Grape seeds from 600 BC. A winery overlooking the largest bird sanctuary in Europe. A daughter who came back from California and said: Dad, I am coming back, but this is the way I want to farm. And a blind tasting experiment where Michel's team has never once misidentified the origin of a wine, even when they get the varietal completely wrong.

In this episode of Read Between the Wines, Pierre Ferland heads to the Costières de Nîmes, the western edge of the southern Rhône Valley where the river meets the Mediterranean, to sit down with Michel Gassier of Domaine Gassier and Château de Nages. The Gassier family has been farming this land for four generations. The fifth generation, Isabelle, is now shaping where it goes next.

The conversation covers the geology of rolled pebbles that never compact and why that matters for minerality. The sea breezes that cool and hydrate the vines. The difference between Château de Nages on the northern lip of the plateau and Domaine Gassier on the southern edge overlooking Camargue, which Michel describes as the difference between Puligny-Montrachet and Chablis. The varietals being planted to adapt to a warming climate: Bourboulenc, Piquepoul, Carignan Blanc, and Mourvèdre. And the three pillars of regenerative agriculture, soil, ecosystem, and community, making Domaine Gassier the first French winery to carry regenerative certification.

He returned from America in 1993 having learned that if you don't like something, you change it. He still believes that. The red tape is the problem.

Featuring: Domaine Gassier, Château de Nages, Costières de Nîmes, Southern Rhône, France, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, regenerative agriculture.

For Episode 59, we have the distinct honor of featuring one of the biggest names in the winemaking industry. We are privileged to interview Sandro Bottega, a name synonymous with excellence and innovation in viticulture. As the visionary leader of the Bottega SPA empire, Sandro has not only elevated the art of winemaking but has also set a global standard with his Prosecco. His products, celebrated for their unparalleled quality, grace the shelves of virtually every airport worldwide, making his brand one of the most known brand worldwide. The iconic gold bottle of Bottega Prosecco is a testament to his craftsmanship and is instantly recognizable, embodying elegance and prestige. Join us as we delve into the journey of this extraordinary entrepreneur and explore the secrets behind the success of Bottega SPA. For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

For Episode 58, we explore one of Niagara's most iconic wineries, The Foreign Affair Winery, with their accomplished winemaker, René Van Ede. Since joining in 2020, René has been steering the winery's evolution beyond its renowned Italian-inspired appassimento wines, expanding the portfolio to include exciting new offerings like sparkling wines and Pinot Grigio.

Owned by Corby Spirit & Wine, part of the Pernod Ricard family since 2017, Foreign Affair is deeply rooted in tradition yet constantly innovating. René, originally from Australia, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the winery. His expertise is evident as he discusses the intricacies of winemaking in Canada and the winery's commitment to sustainability and hospitality. With the unveiling of their stunning new tasting room, Foreign Affair is a must-visit destination for wine lovers.

For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

For Episode 57, we offer an interview with Nadia and Ilya Senchuk, the visionary founders of Leaning Post Winery in Canada's Niagara region. Established in 2009 as a virtual label, Leaning Post quickly evolved into a celebrated winery uniquely positioned between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. Known for their infectious enthusiasm and deep commitment to their terroir, Nadia and Ilya share their journey of transforming their dream into reality. With Ilya as the winemaker and Nadia driving the business, they have become a dynamic force in the Canadian wine industry. For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

For Episode 56, we explore the wine industry from a unique perspective, focusing on entrepreneurship rather than winemaking. We are honored to welcome Moshé Weizman, the co-founder and CEO of WineIng, a groundbreaking start-up based in Tel-Aviv. WineIng is a digital platform that uses smart flash group buying, acting as a Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) enabler, empowering merchants and buyers to sell and purchase wine more effectively, together.

In this episode, we will not delve into topics like second fermentation, malolactic fermentation, or vineyard pest control. Instead, you will be introduced to a simple yet ingenious concept that has the potential to disrupt the wine market significantly. For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

For Episode 55, we deviate from our usual path, and for the first time on Read Between the Wines podcast, wine won't be the main topic.

Our guest is a highly acclaimed media personality, particularly in the United States. He is the Chief Climate Correspondent for the news channel CNN: Bill Weir has covered numerous major events including the war in Afghanistan, was the first American to broadcast live from Tibet, and he reported from various disaster zones such as Hurricane Katrina and the Japan tsunami.

Al Gore – the "former next President" of the United States once said – Denial ain't just a river in Egypt… and despair ain't just a tire in the trunk… Whether you are a denial or not, it doesn't matter – it's happening right before our eyes. Bill has recently published a book entitled "Life as We Know It," and we discuss his book, but more importantly, we delve into the climate crisis that affects us all, including vintners and winemakers. For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

For Episode 54, we take you on an immersive journey to Sicily, Italy, to explore the excellence of the 2024 Wine Family of the Year, Planeta. Recently honored with this prestigious title at the Meininger Awards in Düsseldorf, Planeta stands as a beacon of Sicilian viticulture. We are privileged to have Alessio Planeta, CEO of Planeta Winery, share the rich legacy and innovative spirit that has propelled his family to the forefront of the global wine industry. With a presence spanning over 400 hectares across six of Sicily's finest vineyards, the Planeta family has masterfully blended tradition with modernity, not only in winemaking but also in olive cultivation and hospitality. This episode offers listeners a rare insight into the heart of Sicilian agriculture and the relentless dedication that has made Planeta a symbol of world-class excellence. For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

For Episode 53, we explore the picturesque Beamsville Bench in Canada's Niagara region with Harald Thiel, founder and owner of Hidden Bench Estate Winery. Known for its premium wines crafted from organic estate-grown fruit, Hidden Bench focuses on cool climate varietals, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Harald Thiel's journey from a successful business career to becoming a vintner is deeply rooted in his European heritage, where wine was a family staple. Established in 2003, Hidden Bench embodies Thiel's vision of producing world-class wines Canadians can proudly present. During our conversation, Thiel emphasizes sustainability and organic farming, key pillars of Hidden Bench's winemaking philosophy. The winery utilizes geothermal technology and solar panels, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Thiel also discusses the challenges of climate change and the innovative practices they employ to ensure quality and sustainability. For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

For episode 52, we are heading to Bordeaux in France with a fantastic vintner from Saint-Émilion: Laurent David. Laurent is the co-owner and founder of Château Edmus. Coming from the tech world, Laurent is some sort of disruptor in the wine industry with innovative ideas and most importantly world-class wine. See by yourself how Laurent David makes wine cool again. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

In episode 51, we are joined by André Mack, a renowned sommelier with an impressive background, having worked at prestigious establishments such as The French Laundry in California and Per Se in New York City. Now a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur in New York, Mack has made a name for himself as a wine influencer, educator, author, and winemaker based in Oregon. This episode offers a fascinating interview with one of the wine world's rising stars, as he shares insights into his journey from fine dining to launching his own ventures. Discover how he has become a key figure in the wine scene, combining his deep knowledge of wine with an authentic and creative approach. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply interested in entrepreneurship, this conversation with André Mack promises to inspire and entertain, providing a unique glimpse into his achievements in the heart of the Big Apple. For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines