. That meant only the wealthy could afford it, while the masses stuck to beer, cider, and whiskey. Prohibition later sealed wine’s reputation as inaccessible.

Centuries of this association turned wine into something “too special” — something reserved for insiders with the right words, money, and collections. And that elitist hangover still lingers today.

But here’s the truth: wine is just a beverage. One with incredible history, flavor, and culture, yes — but not one that should make you feel small.

3 Wine “Rules” to Forget

Wine culture is full of so-called “rules” that scare people off. In this episode, we break down three of the biggest ones you can ignore right now:

1. Expensive Wine Is Always Better

Not true. A $30 bottle can be just as enjoyable as a $60 one. Price doesn’t equal quality; it often reflects branding, rarity, or marketing. Trust your own palate instead of the price tag.

2. There’s Only One Right Way to Taste Wine

Sure, the “look, swirl, sniff, sip” method can be useful, but it’s not mandatory. The only real question is: Do you like it? Pay attention to your own experience instead of performing a ritual that doesn’t feel natural.

3. Wine and Food Pairings Are Strict Rules

Yes, certain pairings can elevate a meal — but you won’t ruin dinner if you drink Sauvignon Blanc with a burger or Pinot Noir with salmon. Pairing is more about play and context than rigid rules.

A New Blackthorn 101: Our Approach to Wine

Forget the old Wine 101. At Blackthorn, we’re building a new foundation based on four simple lessons:

1. Trust Your Palate — You’re the authority. If you love it, it’s good.

2. Wine Is About Context, Not Perfection — The “perfect bottle” doesn’t exist. A $12 Beaujolais on a Tuesday can be pure magic.

3. Language Is Power — Describe wine however you want. “Wet stone” or “Skittles and sadness” are both valid tasting notes.

4. Drink With Intention — Wine is ritual. Slow down, pay attention, and let it mark the moment.

This is the Blackthorn way: wine without intimidation, snobbery, or gatekeeping.

Wine of the Week: Campuget 1773 Rosé

In this episode, we also taste the 2024 Campuget 1773 Rosé, a Rhône Valley wine blending 90% Syrah and 10% Vermentino.

• Aromas: White-fleshed fruit, grapefruit, orange zest

• Palate: Silky texture with fresh acidity, softened by a touch of sweetness

• Pairing Ideas: Tuna tartare, seafood platters, or playful sweet-and-savory dishes

Campuget has a fascinating history — founded during World War II, now run by the third generation of the Dalle family — and sits at the crossroads of Provence, Languedoc, and the Rhône. A true example of terroir meeting tradition.

Blackthorn Updates

We’re always evolving, and this month brings some big changes:

• Our newsletter is moving off Substack — all content now lives right here on our site.

• Instead of a hidden page, members will now get a monthly password for exclusive wine discounts.

• Our monthly bonus podcast episode is available for just $6/month through your podcast app.

• New products just launched:

  • Tarot x Wine Guide (both free and paid versions)

  • Ritual Mail — letters delivered the old-fashioned way, to slow down your wine life.

Catch the full episode of Forget Everything You Think You Know About Wine wherever you listen to podcasts.

This isn’t just Wine 101. This is Wine 101, Blackthorn style: bold, irreverent, and all about you.