How Master Sommelier Laura Maniec Built Corkbuzz, Became an Ambassador for Vinho Verde, and Makes Wine Less Intimidating, Ep 121

<p>&quot;Wine is the way we connect. It makes the world smaller in many ways.&quot; - Laura Maneic</p><p>On the podcast today, a woman who’s been wowing the wine world since she started work as a sommelier at the ripe old age of 21. Today, she owns one of the buzziest wine concepts around. Corkbuzz is part wine bar, restaurant and education center. Laura Maniec is a Master Sommelier and a master of bringing people together to learn about wine, enjoy good food and wine and spirited conversation. </p><p>Laura’s been educating folks on wine even before she opened the doors to her first <a href="https://www.corkbuzz.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Corkbuzz Restaurant &amp; Wine Bar</a> in New York City. A sommelier prep course at New York’s former Windows on the World led Laura on a path to roles at various restaurants in New York and Las Vegas, where she was encouraged to pursue the Master Sommelier certification. She became a mentor for others on that path and continues to educate a new generation of wine lovers and professionals alike. Corkbuzz is just as buzzy as it was when it opened in 2011. </p><p>Laura also takes us inside her role as U.S. Ambassador for Vinho Verde, Portugal’s vibrant wine region. She celebrates the freshness, affordability, and versatility of Portuguese wines — and encourages us to explore beyond the usual bottles.</p><p>Laura’s mission is clear: make wine approachable, joyful, and endlessly fascinating.</p><p><br></p>