The Wine Down Podcast

In this episode of The Wine Down, we break down five red wines that were made for warm weather. They are lighter-bodied, lower in tannin, and yes, some of them can actually be chilled. From a fizzy Italian red that’ll make your jaw drop to an Austrian grape nobody talks about enough, this is your guide to drinking red wine all summer long without apology. In this episode: * Beaujolais: the juicy,...

In this episode, I’m exploring one of the most debated food-and-wine questions out there: what wine really works best with curry? I’m breaking down pairings for three very different curry styles - traditional Indian curry, Thai curry, and Caribbean curry, and challenging the internet’s favourite claim that off-dry Riesling is always the answer. There’s also a full video version of this episode ava...

Does the right wine glass really make a difference? In this episode of the Wine Down, we explore why glassware matters and how the shape, size, and style of a glass can change the way wine smells, tastes, and feels. From bold reds to crisp whites and sparkling pours, this conversation breaks down the basics of wine glassware in a simple, approachable way. If you’ve ever wondered whether all wine g...

Climate change is reshaping the wine world in real time. In this episode, we explore how rising temperatures are pushing vineyards into new regions, changing the meaning of terroir, and creating both challenges and opportunities for winemakers around the globe. From Ontario to California, from Europe to the Southern Hemisphere, we look at how growers, researchers, and policymakers are responding w...

March 13 marks International Riesling Day, chosen because it commemorates the first known written mention of the grape variety "Riesling" (as "Riesslingen") on this exact date in 1435, recorded in a cellar log from Germany's Rheingau region. This "birthday" for Riesling was declared in 2019 by Wines of Germany to celebrate its storied history and incredible range. So in honour of this day, we’re t...

Video Version. Orange wine is one of those styles that everyone’s talking about, but not everyone really understands. Is it a white wine? Is it a rosé? Is it just “funky natural wine”? In this episode, I break down exactly what orange wine is in plain language, so you can walk into any shop or restaurant and feel confident about what you’re ordering and why it tastes the way it does. We’ll get int...

Tired of viral infographics pushing dry Pinot Noir with Kit Kat, Aero, or Coffee Crisp? 😩 In this Wine Down, I debunk the myths with real science: wine must match or beat the chocolate's sugar. I also make mention of a key study, found in this blog , that breaks down the science behind pairing flavours. This is a must read. Want to watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/FQye08z...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the diverse terroirs that define Ontario’s three major wine appellations - the Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, and Prince Edward County. Discover how climate, soil, and geography shape the signature styles of Ontario wines, from the mineral-driven Chardonnays of Niagara to the expressive reds of Lake Erie North Shore and the vibrant, cool-climate...

Wondering what "dealcoholized wine" vs "non-alcoholic wine" actually means? This episode breaks it down simply—no more label confusion when you're doing Dry January 2026, cutting back for health, pregnancy, sobriety, or faith reasons. Get full access to The Cultured Cork at culturedcork.substack.com/subscribe

The Top 9 Wine Trends of 2025 2025 was less about one “hot grape” and more about how, when, and why people drink wine. Consumers are drinking a little less overall but are trading up when they do open a bottle, and they are more curious, health-conscious, and climate-aware than five years ago.​ In this episode we talk about the top 9 wine trends for 2025. Here are links to some of the blogs we men...

In this episode we explore the beauty and complexity of Domaine Le Clos Jordanne’s Single Vineyard Clos De Kew 2023 Pinot Noir In this detailed tasting journey, discover the unique limestone-rich terroir of the Beamsville Bench, reflected in vibrant aromas of red and black fruit, and subtle spice. Join us to uncover what makes Clos De Kew 2023 a true standout expression of Niagara’s premium terroi...

Hosting the holidays just got easier. Discover the 3 essential wines you need to have at home for every guest, every occasion, and every last-minute invite. Get full access to The Cultured Cork at culturedcork.substack.com/subscribe