Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
Episode 313
Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!
Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 313 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik Ever feel like you need a PhD and a Rosetta Stone just to pick a decent bottle of Cabernet? You aren’t alone. This week on The Wonderful World of Wine(WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Marie Cheslik, the brilliant sommelier and author behind the essential new book, “How to Read a Wine Label.” Marie isn't your average wine expert—she’s a nurse and Sommelier who uses a stethoscope and corkscrew. We dive deep into the surprising parallels between the ICU and the cellar, proving that wine doesn't have to be intimidating; it just needs a little "triage." 🔍 Inside This Episode: The Nurse’s Palate: Marie shares how her background in nursing shaped her approachable, no-nonsense perspective on wine. Label Pet Peeves: Find out what common marketing gimmicks drive Marie crazy when she looks at a bottle. The "Additive" Debate: We peel back the foil on what’s actually inside your wine beyond just grapes. Teach a Man to Fish: Marie explains her philosophy on wine education—giving you the tools to choose for yourself rather than just following a "Top 10" list. Google vs. The Label: Is whipping out your phone in the wine aisle cheating? We discuss using tech to decode the glass. The "Body" Language of Wine: * Why Marie is officially "anti-milk" when it comes to describing wine texture. Kim pitches her "Soup Theory"—does it hold water (or broth)? Reading the Fine Print: A masterclass on the Address Statement and why the Importer might be the most important name on the back of the bottle. The French Connection: Marie drops an absolute gem of a line regarding the complexity (and ego) of French wine labels. The Tie-Breaker: Two wines. Same price. Same grape. Same region. How do you choose? Marie gives us her foolproof "shelf-side" strategy. đź”— Connect With Us Guest: Marie Cheslik Explore her work and grab her book at www.slikwines.com The Wonderful World of Wine Visit us for more episodes and wine wisdom at www.thewww.wine Cheers Kim & Mark 🍷🍷🍷 #WinePodcast #Sommelier #WineLabels #SlikWines #WineEducation #WineTips #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WineAdditives #DrinkBetter #HowToReadAWineLabel
Marie Cheslik is a Wisconsin-born registered nurse and certified sommelier. In 2010, Marie moved to Chicago to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and during school, she also worked as a part-time hostess in a restaurant. She loved the culture, energy, and easy access to tasty snacks. She balanced two careers, working as a nurse and at award-winning restaurants, becoming more passionate about wine.
Marie passed the Certified Exam from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2018, worked as Wine Director at one Michelin-star restaurant, Elske, and received nominations including Jean Banchet's 'Best Sommelier' in 2019 and Eater’s 'Young Guns’ in 2020. In August 2020, she created Slik Wines to make fun and approachable wine education for everyone. In 2023 she was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers and has worked with notable brands such as Wines of Germany, Vini d’Abruzzo, Rick Bayless, VinItaly, and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. In May of 2024, she launched a wine education platform called Slik Skool which has helped 96% of her 300+ students become more confident in wine. In 2025 she released her first book, How To Read A Wine Label, with Peridot Publishing.
Growing up drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she understands that wine can be a daunting subject. Having the right person who can guide the way can make the big world of wine a friendly and exciting adventure.
