What happens when passion meets purpose in the wine world — and a little Disney magic? George Miliotes, legendary Master Sommelier and the visionary behind Wine Bar George at Disney Springs, shares a journey as rich and layered as a vintage Bordeaux.

From crafting wine blends for Olive Garden to building one of the most dynamic wine destinations in the country, George brings hospitality, humor, and high standards to everything he touches.

🎢 Bonus: We challenge George to pair wines with iconic Disney rides — think Guardians of the Galaxy, Tower of Terror, and Expedition Everest. His answers? As bold as a Napa Cab.

📍 What You’ll Learn:

• George Miliotes is a trailblazer in the wine world and creator of Wine Bar George
• How growing up in hospitality shaped his love of wine
• The surprising stories behind his wine collaborations (yes, Olive Garden!)
• Why Coravin changed the game for by-the-glass programs
• His inclusive, no-snobbery approach to wine education and service
• Why mentorship is key to cultivating great wine professionals
• How Wine Bar George is redefining wine culture — one pour at a time

Whether you're a sommelier-in-training or just here for the vibes (and the vino), this episode brings out the soul behind the service — and a few unexpected twists along the way.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms
🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com

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We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and

Cristie Norman brings bold energy, heart, and a wealth of experience to this powerful episode of The Wine Centric Show. As Lead Sommelier at Delilah at the Wynn Las Vegas, Cristie opens up about her evolution from aspiring opera singer to nationally recognized wine educator, and how her path through hospitality has shaped her passion for leadership, mentorship, and impact.

Cristie shares the personal journey that led her to wine, including a life-shifting Zen retreat that changed how she sees achievement, and why she ultimately chose not to pursue her Advanced Sommelier certification. “No one’s ever asked me that before,” she admits, as she reflects on redefining success in a high-pressure industry.

📍 What You’ll Learn:

• Why First Growth Bordeaux is trending at Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas
• Cristie’s personal go-to styles of Chablis
• How tariffs affect the wine industry and her wine list
• The business side of wine: building programs, mentoring teams, and being unapologetically honest
• Her work with United Sommeliers Foundation, which has distributed nearly $2 million in aid
• The pairing she’ll never forget: Oysters + Fino Sherry at SommCon

Cristie is more than a sommelier, she’s a leader, educator, and visionary helping shape the future of wine.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Kristi Norman and Delilah

02:47 Exploring Wine Choices and Trends

05:48 The Role of a Sommelier in Las Vegas

08:35 The Art of Wine Inventory Management

11:27 From Opera to Wine: Kristi's Journey

14:10 The Business of Wine and Personal Philosophy

16:49 The United Sommelier Foundation and Its Impact

19:51 Future Aspirations and Industry Challenges

22:43 Closing Thoughts and Memorable Pairings

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms
🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com

We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners:

▪️Fearrington House: https://fearrington.com/

▪️Heather Donovan Real Estate: https://heatherdhomes.com/

▪️Conscious Strong: https://consciousstrong.com/

How is wine culture changing, and what still holds true? Eric Asimov, the long-standing chief wine critic for The New York Times, joins us for a candid conversation to answer these questions. With his signature clarity and cultural insight, Eric brings a rare, unpretentious perspective to the complexities of wine criticism, the industry’s growing pains, and the surprising role of wellness and celebrity in shaping what ends up in our glasses.

We explore the quiet transformation happening in California wine, the tension between wine as a personal experience and a consumer product, and why wine education needs to feel more like an invitation than an exam. Eric unpacks the way media, tech, and generational values are shifting the center of gravity in wine, not always for better, but not always for worse either.

His reflections are rooted in decades of experience, yet they remain open, questioning, and refreshingly grounded. This isn’t about scores or hype. It’s about culture, connection, and the enduring pleasure of a shared bottle.

#EricAsimov #WineCentricShow #WineCulture #WineCriticism #CaliforniaWine #MindfulDrinking #WineAndWellness #WineEducation #WineMedia #WineCommunity

📍 What You’ll Learn:

• Eric Asimov sees himself as an observer of the wine industry, not a part of it.
• Wine criticism can influence sales but is not driven by financial gain.
• The wine industry is a complex network of small businesses.
• California wines are evolving towards more diverse styles.
• Technology has democratized wine discussions and education.
• Celebrity endorsements can spark interest in wine among new audiences.
• Wine should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced lifestyle.
• Cultural events can enhance the wine experience beyond just tasting.
• Wine education should be accessible and engaging, not elitist.
• Personal connections and shared experiences are at the heart of wine enjoyment.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Eric Asimov and His Role in Wine Criticism
02:39 The Distinction Between Wine Critic and Industry
05:04 Criticism and Confrontation in Wine Writing
07:46 The Evolution of Wine Styles and Criticism
10:29 Influential Voices in Wine Criticism
12:47 California Wine: A Shift in Focus
15:24 The Impact of the Internet on Wine Culture
18:12 The Power of Wine Criticism and Its Effects
20:27 Allocation and Accessibility in the Wine Market
29:08 The Economics of Wine Allocation
31:27 Martial Arts and Wine: A Unique Comparison
34:49 Athletes and Celebrity Wines
38:27 The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Wine
42:13 Wine, Hip Hop, and Cultural Crossover
48:37 The Emotional Connection of Wine Experiences

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms
🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com

We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners:

▪️Fearrington House: https://fearrington.com/

▪️Heather Donovan Real Estate: https://heatherdhomes.com/

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Eric Asimov, wine podcast, wine culture, wine criticism, California wine, celebrity wine brands, wine education, wine and wellness, mindful drinking, wine industry, sommelier podcast, wine journalism, The New York Times wine, wine lifestyle, wine commentary, wine trends, wine media, wine storytelling, modern wine culture, wine influencers