On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I’m joined by wine writer/storyteller/photographer and influencer Paige Comrie. We discuss her big risk going from the world of business to going off on her own into the wide world of wine. A fun/thoughtful conversation with someone with a passion for communicating all the joy …

My guest on the "Matt Talks Wine and Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Ludovic Dervin, the Senior Winemaker and General Manager for Stags' Leap Winery. We trace his wine journey form growing up in Champagne to making high end Cabernet Sauvignon to such a historic California winey.By Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

Part II of my Hidden Bench Estate Winery interviews is with their winemaker, Alex Baines. We chat about the scariest moment of a harvest, why does Duck go so well with Pinot and the powerful role that fate played in his wine journey. I got to try their unique 100% Malbec along with their award winning Pinot's. Not a bad pairing as I got to learn mo…

I can't believe it took me this long to finally sit down with the good people of Hidden Bench Estate Winery. Part I is with Harald Thiel, the Vigneron and Proprietor for Hidden Bench. (Translation: Harold is the owner and plays a big part in the growing for his grapes and the final decisions on the wines of Hidden Bench) In over 200 episodes no one…

On the latest 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I'm joined by wine writer and wine podcast host Miroki Tong. I admire her crazy work ethic level when it comes to all her projects and the passion she has for all aspects of the wine world. Not a shock at all how much fun our conversation was.…

The Podcast is heading to arguably the most important winery in North America, Robert Mondavi. My guest is the Kurtis Ogasawara, the Director of Wine Making for Mondavi.By Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

If I'm going to deviate from wine I may as well explore one of the most iconic single malt Scotch whiskies, The Macallan. My guest is John MacPherson the Brand Specialist for Eastern Canada. Had the pleasure of tasting Macallan TIME : SPACE Collection, a limited release celebrating their 200th anniversary. I have never been a big spirits fan but it…

The Podcast continues it's preview of the upcoming Best Ontario Sommelier Competition (BOSC) with finalist Matthew Landry. Matthew is the Sommelier for the Michelin Star Restaurant Pearl Morissette and has twice finished as a finalist for the Best Sommelier of Canada. I love wine competitions especially from the perspective of some of Canada's best…

With the Best Ontario Sommelier Competition (BOSC) coming up my guest is one of the finalists Christian Perreault Hamel. Christian is the Wine Director for famed steakhouse Harbour Sixty Toronto and is the Co-founder of Pelican Wine Imports. We discuss what the preparation is like for a high stakes wine competition and how it differs from getting r…

James Peden, the Director of Operations for Liberty Entertainment Group is back for his second appearance. Bovine Wine Club is a brand-new private wine club opening up in Toronto. It is brought to you by the same people behind Don Alfonso, Blueblood Steakhouse, Cibo Wine Bar and so many other wine forward restaurants. What I appreciate the most abo…

My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Four-Time James Beard Foundation Journalism Award winner Natalie MacLean. In my near 200 episodes this interview is the most serious I have been a part of. We discuss excessive drinking, dealing with divorce and her darkest days back in 2012 when her entire career was on t…

On the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast my guest is International Olive Oil Expert Fil Bucchino. His company Abandoned Grove is all about rejuvenating and sustaining thousands of olive trees all over Florence. What a fascinating conversation with a man who went from the music industry to producing and protecting high end ol…

On the latest Wine Podcast Matt is joined by the remarkable winemaking team of Head Winemaker Rob Power and Assistant Winemaker Yvonne Irvin from Creekside Estate Winery, located in the Beamsville Bench, Niagara. Creekside produces some of the best Ontario Syrah's and their entry level Syrah is one of the best value Canadian wines. Been a fan of th…

On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I’m joined by wine novelist Steven Laine. His latest book ‘Jupiter’s Blood’ is a fast-paced wine thriller that is part ‘Da Vinci Code’ and part Decanter Magazine. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy this hard to put down novel.…

One of the coolest developments in the Ontario wine scene is the creation & growth of Niagara Custom Crush Studio. Started in 2022 it is part production facility to help small independent winemakers make/sell their wine and a kick ass wine bar in the middle of Niagara wine country. My guests on the Podcast is Graham Rennie, Founder and CEO of Niaga…

Meet Melissa Devore, the president of Amici Cellars, a powerhouse of a winery located in Napa! Melissa went from graduating Rice University with a Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry degree to working with wineries in Chili to now heading up an iconic California winery. She's my guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podca…

Of course, I spend my final night in Japan at a wine store that ONLY sells Canadian wine! If you find yourself in Tokyo, you have to check out Heavenly Vines and their excellent selection of all things Canadian vino. My guest on the podcast, making his return is the co-owner, Jamie Paquin.By Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

Hey, look its famed winemakers Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble back on the podcast! BUT this time there’s a twist. Beyond making world class Ontario wines Ann and Peter have been making wine in Mendoza. The wine is called Versado and their latest release, the 2018 vintage is out now! This was a fun deep dive into their South American adventures … I a…

On the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Podcast’ I sit down the winemaker for Stoneleigh Winery, Jamie Marfell. Always love when I can do a deep dive on all things New Zealand wine.By Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

On the latest episode of the 'Matt Talks Wine Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast my guest is 2024 VQA Promoters Award winner (Hospitality) Robbie Raskin, the Owner of Archives Wine & Spirits. I visited Robbie's wine bar/bottle shop and left thinking how lucky St. Catharines is to have this cool small slice of wine heaven right in the middle of …

My latest guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is Ed Madronich, President for Flat Rock Cellars. A thoughtful and engaging conversation from someone who has been in the wine making business for decades. We discuss perception versus reality when it comes to all things wine, the differences between American vs. Canad…

I don’t do nearly enough on the topic of pairing food with wine. No better person to correct that oversight than with someone has written seven cookbooks, is a professional chef (and professional gastronaut), did a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and holds the Guinness Book of World Records for most pancakes made. My interview with Bob Blumer! Needless…

Part Two of the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast with Sommelier/TV Wine Personality/Wine Writer Renée Sferrazza we pick up on the conversation about pairing great wines with normal moments of your life, more excellent wines from Prince Edward County, the LCBO and the surprisingly good work being done by McManis Winery.…

Coming back for her third time is Sommelier, TV Wine Personality, Wine Writer, Content Creator and all-around advocate for all that is good and right in the wine world, Renée Sferrazza!!! This one was so good I had to break it up into two parts. In Part One we go over a wide range of wines all from Prince Edward County, a behind the scenes look abo…

The Podcast is heading back to the famed Northern Italian wine region of Piedmont. My guest is Federica Boffa-Borgogno. She is a part of a fifth generation of wine growers. What make’s her family’s portfolio so impressive is the consistent level of quality. Of course, the Barolo Cannubi Riserva is gonna knock your socks off but so will the Barbera …

Meet Federico De Cerchio, a fourth-generation Italian wine grower, based in the Abruzzo region of Southern Italy and now owner of the family wine business Famiglia De Cerchio Winery. Enjoyed hearing about Federico’s wine journey, learning more about all things Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and when he first started working with his father just how long d…

Meet Susan Sterling, my latest guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast. Susan spent over two decades working with the wines of Andrew Peller. Today she is the Brand Ambassador for one of the most famous Port Houses, Taylor Fladgate. I’ve known Susan for well over 15 years, she is a good friend who has been a big part …

Shawn Brynildson, the winemaker at Black Stallion Estate Winery in Napa Valley is my latest guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast! Shawn went from studying medicine in school to switching over to wine while at University of California, Davis. Just what was his parents reaction? A wide ranging conversation about all …

I love the story of Jerome Christie (Territory Manager/ Portfolio Manager for Intra Vino) and his journey into wine. He went from a solid government job to being inspired by wine through trips to Santorini and Sunday dinners with his in-laws. Jerome started volunteering at Intra Vino and is now a big part of the company and is in the middle of all …

On the latest 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I have on grape grower and winemaker Jessica Oppenlaender (And a super fun cameo from her sister Ali) Oppenlaender from Liebling Wines. They spent years working with their father growing grapes for some of the top winemakers across Niagara and now they are also make their own w…

A different edition of the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast! My guest is Sophie Menin an award-winning wine writer and the author of, ‘A Year in the Vineyard’. Her book is packed with 180 gorgeous pictures from the world’s most stunning wine regions. From Piedmont to Burgundy to Napa and everywhere in between. We discuss th…

My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Andrew Carter, the Executive Chef & Owner of the famed Yorkville The Oxley Public House restaurant. A powerhouse of an interview!! Andrew went from working as a teenager in food halls to working under Nico Ladenis, the first British chef to be awarded three Michelin stars …

My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Jeff Moote the founder and winemaker for Divergence Wines, a virtual winemaker based in Niagara. Cool origin story about how Jeff went from working as an Engineer in the chemical process industry to making wine! A hell of leap of faith that has led to a rather impressive s…

The Podcast is heading to the Southern France wine region of Roussillon. My guest is Moritz Bak, owner of Res Fortes winery. A cool story about a young winemaker who fell in love with this part of the world and wanted to make world class wine. (I grabbed his last 6-Pack of Syrah!)By Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I’m joined by prolific Instagram star Cokie from Cokies World of Wine. (Find her here: https://www.instagram.com/cokiesworldofwine/) I’ve met so many people who have committed so much of their life to the study of wine … I don’t think I have ever encountered anyone with the pas…

When a winery has the highest of aspirations to make the best wines from the Niagara terroir the Bat Signal will go out to winemakers Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble!! They are the Batman and Batman of extracting the best out of the Niagara region. On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I bring back Ann (Third time on…

This is Julie Garton, the Wine Director for Liberty Entertainment Group. This is Julie’s second appearance on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast. Julie oversees the wine program for one of Toronto’s newest restaurants Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House. We discuss her new project, just what are some of the big differences be…

The ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is heading back to the Okanagan Valley! My guest is former Sommelier for The National Club and now the Guest Experience Manager for one of the best wineries in all of Canada, Checkmate Artisanal Winery. We discuss the devastating environmental damage the 2024 winter had on the entire reg…

A wide-ranging conversation with one of the co-owners of Henry of Pelham Winery, Dan Speck. I sat down with last in late 2018 and since then A LOT has changed. We discuss the impact of COVID, the war in Ukraine and inflation has had on the world of wine. I guarantee you'll learn something new from one of the most interesting people in the Ontario w…

My guest is Steven Campbell, board member for the non-profit organization Grapes for Humanity who just launched their wine auction to help raise money for several important environmental charities. You have until Monday April 22nd to get your bids in! (Link: https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/grapes-for-humanity-canada-fine-wine-auction-2024-apr-22…

On the latest episode of the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I speak with the most important wine journalist covering all things Ontario Wine, Rick VanSickle. We discuss the politics behind wine production, how the LCBO is not doing nearly enough for Ontario winemakers and is there a future in designating specific vineyard…

On the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast my interview with the winemaker for Niagara winery Westcott Vineyards, Casey Kulczyk. Love his passion about Westcott's overall philosophy about making world class Niagara Wine NOT about making "Burgundian" style wine. Trust me, Casey's passion for all things Niagara winemaking and ju…

They love Merlot, can't stand the film 'Sideways' and in under a decade are making a real name for themselves in the world of Ontario wine. On the 'Matt Talks Wie & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I sit down with the Owners of Kirby Estate, a gorgeous boutique winery specializing in Chardonnay and Bordeaux Blends. Fun conversation about wher…

From Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Morocco this episode of the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Podcast has range! My guest is Anne Charlotte Melia Bachas. Anne is the Winemaker and Owner of Chateau Font du Loup in Châteauneuf-du-Pape while her father Charles has founded Domaine du Val d’Argan, a winery in Morocco. We talk about those earl…

If I think about the people who had the biggest influence on me when it comes to wine, Brian Perry, the Beverage Manager and Head Sommelier for The National Club is right at the top of the list. There is so much to admire about Brian. I’ll always appreciate the fact that when I joined the club, I was the youngest member at the time and as a sports …

On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I sit down with one my wine mentors, Brian Perry, the Beverage Manager and Head Sommelier for The National Club. Brian has a remarkable story from bartending with little wine knowledge to running one of the largest wine programs in Canada. This episode went long so I have split…

Really cool origin story with my guest on the wine podcast, Wine Importer Emily Craig, owner of Emily Craig Import Agency. Emily went from graduating with a Science Degree, to working a harvest in Nova Scotia to working for some of the largest Canadian wine importing companies in Canada to starting her own boutique wine important company. Oh, and s…

I love how Assistant Winemaker for Domaine Queylus Brooke Husband can make winemaking technique and the difficulties of Wild Fermentation sound so interesting. On my latest interview Brooke does such a great job blending (Pun intended, sorry) the human element that goes into making great wine. Lotta range in this episode from the importance of wine…

Find me a better winemaking couple than Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble! I sit down with the vino power couple about their work with On Seven Estate Winery, a Niagara boutique winery obsessed with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Great interview for anyone interested in learning about how Niagara is perfectly suited for world class Burgundian style wine an…

In the final installment of my Karlo Estates podcast series live from their “Speak Easy” wine lounge I sit down with vintners, Sherry Karlo and Saxe Brickenden. An emotional/funny/educational, and even romantic interview that goes from the toughest moments for Sherry after the tragic passing of her husband to the remarkable bounce back for Karlo Es…