Welcome back to Unpretentious Eats! In this episode, I’m diving deep into what some might call wine blasphemy—exposing the flaws of Bordeaux’s 1855 Classification and the ever-influential 100-Point Grading System. These outdated, elitist systems have driven up prices, buried incredible wines behind exclusivity, and made wine feel unattainable for everyday drinkers. But guess what? Taste is subjective, and it’s time to stop worshiping these arbitrary rankings.

I break down how a nearly 170-year-old ranking system, created as a marketing stunt for Napoleon III, still dictates which wines are deemed “the best.” I also take on the 100-Point System, originally intended to help consumers but now weaponized to inflate prices and keep smaller labels from competing. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by wine snobbery, this episode is for you.

But it’s not all rants—I’m also sharing my latest restaurant obsession: Herb & Sea in Encinitas. From locally sourced rock cod crudo to a sumac-kissed chorizo pizza and an unforgettable cocktail called Surf & Swine, this spot is a must-visit for food lovers.

If you enjoy Unpretentious Eats, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow me on Instagram or my website for more no-BS food and drink content. Grab a glass of wine (or whatever you love), and let’s get into it! 🍷