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

In Episode 51, we journey to the sun-soaked south of France, specifically to the Roussillon region, nestled in the southwest corner of the country between the Spanish border and the Mediterranean Sea. Our esteemed guest is Jean-Marc Lafage of Domaine Lafage, one of the region's most influential producers. Domaine Lafage's wines are a global force, gracing tables in over 60 countries. The Roussillon region itself is a unique viticultural landscape, offering both challenges and rewards to vintners like Jean-Marc. The area's dramatic elevation changes make mechanisation impossible, while its arid climate, though demanding, contributes to the intense concentration of flavours in the grapes. The Lafage family has been crafting wine for over two centuries, with their expertise handed down from generation to generation. They are renowned for producing some of the finest Grenache wines in the world. In this episode, we delve into the pressing challenges posed by climate change in the region and explore the remarkable innovations Jean-Marc is spearheading—not just for his vineyard, but for the entire region and industry as well. 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 49, we welcome back Simon J. Woolf, the acclaimed author behind the bestsellers Amber Revolution for which we discussed during Episode 27. Simon's latest book, Foot Trodden takes us deep into the heart of Portuguese winemaking, a region often overshadowed but rich with untold stories and profound traditions. This episode isn't just for those seeking a guide to Portuguese wines; it's a journey into the lives of the winemakers and families who have shaped this remarkable wine culture. Simon's narrative style goes beyond tasting notes and technicalities, focusing instead on the human stories that define the region's unique viticultural heritage. From the ancient field blends of the Douro Valley to the almost forgotten traditions of Alentejo, Simon uncovers the resilience, passion, and innovation that make Portuguese wine truly special. Join us as we explore Simon's journey through Portugal, where he shares his insights into why this country remains one of the wine world's best-kept secrets. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about the stories behind the wines you enjoy, this episode is a must-listen, offering a thoughtful, eloquent exploration of a wine region that deserves the spotlight. 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 48 of Read Between the Wines, we are delighted to welcome back Canadian wine legend Donald Ziraldo, a figure often referred to as the "godfather" of Canadian wine. With a history as rich as the vineyards he's cultivated, Donald takes us on a journey through his latest venture—crafting Prosecco in the heart of Italy's Prosecco region, Friuli Venezia Giulia. In this episode, Donald shares the story behind his new Prosecco brand, a project born out of friendship, heritage, and a deep connection to his Italian roots. He reveals the serendipitous events that led him to this venture and the challenges he faced, including navigating the complexities of Italian wine regulations. From his first sip of Prosecco as a young boy in Italy to now producing his own, Donald's narrative is filled with nostalgia, passion, and a relentless pursuit of quality. Listeners will also hear Donald discuss the art of sparkling wine production, comparing the traditional method used for champagne with the Charmat method employed for Prosecco. He offers insights into the evolving wine industry, both in Canada and globally, and reflects on the importance of terroir, sustainability, and innovation in winemaking. While here, we invite you to listen to the insightful interview with Donald Ziraldo in Episode 31, where he shares his captivating experience as a true pioneer of the Canadian wine industry. Ziraldo recounts the remarkable journey of becoming the first winery to receive an official licence from the Ontario government since Prohibition, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the nation's wine landscape.

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

Some winemakers make wine. Xavier Vignon thinks about what wine actually is — and the answer might surprise you.

In this episode of Read Between the Wines, Pierre Ferland sits down with Xavier Vignon — consultant, blender, pioneer, and one of the most unconventional minds in the Southern Rhône, France. Originally from Picardy, trained in Champagne and Bordeaux, seasoned in Australia, and ultimately seduced by a small chain of mountains in Provence called the Dentelles de Montmirail — Xavier Vignon arrived in the Rhône in 1996 when nobody was paying attention to it. He never left. And the region has never been the same.

This is a conversation about terroir as you have never heard it explained. Xavier's theory — that wine is fundamentally mineral water, that the Mistral is not just a weather event but a flavour mechanism, that the difference between a 2003 and a 2007 Châteauneuf from the identical parcel comes down to six times more minerals in the berry — reframes everything. And then there is the Cuvée Anonyme: a single parcel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where a genetic study revealed more than 70 different grape varieties, planted before the AOP was created in 1945, kept alive for a century through a technique called marcottage where dying vines are crossed with their neighbours rather than replaced. This wine doesn't have a recipe. It can't.

Along the way: the Guide Hachette nightmare that turned a quiet winemaker into an accidental négociant overnight. The 100% Mourvèdre that nobody in the Rhône had made before — and that refused to blend with anything else. The water crisis Xavier saw coming in Australia thirty years ago that France is only now beginning to take seriously. And a question about scores, stories, and what wine is actually for. Featuring: Xavier Vignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Dentelles de Montmirail.