Guide to Wine Podcast: Episode 123

Sekt: Germany’s Sparkling Wine You Need to Know w/ Lisa Tupetz (Part 2)

Air Date: Wednesday, September 24th, 2025

Listen to the Podcast!

Did you know Germany made top of the line Sparkling wine?

In this episode, I’m diving back in with importer and winemaker Lisa Tupetz to explore the side of German wine most people never hear about. We’re talking about Sekt, Germany’s sparkling wine, and how to tell if you’ve grabbed the real deal made in the traditional Champagne method.

You’ll also hear about Elbling, an ancient grape variety that nearly disappeared, and why it should be on your radar the next time you’re wine shopping.

Lisa shares her top bottle picks if you’re curious to try German wines for yourself, plus the story of how she managed to get her wines on the prestigious French Laundry list (spoiler: it’s pretty incredible). She also shares the story of a non-alcoholic sparkling wine that won over sommeliers at The French Laundry, showing just how innovative German winemaking can be.

We’ll also chat about her wine club and a brand-new importer collective that’s helping small producers reach more drinkers here in the U.S.

If you’ve ever wondered how to branch out from Riesling or want to discover wines you won’t find at your local shop, this episode is full of ideas to get you started.

This is part 2 of my conversation with Lisa so if you missed part one be sure to go back and listen in!

And if you are ready to try some wines from Tupetz Wine Collection you can do so here and save 15% with the code CORKFIZZ15.

Thank you to Wine.com for sponsoring this episode. Go to Wine.com/corkfizz and use code CORKFIZZ for FREE shipping on your order over $150. (Limit one per customer.)

Resources: Klassische Flaschengärung is the term that Lisa said meant “bottle fermented”

Connect with Lisa and Tupetz Wine Collection
Website - www.tupetzwine.com 
Instagram - @tupetzwine

Episode Highlights:

• What makes German sparkling wine (Sekt) unique and how to identify quality bottles.
• Elbling: the ancient grape making a modern comeback.
• Three recommended bottles to try if you’re new to German imports.
• Behind the scenes of Lisa’s wine club
• How these wines ended up on the French Laundry’s prestigious list.
• The surprising story of a non-alcoholic sparkling wine that won over sommeliers at The French Laundry.
• The Small Poppies Wine Collective and its mission to support small importers.
• Common wine myths that bug Lisa
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