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Corked with Marc Fennell
How can you cheat… at drinking wine? It turns out you can. And when you do, a whole world of power, ego and money will unravel.
Corked is the scandalous saga in the glamorous, competitive and mysterious world of fine wines. Its topmost echelons are fiercely guarded – and harder to reach than outer space.
Join James Beard & Walkley winning journalist (and prodigious drinker of the 2nd cheapest bottle on the menu) Marc Fennell as he steps into a world he patently does not belong to (but clearly enjoys the taste of). Marc will uncork this scandal with —at first— an amusing and lighthearted touch that immerses listeners in the particularities, delights, tensions, and absurdities of this world. Travel across the world as he attempts to learn the florid language of wine, attends exclusive tastings, meets colourful wine devotees in dimly lit cellars. He even takes a gallant stab at being a sommelier himself. But as the podcast goes deeper, the story takes a darker turn, and this scandal unveils a pattern of abused power and authority.
The fallout after the cheating allegations were exposed is our small doorway into a very big story playing out in institutions across the world. Culture is shifting. The old world order is being upended. Is that a change for the better? And are the unintended consequences worth exploring?
Corked is the scandalous saga in the glamorous, competitive and mysterious world of fine wines. Its topmost echelons are fiercely guarded – and harder to reach than outer space.
Join James Beard & Walkley winning journalist (and prodigious drinker of the 2nd cheapest bottle on the menu) Marc Fennell as he steps into a world he patently does not belong to (but clearly enjoys the taste of). Marc will uncork this scandal with —at first— an amusing and lighthearted touch that immerses listeners in the particularities, delights, tensions, and absurdities of this world. Travel across the world as he attempts to learn the florid language of wine, attends exclusive tastings, meets colourful wine devotees in dimly lit cellars. He even takes a gallant stab at being a sommelier himself. But as the podcast goes deeper, the story takes a darker turn, and this scandal unveils a pattern of abused power and authority.
The fallout after the cheating allegations were exposed is our small doorway into a very big story playing out in institutions across the world. Culture is shifting. The old world order is being upended. Is that a change for the better? And are the unintended consequences worth exploring?
Audible Audio
Published May 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 21, 2025
Who knew there was such scandal in the world of the sommelier!
June 2, 2025
Fascinating story but a frustrating and infuriating situation. If this "court" had done right by its people, this story would be a non event. I do have one issue though and it's related to podcasts like this. The podcast starts off with an aim or objective then they stray from the intent by going off on tangents and then ending without a resolution. So many of these investigative journalism-based podcasts while enjoyable tend to be unsatisfying.
June 20, 2025
Great investigative journalism into the world of wine, master sommeliers and the 2018 class of candidates who were plagued by a cheating scandal.
May 25, 2025
Actually a podcast, oops.
May 23, 2025
Interesting! Fun podcast “book”
August 17, 2025
A fascinating dive into the world of the sommelier and the scandal of the 2018 Master Sommelier exam.
I love Marc Fennell's work and enjoyed this investigative audiobook.
I love Marc Fennell's work and enjoyed this investigative audiobook.
December 19, 2025
Definitely not worth the time. I liked the first episode and from then on is was just too overblown.
February 2, 2026
Very entertaining and eye-opening about the politics inside the master sommelier accreditation.
June 22, 2025
I never knew about the rigors of becoming a sommelier. This quick read about the world of sommeliers was enlightening and entertaining, but the scandal it recounted was just wrong to the innocents who were treated like collateral damage.
May 23, 2025
A bit all over the place. This sounded more as a podcast episode than an audible book.
June 15, 2025
Crazy how a simple story about sommeliers [a trained wine professional] turned into an unhinged look into corruption, misogyny, microaggressions, and another tale of soft power gone rogue!
We already had the wine scandal book The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine by Benjamin Wallace or In Vino Duplicitas: The Rise and Fall of a Wine Forger Extraordinaire by Peter Hellman
and the documentary film "Sour Grapes" (on Amazon)
but this is a different corruption take involving wine! Whodathunk??
We already had the wine scandal book The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine by Benjamin Wallace or In Vino Duplicitas: The Rise and Fall of a Wine Forger Extraordinaire by Peter Hellman
and the documentary film "Sour Grapes" (on Amazon)
but this is a different corruption take involving wine! Whodathunk??
June 24, 2025
The underlying story here is fascinating but the overall production is lacking.
I'm not sure if this was originally a podcast or it's an Audible style to assemble audiobooks like podcast, but the format is all over the place. Rather than chapters the book has episodes and each is presented like a TV episode with a introductory teaser then the "main credits" before the rest of the story. And as such, the chapters don't really flow and some sections are just teasers. For example, the author does a good job noting the misogyny and sexual harassment that's present in the wine certification community, but really only scratches the surface. That alone could have been it's own expose.
SPOILER
But what's really most disappointing is the whole book is a what happened to the candidates and where are they now and really doesn't really shed light on the story at the core of the book and why the Court decided as it did. I understand that challenge if no one from the Court will speak with him, even on background. But the story is missing anything from one of the key players except some speculation. There's also not much follow up on lawsuits, even 7 years later.
I'm not sure if this was originally a podcast or it's an Audible style to assemble audiobooks like podcast, but the format is all over the place. Rather than chapters the book has episodes and each is presented like a TV episode with a introductory teaser then the "main credits" before the rest of the story. And as such, the chapters don't really flow and some sections are just teasers. For example, the author does a good job noting the misogyny and sexual harassment that's present in the wine certification community, but really only scratches the surface. That alone could have been it's own expose.
SPOILER
But what's really most disappointing is the whole book is a what happened to the candidates and where are they now and really doesn't really shed light on the story at the core of the book and why the Court decided as it did. I understand that challenge if no one from the Court will speak with him, even on background. But the story is missing anything from one of the key players except some speculation. There's also not much follow up on lawsuits, even 7 years later.
June 2, 2025
The fascinating tale of the scandal surrounding the 2018 class of sommeliers who were stripped of their titles after the possibility of cheating arose. It provides an in depth look into the world of wine specialists and the great lengths that they go to in order to reach the pinnacle of their craft. It also reveals some very disturbing issues which dwell in the wine world including the questionable actions of the members of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
I had no idea the amount of studying, preparation, and money which went into becoming a Master Sommelier. Through interviews with individuals who took the test and others in the restaurant and wine industries, we are able to delve into this world. We see their frustrations, their dreams, and how these dreams were dashed by the seemingly arbitrary actions of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
This is an enlightening read, but due to the nature of the scandal it may leave the reader very frustrated.
I had no idea the amount of studying, preparation, and money which went into becoming a Master Sommelier. Through interviews with individuals who took the test and others in the restaurant and wine industries, we are able to delve into this world. We see their frustrations, their dreams, and how these dreams were dashed by the seemingly arbitrary actions of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
This is an enlightening read, but due to the nature of the scandal it may leave the reader very frustrated.
November 27, 2025
This was nothing like what I was expecting! I was thinking maybe wine tasting or a family vineyard storytelling.. but ghostly tales, world travels and an elite club of fancy wine connoisseurs.. aka.. the dream titled position of sommelier.. was not it and I loved the surprise!
.
Marc narrates this documentary style story lightheartedly, with passion and drizzled in amusement undertones. He pretends who knows not a thing about the wine life and plays along with high levels of interest as he interviews each affected sommelier stripped victim. This was insightful and educational on my front because I also had no idea that there was so much to choosing a bottle and enjoying a glass. Have a new found respect for trusting the person serving me for future suggestions.. they bloody well know their shit and some!
.
The fiction lover in me was hoping for a happy ending and did feel deflated that the energy put in to the investigation and fighting the cause sort of led nowhere.. but I did also enjoy the bonding and coming together of the group signifying strength in numbers in taking a stand. The storyline did jump around quite a bit and had a lot of viewpoints and voice overs so it felt a bit messy to follow.
.
This was exposing with its cheating flare and interesting from a learning standpoint but I wasn’t WOWed by this one. I never in the wildest of dreams would think that you could cheat at wine but turns out you in fact very well can. An eye opening short read that I’d recommend to those who love to sit down to a documentary.
.
Marc narrates this documentary style story lightheartedly, with passion and drizzled in amusement undertones. He pretends who knows not a thing about the wine life and plays along with high levels of interest as he interviews each affected sommelier stripped victim. This was insightful and educational on my front because I also had no idea that there was so much to choosing a bottle and enjoying a glass. Have a new found respect for trusting the person serving me for future suggestions.. they bloody well know their shit and some!
.
The fiction lover in me was hoping for a happy ending and did feel deflated that the energy put in to the investigation and fighting the cause sort of led nowhere.. but I did also enjoy the bonding and coming together of the group signifying strength in numbers in taking a stand. The storyline did jump around quite a bit and had a lot of viewpoints and voice overs so it felt a bit messy to follow.
.
This was exposing with its cheating flare and interesting from a learning standpoint but I wasn’t WOWed by this one. I never in the wildest of dreams would think that you could cheat at wine but turns out you in fact very well can. An eye opening short read that I’d recommend to those who love to sit down to a documentary.
July 13, 2025
I love how Marc gets so hyper invested in the strangest stories, and then runs them to an ending you never saw coming.
In 2018 - the Master Sommelier Council failed everyone who sat the exam, even though maybe only four of them were sent an email detailing the blind tasting wines. After literal years of study, they FAILED THE WHOLE CLASS when four people cheated.
And then they shut it all down; no comment, no analysis, no inquiry into how it happened, and definitely no avenue of appeal for the people whose employment and income depends on having that special badge.
It should have been more of a scandal…
With this audio, I hope it will be.
Super interesting, but sadly, exposes the same old shenanigans. Sighs.
4 stars.
Honestly, HOW does Marc keep finding these topics? and what will he come up with next?
In 2018 - the Master Sommelier Council failed everyone who sat the exam, even though maybe only four of them were sent an email detailing the blind tasting wines. After literal years of study, they FAILED THE WHOLE CLASS when four people cheated.
And then they shut it all down; no comment, no analysis, no inquiry into how it happened, and definitely no avenue of appeal for the people whose employment and income depends on having that special badge.
It should have been more of a scandal…
With this audio, I hope it will be.
Super interesting, but sadly, exposes the same old shenanigans. Sighs.
4 stars.
Honestly, HOW does Marc keep finding these topics? and what will he come up with next?
September 2, 2025
This was a deep dive into the world of master sommeliers—longer than I expected, but packed with insight. Marc Fennell uncorks a lot more than wine here: scandal, obsession, and the kind of gatekeeping that makes you raise an eyebrow mid-sip.
I learned a lot about the industry’s inner workings, and the 2018 cheating scandal was genuinely eye-opening. It’s not just for wine buffs—it’s a story about people, power, and the cost of prestige. Four stars: informative, well-researched, and worth sticking with, even if you’re more “second-cheapest bottle” than sommelier.
I learned a lot about the industry’s inner workings, and the 2018 cheating scandal was genuinely eye-opening. It’s not just for wine buffs—it’s a story about people, power, and the cost of prestige. Four stars: informative, well-researched, and worth sticking with, even if you’re more “second-cheapest bottle” than sommelier.
October 7, 2025
Honestly, I didn’t read the blurb carefully and was expecting something different. At first, I was really confused—was this a podcast, a book, or a documentary? I’d say it’s best described as a documentary podcast, and I actually enjoyed that format a lot. Before listening, I had no idea becoming a sommelier was so challenging or all the knowledge and effort it requires. Plus, I never imagined there could be such a scandal involved!
At the beginning, I even thought about giving up, but I’m really glad I didn’t. The scandal pulled me in and made me want to know how it would all unfold. What I didn’t love, though, was the lack of closure—the story did end, but it left a lot open and unresolved. Still, I honestly recommend it. It’s funny, scandalous, simple, and truly intriguing as a documentary podcast.
At the beginning, I even thought about giving up, but I’m really glad I didn’t. The scandal pulled me in and made me want to know how it would all unfold. What I didn’t love, though, was the lack of closure—the story did end, but it left a lot open and unresolved. Still, I honestly recommend it. It’s funny, scandalous, simple, and truly intriguing as a documentary podcast.
June 21, 2025
A podcast series turned into audible book. Interesting to see inside the world of Master Sommelier certification. Based on a scandal in 2018 when candidates who sat for this certification were denied their certification after an internal issue and blames of cheating arose. Fascinating and terribly unjust for the innocent parties. Short listen.
August 20, 2025
Interesting and the reporter did go in depth with the people who were affected by the competition, but honestly , was so stonewalled by the master committee that it is an unsatisfying ending. Not a wine person and had never heard of any of this. It is amazing how much this affected those involved and how hard they have to work to get there.
June 5, 2025
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is such a brilliant look into the 2018 and 2020 controversies from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Marc gets great insights out of the interviewees and it is well put together.
This is such a brilliant look into the 2018 and 2020 controversies from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Marc gets great insights out of the interviewees and it is well put together.
June 10, 2025
True confession, I really don’t like wine. Some of my friends think it is the best drink in the world . The cheating and classification of top wines isn’t surprising to me. There is so much money to be made.
June 22, 2025
Investigates the 2018 Master Sommelier scandal where due to some alleged cheating all candidates where disqualified.
Seemed to be padded out with introductions and music and some sensationalizing of content.
Interesting but could have easily been covered in half the time.
Seemed to be padded out with introductions and music and some sensationalizing of content.
Interesting but could have easily been covered in half the time.
July 23, 2025
I wanted to like this more than I actually did.
The author/ narrator is very engaging, but I found the tangents ultimately unnecessary and was left very unsatisfied with no resolution. I know as little about the scandal as I did going in.
The author/ narrator is very engaging, but I found the tangents ultimately unnecessary and was left very unsatisfied with no resolution. I know as little about the scandal as I did going in.
October 7, 2025
Corked by Marc Fennell
Audio
Writing: C+
Info/Fact: B-
Story: C
Narration: B
Best Aspect: Very interesting about the cut throat world of wine.
Worst Aspect: Overall this was weird and dull.
Recommend: Yes.
Audio
Writing: C+
Info/Fact: B-
Story: C
Narration: B
Best Aspect: Very interesting about the cut throat world of wine.
Worst Aspect: Overall this was weird and dull.
Recommend: Yes.
May 26, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Ohhhh look, another niche story!
I'm loving jumping around with the different short works that Marc has on Audible and guys, this one really intrigued!!
I mean, imagine you go through all this work to study and pass this exam... Then, because of a small handful of people you're all invalidated! An entire class lost their certification when barely anyone was involved!!
I'd be LIVID guys! This was very niche BUT a very interesting story! I feel so hard for these people and I absolutely LOVED the guy at the end who was like "F* 'EM" Ha!
Perfect for those who enjoy;
🍷 Adult
🍷 Non-Fiction
🍷 True Crime/Scandal
🍷 Wine
🍷 Short Story
Ohhhh look, another niche story!
I'm loving jumping around with the different short works that Marc has on Audible and guys, this one really intrigued!!
I mean, imagine you go through all this work to study and pass this exam... Then, because of a small handful of people you're all invalidated! An entire class lost their certification when barely anyone was involved!!
I'd be LIVID guys! This was very niche BUT a very interesting story! I feel so hard for these people and I absolutely LOVED the guy at the end who was like "F* 'EM" Ha!
Perfect for those who enjoy;
🍷 Adult
🍷 Non-Fiction
🍷 True Crime/Scandal
🍷 Wine
🍷 Short Story
May 24, 2025
Really interesting dive into the world of 🍷
May 24, 2025
This book was all over the place, idk I was just confused
June 3, 2025
Fascinating to learn about this scandal having just finished Cork Dork.
June 3, 2025
Another 'corker' from Marc Fennell!
June 5, 2025
Never knew there was so much drama in the wine world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews