VinePair Podcast

Is a Backlash Coming for The 50?

October 8, 2026·25 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

In the wake of a bit of a social media firestorm within the bar community, Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss whether there's a backlash coming for The 50 (formerly 50 Best) within that community. Are bartenders who aspire to recognition tiring of the need to work guest shifts at far flung bars, endlessly politick, and generally focus on brand-building and vote-wrangling more than actually making their bars better? Is there a lesson from the past in what's happened to wine scores and reviews? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and cheers!Zach is reading: Gen Z Doesn’t Like Phone Calls. Apparently, They Do Like Calling BarsJoanna is reading: Beverage Programs Are Under Pressure. These Pros Are Finding Ways to Adapt.Adam is reading: Why Did a Hot Take on Bartender Guest Shifts Spark a Social Media Firestorm?Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of VinePair Podcast and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.