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 vineyards with "Grand Cru" status?

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 just how special Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can be in this area is infectious. No way you won't enjoy this conversation. 

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 where they are now as a winery and how scary was their first vintage.

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 early days in 2002 when she took over Chateau Font du Loup, winemaking in Morocco and sticking to making her style of wine. 

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 media gas bag I was not exactly a captain of industry. Brian treated me the same as anyone else and it wasn’t long before he became an important part of my life.

Thrilled after many years I was able to convince him to sit down, talk about the Club, his rise and our collective love for wine. 

This episode went long so I have split it up into two parts. This is Part II

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 it up into two parts. This is Part One.

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 she started during the pandemic.

This is someone with a clear vision for her future, a hell of a work ethic and true passion for wine.

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 education, the spending habits of people far younger than me to winning multiple Hospitality and Wine Awards 

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 and also a cool story about taking chances in the vineyard.

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 Estates with the assistance from Saxe.  

Tears are shed, laughs are had, and some damn tasty wines are tried. 

This interview has it all!