Wine Behind The Scenes

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/

Beyond being a beverage, wine is an experience that encompasses history, culture, and flavours. For wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs, exploring the world of wine is a lifelong pursuit. In the second part of our podcast episode, we continue our conversation with Annemarie Morse, a seasoned sommelier, as she emphasizes the significance of tasting different wines. By delving into the exploration of various wine styles and regions, we can truly unlock the potential of our palates and deepen our understanding and appreciation. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Dive into the fascinating world of wines, understanding their variety and significance in refining your palate.
• Absorb insights from a seasoned wine competition judge, gaining perspective on tailoring feedback to winemakers.
• Embark on an endless journey of learning amidst the evolving landscape of the wine industry.
• Embrace the rich traditions and culture behind winemaking, adding depth to your appreciation of this craft.
• Discover the art of pairing food and wine, influenced by cultural context and local customs.

Annemarie is an extraordinary connoisseur in the realm of wine, where she effortlessly combines her passion for wine with her profound appreciation for the intricate tapestry of flavours, aromas, and history that each bottle represents. With an unwavering dedication to fostering a universal love for food, travel, history, and culture, her expertise transcends mere imbibing; it encompasses the art of savouring and understanding the multifaceted experience that wine offers. Renowned for her unparalleled ability to unravel the complexities of various wines, her articulate descriptions transport you to the vineyards, capturing the essence of each vintage in a symphony of words. With a vibrant palate and an encyclopedic memory, she has passionately explored and dissected countless bottles over the years, revealing the hidden nuances that make each one an extraordinary masterpiece. Her unwavering dedication to wine analysis has solidified her reputation as an unrivalled authority, inspiring others to develop a deeper understanding and admiration for this timeless elixir. Contact Annemarie Wine by Annemarie: https://winebyannemarie.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarie-morse/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054318996802

Winemaking is an art that intertwines science, nature, and craftsmanship. While wine enthusiasts savour the final product, few realize the myriad challenges winemakers face throughout the process. This week's episode explores winemakers' challenges, focusing on the expertise and experiences of renowned winemaker Mitchell McCurdy. His extensive knowledge and expertise in the field provide valuable insights into the obstacles faced by winemakers in their pursuit of crafting exceptional wines. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Break down the complex process and challenges encountered in winemaking.
• Understand the different factors contributing to the cost of wine.
• Learn about the powerful influence of geography and weather in determining the character and quantity of wine.
• Sample a virtual tour of the diverse wine offerings at Marynissen Estates.
• Be introduced to the critical role of economic factors and perceived value in shaping wine prices.

Mitchell is a highly regarded winemaker who made a name for himself at a young age. He quickly rose in his career and became a winemaker at Marynissen Estates in Ontario within just one year of starting there. His story in winemaking started at Cassaba Vineyards, where he gained a comprehensive understanding of the wine industry. Before graduating, he ventured to Quailsgate in British Columbia for a co-op position and completed three vintages in the cellar. However, it was at Meredith and Estates that he discovered his passion. Despite initial apprehension, he embraced the winemaker role with determination and his team's guidance. It was not only the opportunity to create exquisite wines that attracted him but also the ever-evolving nature of the industry, the delicate interplay between science and sensory analysis, and the excitement of nurturing wines from vine to bottle. His journey in the winemaking world reflects his deep passion and commitment to the craft. Contact Mitchell Marynissen Estates Winery: https://marynissen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchthewino/

Despite implementing traditional vineyard practices and adapting winemaking techniques, shifting climate patterns continue to challenge the stability of wine regions. Instead of the desired result of a reliable and consistent wine industry, wine enthusiasts are experiencing the unpredictability of climate change, leading to uncertainty and disappointment in their pursuit of fine wines. Our guest for this week, Annemarie Morse, discusses the impact of climate change on wine regions and the emergence of new wine industries in unexpected countries. Discover how these unique climates are reshaping the global wine landscape from Costa Rica to Sweden. But what does this mean for traditional wine regions? Tune in to find out! In this episode, you will be able to:

• Embark on a journey through the boutique vineyards and charming wineries of the Finger Lakes region.
• Acknowledge the importance of an expansive palate in enriching your wine-tasting journey.
• Explore the world's wine regions as Annemarie discusses what she finds fascinating about the places she has visited.
• Explore the interplay between climate change and wine-making, highlighting the emerging wine nations.

With a seasoned palate and as an avid learner, Annemarie Morse brings a wealth of experience to the table. She has travelled to renowned wine regions across the Europe, and as a resident of upper New York state, delights in visiting vineyards in that area. Annemarie offers valuable insights into the changing landscape of the global wine industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead for vineyards worldwide. Contact Annemarie Wine by Annemarie: https://winebyannemarie.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarie-morse/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054318996802 New boost

Are you someone who loves wine and would like to discover the world of Hungarian wine? Then join us as Csilla Janosi reveals her passion for making wine and dedication to showing wine travellers how much there is to learn and love about wine and tourism in Hungary. Hungary has a centuries-old wine-making tradition and now, in the modern era, has 22 distinct wine regions. Csilla shares how she manages a wine tourism company and her winery. It's a lot of work, but she is more than up to it! As her story unfolds, discover the pivotal event that changed her path. Curious to know what it was? Keep listening to find out. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover Csilla's passion for nurturing wine and wine tourism in Hungary.
• Unearth the secrets of Hungary's vibrant wine culture, including its 22 diverse wine regions and unique grape varieties.
• Gain insight into the challenges faced while managing a wine tourism business and a winery simultaneously.
• Understand the role of wine regulations in Hungary that lead to the birth of rare, limited-edition wines.
• Explore the world of Csilla's winery and how it is part of the local community and culture.

Csilla Janosi is a wine lover and entrepreneur who has turned her love for Hungarian wine into a successful wine tourism business. With a profound passion for wine and over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry, Csilla has honed her expertise in showcasing the captivating world of Hungarian wines to enthusiasts and tourists alike. Csilla's hands-on involvement in winemaking and her commitment to continuous learning and professional development sets her apart. To expand her expertise in the field, she pursued formal wine education and earned her WSET Level 2 certification. Csilla's passion for Hungarian wine extends beyond the boundaries of her winery. She has embraced the role of a knowledgeable guide, enthusiastically sharing her expertise and promoting the country's rich wine culture through her wine tourism business. Her genuine love for wine and warm personality make her a sought-after industry expert, renowned for her engaging and informative approach. Contact Csilla Wine A'More Travel: https://www.wineamore.hu/en/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wineamoretravel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csilla-j%C3%A1nosi-99723291/

Mari's first sip of Dom Perignon ignited a passion for wines that has taken her to incredible places around the globe. Despite her busy job as a director at the University of Texas in the health sector and her other leadership positions, she stays devoted to volunteering at the Wine and Food Foundation to provide support and assistance to people in the hospitality industry.

Let's join Mari as she passionately speaks about her cellar, her wine collection, and her volunteer work with the Food and Wine Foundation and their charitable activities for the hospitality industry. We also get a look at the Texas wine industry. Plus, Mari takes us along on her adventures to amazing wine-tasting spots in the world.

What you will learn from this episode:

• Learn about the Wine and Food Foundation – their mission and how they help people working in the hospitality industry.
• Learn about the clear-the-cellar event and make your own, plus learn one way to track your wine inventory.
• Discover countries and places to explore, savor, and delight in outstanding wines.
• Hear about the Texas wine industry and the various grape varietals that comprise their exceptional wine selection.

Mari Robinson, JD, is the Director of Telehealth with the University of Texas Medical Branch and in that role, she is assisting with the roll out of the Virtual Health Network, a project to link all UT systems medical campuses to allow for the shared provision of telemedicine throughout the state. She is also the Director of the Medical Technology Resource & Education Center (MTREC), which provides training and support in the area of medical technology. Prior to joining UTMB, she was Executive Director for the Texas Medical Board, and oversaw the agency responsible for regulating the practice of medicine in the state.

In addition to the above, she presently serves as the Chair of the HHSC eHealth Advisory Committee, as well as a board member of the Advisory Board of the Texas Broadband Development Office. She was also recently named the Convener of the workgroup to establish ISO standards for telehealth. In her personal time, Mari is very active in the Austin community serving as the President of The League of Women Voters Austin Area, President-elect of Wine & Food Foundation, and as a board member for Pop-Up Birthday.

Connect with Mari Robinson:

• Website: https://winefoodfoundation.org/
• Email: [email protected]

Topics Covered:

01:45 - Recalling that interesting story of how Mari met Laurel 03:14 - Dom Perignon: the bottle that started it all in Mary's wine journey 04:27 - How many bottles can her cellar accommodate? 05:13 - Using a website to track her wine collection:https://www.cellartracker.com/ [plus the clear-the-cellar party she does every year] 08:13 - Volunteering and philanthropy [what goes behind all these charitable activities in the Food and Wine Foundation] 10:26 - Touching on minimum wage issues, security, and safe working conditions for people in the hospitality industry 13:02 - Discussing solutions provided by people directly from the hospitality industry itself 15:54 - The model philosophy for the hospitality industry that should be in place 16:33 - Action steps in place to help the hospitality industry 17:33 - What the Texan wine industry has to offer and the different grape varietals that they grow 22:08 - Amazing countries and places she visited for the love of wine 23:44 - Interesting thing that happens that are unique to a particular place she visited and some of the challenges they face 27:56 - Exciting wine events to look forward to in Texas

Quotes from Mari Robinson:

"I remember on my 21st birthday, the person that I was dating at the time bought me a bottle of Dom Perignon."

"I have a very eclectic sort of taste."

"Once a year, every year we have to reconcile the cellar."

"We pull all the things at the end of their drinking window (20, 30 bottles) and we invite all our friends over and say, bring a dish. It's the Clear the Cellar party."

"Very few people have the bandwidth to go and buy six different bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape so you can understand what the distinction is."

"People who have been in wine a long time love to talk to people about wine."

"The idea is to try to give back to the folks in the wine and food community and support non-profit philanthropic efforts in those two areas."

"We want the people who are doing those things and bringing all that lovely experience to us to also be happy and healthy and whole."

"We raised well over $50,000 to help go into the fund to help support those folks who were in that hospitality community during the time that COVID was such a struggle."

"We have Texas wineries everywhere. There are hundreds of wineries."

"The grapes that we're seeing get a lot of production are Tempranillo. "

"I've actually had a Hawaiian wine. I went to the winery on Hawaii and I sat there and had a discussion with them about how you do this."

"In Portugal, they're one of the only places that I know of in the Douro anyway, that have what are called field blends. They don't know what their grapes are."

"We've got a full Texas wine event in April and we have our huge auction in November. So we'd love to have folks visit." New boost

If you're looking for an incredible spot to add to your wine tasting itinerary, this gorgeous island is absolutely one to consider. Plus, with a conversational wine expert tour guide to aid you in selecting the ideal wine to complement your culinary journey, you can't go wrong.

Let's join Jessica now in exploring the picturesque little island where she lives and learn something about Madeira's wine industry.

What you will learn from this episode:

• Discover the island of Madeira and what it offers to locals and tourists alike apart from their excellent wines.
• Gain insight into the topography, geography and all the wonderful details of this picturesque island, ideal for wine tasting and culinary explorations, as well as land and water adventures.
• Find out why paying attention to wine aromas is a good way to start tasting wines to understand and appreciate them.
• Learn about the best tips to make the most out of your visit to this charming little island.
• Discover the best Madeira wine varieties that goes perfectly well with any savory and traditional Madeiran meat and fish cuisine.

Jessica Goncalves is a 28-year-old Madeiran, born and raised on the island. She studied tourism and adventure tourism in Portugal in the cities of Coimbra and Lisbon. At the moment she's working at Quinta do Barbusano on Madeira as a tour guide where she learned a lot about wine. She enjoys meeting people and showing them her beautiful vineyards and having them taste the wine they make.

Connect with Jessica Goncalves:

• [email protected]

Topics Covered:

01:58 - Where Jessica and Laurel's paths first crossed and the two season's this beautiful place has 03:30 - Living in this beautiful island since forever [interesting wine courses she studied and places she went to for studies] 04:21 - What made her choose her field of study 05:48 - The motivation that drove her to work in a winery and the way it has helped her progress and expand her understanding of wine and the business. 07:19 - Having fun while learning and doing her job 09:08 - The beautiful thing with sharing stories, experiences, and wisdom with visitors. 09:42 - Farm animals allowed to stay in the vineyard and ways they ward off fungus and other diseases 10:43 - The challenges of cultivating organic grapes 11:18 - How she learned to taste wine and appreciating and identifying the aroma 13:01 - Evoking stories and experiences 14:16 - Barrels used for the fermentation process 14:27 - What she finds satisfying working in the wine industry 14:42 - Where you can find this beautiful winery found in this awesome island 16:17 - Exciting activities you can do in Madeira and sharing best tips so you can make the most of your visit there 19:30 - What to love about their beaches [plus traditional Madeiran food you can try and the perfect ] 22:04 - How Madeiran wines have become exceptional through the years 23:43 - Other stunning islands around Madeira that are worth exploring [and how to get there]

Quotes from Jessica Goncalves:

"We are more close to Morocco than Portugal."

"I studied tourism, in general, in Coimbra for three years. And then in Lisbon I took a degree in adventure tourism."

"The sheep, they only eat the leaves. They eat the grapes as well if we let them."

"At the beginning, I just opened the wine and I was like smelling the wine for more than 10 minutes."

"Now it's kind of normal for me to go and smell the wine and try to find new things."

"We have mostly stainless steel fermentation uh, but we use a French oak as well."

"If you take care about the shoes that you're using, the clothes and everything, the timing as well that you are doing that hikes, you'll be totally fine."

"You need to go out and explore and talk to Madeiran people to see what the island is."

"You always need a jacket and your swimsuit."

"Bolo do caco. That's traditional Madeira bread."

"Now you can find very good wines, table wines in Madeira."

"We are very close to Porto Santo, but Porto Santo, the weather, the soil, it's very, very different."

Wine has a unique way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories, but it can also be intimidating, especially when it comes to deciphering the often cryptic language used to describe the different types of wines. The wine world is full of insider terms that can make understanding the nuances of a bottle of wine feel like an impossible task.

It's time for this trend to be put aside. They don't actually add anything to the conversation about wine, and they only serve to alienate those who don't understand them.

In this episode with Judith Lewis, let's have a good laugh at all these wanky wine terms while decoding their meaning and understanding why they should be avoided. In doing so, we'll make the process of understanding and appreciating wine easier and more accessible for everyone. Join us as we debunk the jargon and discuss why it's important for everyone to enjoy wine without the stresses of learning complicated wine terms.

What you will learn from these episodes:

• Find out what some of these wanky wine terms are to get a glimpse of the insider's wine lingo.
• Learn about what these terms mean so you avoid using them so as not to intimidate people about wine.
• Discover how using ridiculous wine terms only exclude instead of include most people.
• Learn how to be an effective wine communicator that people can relate to so they understand what they're consuming and that helps boost sales.

Judith Lewis is a renowned international speaker, writer, trainer, blogger and digital media consultant specialising in applying strategic understanding of digital technologies to help businesses innovate and optimise their effectiveness within the new, networked communications environment.

Deploying her skills across a number of sectors, Judith learned about wine making quite late, and is working on digitisation of the wine sector.

Judith is also an accomplished international chocolate judge and wine judge. She blogs about chocolate.

Connect with Judith Lewis:

• Web: https://www.decabbit.com
• Web: https://mostlyaboutchocolate.com
• Twitter: @JudithLewis @DeCabbit @MostlyAboutChoc
• LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/judithlewis
• Instagram: @ThisFoodieTravels @Decabbit @MostlyAboutChoc
• Email: [email protected]

Topics Covered:

01:55 - Using words that people can relate to instead of alienating them

04:13 - Talking about ridiculous wine terms and what they mean

05:56 - What makes smell one of the most important things in wine tasting

08:45 - Hear these funny phrases about wine

11:23 - Another amusing term for you to know

12:55 - What negative connotations using these exclusive wine terms bring

15:03 - More wine descriptors that exclude more than include people

16:11 - A wine term that is just as confusing as the meaning they attached to it

19:31 - Weird names that they would associate to grandmother's closet

20:50 - Using these words that are completely out of meaning

22:31 - The confusion in assigning a 'flavor' word to a 'sensation' word

23:37 - Helping in terms of consumer education for a large number of wine drinkers with terms they can relate to and not just for a select few

25:27 - Marketing and communicating wine that makes it more relatable and accessible for most people

Quotes from Judith Lewis:

"Some wanky wine terms are really exclusionary, they're used deliberately to exclude people and make them feel like they don't understand."

"Closed means you really can't smell much."

"I, as a voluptuous woman, a full bodied woman would then assume that it was a full bodied wine. But again, what, how do we define a full-bodied wine?"

"In the descriptors, when you're going through how sweet something is, luscious is defined as the top-end of sweetness. But that's only because that's what WSET has said."

"I just wanna lick a bit of your skirt, lady. Do you mind? Somebody said it was voluptuous, so I wanna taste voluptuous."

"As a child, I actually did lick rocks."

"Minerality: a lack of being beaten over the side of the head with a piece of fruit wrapped round a lovely small flower."

"It's one of those words that people throw around when they're really not sure what they're tasting."

"The only thing a wine education gives you is the ability to choose for a group of people, something that is in the middle of everybody's likes."

"I think people get mixed up because they think everything about wine is taste."