Eric Asimov on the Shifting Landscape of Wine Culture

What’s changing in wine — and what timeless truths still remain? In this episode of The Wine Centric Show, we sit down with Eric Asimov, the long-time chief wine critic for The New York Times, for a thoughtful and refreshingly candid conversation on the evolution of wine culture.

With his hallmark clarity and cultural insight, Eric sheds light on the complex crossroads of wine, wellness, and celebrity, offering a rare, unpretentious lens into the state of the industry. From the quiet revolution in California winemaking to the new role of tech and media in shaping wine discourse, this episode explores how the center of gravity in wine is shifting — sometimes in challenging ways, sometimes in exciting ones.

Eric challenges conventional ideas about wine criticism, calling for a more inclusive, curiosity-driven approach to education — one that invites rather than intimidates. He reflects on wine as both a deeply personal pleasure and a broader cultural force, emphasizing connection over connoisseurship.

This is not about scores or spectacle. It’s about culture, intention, and the enduring joy of sharing a bottle.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• Why Eric sees himself more as an observer than an insider

• The role of critics in shaping — but not selling — wine

• How California winemaking is quietly diversifying

• The impact of tech, generational shifts, and celebrity

• Why wine education must evolve beyond elitism

• How shared experiences elevate wine beyond the glass

🎙️Watch more episodes with winemakers, sommeliers and wine thought leaders on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House, Heather Donovan Real Estate, and Conscious Strong.