In the exciting conclusion of my interview with the owners/winemakers for Leaning Post Wines, Ilya and Nadia Senchuk, we pick up the interview about what the toughest moments were in those early years. So much fun talking giving birth while hunting for Syrah, speeding tickets and some fantastic Cabernet Franc.

My interview with Leaning Post Winery Co-Founders Ilya and Nadia Senchuk went so well that I had to split it up into two parts.

In Part One: Their origin story which is more about love and trust than about tannins and full-bodied Chardonnay. 

Nadia and Ilya are passionate, unapologetic winemakers whose portfolio can be found in Michelin Star restaurants all over the world. 

The wine podcast is back!

(Apologies for my horrible voice!!!)

Winemaker Vadim Chelekhov is back for his second appearance.

Vadim is the head winemaker for Niagara winery, Palatine Hills Estate Winery.

I was shocked about the consistent quality of these big, bold Bordeaux blends! 

Vadim is that passionate winemaker who makes everything from aromatic whites to full bodied reds.

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 that comes from wine.

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.

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.