Wine Wisdom with Mike: The Joy of Sipping, Swirling, and Good Decisions
In this special episode of Pour Decisions, Katie and Chris Keefer welcome their dear friend, Mike Passaglia, to dive into the art and enjoyment of wine. Not only is Mike a longtime hunting buddy of Chris, but he's also the go-to wine expert who can break down everything from tasting notes to the wine culture of Napa Valley—all with humor and wisdom.
How Duck Hunting Led to a Passion for Wine
Mike's wine journey started unexpectedly in California’s duck clubs, where he encountered Napa vintners bringing their finest bottles to share. Despite beginning with Coors Light and simpler tastes, Mike found himself exploring the nuances of wine, quickly developing a palate for some of the best Napa had to offer, like the celebrated Silver Oak.
A Fun, No-Pressure Approach to Wine
Mike emphasizes that wine isn’t just for “snobs”; anyone can learn to enjoy it. He and his wife made it their mission to explore wines at home, choosing bottles based on label appeal and sharing laughs as they tried new tastes. “Wine is about enjoyment, not intimidation,” Mike explains, encouraging others to “just start with funny labels and go from there!”
Pour Decisions Ratings & Final Cheers
Throughout the tasting, Katie and Chris rate wines from “fruity” to “smoky,” with Mike’s guidance offering playful critiques. For the Keefers, the experience is as much about having fun as it is about learning. As they wrap up, Mike leaves the audience with a refreshing perspective: enjoying wine should be a good decision, not a poor one.
