Wine Behind The Scenes

Join us as we dive into the captivating story of Nadia Hetzel, a winemaker with a rich tapestry of experiences from Germany to the United States. From her beginnings as she studied winemaking in Germany to her position as winemaker at  Grovedale Winery in Pennsylvania, Nadia's narrative is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the artistry of winemaking.  Get ready to be transported into the w...

Are you ready to see a world where passion for wine meets the art of storytelling?  In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Anthony Velasquez takes us on an adventure through his life's twists and turns, from California to New York via Korea, all intertwined with his love for wine.  Discover how chance encounters and unexpected opportunities led Anthony to a fulfilling career in the wine indust...

Get ready for an adventure as we travel through the world of grapes with Debbie Inglis!  From being crowned Ontario's Grape King to spearheading research at Brock University, Debbie's passion and expertise in viticulture are unmatched. Her energy and dedication to the wine industry will inspire you. In this episode, you will be able to:  Hear about her journey from being a grape kid to becoming th...

Join me as I chat with Taylor Emerson, owner of Black Bank Hill Winery, as he shares his story of adventure from wine lover to winery owner, exploring his motivations, challenges, and unique winemaking approach. Grab a glass and immerse yourself in the world of wine with Taylor.  Let's uncork the adventure together. In this episode, you'll be able to learn about:  Starting a winery is a challengin...

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 experien...

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 s...

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 m...

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...

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 s...

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...

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 jo...

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 unfo...

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 peopl...

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 unwaverin...

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 appreciat...

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...

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 mig...

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, explori...

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...

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 ex...

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 ca...

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 mysteriou...

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, se...

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...

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...