Embark on a captivating journey of wine discovery with Michelle Mandro, whose passion for wine took an unexpected turn. From a casual enthusiast to a dedicated advocate for women in the industry, her story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and education.  Join us as we unravel the twists and turns of Michelle's enthralling journey, and stay tuned to uncover how her unwavering dedication has inspired a new generation of wine enthusiasts.   Hold on for the ride. I've had a pretty fantastic career. I've done things that a lot of people haven't done. And generally speaking, it's always been fun. My job has been fun. - Michelle Mandro In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the inspiring stories of women in the wine industry and their impact.
• Uncover the financial factors behind owning a winery and the strategies for success.
• Discover how Mother Nature shapes the wine industry and influences its unique flavours.
• Explore Wine Country Women's global influence and experiences in the wine world.
• Embrace the importance of wine education and mentorship for expanding your wine knowledge.

Meet Michelle Mandro, the founder and president of Wine Country Women, who brings an infectious passion for wine and an extensive background in the industry. With her finger on the pulse of the wine world, her expertise shines through as she shares her experiences and insights. Her dedication to spotlighting the extraordinary women in wine country and advocating for their evolving roles is evident in her work, making her a valuable resource for wine enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and explore new pairings. Her wealth of knowledge and commitment to mentorship make her a compelling voice in the wine industry, inspiring others to delve deeper into the world of wine. Contact Michelle here: 

• Website: https://winecountrywomen.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-m-3106739
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winecountryandwomen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winecountryandwomen/

Join my guest, Judith Lewis, and me in the latest Wine Behind the Scenes podcast episode as we discuss our upcoming travel plans to diverse wine regions worldwide. From the birthplace of wine in Georgia to the stunning landscapes of Chile and Argentina, we're sharing our exciting wine travel bucket list for the upcoming year.  When you go to the country where the wine is made, you end up appreciating the wine so much more because you can see where it's made, talk to the people who make it, and understand the whole process. (Judith Lewis) In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover new and exciting wine travel destinations in 2024 and expand your wine exploration horizons.
• Uncover Georgian wines' rich history and unique terroir, unlocking a deeper appreciation for the region's winemaking traditions.
• Immerse yourself in the captivating Bulgarian wine industry and historical sites, gaining insights into the country's rich winemaking heritage.
• Explore the diverse Balkan wine regions and delve into their cultural significance, broadening your understanding of their wine diversity.
• Dive into the Czech Republic's wine culture and southern region, uncovering hidden gems and distinctive flavours to elevate your wine journey.

Meet Judith Lewis, a favourite guest at Wine Behind the Scenes and also the co-host of our "Wonky Wine Term" segment. Judith is a digital marketing guru with a taste for pixels and pinot. When she's not decoding algorithms, she's decoding the subtle notes of a fine Shiraz. As a board member of the Academy of Chocolate, she knows the sweet spot between cocoa and click-through rates. With a palate sharper than her SEO skills, she judges international wine competitions—because analyzing data isn't thrilling enough. Between optimizing websites and sipping Cabernet Sauvignon, Judith's passport is as well-stamped as her LinkedIn endorsements. Rumour has it she once boosted a Malbec's social media presence just by staring at it. Some say she can predict website traffic like she predicts the next big vintage. So, if you spot someone at 30,000 feet, sipping wine, typing furiously on a laptop, and giggling at a marketing report, it's probably Judith—jet-setting, wine-tasting, and making SEO sexy, one algorithm at a time. Contact Judith here: 

• Website: https://www.decabbit.com/
• Website: http://mostlyaboutchocolate.com/
• X (New name for "Twitter"): https://twitter.com/judithlewis
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostlyaboutchoc/
• Email: [email protected]

Discover the secret behind creating a perception of rarity in the wine industry. Join us as "the wine psychologist" Antonia Mantonakis reveals the psychological tricks and marketing strategies that will leave your audience thirsting for more. But beware, the path to success may be more complex than it seems... Consumers' expectations and their interpretation and the perception that they might have from wine are so much more powerful than the actual sensation. - Antonia Mantonakis In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how perception shapes the enjoyment of wine and influences consumer preferences.
• Uncover the pivotal role of wine labels in shaping consumer perception and purchase decisions.
• Learn how scarcity can impact consumer behaviour and drive demand for your wine products.
• Explore the significance of colour in wine branding and its influence on consumer perception.
• Master the art of creating a perception of rarity in the competitive wine industry.

  Antonia Mantonakis is a renowned wine psychologist with over 17 years of experience in the field. As a marketing professor at Brock's Goodman School of Business in Niagara, she specializes in understanding consumer behaviour and perception, particularly concerning wine branding and marketing strategies.  Her unique expertise is uncovering how consumers think, feel, and make purchasing decisions. Her research has delved into the fascinating world of pricing psychology, where she has discovered the profound impact that price perception can have on the brain's pleasure centers.  She has also explored the influence of wine labels, including images' role and winery names' effect on consumer perception. With her wealth of knowledge and insights, Antonia is a sought-after expert in the wine industry, helping wine producers enhance their branding and marketing strategies to create a perception of rarity and desirability in the market. Contact Antonia here: 

• Website: https://thewinepsychologist.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewinepsychologist/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewinepsychologist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWinePsychologist
• X (New name for "Twitter"): https://twitter.com/mantonakis

If you're feeling frustrated and disappointed with lackluster vegetarian and vegan dishes that fail to excite your taste buds, then you are not alone! Despite your best efforts to experiment with different ingredients and recipes, you may find that the flavors are falling flat and leaving you unsatisfied. Instead of achieving the result of enhancing your dishes with creative wine pairings, you might be stuck in a cycle of bland and uninteresting meals that lack the depth and complexity you crave. In the world of instant gratification, what can be better than eating food and drinking wine and having that work exceptionally well together and being able to do it again and again in the same meal? - Keith Tyers Keith Tyers is not only a highly regarded winemaker at Closson Chase Vineyards in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada, but also a guest who always brings an exciting and fresh perspective to Wine Behind the Scenes. With a background in the restaurant industry, his approach to wine and food pairings is all about creating unique and memorable experiences. He believes that the wine should take the spotlight and the food should be tailored to complement and elevate its flavors.  Keith's passion for wine and food shines through in his conversations with host Laurel Simmons, and he is always ready to share his knowledge and expertise. Whether it's exploring new flavors or experimenting with vegetarian and vegan dishes, his creativity and enthusiasm make him a fantastic guest for anyone looking to enhance their culinary adventures with creative wine pairings. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover creative wine pairings that will elevate your vegetarian and vegan dishes to a whole new level of flavor.
• Learn how to create delicious and satisfying plant-based meals that perfectly complement the unique characteristics of different wines.
• Explore unconventional wine and food pairings to expand your palate and discover unexpected taste combinations that will surprise and delight your senses.
• Master the art of incorporating hazelnuts into your vegetarian and vegan dishes, unlocking a world of rich and nutty flavors that will take your cooking to new heights.
• Deepen your understanding of the concept of finesse in wine, and how it can enhance the depth and complexity of your vegetarian and vegan recipes.
• Unleash your creativity in the kitchen by experimenting with new flavors and techniques, guided by expert tips on wine and food pairings that will elevate your vegetarian and vegan cooking to a whole new level.
• Delight your taste buds with the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that come from pairing the right wine with your plant-based dishes.

Contact Keith Tyers here: 

• Website: https://www.clossonchase.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-tyers-93753a38
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clossonchasevineyards/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClossonChase/

Canada's wine industry has been steadily gaining recognition globally for producing high-quality wines that capture the essence of the country's unique terroir. The All Canadian Wine Championships, spearheaded by wine enthusiasts Bev and John Carnahan, play a pivotal role in showcasing the diversity and excellence of Canadian winemaking. This episode delves into the world of Canadian wine, exploring the significance of the All Canadian Wine Championships in promoting and celebrating the nation's burgeoning wine industry.  In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover why the All Canadian Wine Championships is the ultimate test of Canadian winemaking excellence.
• Learn how winning awards can boost winemakers' credibility and sales - find out how a prestigious award can elevate their reputation and drive increased wine demand.
• Explore the unexpected growth of the Canadian wine industry in new regions - delve into the expansion of winemaking beyond traditional areas and the exciting possibilities it brings for Canadian wine enthusiasts.
• Dive into the rich history of the All Canadian Wine Championships - uncover the fascinating stories and milestones that have shaped this prestigious competition and its role in promoting Canadian wines.

Bev and John Carnahan are the organizers of the All Canadian Wine Championships, the most esteemed wine competition in Canada. With Bev at the helm for the past two decades and with John at her side, they have successfully managed the event, overseeing the evaluation of hundreds of bottles each year. The competition accepts entries from wineries nationwide, including grape wines, fruit wines, ciders, and mead. The judging process follows the 100-point system, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment of each wine. The competition takes place over three days, with a panel of experienced judges carefully evaluating and scoring each entry. The All Canadian Wine Championships has gained recognition for its commitment to celebrating the diversity and quality of Canadian wines. By providing a platform for both established and emerging winemakers, Bev and John have played a pivotal role in showcasing the best of what the Canadian wine industry has to offer. Contact Bev & John:

• https://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/allcanadianwinechampionships
• https://twitter.com/allcanadianwine

Nothing could be more monotonous than sticking to the same flavours and combinations, meal after meal. Keeping your palate interested and excited through varying wine and food pairings can lead to a much more enjoyable experience.  That’s where experimentation and personal preferences play a significant role. Exploring new territory and challenging the palate can lead to beautiful discoveries you wouldn't have stumbled upon otherwise. My guest, Allison Pearce, a trailblazer in wine and food pairing, strongly advocates for this notion of experimentation.   In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover unconventional pairing wine and food strategies to elevate your next dinner party.
• Challenge traditional pairing norms and unlock new culinary experiences.
• Learn how to pair wines successfully with tricky ingredients like garlic or tomatoes.
• Find out how to cleverly use wines to complement missing flavours in your dishes.
• Understand how personal taste shapes your enjoyment of wine and why it should be embraced. 

With a career beginning at Canada's grand Post Hotel in the late 90s, Allison quickly learned all about wine, being trained by a sommelier. She not only embraced the discipline but revolutionized it with her unique approach. Over time, her understanding of wine pairing has evolved, breaking traditional rules and norms. Armed with her knowledge, she started experimenting with unorthodox pairings that caught people's interest. A firm believer in flipping traditional pairings on their heads, she confidently pairs whites with red meats and vice versa. Her daring approach extends to matching wines to complement or contrast the food's flavour, challenging common misconceptions. She emphasizes that enjoying wine and food isn't confined to the classic pairings we're used to. Her innovative ideas extend to pairing wines with side dishes instead of the main course, a move unheard of in conventional circles. This avant-garde approach has become Allison's signature style, making her a food and wine pairing pioneer. Contact Allison:

• https://www.instagram.com/allifpearce/
• https://twitter.com/allisonfpearce

Breaking away from the corporate world to pursue a passion is a bold move that requires a leap of faith. It involves cultivating your interests and leveraging them into a sustainable income. In this case, we're talking about transitioning from a comfortable job in finance into the exciting and hands-on world of winemaking.  My guest for this week, Braydon Scully, was a financial whiz who defied expectations and found solace in the allure of winemaking. After a successful career in the fast-paced finance industry, he wanted something more tangible, more grounding.  In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the exhilarating journey of a career shift from finance to winemaking, all propelled by sheer passion.
• Uncover the unique facets and pressing challenges of winemaking in picturesque Prince Edward County.
• Decode the prestigious WSET Level 3 certification through a certificate holder's personal experience and insightful advice.
• Appreciate the intense labour and meticulous handwork required for cultivating the finest vineyards.
• Realize the untapped potential and superior quality of Canadian wines in a globally competitive industry.

Growing up in a family that saw wine not as an indulgence but as a part of everyday life, it was inevitable that Braydon developed a taste for the grape. His love for wine matured over the years, culminating in a life-changing decision to abandon the corporate treadmill to reconnect with his love for physical work and creativity in winemaking.  Now, Braydon spends his days working magic with his hands in the vineyards of Prince Edward County, helping to infuse each bottle with passion and dedication. Contact Braydon:

• http://www.threegablespec.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/braydon-scully-87109511/
• https://twitter.com/braydonscully

Ontario boasts a diverse climate that allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of grapes, from cool-climate grapes like Riesling and Chardonnay to hearty reds like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The province's unique terroir and microclimates allow winemakers to create distinctive and elegant wines. Despite the promising conditions for winemaking in Ontario, winemakers face many challenges that can significantly impact their craft and success. Join us as Ugo Crecco shares the solution to achieving a deeper understanding of these challenges and their effects on the industry, allowing you to gain insight into winemaking in Ontario. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the realities of the taxing struggles and unique climatic hurdles Ontario wineries face.
• Discover the unique grape varieties cultivated at the Villa Romana Winery and their vital role in creating exclusive blends.
• Explore the intricate process behind the bottling and preservation of wine at Villa Romana Winery.
• Get a glimpse into the diverse events and activities hosted by Villa Romana Winery, from themed nights to historical reenactments.
• Acquaint yourself with the compelling duality of Ugo's passions: winemaking and fishing rod artisanship.

Ugo is a seemingly retired finance professional whose true passion lies in crafting exceptional wines at his beloved Villa Romana Winery. Rooted in his family's winemaking heritage just outside of Rome, Italy, his journey into Ontario's wine country is a captivating tale of tenacity, overcoming challenges like the high tax environment and inflexible growing seasons. His enthusiasm for winemaking is palpable, vividly showing his unwavering dedication to his craft. He refuses to compromise on the excellence of his wines, which has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a laudable figure in the province's winemaking community. Each sip of his wine reflects his expertise and his profound love for the artistry of winemaking. Contact Ugo:

• Villa Romana Estate Winery: https://www.villaromana.ca/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaRomanaEstateWinery
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villaromanaestatewinery/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/villaromanawine

Personal:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugo.crecco
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugocrecco/

Who doesn't love a good backstory? And when it comes to wines and the people who enjoy it, these tales are often as enchanting as the wines themselves. This world is ripe with fascinating stories of discovery, passion, and growth, like those of our guests Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, who've journeyed from novices to Master Sommeliers.  In this episode, you will be able to:

• Dive into the mysterious world of the Australian wine industry.
• Discover the captivating process behind the creation of "How to Drink Australian."
• Explore the uniqueness that sets Australian wine and culture apart from the rest.
• Gain insights into the intriguing challenges and successes of producing a unique book.
• Get a sneak peek at the exciting future ventures awaiting the authors.

As  Master Sommeliers, Jane and Jonathan have an impressive background and a deep-rooted affection for all things wine. Jane, with a degree in Renaissance literature, and Jonathan, initially interested in architecture and medicine, managed to cross paths in the fascinating world of wine. When they set foot in Australia, they were greeted by a wine industry vastly different from what they were accustomed to. Despite their backgrounds in hospitality and wine, they found themselves in a world that was as enriching as it was unknown. The duo decided to delve into the Australian wine industry, spending the next few years researching, learning, and writing about it. Their journey wasn't without its challenges, from handling the pressures of writing a book together to managing a business. Yet, their shared passion for wine and commitment to bringing Australian wine to the U.S. market kept them going. Today, their endeavours have resulted in a detailed guide to Australian wine and a thriving business that imports and sells Australian wine in the U.S. Their tale is a testament to their resilience and a reminder that sometimes stepping into the unknown can lead to the most rewarding experiences. Contact Jane Lopes:

• https://janelopes.com/
• https://legendaustralia.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/VignetteBook/
• https://www.instagram.com/janeymaxine/?hl=en
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-lopes-b67743a8/

Contact Jonathan Ross:

• https://legendaustralia.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/dj_gramenon/?hl=en
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-ross-ms-52bb0250/

Bulgaria, a land of rich cultural history and breathtaking landscapes, holds a treasure cultivated for centuries: its winemaking heritage. Nestled between the Balkan Mountains and the Black Sea, Bulgaria boasts a long and storied tradition of producing exquisite wines. Rediscover the forgotten flavours of Bulgaria's winemaking history as Tanya Avramova, who as part owner of her family's winery, seeks to put her country on the map, facing the challenge of reviving native grape varieties in a market dominated by international favourites. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn about the ancient tradition and evolution of winemaking in Bulgaria, cultivating a deeper appreciation for its distinctive taste and quality.
• Discover the power of unity and cooperative efforts among Bulgarian winemakers, showcasing how they elevate their craft together.
• Embark on the journey of rediscovery and revitalization of Bulgaria's indigenous grape varieties, stimulating your palate with fresh, untapped flavours.
• Learn about the rising global interest in Bulgarian wines, positioning you to be ahead of this budding wine trend. 

Born and raised in a region of Bulgaria steeped in the rich history of winemaking, Tanya embodies the essence of this time-honoured cultural tradition. As a testament to her heritage, she now works in her family winery - Bratanov Family Winery and Vineyards. Drawing from a unique fusion of academic knowledge acquired during her education in Plovdiv and the invaluable wisdom gained from the traditional winemaking practices of previous generations, Tanya and her family possess a blend of technical expertise and hands-on experience. This combination has proven instrumental in elevating Bulgarian winemaking onto the global stage. Tanya's passion for her craft knows no bounds. Her unwavering commitment to helping her family winery produce nothing but the finest wines is both admirable and contagious. Her dedication helps to drive the resurgence of Bulgarian winemaking and captivates the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. Contact Tanya Bratanov Family Winery and Vineyards: https://bratanov.wine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bratanov.wine  Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/bratanovwinery/ Personal: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-avramova-b1270463/