For this episode, we welcome Natalie MacLean, wine writer, educator, and podcast host based in Ottawa. Known for her books and online courses, Natalie discusses how she moved from an MBA and tech marketing into wine communication and teaching.

We explore Canada as context—from restaurant culture to provincial shipping limits—and why she believes anyone can train their palate with side-by-side tasting. Topics include practical buying strategies, navigating restaurant lists, food pairing made simple, and the role of women in wine. Natalie also outlines how her online classes work (live tastings, flexible learning) and why storytelling helps drinkers connect with producers and regions.

From a first Brunello that sparked curiosity to making wine education more accessible, we trace how people, place, and philosophy shape the glass.

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For this episode, we welcome Amélie Boury, Vice President of Winemaking and Operations at Château des Charmes in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Originally from France, Amélie brings a dual background in biotechnology and oenology, with experience in Alsace, British Columbia, and France before becoming a Canadian citizen in 2018.

Our discussion explores her journey from research to winemaking, and the pivotal mentorship of industry pioneer Paul Bosc, who entrusted her with continuing his vision at one of Niagara's most iconic estates. Amélie reflects on the challenges of climate change, the evolution of Canadian wine's reputation, and her philosophy of respecting fruit and terroir while embracing innovation.

From Gamay Noir Droit, a uniquely Canadian mutation discovered in their vineyard, to the acclaimed Equuleus Bordeaux blend, she shares how Château des Charmes blends heritage, science, and sustainability into every bottle.

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For this episode, we welcome Caroline Leblanc, Brand Ambassador and Export Area Manager for Familia Torres in Canada. A graduate in marketing management with sommelier training and WSET Level 3, Caroline also serves as Communications Director for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and Programme Director for the International Sommelier Association.

Our conversation explores her unconventional journey from early days at the SAQ to representing one of Spain's most historic wine families. Caroline reflects on the evolving role of sommeliers, the importance of education and storytelling in hospitality, and how consumer trends are reshaping the wine market across Canada and beyond.

From Penedès to Priorat, Rioja, Chile and California, she shares the Torres philosophy of innovation rooted in heritage, highlighting the power of wine to connect people, places, and cultures.

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For this episode, we welcome Paul and Daniel Speck of Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, one of the pioneering family-run wineries that helped shape modern Niagara. Alongside their brother Matthew, the Specks have carried forward the vision of their parents, transforming land first settled in 1794 into a vibrant estate rooted in both history and innovation.

Our discussion explores the family legacy, from their father's entrepreneurial spirit to their mother's influence as an educator, and how the brothers built resilience through free trade challenges, shifting markets, and changing climates. They share candid views on sustainability, innovation, and the balance between artistry and science in winemaking.

From the rise of Baco Noir as their defining variety to sparkling wines like Cuvée Catharine, this episode highlights the enduring story of family, land, and identity in Canadian wine.

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For this episode, we welcome Sue-Ann Staff, one of Canada's most acclaimed winemakers, recognised with more than 450 national and international awards. A seventh-generation grower from Jordan, Ontario, Sue-Ann carries forward a family legacy dating back to vineyards planted in 1898, rooted in the soils of the Twenty Mile Bench and Vinemount Ridge.

Our conversation explores her journey from working in Australia to founding her own estate, the challenges of ownership, and her philosophy that blends art and science in equal measure. She reflects on women in wine, the importance of community among Niagara producers, and the stories behind her labels, from "Fancy Farm Girl" to wines named for her ancestors.

At its heart, this episode celebrates energy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to people, place, and the evolving culture of Canadian wine.

For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com

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For this episode, we welcome Pier-Alexis Soulière MS, one of fewer than 300 Master Sommeliers worldwide and winner of the 2018 Best Sommelier of the Americas. Born in rural Québec and now internationally recognised, he brings global experience from Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Sydney, New York, and California.

Our conversation explores the rigorous path to becoming a Master Sommelier, the human side of hospitality, and the importance of stories in creating lasting connections between people and wine. Pier-Alexis shares his philosophy on keeping wine simple, avoiding intimidation, and encouraging curiosity through playful approaches to buying and tasting.

From the challenges of service to reflections on trends such as Eastern European wines, ratings, and food pairing, this episode offers rare insights into one of the world's most exclusive professions, reminding us that wine is always about people, place, and shared pleasure.

For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com

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For this episode, we welcome Adam Kern and Chris Robinson of Lundy Manor Wine Cellars. Adam, a trained winemaker and sommelier, and Chris, a passionate voice for appassimento, share their unique perspectives on making wine in Niagara Falls, one of the region's most distinctive sites.

Set on historic Lundy's Lane, Lundy Manor stands apart with its clay-rich soils, exposure above the escarpment, and bold vision inspired by international investors. The conversation explores the balance between terroir and winemaker personality, the influence of global trends, and how identity and coherence shape a winery's philosophy.

From blending and barrel work to icewine versus recioto, we examine how place and philosophy intersect to create wines that carry both Niagara's character and the personal imprint of those who craft them. At its heart, this is a story of people, place, and the evolving culture of Canadian wine.

For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com

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For this episode, we welcome Barclay Robinson, winemaker at Foreign Affair Winery in Niagara. Barclay's path began as a sommelier in Calgary before studies at Brock University and vintages at Henry of Pelham and Tawse shaped his vision. His curiosity for Italian wines, especially Amarone, led him to embrace the appassimento method in Canada.

Foreign Affair was founded in the 1990s by Marisa and Len Crispino, inspired by their years in Verona. Today, under Corby Spirit and Wine, the estate continues their legacy, producing bold, distinctive wines through the drying of grapes before fermentation. Barclay shares how blending, patience, and terroir define their Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Riesling, while new projects keep the winery evolving.

This conversation explores legacy, innovation, and how Niagara's cool climate can yield wines of surprising richness. At its heart, it is about vision and determination. * Update: Since recording this episode, Foreign Affair Winery has appointed a new winemaker. We revisited the winery in Episode 58 (July 2024), featuring René Van Ede.

For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com

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For this episode, we welcome Louise Engel of Featherstone Estate Winery in Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench. Together with her husband David Johnson, Louise transitioned from running a renowned gourmet poultry market in Guelph to cultivating one of Ontario's most distinctive vineyards. Their journey reflects a deep connection between food, farming, and wine.

Set on a limestone bench south of Vineland, Featherstone is an estate where sheep manage the vines, chickens roam freely, and even a falcon is employed for pest control. The old farmhouse tasting room embodies their philosophy of hospitality and simplicity, making wine approachable and rooted in place.

This conversation explores eco-friendly farming, the cultural heritage of Ontario wine, and why Riesling and Cabernet Franc thrive here. At its heart, it is about people who believe wine should be fun, local, and shared.

For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com

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For this episode, we welcome David Stasiuk, head winemaker at Rockway Vineyards in Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench. David's journey began in hospitality before wine studies at Niagara College led him to vintages in the Okanagan, Australia's Yarra Valley, and Marlborough, New Zealand. These experiences shaped his craft and fuelled a philosophy rooted in balance, patience, and terroir.

Rockway stands out as both an estate winery and an 18-hole championship golf course, offering a rare blend of wine and sport. From its breezy benchland soils, David cultivates Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, while exploring sparkling wine production and innovative styles.

This conversation explores Niagara's evolving identity, the realities of small-scale winemaking, and why Cabernet Franc and Riesling shine so brightly in Ontario. At its heart, it's about people, place, and the pursuit of meaningful wines.

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