Whine Club

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“Whine Club”

Frasier episode

Frasier and Niles electing the corkmaster

Episode no.

Season 7
Episode 17

Written by

Bob Daily
Jon Sherman

Directed by

Kelsey Grammer

Guest stars

Anita Gillette(Claire Wojadubakowski)
Anthony Heald (Corkmaster)
Richard Stretchberry (Virgil)

Production no.

40571-017

Original airdate

24 February 2000

Episode chronology
← Previous	Next →
"Something About Dr. Mary"	"Hot Pursuit"

List of Frasier episodes (Season 7)

Whine Club is the seventeenth episode of the seventh season of Frasier.

1 Main cast and characters
- 1.1 Recurring Cast
2 Plot outline
3 Episode Title Cards
4 Memorable quotes
5 See also

[edit] 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

[edit] Recurring Cast

Jane Adams - Mel Karnofsky

[edit] Plot outline

Wine club members singing the inauguration song of the corkmaster to the tune of Rule Britannia.

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. Frasier, meanwhile, is very excited about the prospect of his 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 Niles' girlfriend Mel, and Frasier admits that he doesn't know Mel all that well, so he suggests having Sunday brunch that week to get to know her better. It is an invitation he will soon regret, however; whilst Niles is getting ready for the wine club meeting, Mel insidiously manages to convince Niles to run against his brother for the position of Corkmaster. As a result, at the meeting that night Frasier is stunned when Niles betrays him and reveals his intention to run against him; and when the votes come in at a tie, a wine-tasting competition to decide the winner sees Niles narrowly win. Much to Frasier's ire, Niles is crowned Corkmaster.

At the Sunday brunch, Frasier is still fuming over Niles' betrayal at the wine club. Having engaged in another rendezvous, Martin tries to sneak Claire out of the door after sleeping with her but Frasier sees her, thinking she has just arrived and invites her to brunch. As a result, Martin confesses to Frasier that he has been sleeping with Claire, and is shocked when Frasier is unconcerned, finding it 'adorable'. Finally Mel and Niles arrive for brunch, and over the course of the afternoon her arrogant, self-important manner manages to alienate everyone present - especially Frasier when he learns it was Mel who suggested Niles run for Corkmaster. Frasier in particular is concerned that she is controlling and emasculating him - in other words, Maris all over again. Martin warns Frasier that if he says anything he will just drive a wedge between him and Niles, and for the sake of family harmony instructs everyone to lie to Niles about their dislike of Mel. Unfortunately, Daphne - who, jealous of Mel, has been drowning her sorrows all afternoon - drunkenly blurts out how much she dislikes Mel, and when Martin takes her out to calm her down Roz, who has been out of the room, tactlessly reveals that everyone else present dislikes Mel as well, forcing Frasier and Martin to admit their true feelings. Niles is livid, and storms out after criticising everyone for their failure to find at least one thing to like about Mel.

That night, Martin and Frasier discuss the afternoon, and Martin reveals he has decided not to see Claire again. Frasier theorizes that his consent to their relationship has taken the illicit thrill out of it for Martin, and during the course of their conversation Daphne discovers what has been happening. She condemns Martin for his behaviour, but in criticising his inability to restrain his 'hidden desires' it becomes clear that she herself is struggling with her own hidden feelings towards Niles. Frasier, unaware of her feelings, wonders what the matter with her, but Martin couldn't care less - suddenly a lot more reinvigorated, he decides to pay a visit to Claire.

[edit] Episode Title Cards

Doesn't Everyone Have A Fireplace In His Closet?
Gunfight At The Bouquet Corrall

[edit] Memorable quotes

Frasier is excited about taking on the role of Corkmaster:

Frasier: If I'm elected, we're gonna have vertical tastings, guest speakers and a trip to Portugal, where the finest corks come from!
Roz: I wish I had a cork right now (!)

Frasier invites Claire to lunch after she returns Martin's tupperware with chilli in it, unaware Martin has just slept with her:

Frasier: I'm not sure we can give you a treat as hot and spicy as the one Dad gave you, but....

Daphne has made Bloody Mary's, but Martin is unsure Claire has time for one:

Daphne: Mrs Wojadubakowski, Mr Crane was wondering whether you had time for a quick one.

Frasier tries to persuade everyone to go easy on Mel:

Frasier: We are having this brunch 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!