My latest guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Geoffrey Moss has such an impressive wine resume. He earned his Master of Wine back in 2020. There is less then 500 of them in the world!! He founded a boutique wine marketing company, Lithica Wine Marketing in 2019 Finally he and his friend/winemaker Ryan McKibbon hav…

Love the wine origin story of Richie Allen, the winemaker for Rombauer Vineyards, located in Napa Valley. Australian born, Richie’s wine journey started at a surprise birthday party in Sacramento. From there it was living out of two suitcases going from harvest to harvest before ending up at Rombauer producing award winning wine. One of my favourit…

Making her third appearance on the Podcast is Heather McDougall. Sommelier, Wine Educator, Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Board Member, Wine cellar management …. Trust me I’m leaving off several of her other jobs. Always a fun and educational interview.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

The wine podcast is going full Ontario Apple Cider! My guest is Lynn Sullivan. Formerly the GM of Rosehall Run Vineyards (@rosehall_run), now the Marketing Director for Drink Ontario Apples (@drinkontarioapples). They are ALL about the growth of the Ontario Craft Cider. We chat about her transition from grapes to apples, just how many different sty…

My guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is one of the busiest people in the wine industry. The guest: Master of Wine, James Cluer. James and his company Fine Vintage is involved in wine education, luxury tours, helping people find jobs in the wine world and he specializes in assisting new wineries. Appreciated Jame…

Had a great time interviewing Canadian Music Hall of Famer and 3-time Juno Winner Deborah Cox on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast! Deborah has partnered with Chateau Margilliere, located in Provence, France to create her own Rosé, Kazaisu. Named after her three children this project is a labour of love from someone who …

The 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Podcast' is on one hell of a Napa Valley run! My guest, John Giannini, is the Winemaker for Mount Veeder Winery. This winery has been making classic Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet sauvignon since the early 1970's. Thrilled to learn more about this historic winery.…

The Podcast is headed to the famed Bordeaux appellation of Pessac-Leognan. My guest is Edouard Kressmann, the Deputy Technical Director at Château Latour-Martillac.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

The latest Podcast is headed to Portugal where I sat down with winemaker João Maria Portugal Ramos. We discuss his legendary father João Portugal Ramos, one of the most important people in the world of Portuguese wine, all things about the Alentejo region and just a solid overview of the Portuguese wine scene. Side note: If you can find his Marquês…

Loved my interview with Etude Senior Winemaker & General Manager Jon Priest. Etude is one of the preeminent Pinot Noir producers in California. This was such a fun Pinot masterclass with a winemaker who has been working with this "very, very needy" grape for over 25 years.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

With the Fourth of July just around the corner no better time to celebrate one of my favourite Napa Cabernet Sauvignon producers, Amici Cellars. My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine and Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is their Lead Winemaker Tony Biagi. The interview ranges from just how different Napa Valley is today versus when he started work…

Wait, is the main reason Westcott Vineyards exists in our lives is because the owners, Carolyn and Grant don’t like to golf??? Okay that may be a wee bit overly simplistic BUT it is part of the story. Check out my interview with Carolyn Hurst, Westcott Vineyards President & Co-Founder where we go into the whole story of this Niagara based winery.…

It’s World Verdejo Day! It’s that special time of year for people who enjoy this acidic/fresh Spanish white wine with that unique combination of fresh stone fruit, fennel notes and a herby finish. One of my favourite producers is José Pariente. From their entry level wines to their older oak influenced versions they know there way around Verdejo. M…

World Verdejo Day is coming on Friday! In honour of this day, I sat down with Mariate Sanz a winemaker for Bodega Campo Eliseo. We chatted about her early days making wine in Rueda, what she looks for in classic Verdejo and working with famed winemaker François Lurton.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

In Part II of my “All Things Stratus Vineyards” I’m joined by head winemaker Dean Stoyka. Just like J.L. Groux, Dean’s wine journey was also heavily influenced by his father. Great sitting down with the man behind some of Ontario’s most consistent high-end wines.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

Thrilled to have had the chance to sit down with one of the Ontario wine legends, J-L Groux from Stratus Vineyards. Loved hearing Groux’s stories from family trips to Loire buying wine barrels as a child to having the freedom of making the wines he loves in Niagara.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

The wine podcast is finally "going" to Australia! My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Luke Marquis, the Global Sales Director for Mollydooker Wines. This interview is really more about family that it is about wine. Luke's parents Sarah and Sparky Marquis started this winery two decades ago and their story of…

In the exciting conclusion of my interview with the owners/winemakers for Leaning Post Wines, Ilya and Nadia Senchuk, we pick up the interview about what the toughest moments were in those early years. So much fun talking giving birth while hunting for Syrah, speeding tickets and some fantastic Cabernet Franc.…

My interview with Leaning Post Winery Co-Founders Ilya and Nadia Senchuk went so well that I had to split it up into two parts. In Part One: Their origin story which is more about love and trust than about tannins and full-bodied Chardonnay. Nadia and Ilya are passionate, unapologetic winemakers whose portfolio can be found in Michelin Star restaur…

The wine podcast is back! (Apologies for my horrible voice!!!) Winemaker Vadim Chelekhov is back for his second appearance. Vadim is the head winemaker for Niagara winery, Palatine Hills Estate Winery. I was shocked about the consistent quality of these big, bold Bordeaux blends! Vadim is that passionate winemaker who makes everything from aromatic…

On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I’m joined by wine writer/storyteller/photographer and influencer Paige Comrie. We discuss her big risk going from the world of business to going off on her own into the wide world of wine. A fun/thoughtful conversation with someone with a passion for communicating all the joy …

My guest on the "Matt Talks Wine and Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Ludovic Dervin, the Senior Winemaker and General Manager for Stags' Leap Winery. We trace his wine journey form growing up in Champagne to making high end Cabernet Sauvignon to such a historic California winey.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

Part II of my Hidden Bench Estate Winery interviews is with their winemaker, Alex Baines. We chat about the scariest moment of a harvest, why does Duck go so well with Pinot and the powerful role that fate played in his wine journey. I got to try their unique 100% Malbec along with their award winning Pinot's. Not a bad pairing as I got to learn mo…

I can't believe it took me this long to finally sit down with the good people of Hidden Bench Estate Winery. Part I is with Harald Thiel, the Vigneron and Proprietor for Hidden Bench. (Translation: Harold is the owner and plays a big part in the growing for his grapes and the final decisions on the wines of Hidden Bench) In over 200 episodes no one…

On the latest 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I'm joined by wine writer and wine podcast host Miroki Tong. I admire her crazy work ethic level when it comes to all her projects and the passion she has for all aspects of the wine world. Not a shock at all how much fun our conversation was.…

The Podcast is heading to arguably the most important winery in North America, Robert Mondavi. My guest is the Kurtis Ogasawara, the Director of Wine Making for Mondavi.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

If I'm going to deviate from wine I may as well explore one of the most iconic single malt Scotch whiskies, The Macallan. My guest is John MacPherson the Brand Specialist for Eastern Canada. Had the pleasure of tasting Macallan TIME : SPACE Collection, a limited release celebrating their 200th anniversary. I have never been a big spirits fan but it…

The Podcast continues it's preview of the upcoming Best Ontario Sommelier Competition (BOSC) with finalist Matthew Landry. Matthew is the Sommelier for the Michelin Star Restaurant Pearl Morissette and has twice finished as a finalist for the Best Sommelier of Canada. I love wine competitions especially from the perspective of some of Canada's best…

With the Best Ontario Sommelier Competition (BOSC) coming up my guest is one of the finalists Christian Perreault Hamel. Christian is the Wine Director for famed steakhouse Harbour Sixty Toronto and is the Co-founder of Pelican Wine Imports. We discuss what the preparation is like for a high stakes wine competition and how it differs from getting r…

James Peden, the Director of Operations for Liberty Entertainment Group is back for his second appearance. Bovine Wine Club is a brand-new private wine club opening up in Toronto. It is brought to you by the same people behind Don Alfonso, Blueblood Steakhouse, Cibo Wine Bar and so many other wine forward restaurants. What I appreciate the most abo…

My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Four-Time James Beard Foundation Journalism Award winner Natalie MacLean. In my near 200 episodes this interview is the most serious I have been a part of. We discuss excessive drinking, dealing with divorce and her darkest days back in 2012 when her entire career was on t…

On the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast my guest is International Olive Oil Expert Fil Bucchino. His company Abandoned Grove is all about rejuvenating and sustaining thousands of olive trees all over Florence. What a fascinating conversation with a man who went from the music industry to producing and protecting high end ol…

On the latest Wine Podcast Matt is joined by the remarkable winemaking team of Head Winemaker Rob Power and Assistant Winemaker Yvonne Irvin from Creekside Estate Winery, located in the Beamsville Bench, Niagara. Creekside produces some of the best Ontario Syrah's and their entry level Syrah is one of the best value Canadian wines. Been a fan of th…

On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I’m joined by wine novelist Steven Laine. His latest book ‘Jupiter’s Blood’ is a fast-paced wine thriller that is part ‘Da Vinci Code’ and part Decanter Magazine. You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy this hard to put down novel.…

One of the coolest developments in the Ontario wine scene is the creation & growth of Niagara Custom Crush Studio. Started in 2022 it is part production facility to help small independent winemakers make/sell their wine and a kick ass wine bar in the middle of Niagara wine country. My guests on the Podcast is Graham Rennie, Founder and CEO of Niaga…

Meet Melissa Devore, the president of Amici Cellars, a powerhouse of a winery located in Napa! Melissa went from graduating Rice University with a Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry degree to working with wineries in Chili to now heading up an iconic California winery. She's my guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podca…

Of course, I spend my final night in Japan at a wine store that ONLY sells Canadian wine! If you find yourself in Tokyo, you have to check out Heavenly Vines and their excellent selection of all things Canadian vino. My guest on the podcast, making his return is the co-owner, Jamie Paquin.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

Hey, look its famed winemakers Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble back on the podcast! BUT this time there’s a twist. Beyond making world class Ontario wines Ann and Peter have been making wine in Mendoza. The wine is called Versado and their latest release, the 2018 vintage is out now! This was a fun deep dive into their South American adventures … I a…

On the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Podcast’ I sit down the winemaker for Stoneleigh Winery, Jamie Marfell. Always love when I can do a deep dive on all things New Zealand wine.بقلم Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

On the latest episode of the 'Matt Talks Wine Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast my guest is 2024 VQA Promoters Award winner (Hospitality) Robbie Raskin, the Owner of Archives Wine & Spirits. I visited Robbie's wine bar/bottle shop and left thinking how lucky St. Catharines is to have this cool small slice of wine heaven right in the middle of …

My latest guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is Ed Madronich, President for Flat Rock Cellars. A thoughtful and engaging conversation from someone who has been in the wine making business for decades. We discuss perception versus reality when it comes to all things wine, the differences between American vs. Canad…

I don’t do nearly enough on the topic of pairing food with wine. No better person to correct that oversight than with someone has written seven cookbooks, is a professional chef (and professional gastronaut), did a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and holds the Guinness Book of World Records for most pancakes made. My interview with Bob Blumer! Needless…

Part Two of the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast with Sommelier/TV Wine Personality/Wine Writer Renée Sferrazza we pick up on the conversation about pairing great wines with normal moments of your life, more excellent wines from Prince Edward County, the LCBO and the surprisingly good work being done by McManis Winery.…

Coming back for her third time is Sommelier, TV Wine Personality, Wine Writer, Content Creator and all-around advocate for all that is good and right in the wine world, Renée Sferrazza!!! This one was so good I had to break it up into two parts. In Part One we go over a wide range of wines all from Prince Edward County, a behind the scenes look abo…

The Podcast is heading back to the famed Northern Italian wine region of Piedmont. My guest is Federica Boffa-Borgogno. She is a part of a fifth generation of wine growers. What make’s her family’s portfolio so impressive is the consistent level of quality. Of course, the Barolo Cannubi Riserva is gonna knock your socks off but so will the Barbera …

Meet Federico De Cerchio, a fourth-generation Italian wine grower, based in the Abruzzo region of Southern Italy and now owner of the family wine business Famiglia De Cerchio Winery. Enjoyed hearing about Federico’s wine journey, learning more about all things Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and when he first started working with his father just how long d…

Meet Susan Sterling, my latest guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast. Susan spent over two decades working with the wines of Andrew Peller. Today she is the Brand Ambassador for one of the most famous Port Houses, Taylor Fladgate. I’ve known Susan for well over 15 years, she is a good friend who has been a big part …

Shawn Brynildson, the winemaker at Black Stallion Estate Winery in Napa Valley is my latest guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast! Shawn went from studying medicine in school to switching over to wine while at University of California, Davis. Just what was his parents reaction? A wide ranging conversation about all …

I love the story of Jerome Christie (Territory Manager/ Portfolio Manager for Intra Vino) and his journey into wine. He went from a solid government job to being inspired by wine through trips to Santorini and Sunday dinners with his in-laws. Jerome started volunteering at Intra Vino and is now a big part of the company and is in the middle of all …

On the latest 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I have on grape grower and winemaker Jessica Oppenlaender (And a super fun cameo from her sister Ali) Oppenlaender from Liebling Wines. They spent years working with their father growing grapes for some of the top winemakers across Niagara and now they are also make their own w…