Five Questions with Wine Cartographer Steve DeLong

In this episode of Five Questions on the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Steve DeLong, wine cartographer and creator of an iconic Wine Grape Variety Table, to explore his unique perspective on wine. Steve shares what drew him to mapping and documenting wine regions, the underrated grapes and places that deserve more attention, and why Cinsault and Franciacorta have been capturing his interest lately. He also offers his perspective on how parts of the natural wine movement have drifted toward embracing faults, and recalls memorable tastings with Champagne expert Charles Curtis MW.

🎧 In this conversation:

• How Steve’s work in wine mapping and photography began
• Why Cinsault is one of the most overlooked yet exciting grapes
• Franciacorta’s Champagne-level quality at exceptional value
• The line between character and fault in natural wine
• What it’s like to taste Champagne alongside Charles Curtis MW

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Meet Steve De Long
00:52 Steve's Role in the Wine Industry
01:21 Current Wine Favorites
02:14 Underrated Wine Regions
03:09 Controversial Wine Trends
05:38 Memorable Wine Experiences
07:12 Conclusion and Thanks

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, sommelier, or curious collector, this quick-fire episode delivers insider perspectives from one of wine’s most interesting voices.

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!