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 their downtown.

There is a reason why Robbie won his VQA award and it starts with this fantastic bar.

Thrilled to hear he is expanding into Toronto soon.

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. Canadian customers plus Ed’s bold claim about Ontario terroir versus the rest of the world. 

Perfect timing to sit down with Ed as the winery is releasing their 20th Anniversary Bottle of their Twisted series of wines!

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 to say, you’re going to enjoy this one.

By the way his latest book: 'Flavorbomb: A Rogue Guide to Making Everything Taste Better' is out now!

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 about doing live TV wine segments and we fight about the movie ‘Love Actually’.

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 d'Alba and Dolcetto d'Alba.

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 did it take for them to get into their first disagreement? 

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 of my own wine journey. 

A long overdue interview!

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 things wine making, California and the prejudice that does sometimes surround Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.   

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 things Court of Master Sommeliers.

This is a great interview for people looking to get into the wine business cause Jerome will inspire you!

This is a great interview for people who enjoy a good human interest story cause Jerome will inspire you!

On top of that I bet you learn a thing or two about Greek wine ... I know I did.