Are you ready to hear what really goes on behind the scenes of your favourite podcasts? Discover the surprising truths and unexpected lessons of podcasting. This is my 50th episode and I asked Judith Lewis, a long-time supporter, a frequent guest and my effervescent wing man when it comes to discussing wonky wine terms, to interview me. In this episode, you'll: Discover unique podcasting experiences and valuable lessons learned. Learn how to overcome the challenges of conducting engaging and ins...
May 15, 2024•28 min•Ep. 50
Are you prepared for a journey with Peter Rod, a sommelier-turned-professor, as we uncork the enchantment of the wine world? Join us on Wine Behind the Scenes as we explore Peter's remarkable career—from his beginning in the Ottawa Valley to managing extraordinary wine programs. Discover the ins and outs of creating memorable dining and wining experiences, learning the art and science of being a senior manager in the hospitality industry, and the joys and challenges of passing that knowledge on ...
May 01, 2024•38 min•Ep. 49
Are you ready to unravel the mysteries of sparkling wine and Champagne? Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the world of bubbles with Lieven DeGeyndt, a Master of Champagne. Discover sparkling wine's fascinating history, unique pairings, and hidden gems. From the secrets of Champagne production to the art of food pairing, this Wine Behind the Scenes episode will leave you craving more. So grab a glass, sit back, and let's uncork the magic of sparkling wine together. Cheers to a spa...
Apr 17, 2024•31 min•Ep. 48
Your favourite wine enthusiast's journey from pouring tips into wine purchases to earning a PhD isn't what you'd expect from a typical wine bar server. The surprising twists and turns in Jennifer Kelly's wine-making career will leave you eager to learn more about the untold possibilities in the wine industry. I really love attending conferences with fellow wine academics because we get a sense of the research that's going on everywhere and like it's happening everywhere. - Jennifer Kelly In this...
Apr 03, 2024•31 min•Ep. 47
Get ready for a peek behind the scenes of how one company offers a different wine every single day of the year to its customers. Join me as I chat with Agent Cru from Wine Spies, one of the masterminds behind Wine Spies' unique daily wine offerings. Wine Spies stands as a trailblazer in the wine industry, boasting over 16 years of innovation and excellence. Discover how the agents of Wine Spies select wines from around the globe and hear about the challenges and joys of running a wine e-commerce...
Mar 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 46
Explore the secrets behind the art of winemaking and the dedication it requires to turn grapes into liquid gold. Join us as we unravel the stories and struggles of starting a new winery with Ron Giesbrecht, a true connoisseur of the vine. In this episode, you'll be able to: Learn about Ron's journey from winemaker to professor to starting a new winery Gain insights into the challenges and rewards of starting a new winery, including the importance of intentionality in winemaking Understand the co...
Mar 06, 2024•29 min•Ep. 45
What happens when a New York City resident packs it in and moves to sunny Tampa, Florida? This journey from the bustling city to a new life in sunny Florida led to an unexpected wine, art, and self-publishing adventure. And it all started with a passion for creating memorable experiences through wine and art. Joanna Barbolla is an accomplished wine, art and travel enthusiast. Her professional journey, from her corporate career to her current role as a self-published author of her new book "Divul...
Feb 21, 2024•25 min•Ep. 44
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of global Valentine's Day traditions, where love, wine, and culture intertwine unexpectedly. Join us as we uncover the surprising twist that adds a delightful flavour to this cherished celebration, leaving you with wonder and anticipation. Are you ready to embark on a journey that will captivate your heart and expand your horizons? Stay tuned for an unforgettable exploration of Valentine's Day traditions worldwide. No matter what kind of relationship you'...
Feb 07, 2024•28 min•Ep. 43
Join us on a journey through the rich flavours of Chilean cuisine, from traditional barbecue to fresh seafood. As our expert guide, Fernando Diez, shares mouth-watering pairings of food and wine, you'll be left wondering what unexpected twist awaits in this culinary adventure. It's always about the people, especially if you're comfortable getting to know other cultures, getting to know other people, their customs, their traditions. There's a lot of magic and transformation that happens, which is...
Jan 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 42
Embark on a captivating journey of wine discovery with Michelle Mandro, whose passion for wine took an unexpected turn. From a casual enthusiast to a dedicated advocate for women in the industry, her story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and education. Join us as we unravel the twists and turns of Michelle's enthralling journey, and stay tuned to uncover how her unwavering dedication has inspired a new generation of wine enthusiasts. Hold on for the ride. I've had a pret...
Jan 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 41
Join my guest, Judith Lewis, and me in the latest Wine Behind the Scenes podcast episode as we discuss our upcoming travel plans to diverse wine regions worldwide. From the birthplace of wine in Georgia to the stunning landscapes of Chile and Argentina, we're sharing our exciting wine travel bucket list for the upcoming year. When you go to the country where the wine is made, you end up appreciating the wine so much more because you can see where it's made, talk to the people who make it, and un...
Dec 27, 2023•25 min•Ep. 40
Discover the secret behind creating a perception of rarity in the wine industry. Join us as "the wine psychologist" Antonia Mantonakis reveals the psychological tricks and marketing strategies that will leave your audience thirsting for more. But beware, the path to success may be more complex than it seems... Consumers' expectations and their interpretation and the perception that they might have from wine are so much more powerful than the actual sensation. - Antonia Mantonakis In this episode...
Dec 13, 2023•33 min•Ep. 39
If you're feeling frustrated and disappointed with lackluster vegetarian and vegan dishes that fail to excite your taste buds, then you are not alone! Despite your best efforts to experiment with different ingredients and recipes, you may find that the flavors are falling flat and leaving you unsatisfied. Instead of achieving the result of enhancing your dishes with creative wine pairings, you might be stuck in a cycle of bland and uninteresting meals that lack the depth and complexity you crave...
Nov 29, 2023•28 min•Ep. 38
Canada's wine industry has been steadily gaining recognition globally for producing high-quality wines that capture the essence of the country's unique terroir. The All Canadian Wine Championships, spearheaded by wine enthusiasts Bev and John Carnahan, play a pivotal role in showcasing the diversity and excellence of Canadian winemaking. This episode delves into the world of Canadian wine, exploring the significance of the All Canadian Wine Championships in promoting and celebrating the nation's...
Nov 15, 2023•28 min•Ep. 37
Nothing could be more monotonous than sticking to the same flavours and combinations, meal after meal. Keeping your palate interested and excited through varying wine and food pairings can lead to a much more enjoyable experience. That’s where experimentation and personal preferences play a significant role. Exploring new territory and challenging the palate can lead to beautiful discoveries you wouldn't have stumbled upon otherwise. My guest, Allison Pearce, a trailblazer in wine and food pairi...
Nov 01, 2023•29 min•Ep. 36
Breaking away from the corporate world to pursue a passion is a bold move that requires a leap of faith. It involves cultivating your interests and leveraging them into a sustainable income. In this case, we're talking about transitioning from a comfortable job in finance into the exciting and hands-on world of winemaking. My guest for this week, Braydon Scully, was a financial whiz who defied expectations and found solace in the allure of winemaking. After a successful career in the fast-paced ...
Oct 18, 2023•29 min•Ep. 35
Ontario boasts a diverse climate that allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of grapes, from cool-climate grapes like Riesling and Chardonnay to hearty reds like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The province's unique terroir and microclimates allow winemakers to create distinctive and elegant wines. Despite the promising conditions for winemaking in Ontario, winemakers face many challenges that can significantly impact their craft and success. Join us as Ugo Crecco shares the solution to achievi...
Oct 04, 2023•30 min•Ep. 34
Who doesn't love a good backstory? And when it comes to wines and the people who enjoy it, these tales are often as enchanting as the wines themselves. This world is ripe with fascinating stories of discovery, passion, and growth, like those of our guests Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, who've journeyed from novices to Master Sommeliers. In this episode, you will be able to: Dive into the mysterious world of the Australian wine industry. Discover the captivating process behind the creation of "How...
Sep 20, 2023•32 min•Ep. 33
Bulgaria, a land of rich cultural history and breathtaking landscapes, holds a treasure cultivated for centuries: its winemaking heritage. Nestled between the Balkan Mountains and the Black Sea, Bulgaria boasts a long and storied tradition of producing exquisite wines. Rediscover the forgotten flavours of Bulgaria's winemaking history as Tanya Avramova, who as part owner of her family's winery, seeks to put her country on the map, facing the challenge of reviving native grape varieties in a mark...
Sep 06, 2023•36 min•Ep. 32
Beyond being a beverage, wine is an experience that encompasses history, culture, and flavours. For wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs, exploring the world of wine is a lifelong pursuit. In the second part of our podcast episode, we continue our conversation with Annemarie Morse, a seasoned sommelier, as she emphasizes the significance of tasting different wines. By delving into the exploration of various wine styles and regions, we can truly unlock the potential of our palates and deepen our und...
Aug 23, 2023•25 min•Ep. 31
Winemaking is an art that intertwines science, nature, and craftsmanship. While wine enthusiasts savour the final product, few realize the myriad challenges winemakers face throughout the process. This week's episode explores winemakers' challenges, focusing on the expertise and experiences of renowned winemaker Mitchell McCurdy. His extensive knowledge and expertise in the field provide valuable insights into the obstacles faced by winemakers in their pursuit of crafting exceptional wines. In t...
Aug 09, 2023•30 min•Ep. 30
Despite implementing traditional vineyard practices and adapting winemaking techniques, shifting climate patterns continue to challenge the stability of wine regions. Instead of the desired result of a reliable and consistent wine industry, wine enthusiasts are experiencing the unpredictability of climate change, leading to uncertainty and disappointment in their pursuit of fine wines. Our guest for this week, Annemarie Morse, discusses the impact of climate change on wine regions and the emerge...
Jul 27, 2023•28 min•Ep. 29
Are you someone who loves wine and would like to discover the world of Hungarian wine? Then join us as Csilla Janosi reveals her passion for making wine and dedication to showing wine travellers how much there is to learn and love about wine and tourism in Hungary. Hungary has a centuries-old wine-making tradition and now, in the modern era, has 22 distinct wine regions. Csilla shares how she manages a wine tourism company and her winery. It’s a lot of work, but she is more than up to it! As her...
Jul 11, 2023•27 min•Ep. 28
Mari's first sip of Dom Perignon ignited a passion for wines that has taken her to incredible places around the globe. Despite her busy job as a director at the University of Texas in the health sector and her other leadership positions, she stays devoted to volunteering at the Wine and Food Foundation to provide support and assistance to people in the hospitality industry. Let's join Mari as she passionately speaks about her cellar, her wine collection, and her volunteer work with the Food and ...
Jun 28, 2023•30 min•Ep. 27
If you're looking for an incredible spot to add to your wine tasting itinerary, this gorgeous island is absolutely one to consider. Plus, with a conversational wine expert tour guide to aid you in selecting the ideal wine to complement your culinary journey, you can't go wrong. Let’s join Jessica now in exploring the picturesque little island where she lives and learn something about Madeira's wine industry. What you will learn from this episode: Discover the island of Madeira and what it offers...
Jun 14, 2023•28 min•Ep. 26
Wine has a unique way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories, but it can also be intimidating, especially when it comes to deciphering the often cryptic language used to describe the different types of wines. The wine world is full of insider terms that can make understanding the nuances of a bottle of wine feel like an impossible task. It's time for this trend to be put aside. They don't actually add anything to the conversation about wine, and they only serve to alienate tho...
May 31, 2023•29 min•Ep. 25
Not many know that Bulgarian wine has a rich and storied history that dates back more than four thousand years. As one of the oldest wine-producing countries in Europe, Bulgaria has a winemaking tradition that is tied to its geography, culture and climate. As the wine industry developed over the centuries, adapting to both the political and economic changes of the times so has its quality, thus producing one of the most exceptional wines in the world. Bulgarian wine has an immense variety to off...
May 17, 2023•28 min•Ep. 24
Carolina Muñoz is a traveler, an artist, and a winemaker. She has lived in many countries, experienced many cultures, and applied her creativity to many disciplines. From photography to singing, her artistic inclinations have taken her around the world, but it wasn't until she found her place in Portugal that she found her true passion in the wine industry. Let’s join Carolina as she shares her stories of adjusting to a new life and language, her creative pursuits, and her job as she helps peopl...
May 03, 2023•33 min•Ep. 23
We have all heard of the romantic notion of vineyards and wineries, but what many of us don't know is the dedication, enthusiasm, and passion that go into the making of the bottle of wine we enjoy. From the farmers, who tend the vines and make sure the grapes are of the highest quality, to the winemakers who craft the wine, each and every step of the process requires an incredible amount of skill and dedication. In this episode, join Tom and Janet as they uncover the dedication and determination...
Apr 19, 2023•33 min•Ep. 22
With someone as passionate about wine as if they breathe it, it's no wonder you can sense their desire to learn more. Even though it might be difficult, one would go to great lengths to become more knowledgeable and skilled about wine and winemaking. Ana Reis personifies that. The great love she has for her craft, along with her energetic and fun nature, will ensure success for her. Let's join Ana as she teaches and entertains us with her funny Portuguese wine names and fun stories about wine an...
Apr 05, 2023•25 min•Ep. 21
