Taste Toast Travel
Taste Toast Travel
Hey, friends! Welcome to the Taste Toast Travel Podcast!
We're your hosts and resident foodies, epicureans, and lovers of all things travel and exploration, John and Tara.
John is a certified Sommelier and a Certified Specialist of Wine, and has worked in the wine and hospitality industry for over 10 years.
Tara has worked in the wine industry for eight years both in hospitality and digital marketing.
When we first met, we bonded over our love of eating, drinking, and traveling the world. That passion has only grown over time, now we want to share this passion with you from an insider perspective.
On this podcast, you can expect a wide range of topics on all things food, travel, and beverage. This includes non-alcoholic drinks, too, because we don't discriminate here!
That means we'll dig into things like where to go, where to stay and what to eat or drink along the way. We'll be serving tea on hot topics and big news, dig into the cultural significance and impacts that food, drink, and travel have on our lives, and we'll even bring on guests to join us who are just as excited, passionate, and knowledgeable about tasting, toasting, and traveling as we are.
And, because we're not your ordinary foodie and travel-focused podcast, you can definitely expect some pop culture topics here, too.
We're only scratching the surface and have a lot more in store that we can't wait to share with you all.
Grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and enjoy the journey with us. Cheers!
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Best episodes
Top 10 Taste Toast Travel Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Taste Toast Travel episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Taste Toast Travel for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Taste Toast Travel episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
015. Major Starbucks Changes & Questionable Coffee Culture
Taste Toast Travel
02/12/25 • 48 min
We're digging into the current state of coffee culture in America (and how far we have to go) with a particular focus on good ol' Starbucks, which has experienced some slumping sales and unfavorable customer experiences.
With their new CEO Brian Niccol now in charge, we're dissecting some new and noteworthy changes Starbucks is making—changes that are also making some headlines as of late.
Could these shifts begin to reshape the way Americans experience their coffee? Let's talk about it!
Sources:
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/27/food/starbucks-changes-refills/index.html
- https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/starbucks-announces-bittersweet-changes-coming-soon-in-stores
- https://about.starbucks.com/backtostarbucks/
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
02/06/25 • 40 min
We have a really special episode of Taste Toast Travel for you today! For those who don’t know, Tara is also a Certified Grief and Transformational Life Coach and got into this work after losing her parents to cancer several years ago within six months of each other.
She also hosts another podcast called Life With Grief (available wherever you get your podcasts!). That podcast is all about helping fellow grievers navigate grief, loss, and the complexities of life after we experience these difficult situations. The goal of that pod is to help grievers move through it all and ultimately live a more beautiful, fulfilling, meaningful life. For Tara especially, that’s really where the joys of food, drink and travel come into play.
So, she was inspired to marry the topics of grief and travel on the podcast today, because SO many of us have or will experience loss in our life. But travel and exploration can be so important and so healing on this journey, too.
We hope you love this episode, and check out the Life With Grief Podcast if you feel so inclined! Or, maybe you know someone who has experienced grief and loss who could benefit from this episode or that podcast, too.
Tune into Life With Grief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-grief-podcast/id1688812587
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
012. Becoming an Italian Citizen by Descent (and an important new eligibility update!)
Taste Toast Travel
01/27/25 • 42 min
Curious about the process of becoming an Italian citizen by descent? Well, John went through this (lengthy) process, and we’re breaking it down for ya today! But more importantly, we’re digging into this because there’s been an important update to this process in late 2024 that, unfortunately, is probably going to limit many people from being able to now get citizenship by descent, too.
We’re unpacking what this update is and what it means for anyone trying to get citizenship, too.
On top of that, John is breaking down his process of getting Italian citizenship, from initial research to working with lawyers, what this process entailed, how long it took, how much it cost, challenges he faced, and more. And, of course, why he even wanted it in the first place!
Tune in to get an insider’s perspective on this whole process.
The article we reference in this episode: click here
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
011. The Process of Becoming a Certified Sommelier
Taste Toast Travel
01/20/25 • 53 min
We’re digging into one of John’s most FAQ’s: what it was like to become a Certified Sommelier!
John, with over 10 years of experience in the wine and hospitality industry, shares his unexpected beginnings with a criminology degree and his transformation into a wine expert, of sorts.
We’ll chat about the details of the Sommelier certification process, including the rigorous tasting, theory, and service exams. John talks about his preparation methods, the challenges he faced, and the broader implications of having such extensive wine knowledge.
We also touch on the differences between different Sommelier levels—certified, advanced, and master—while addressing some big misconceptions along the way. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or curious about the intricacies of becoming a Sommelier, this episode offers valuable insights and behind-the-scenes details you may have been wondering about!
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
010. Unpacking Our Trip to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, & Italy (with an 8 month old)
Taste Toast Travel
01/13/25 • 70 min
Buckle up! We’re recounting our two-week trip that began in Tara’s home states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where she born and raised for the first ten years of her life.
We continue on to Florence and Rome, Italy for six days. We’re sharing the highs, lows, do’s and dont’s of this trip's planning and execution, along with personal anecdotes and cautionary tales on what we would (or wouldn’t) do again. As much as we’ve traveled, this is what we love so much about it—we’re always learning something new on every trip we go on, and this one was no exception.
This was also our first “big” trip with our infant daughter, and boy was it humbling! Learn from our mistakes and check out our recommendations in this fun trip recap.
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
009. Wine Tasting Horror Stories (from Winery Insiders!)
Taste Toast Travel
01/06/25 • 37 min
As seasoned veterans of the wine and hospitality industry, we have MANY stories of wine tastings gone wrong. In this episode, we’re spilling the tea (or wine, we should say).
We’re sharing some of our most unforgettable and amusing horror stories from our years working in wine tasting rooms in Napa and Sonoma. From intoxicated elementary school teachers that couldn’t keep it together to outrageous bachelorette parties to drink birthday groups and beyond, let’s scratch the surface and pull the curtain back on what really goes down in wine tastings.
And yes, this has included cutting off overly intoxicated guests! Beyond the anecdotes, this episode serves as a cautionary tale about responsible drinking and the realities of working in the wine industry.
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
008. Airplane Etiquette (and Not Being THAT Passenger)
Taste Toast Travel
12/30/24 • 65 min
Let’s talk airplane etiquette! We’re airing out common pet peeves and filing our grievances with air travel. From how to handle security lines to packing and overhead bin protocol, to the do’s and don'ts of seat reclining, arm rest usage, and being kind to parents traveling with kids—this episode covers all aspects of flying from security to deplaning.
There are SO many things we think need to be acknowledged and broken down when it comes to being a kind, courteous (and sane) passenger when you fly, and have some personal experiences to recount that speak to each of these. We’ll wrap it up with some simple, practical advice on making air travel smoother and more enjoyable for everyone—because who doesn’t want that, right?
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
007. What's ACTUALLY in Your Wine? We're Spilling!
Taste Toast Travel
12/23/24 • 53 min
What’s REALLY in your wine? As your two California wine industry insiders, we’re spilling the tea (or wine, in this case).
We kick off the conversation by digging into a recent controversy in the wine industry: winemaker Adam Lee's provocative ad comparing sugar levels in his Dial Tone Pinot Noir to the popular Meiomi Pinot Noir. This is a topic you will NOT want to miss—trust us, it’s juicy!
Our conversation expands to the broader implications for the wine industry around transparency of how wine is really made, the use of additives, and current trends around health consciousness.
We also chat about the differences in wine labeling practices between the U.S. and other countries and why this is so important, and the growing consumer demand for ethical and transparent wine production.
San Francisco Chronicle article referenced: Click here to read
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
005. Debunking 9 Wine Myths and Misconceptions
Taste Toast Travel
12/09/24 • 51 min
Join us as we debunk nine common wine myths and misconceptions! With 17+ years in the wine and hospitality industry, we’re bringing you our insider knowledge and and stories into this episode.
We’ll dig into topics like whether older wine is always better, if expensive wines guarantee higher quality, the truth about sulfites and wine headaches (a hot topic), whether the shape of your wine glasses REALLY matter, and more.
Let’s make wine more approachable and enjoyable for everyone, shall we?
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
021. Wine Tasting Dos and Don'ts (from Wine Industry Insiders)
Taste Toast Travel
03/24/25 • 47 min
If you or someone you know is planning a trip to Napa or Sonoma, you NEED to hear this episode! We’re putting our wine industry insider hats on and sharing our tips (and essential etiquette) for wine tasting in Sonoma and Napa!
We’re chatting about the importance of making reservations, the courtesy of showing up on time (shocking we even need to mention this, but stay tuned for why), managing how many wineries you go to on each day, and more.
We also dig into the importance of spacing out your winery visits and being thoughtful with your planning to make the most of your visit.
Connect with us and learn more:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastetoasttravel_
- Website: https://tastetoasttravel.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Join our mailing list: https://tastetoasttravel.myflodesk.com/subscribe
Leave us a voice note!
Enjoy 15% off at Wine Girl with Tara's discount code! Use this link and code WINE15 when you shop.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Taste Toast Travel have?
Taste Toast Travel currently has 25 episodes available.
What topics does Taste Toast Travel cover?
The podcast is about Culture, Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Podcasts, Arts, Travel and Food.
What is the most popular episode on Taste Toast Travel?
The episode title '017. To Italy and Beyond: The Art of Exploration and Travel with TV Host & Travel Expert Kathy McCabe' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Taste Toast Travel?
The average episode length on Taste Toast Travel is 48 minutes.
How often are episodes of Taste Toast Travel released?
Episodes of Taste Toast Travel are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Taste Toast Travel?
The first episode of Taste Toast Travel was released on Oct 30, 2024.
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