Read Between the Wines Podcast

For Episode 46, we welcome Steve De Long, co-founder and president of De Long Maps & Charts . Raised in Oregon's famed Willamette Valley, a region known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Steve developed a deep connection to the world of wine from an early age. His background in architecture, combined with his wife Deborah's training as a textile designer, led this dynamic duo to merge their expertis...

In Episode 45, we explore the best-selling wine book in the USA, The Wine Bible , and welcome its author, the legendary Karen MacNeil, as we delve into her profound impact on the world of wine. Karen, often referred to as "America's Missionary of the Vine," shares her remarkable journey, beginning in the 1970s when the wine industry was predominantly male-dominated. With candour and wisdom, she di...

For Episode 44 of Read Between the Wines, we had the pleasure of welcoming two of the most influential wine figures, Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble. This dynamic duo, who are both celebrated in the Canadian wine industry, shared their incredible journey that led them from Bordeaux, by Canada and to Mendoza, Argentina. Their story is more than just about making wine; it's about passion, dedication,...

For Episode 43, we sit down with Adam Pearce, the talented winemaker at Two Sisters Vineyards , nestled in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Founded by sisters Melissa and Angela Marotta, Two Sisters Vineyards is renowned for crafting exquisitely textured wines that reflect both elegance and depth. Adam shares insights into the meticulous winemaking process that allows their wines to achi...

In Episode 51, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Jonathan Doyle, the winemaker at Windrush Estate Winery , nestled in Ontario's scenic Hockley Valley region. Windrush may be a small winery, but it's making a big impact by embracing cool-climate varietals that truly shine. Jonathan has a keen eye for quality and a passion for innovation. In this episode, we don't just skim the surface; w...

For Episode 41, we welcomes an iconic figure in the wine world, Ken Forrester, for an unforgettable conversation. As the founder and winemaker at Ken Forrester Wines in Stellenbosch, South Africa, Ken shares his incredible journey from the hotel and restaurant business to becoming a globally recognized name in wine. The episode is rich with stories, including a heartfelt recollection of Nelson Man...

In Episode 40 of Read Between the Wines, we sits down with Vanessa Price, the author behind the wildly successful book Big Macs and Burgundy . Vanessa, a Kentucky native turned New York sommelier, has taken the wine world by storm with her unique approach to pairing wines with everyday foods. From Cheetos to PB&J, Vanessa shares the unexpected but brilliant combinations that have made her book a h...

For Episode 38 of Read Between the Wines Podcast, our host Pierre is joined by Richard Dittmar, President and CEO of Trialto Wine Group , one of Western Canada's foremost wine import agencies. Richard delves into the evolving world of wine, focusing on the significance of storytelling in elevating the wine experience. He highlights the rising demand for organic and biodynamic wines, like those fro...

In Episode 37, Read Between the Wines delves into a captivating conversation with Ryan Corrigan, the winemaker at  Rosewood Estate Winery , nestled in the heart of Beamsville, Ontario. Rosewood Estate is renowned for its dedication to crafting wines of integrity, embracing a philosophy of low-intervention winemaking that allows each bottle to serve as a true reflection of its origin in the distinc...

In Episode 36 of Read Between the Wines, we delve into the art of winemaking with Kevin Panagapka, the founder and winemaker of 2027 Cellars . Situated in Jordan, in the heart of Ontario's Niagara Peninsula, 2027 Cellars may be a micro-winery, but it is renowned for its unwavering dedication to quality and its profound respect for terroir. Kevin Panagapka takes us through his journey of establishi...

For episode 35, we have the pleasure of interviewing Craig De Blois, the President and Owner of Noble Estates Wine & Spirits , a leading premium wine and spirits agency in Ontario. Established in 1990 by Philip and Debra Mirabelli, Noble Estates has grown into a significant player in the Ontario market, recognized for its dynamic sales force and exceptional brand management. In December 2013, Crai...

For Episode 34 of Read Between the Wines Podcast, host Pierre Ferland sits down with Rob Power, winemaker, and Yvonne Irvine, assistant winemaker at Queenston Mile Vineyard , nestled in St. David's Bench of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. In this captivating discussion, they explore the unique terroir of the region, renowned for its limestone-rich soil and microclimate that significantly influences...

In Episode 33 of "Read Between the Wines," we delve into the remarkable journey of Fabian Reis, the visionary owner and winemaker of Ferox Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Hailing from a prestigious winemaking lineage that dates back to 1893 in Stuttgart, Germany, Fabian represents the sixth generation of vintners in his family. His roots run deep, but his aspirations for the future of Canadian wine...

For Episode 32, we dive into the fascinating world of Remy Drabkin, owner and winemaker at Remy Wines, located in the heart of McMinnville, Oregon. Remy is not your typical winemaker in a region renowned for its Pinot Noir. Instead, she has carved out a unique niche with her eponymous label, "Remy Wines", and the beloved "Three Wives Wines", focusing on Italian-style varietals and innovative blend...

For Episode 31 of the Read Between the Wines Podcast, we are honoured to host Donald Ziraldo, a pivotal figure in the history of Canadian winemaking and one of its greatest storytellers. As the first winery to receive an official licence in Ontario from the government, Ziraldo co-founded Inniskillin Wines with his business partner, Karl Kaiser, setting the stage for the Niagara region's transforma...

For Episode 30, we sit down with Adam Knoerzer, a wine educator and consultant based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. As the founder of ' Burghundy , Adam's mission is to make wine more enjoyable and accessible, both locally and beyond. A Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, he is also the U.S. champion of the 2019 Wines of South Africa Sommelier Cup, making him a leading expert in Sout...

For Episode 29, we have the pleasure of delving into the world of Cloudsley Cellars , a boutique winery located in Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench, dedicated exclusively to crafting cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Cloudsley Cellars is renowned for its small-lot, premium wines that elegantly capture the unique terroir of the region, known for its limestone-rich soils and ideal growing con...

Quel est votre processus quand viens le temps d'acheter une bouteille de vin? Est-ce que vous prenez votre décision en voyant l'étiquette? Une recommendation d'un ami? Faites-vous confiance au conseiller où vous achètez votre vin? Qu'en est-il de cette recommandation d'un journaliste dans le journal du Samedi? Plusieurs consommateurs vont acheter un vin au lieu d'un autre parce qu'un critique de v...

For Episode 27 of Read Between the Wines Podcast, host Pierre Ferland sits down with Simon J. Woolf, acclaimed wine writer and author of Amber Revolution : How the World Learned to Love Orange Wine . In this engaging episode, Woolf discusses the rise and significance of orange wine, an ancient winemaking method experiencing a modern revival. He delves into the contributions of pioneers like Josko...

For Episode 26, we delve into the fascinating journey of Martin Malivoire, the visionary behind Malivoire Wine . Once a renowned director of motion picture special effects, with credits ranging from television classics to Hollywood blockbusters like "Resident Evil" and "A Christmas Story," Martin chose to transition from the silver screen to the verdant vineyards of Beamsville, Ontario, in 1995. T...

For Episode 25 of the Read Between the Wines podcast, we welcomed the renowned Canadian winemaker, Ann Sperling. Ann, with her extensive experience in the wine industry, has played a pivotal role in shaping sustainable winemaking practices, with a focus on organic and biodynamic viticulture. Growing up on a family vineyard in British Columbia, her journey has seen her become a leader at prestigiou...

Jean-Laurent (JL) Groux, renowned as the King of Assemblage, is the master winemaker at Stratus Vineyards . With a reputation for creating wines with bold aromatics, a rounded mouthfeel, and impressive complexity, JL ensures his wines are capable of ageing for at least 7 to 10 years, offering connoisseurs the chance to truly appreciate the rewards of patience. In this insightful episode, JL shares...

Depuis 22 épisodes, j'anime en anglais un podcast sur les vins appelé "Read Between the Wines". Ce projet a pris une envergure inattendue. Étant donné que j'ai plusieurs invités à venir qui préfèrent parler en français, je décide de me présenter dans ma langue maternelle. Mon podcast n'est pas seulement sur les vins, mais les gens du vin, leur histoire, leur périple. C'est le temps de Lire Entre l...

For this episode, we welcome Natalie MacLean , wine writer, educator, and podcast host based in Ottawa. Known for her books and online courses, Natalie discusses how she moved from an MBA and tech marketing into wine communication and teaching. We explore Canada as context—from restaurant culture to provincial shipping limits—and why she believes anyone can train their palate with side-by-side tas...

For this episode, we welcome Amélie Boury , Vice President of Winemaking and Operations at Château des Charmes in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Originally from France, Amélie brings a dual background in biotechnology and oenology, with experience in Alsace, British Columbia, and France before becoming a Canadian citizen in 2018. Our discussion explores her journey from research to winemaking, and the pivot...