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 more about this on the rise winemaker and this remarkable boutique Niagara winery.

I'm shocked it took so long to finally sit down with the good people of Hidden Bench.

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 has a more dramatic wine origin story than Harald.

Loved my time with Harald!

Part II, coming next will be with winemaker Alex Baines. 

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.

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 was impossible not to appreciate the level of craftsmanship in this impressive whisky.

A great conversation about a world that is admittedly a blind spot for me.

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 Sommeliers.  

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 ready for the highest levels of the Court of Master Sommeliers. 

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 about this new venture and the work that James is doing is that when you strip away all the high-end designs and features you would come to expect from Liberty this wine club is, at its heart, all about the wine.

James and his entire team of 'Wine Avengers' are just as nerdy about wine as the members and treat each bottle with the respect it deserves. 

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 the brink.

This is a candid and honest conversation that I promise is balanced with plenty of lighter fare as well.

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 olive oil.

*Yes, there is wine tie ins as well!