1. 2019 Sommelier of the Year: Erik Segelbaum - COVID-19 and the historical importance of Madeira in the United States

On todays show how Food and Wine Magazine’s 2019 sommelier of the year, Erik Segelbaum formed a community to help sommeliers affected by COVID. We’re also going to take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Madeira. You’ll learn how he built one of the world’s most robust wines list comprised of Madeira and what significance it has to the history of the United States and the birth of wine making in Virginia. Madeira has very deep historical past. According to Erik “It’s a time machine,”. “Everytime you pour a glass of vintage Madeira,” says Segelbaum, “you’re tasting a piece of history”. Erik is an Advanced Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine and a Wine and Spirits Locations Specialist for both Port and Champagne. Erik has been published numerous times in international wine publications. Erik is also the founder of the wine consulting company, Somlyay. But when COVID hit, the somm community was one of the ones hit the hardest. It was then that he quickly got to work creating the United Sommelier Foundation. On this first episode, I speak with Erik Segelbaum, the 2019 sommelier of the year, where we discuss how the somm community has been affected by Covid and also take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Madeira. You’ll learn the incredible historical importance of this often misunderstood fortified wine, what it has to do with the history of Virginia wine making and the perfect oyster pairing! You can find out more information on the United Sommeliers Foundation at https://www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoy todays episode, please hit that subscribe button so you won’t miss out on any of our upcoming episodes. Be sure to share it with someone you know that loves food and wine. Screenshot this, post on Instagram and tag us @everydayfoodandwine as well as our amazing guest today, Erik Segelbaum @erik4wine. And if you’re feeling extra generous, please give us a rating on iTunes or however you listen to your podcasts. Lastly, I would love to hear from you! What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? What are some topics you’re dying to learn about? You can message me directly at [email protected] Please stay tuned for the next episode where I sit down with one of four people in the world to obtain the prestigious titles of Master Sommelier and Master of Wine, Doug Frost.

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