The wine podcast is going full Ontario Apple Cider!

My guest is Lynn Sullivan. 

Formerly the GM of Rosehall Run Vineyards (@rosehall_run), now the Marketing Director for Drink Ontario Apples (@drinkontarioapples).

They are ALL about the growth of the Ontario Craft Cider.

We chat about her transition from grapes to apples, just how many different styles of Cider are out there and the upcoming Ontario Cider Week.

NOTE: Ontario Cider Week is upon us! DATES: Sept 19–26 

My guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is one of the busiest people in the wine industry.

The guest: Master of Wine, James Cluer. 

James and his company Fine Vintage is involved in wine education, luxury tours, helping people find jobs in the wine world and he specializes in assisting new wineries. Appreciated James taking time out of his busy schedule to join the pod!

Had a great time interviewing Canadian Music Hall of Famer and 3-time Juno Winner Deborah Cox on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast! 

Deborah has partnered with Chateau Margilliere, located in Provence, France to create her own Rosé, Kazaisu.

Named after her three children this project is a labour of love from someone who is deeply passionate about making organic wine.

This was such a unique and entertaining conversation with such a talented individual. 

You’ll love it! 

Side note: If you are in Southern Ontario Deborah will be performing at Casa Loma on August 27th! 

The 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Podcast' is on one hell of a Napa Valley run!

My guest, John Giannini, is the Winemaker for Mount Veeder Winery.

This winery has been making classic Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet sauvignon since the early 1970's.

Thrilled to learn more about this historic winery.

The Podcast is headed to the famed Bordeaux appellation of Pessac-Leognan. My guest is Edouard Kressmann, the Deputy Technical Director at Château Latour-Martillac.

The latest Podcast is headed to Portugal where I sat down with winemaker João Maria Portugal Ramos. We discuss his legendary father João Portugal Ramos, one of the most important people in the world of Portuguese wine, all things about the Alentejo region and just a solid overview of the Portuguese wine scene.

Side note: If you can find his Marquês de Borba Colheita Red 2022, pick up a bottle or seven. Crazy value wine.

Loved my interview with Etude Senior Winemaker & General Manager Jon Priest. Etude is one of the preeminent Pinot Noir producers in California.

This was such a fun Pinot masterclass with a winemaker who has been working with this "very, very needy" grape for over 25 years.

With the Fourth of July just around the corner no better time to celebrate one of my favourite Napa Cabernet Sauvignon producers, Amici Cellars.

My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine and Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is their Lead Winemaker Tony Biagi.

The interview ranges from just how different Napa Valley is today versus when he started working there, Mountain vs. Valley Floor fruit to what is the best wine Tony ever had after a San Francisco 49ers victory. 

Wait, is the main reason Westcott Vineyards exists in our lives is because the owners, Carolyn and Grant don’t like to golf???

Okay that may be a wee bit overly simplistic BUT it is part of the story.

Check out my interview with Carolyn Hurst, Westcott Vineyards President & Co-Founder where we go into the whole story of this Niagara based winery.

It’s World Verdejo Day!

It’s that special time of year for people who enjoy this acidic/fresh Spanish white wine with that unique combination of fresh stone fruit, fennel notes and a herby finish.  

One of my favourite producers is José Pariente. From their entry level wines to their older oak influenced versions they know there way around Verdejo.

My interview is with their energetic CEO Ignacio Prieto Pariente.

We discuss the history/philosophy of José Pariente, the early days when he and his winemaking sister Martina took over the family business back in 2012 and pushing the quality levels of the Verdejo grape.