FTC Disclosure

In keeping with the FTC Disclosure policy linked here, this is the policy of the Understanding Wine Podcast and Blog.


  1. I will not lie to my audience!  Period.  All my opinions and recommendations are entirely my own, they are not paid for.
  2. Any content on this blog, whether audio, video, or text was created for my audience and/or myself.  If I ever create content for any other party, and if I choose to make that content part of the website, it will be obviously labeled as such.
  3. In the course of my job as Head Wine Guy at Walt Churchill's Market, I taste numerous wines that I did not 'pay for.'  Some are sample sips given by distributors who would like to see their wine appear in the store.  Sometimes I taste wines at large 'trade tastings.' Sometimes I taste wines when running a Walt Churchill's Market wine tasting.  While this is a very nice thing, don't pretend that this is glamourous, or some sort of bribe.  Wading through lots of pleasantly bland wines, two ounces at a time, is way less fun than it sounds.
  4. When traveling in wine country, being in the business means that I often get to taste for free at wineries.  It is a nice perk, but does not sway my opinions on this blog.
  5. Understanding Wine HD doesn't rate wines.  I educate, recommend, and hopefully inspire.  I tend to praise rather than criticize.
  6. When producing video, it is actually illegal to produce video about a brand or person without their permission.  So I tend to focus on introducing you to brands and wine people that I am already fans of.  Don't mistake 'being a fan' for being 'in their pocket.'
  7. Walt Churchill's Market is frequently linked to and mentioned.  That is because, being my employer, they are a big part of my wine experience.  However, they are NOT sponsors of this blog nor do I produce it on their behalf.  They do not control what I write, nor are they responsible if I say something really stupid.
If you need clarification, please email me at acbwine (at) gmail (dot) com.