Episode 23 – Summer Wine Recommendations with Mike the Wine Guy

In this episode of the Direct Examination Podcast, hosts Joseph Bias, Amber Fulmer, and Dane Phillips catch up on the latest COVID-19 courtroom adjustments across South Carolina before welcoming Mike “The Wine Guy” (host of the Ride Between the Wines podcast and wine specialist at Republic National Distributing Company). Joseph opens the episode with a heartfelt personal reflection on the events and protests in Columbia and nationwide following the murder of George Floyd, contextualizing why the episode—recorded days earlier—maintains a lighter tone. Joined briefly by Joseph’s fiancée, the panel tastes a Italian Nebbiolo Rosé (Viberti “La Gemella” Rosato), discusses approachable summer wine pairings, breaks down “Wine 101” for beginners, and highlights top local Columbia, SC food and wine spots.

Key Topics Covered

  • Joseph’s Opening Statement: A personal reflection on racial justice, peaceful protests in Columbia, and the role of dialogue within the legal community following the murder of George Floyd.

  • COVID-19 Courtroom Updates: Disparities in court operations between Richland and Lexington Counties, Supreme Court orders on masks, WebEx temporary family court hearings, and the postponement of jury trials.

  • Featured Wine Tasting: Tasting Viberti “La Gemella” Rosato (a 100% Nebbiolo Rosé from Piedmont, Italy) and understanding how acidity and aromatics enhance summer wine drinking.

  • Wine 101 & Food Pairings:

    • Demystifying wine ordering at restaurants and why consumers shouldn’t fear asking sommeliers for recommendations.

    • Classic food pairings: High-acid whites and Rosés for summer heat; Cabernet, Malbec, and Syrah for steaks.

    • Affordable, crowd-pleasing varietals and red blends for casual gatherings.

  • Local Columbia, SC Food & Wine Highlights: Recommending local spots like Morganelli’s, The Gourmet Shop, Bottles, Terra, 929 Kitchen, Cow Thai, The Wig, The Aristocrat, and Market on Main.

  • Closing Banter: Teasing Joseph about being a “Doctor of Law” (J.D.) versus a medical doctor, and using the phrase “Lawyered!” in everyday arguments.

Transcript

Joseph Bias: Welcome y’all to the Direct Examination Podcast. My name is Joseph Bias.

We recorded this episode on Wednesday, May 27th, before many significant events developed across our nation and right here in Columbia, South Carolina over the weekend of May 30th. As an African American man and a member of this legal community, the protests and conversations surrounding the murder of George Floyd and police reform are deeply personal, necessary, and vital.

Because this episode was recorded prior to those events, we do not address them in the main interview. We hope this conversation offers a brief moment of light and escapism as we discuss wine and summer recommendations, and we look forward to addressing these critical societal issues in upcoming episodes.

Now, let’s switch gears and welcome my co-hosts, Amber Fulmer and Dane Phillips!

Amber Fulmer: Welcome y’all to the Direct Examination Podcast! I’m Amber Fulmer.

Dane Phillips: I’m Dane Phillips.

Joseph Bias: And I’m Joseph Bias! Amber, Dane, how are y’all holding up in quarantine?

Dane Phillips: Surprisingly busy! There is still a ton of legal work to be done.

Amber Fulmer: Same here! Family court doesn’t stop just because there’s a pandemic! (laughs)

Joseph Bias: Today we’re kicking off a series of summer recommendation episodes as things begin to slowly reopen. Before we introduce our guest, how are things looking in your respective courts?

Dane Phillips: It varies county by county. The Supreme Court just issued guidance encouraging masks in courtrooms, but jury trials are officially postponed through at least July or August.

Amber Fulmer: In family court, Richland and Lexington are operating very differently. Lexington’s clerk’s office has a drive-through window open every day, while Richland has limited hours. We’re doing a lot of temporary hearings via WebEx where attorneys submit written packets and argue virtually.

Joseph Bias: Now, to help us navigate summer wine drinking, we are thrilled to welcome Mike “The Wine Guy”—host of the Ride Between the Wines podcast and wine specialist for Republic National Distributing Company! Welcome, Mike!

Mike Wine-Guy: Thanks for having me on, guys! It’s awesome to be here with y’all.

Joseph Bias: Mike, tell us what we are all drinking today!

Mike Wine-Guy: Tonight we are tasting the Viberti “La Gemella” Rosato. It’s a Rosé made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes out of the Piedmont region in Northwestern Italy. Nebbiolo is the same grape used to make Barolo. It’s crisp, high in acidity, and full of fresh strawberry, peach, and melon notes—perfect for hot South Carolina summer days on the porch.

Amber Fulmer: (unscrews cap and takes a sip) It’s a screw-cap! My favorite kind! No corkscrew needed! (laughs)

Joseph Bias: Amber went straight from the bottle to her Yeti cup! (laughs)

Dane Phillips: Mike, for someone who isn’t a wine expert, what should we be looking for when picking a good summer Rosé or ordering at a restaurant?

Mike Wine-Guy: Don’t let wine intimidate you! If it tastes good to you, it’s a good wine—period. For Rosé, you want good acidity. When you take a sip, if your mouth immediately waters, that crisp acidity is what makes it refreshing and allows it to pair amazingly well with food.

If you’re at a restaurant like Terra or Saluda’s, don’t be afraid to ask the server or sommelier for recommendations. Tell them what flavors you like and what your price point is. Good sommeliers love helping people discover great, affordable bottles.

Dane Phillips: What about steak? If we’re grilling out this summer, what’s the go-to red?

Mike Wine-Guy: For a fatty steak, you want a bigger red with structure—a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Malbec, or a Syrah. The tannins in a big red wine cut through the fat of the meat and elevate the whole meal.

Joseph Bias: Mike, what are some of your favorite local Columbia spots for food, drinks, or picking up a great bottle?

Mike Wine-Guy: For retail bottle shops, Gourmet Shop in Five Points, Morganelli’s, and Bottles in Southeast Columbia have incredible selections and knowledgeable staff. For food and drinks, 929 Kitchen in the Vista does amazing Korean food, Cow Thai, The Aristocrat for jazz and wine, Market on Main, and The Wig for the best dive-bar vibe in town!

Joseph Bias: Mike, thank you so much for joining us, sharing your expertise, and helping us kick off the summer!

Mike Wine-Guy: Thank you guys so much! Cheers!

Dane Phillips: Follow Mike on Instagram and Facebook @MikeWineGuy and check out his podcast, Ride Between the Wines!

Joseph Bias: You can follow the podcast on Twitter and Facebook @SCLawPod, follow Dane @SCCrimLawyer, Amber @RedJudicata, and Joseph @JosephPBias. Leave us a five-star review, stay safe, and we’ll see y’all next week!