How can wine help you to broaden your understanding of different cultures? Which stark differences in culture and decorum will you see in various wine regions? What's the right way, etiquette-wise, to receive your tasting sample at a wine festival or show?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Clinton Lee, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute.

You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks

Highlights

What will wine lovers find fascinating about Mendoza, Argentina?

How did Dr. Lee communicate with Argentinian winemakers with no languages in common?

What was it like to participate in a blindfolded wine tasting in China?

What made Dr. Lee’s visit to Ducasse au Château de Versailles heartwarming?

How was the art of decorum on perfect display at a Vinitaly tasting in Verona, Italy?

What’s the right protocol to observe when receiving a pour at a tasting?

When did Dr. Lee develop his interest in wine and culture?

How did Dr. Lee become an expert in manners and culture?

What influences can you see across cultures?

How can you become more culturally aware?

Key Takeaways

I wholeheartedly agree with him that wine helps you to broaden your understanding of different cultures. It reminds me of when I was a highland dancer as a child and traveled to different countries with my mother. We experienced the culture more deeply than would most tourists as we got to know families who lived there and often stayed with them.

He makes several interesting points that there are stark differences in culture and decorum in various wine regions.

I also agree with him that it's good etiquette and sound practice to slide away to the side after you receive your wine sample at a festival or show to allow others to get theirs. It’s always tempting to stay and chat with those pouring the wine, and that’s fine if no one is behind you, but rarely is that the case.

Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live

Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.

I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?

Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621

About Dr. Clinton Lee

Clinton Lee is the Executive Director at Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute, a WSET Diploma Graduate & Wine Educator & Speaker. He is the author of Master the Art of Manners, which will be published later this year. He is an internationally recognized intercultural etiquette expert, wine and spirit educator and judge. Dr. Lee has been featured in the media around the world and is recognized as a social media influencer with over two million followers on several platforms. He is also the host of the Wine Buzz podcast.

To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/228.