Barrels & Roots
Welcome to Barrels & Roots, a journey through the world of wine and food, where every vineyard, kitchen, and cellar holds a story worth telling. Hosted by Sean Trace, this show explores the passion, tradition, and creativity that turn simple ingredients into art and shared moments into legacy.
From the heart of Napa Valley to the tables and tasting rooms of the world, Sean sits down with winemakers, chefs, and artisans who live by their craft. Each conversation dives into the culture, the community, and the human stories that give flavor to what we create and share.
Whether you are a sommelier, a chef, a storyteller, or someone who simply loves the ritual of a good meal and a better conversation, Barrels & Roots invites you to slow down, listen closely, and taste the stories that connect us all.
Barrels & Roots
Wine Isn’t Snobby | Lynn Finkbiner | Barrels & Roots
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In this episode of Barrels & Roots, I sit down with Lynn Finkbiner, a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, to break down wine in a way that actually makes sense.
We talk about how she went from years in restaurants to fully committing to wine, and what it feels like to realize just how deep the wine world goes once you start studying it seriously. We get into why wine can feel intimidating, how to build confidence through micro learning, and why you do not need fancy glassware or perfect tasting notes to enjoy a bottle. Lynn shares practical tips for pairing wine with spicy food, how to branch out if you think you are “only a Pinot Noir person,” and why Oregon Pinot Gris deserves way more love. We also talk about wine culture, how one great guide can make everything feel accessible, and how the goal is not to sound smart, it is to enjoy what you like and keep exploring.
Question for your audience: what’s one wine you used to think you hated, but ended up liking once you tried it in the right moment or with the right food?