Whine Club

Infobox Television episode | Title = Whine Club
Series = Frasier


Caption = Frasier and Niles electing the corkmaster
Season = 7
Episode = 17
Airdate = 24 February 2000
Production = 40571-017
Writer = Bob Daily & Jon Sherman
Director = Kelsey Grammer
Guests = Anita Gillette (Claire Wojadubakowski)
Anthony Heald (Corkmaster)
Richard Stretchberry (Virgil)
Prev = Something About Dr. Mary
Next = Hot Pursuit
Episode list = List of Frasier episodes (Season 7)

"Whine Club" is the seventeenth episode in season 7 of American sitcom "Frasier".

Cast and characters

Main cast and characters

*Kelsey Grammer – Dr. Frasier Crane
*David Hyde Pierce – Dr. Niles Crane
*John Mahoney – Martin Crane
*Jane Leeves – Daphne Moon
*Peri Gilpin – Roz Doyle

Recurring cast

*Jane Adams – Dr. Melinda "Mel" Karnofsky

Plot outline

Frasier is very excited about the prospect of being elected "Corkmaster" of his local wine club, which he has asked Niles to nominate him for. During conversation on the subject with Roz, discussion turns to Mel, and Frasier admits that he does not know her very well, so suggests having Sunday brunch that week to get to know her better. However, whilst Niles is getting ready for the wine club meeting, Mel insidiously manages to convince him to run against his brother for the position of Corkmaster, playing on his pride. As a result, at the meeting that night Frasier is stunned when Niles reveals his intention to run against him. When the votes come in at a tie, a wine-tasting tiebreaker sees Niles narrowly win.

Frasier is gracious in defeat, until he discovers that Mel provided the impetus for Niles' decision to stand. This revelation is just one of a series of events during the brunch that bring out a collective distaste for Mel among all present, although no one says anything to her or Niles. Frasier is sorely tempted, realising that her emasculating influence is comparable to that of Maris.

Meanwhile, Martin has embarked on an affair with Claire Wojadubakowski, an old friend whose husband Stan was buried a few weeks before. As Martin and Stan were quite close, he is feeling quite guilty over this, and endeavours to conceal the fact from Frasier.

Episode Title Cards

*"Doesn't everyone have a fireplace in his closet?"
*"Gunfight at the Bouquet Corral"

Memorable Quotations

"Frasier is excited about standing as candidate for the role of Corkmaster"
Frasier: If elected, I plan to have vertical tastings and guest speakers, perhaps even a trip to Portugal, where some of the world's finest corks come from!
Roz: I wish I had a cork right now.

"Frasier invites Claire to brunch after she returns Martin's chilli bowl, unaware Martin has just slept with her"
Frasier: I'm not sure that we'll be able to give you a treat as spicy as the one that Dad gave you, but…

"Roz has made Bloody Marys, and Frasier suggests offering one to Claire"
Daphne: Mrs Wojadubakowski, Mr Crane was wondering if you had time for a quick one.

"Mel has not made a good first impression, notably saying it is too early for drinking alcohol. Frasier tries to keep the peace"
Frasier: May I remind you that we are having this little brunch in order to get acquainted with Mel. We owe it to Niles to give her a chance.
Daphne: I agree with Dr Crane; we should all have another Bloody Mary!

"Roz has a quiet word with Frasier about Mel"
Roz: When you invited me, did you say "Brunch for Mel" or "Brunch from Hell"?

ee also

*List of Frasier episodes