152: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 144 - Lailey Winery Owner Matt Faik-Turkman
Never thought I would be doing this interview. I’ll be honest after their 2015 ownership change, I stopped buying/drinking the wines of Lailey Vineyards. Then a couple years ago Matt Faik Turkmen bought the property and started the process of returning Lailey back to its place as one of Niagara’s best wineries. I was thrilled to speak with Matt about his journey, the work done in the Lailey vin...
54m Jul 13, 2023
54m
151: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 143: Vincent Fabre President of the Medoc Marathon
Imagine a marathon littered with over 20 wine tasting stations, runners dressed up and more medical staff than at any other marathon. Welcome to the Médoc Marathon, the most fun you’ll have running 42.2 KM. I interview the president of the marathon, Vincent Fabre who also owns two wineries as well.
29m Jul 03, 2023
29m
150: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 142 with winemaker Kelly Mason
Winemaker, vineyard manager and the owner of Mason Vineyard, Kelly Mason is back on the podcast! Such a fun interview with a winemaker who truly puts all of herself into her wine. Kelly has the unique skill of humanizing the world of winemaking and her work ethic will blow you away. A must listen episode.
44m Jun 22, 2023
44m
149: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 141 with Doug Cooper, Owner of Provenance Wine Bar and Commissary
Some podcast interviews are carefully planned for and some you just stumble on. This one is the latter. While on a mini vacation in small town Orillia we stumbled across this is incredible wine bar, the Provenance Wine Bar and Commissary. This episode of the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is with the owner, Doug Cooper. The selection was as good as any Toronto wine ba...
47m Jun 16, 2023
47m
148: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 140 with Armando Fumanelli, owner of Marchesi Fumanelli
The Podcast is heading to Amarone, but the interview is in person! I sit down with Armando Fumanelli, the owner of Marchesi Fumanelli winery which can be found right in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico district of Northeast Italy. We discuss the art/science of making Amarone, the transition the winery went through after he took over and racing vintage cars.
31m Jun 07, 2023
31m
147: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 139: Valérie Beyer, the Co-Owner of Alsatian winery Domaine Emile Beyer
On the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I interview Valérie Beyer, the Co-Owner of the impressive Alsatian winery, Domaine Emile Beyer. Beyond talking about their Riesling and tasty Pinot Noir program we get into her wine journey and wine education … her story is a remarkable one.
32m May 25, 2023
32m
146: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 138 - Charlotte Boxler from Domaine Justin Boxler.
Working at the impressive Alsatian winery Domaine Justin Boxler is a family affair! My guest on the latest pod is Charlotte Boxler the Operations Manager for Domaine Justin Boxler. Charlotte discusses the importance of listening to family which is key since she works were just about every family member at the vineyard! This family makes textbook Alsatian Riesling, Gewurztraminer and a tasty Pin...
28m May 25, 2023
28m
145: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 137: Andre Proulx & Adam Kern from 80x Wine Company
Had the immense pleasure of joining some of the brain trust behind 80x Wine Company, makers of killer Niagara Chardonnay & Rosé. On the podcast wine writer and co-owner Andre Proulx comes back for his record third appearance on the pod plus winemaker Adam Kern. This episode was a lot of fun as we did the interview at Archive Wine Bar as the guys were getting set to preview their latest ‘When Pi...
46m May 02, 2023
46m
144: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 136: Winemaker for Martin’s Lane Winery, Shane Munn
The Podcast is heading to Okanagan with the winemaker for Martin’s Lane Winery, Shane Munn. We discuss the Martin’s Lane Pinot Noir program (Damn, so good!), drinking good Burgundy while working in Barolo and his preference for tough vintages.
35m Apr 22, 2023
35m
143: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 135: Technical Director for Maison Brotte, Christine Brotte
On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I interview Christine Brotte, the Technical Director for the Southern Rhône winery Maison Brotte. Through the translation help of her son Thibault, we discuss the families long history in Southern Rhône, what is it like working as a family and the importance of having both men and women being involved in the wine making pro...
31m Apr 11, 2023
31m
142: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 134: Florence Quiot, General Director for Château du Trignon
This is Florence Quiot, the General Director for Château du Trignon located in the Southern Rhône.  On the podcast we discuss all the gains made by women in the vineyard of Rhône from oenology diploma graduates to where they are with women in positions of power. A good interview to learn more about the wines of Southern Rhône.
24m Apr 02, 2023
24m
141: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 133: Beaujolais winemaker Mee Godard
You want a cool wine story? May I present Beaujolais winemaker Mee Godard. How many South Korean, female winemaker, whose family does not come from a wine background do you know? If the answer is “zero” well you’re in luck! I was lucky enough through @rangerwine to try four different wines from Domaine Mee Godard all sourced from prestigious sites in Beaujolais. Some killer expressions of Gamay...
27m Mar 22, 2023
27m
140: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 132: Weingut Markus Molitor Export Director Daniel Kiowski
The first winery I visited during my trip to Mosel/Rheingau was the famed Weingut Markus Molitor. I interview their Export Director and the 2015 winner of Germany’s Best Sommelier, Daniel Kiowski.
28m Mar 09, 2023
28m
139: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 131: Luca Collia, Export Manager for Borgogno
Just how historic are the wines of Borgogno? Back in 1861 a bottle of their Barolo was drunk as part of a celebratory lunch over the … wait for it … Unification of Italy! On the latest wine podcast, I interview from Piedmont Luca Collia, the Export Manager for Borgogno one of Italy’s most famed wineries.
37m Mar 02, 2023
37m
138: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 130: Jen Pelka, CEO and Co-Founder of Une Femme Wines
You wanna hear an inspirational story about a kick-ass woman? Then I have the Podcast for you! Meet Jen Pelka the CEO and Co-Founder of Une Femme Wines. Jen went from running a couple bicoastal champagne bars that got swallowed up by COVID to now having her line of sparkling wine served on Delta Airlines. Yeah, you’re going to enjoy her story.
36m Feb 24, 2023
36m
137: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 129: Anne Martin, Head Sommelier for Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment
The podcast is heading back to Scotiabank Arena as I interview Anne Martin, the head Sommelier for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. Anne’s impressive journey took her from working in the most famous locations in the world for cheese, coffee and eventually wine. A fun conversation about what it’s like running one of the most impressive wine programs among any team in North America.
45m Feb 14, 2023
45m
136: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 127: Mosel winemaker Daniel Twardowski
My latest interview is with winemaker Daniel Twardowski whose ‘Pinot Noix’ (yes Noix) are some of the most stuffing examples of German Pinot you will ever try. This is not hyperbole, from Jancis Robinson to James Suckling to everyone in between these are some most of highly prized German reds out there. We chat about making Pinot in the land of Riesling and just what were the reaction of his ne...
36m Jan 27, 2023
36m
135: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 126: Senior Culinary Director for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) Chris Zielinski
The podcast goes on a slightly different direction as I’m joined by the Senior Culinary Director for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) Chris Zielinski! Yes we chat about the various wine programs that are connected with MLSE but we also get into what’s it like to feed 1000s of sports fans from popcorn to foie gras and everything in between.
45m Jan 10, 2023
45m
134: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 125: Head Sommelier for Don Alfonso 1890, Nathan Hooper
What does good/proper service look like at a restaurant?  What does it mean to have a sustainable model at a restaurant where profit margins are so razor thin? I sit down with the Head Sommelier for Don Alfonso 1890, Nathan Hooper. He also goes into detail about being a finalist at the Best Ontario Sommelier Competition … and this was his FIRST wine competition!
49m Dec 31, 2022
49m
133: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 124 with Justin Madol
On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I sit down with the winner of the most recent winner of the CAPS Best Ontario Sommelier Competition, Justin Madol. A fascinating look at just what is required to becoming a Master Somm (Justin is so close!) and all the work leading up to such a fierce wine competition.
43m Dec 23, 2022
43m
132: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 123 with Ria Kitsch
The ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is finally heading to Okanagan! From premium underwear to high end Riesling and Chardonnay Ria Kitsch and her husband have already blazed an impressive entrepreneurial trail. Had a blast sitting down with Ria Kitsch the Founder/Co-Owner of Kitsch Winery. Her line of Riesling’s are all stunners. What an impressive boutique winery in t...
31m Dec 09, 2022
31m
131: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 122 = Josep d'Anguera
You wanna hear a cool story? Over a decade ago winemaker Josep d'Anguera and his brother decided to overhaul the winemaking philosophy at Cellar Joan d'Anguera, their families famed vineyard. The wines were ALREADY successful and wildly popular, but the brothers wanted to make a radical transformation. So, what happened and why?
44m Nov 30, 2022
44m
130: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 121 with Wolfgang Hamm
For the first time EVER … A wine podcast will talk about the joy of Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch & St Laurent and NOT come across as 100% wine hipster! Yeah, I know people will drop their love of these Austrian wines for street cred at the local cool person wine party, but I swear this Pod is just about how I discovered these fantastic red wines of Austria. My interview is with Wolfgang Hamm, the wi...
30m Nov 28, 2022
30m
129: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 120 with Stephen Ranger
My guest is Stephen Ranger, Canada’s foremost wine auctioneer, a Senior Advisor at Iron Gate Auctions and the owner of Ranger Wine. This podcast has everything! Encounters with Rudy Kurniawan How Stephen got into the wine auction world Okanagan wines A cameo from Stephen’s dog Teddy
52m Nov 09, 2022
52m
128: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 119: Isabelle Clendenen
Isabelle Clendenen from Au Bon Climat joins the podcast to discuss her role within the winery, growing up in a wine family and the classic conversation about what makes for a proper Burgundian wine in California?
55m Oct 28, 2022
55m
127: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 118 with Murray Barlow from Rustenberg Wine Estate
It’s my final (for now!) South African podcast. I’m joined by the multi-award-winning winemaker and cellarmaster for Rustenberg Wine Estate, Murray Barlow. We discuss his journey into winemaking, the history of his family and Rustenberg and what exactly is the “style” of a bottle of wine from Rustenberg?
35m Oct 12, 2022
35m
126: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 117: James Peden, director of operations for Liberty Entertainment Group
The Podcast is back in style with James Peden, director of operations for Liberty Entertainment Group and one of the leaders of the Michelin Star awarded restaurant, Don Alfonso: 1890. Really cool conversation about the hospitality industry, what leads to a Michelin Star and how James went from being in the military to running some of the most high-profile restaurants in Toronto
47m Sep 23, 2022
47m
125: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 116; Nik Weis, winemaker and owner of St Urbans-Hof Nik Weis.
The final ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast interview from the German wine region of Mosel is with oh so impressive Nik Weis, the winemaker and owner of St Urbans-Hof Nik Weis. A wide-ranging interview from the impact the Second World War had on the local wine industry to “the Margarita effect” that comes with a great off-dry Riesling. Speaking of great the people in my ...
59m Aug 09, 2022
59m
124: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 116 with Mosel winemaker Axel Pauly
The podcast goes back to Mosel, Germany with Axel Pauly, the winemaker and owner of Weingut Axel Pauly.  Axel has gone from “rising star” in Mosel to just “star” as his portfolio of Rieslings and Pinot Blanc were damn impressive from bone dry to off-dry to everything in between. Conversation spans from the hardships that comes from making wine in this region of the world (Shoes melting!!!!), ho...
43m Jul 26, 2022
43m
123: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 115: Head Winemaker for Anthonij Rupert Wyne Dawie Botha
The ‘Matt Talks Wine and Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is back in South Africa!  This time with Dawie Botha, the Head Winemaker for Anthonij Rupert Wyne in beautiful Stellenbosch.
32m Jul 10, 2022
32m
122: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 114 with Matt Giedraitis, Export Director for Dr. Loosen
Had an epic afternoon with Matt Giedraitis, the Export Director for Dr. Loosen.  The ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast continues its tour in the German wine region of Mosel. This podcast is a great one for people who want to dip their toes into what Riesling in the land it came from. Think of it as a Coles Notes lesson into German wine led by the wildly energetic and ...
59m Jun 25, 2022
59m
121: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 113 with Stefan Pauly, Owner & Winemaker for Dr. Pauly Bergweiler
My guest is Stefan Pauly, the owner and winemaker for the iconic Dr. Pauly Bergweiler. I was a little intimidated right before meeting Stefan considering this was my first interview in the Mosel and the winery has been around since 1556. Those feelings were gone in five seconds as Stefan opened his doors with a big warm welcome and moments later brought out this crazy lineup of his wines includ...
58m Jun 15, 2022
58m
120: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Intro to the Podcast's adventures in Germany!
Matt gives a brief summary of his trip to Germany, the people he interviewed and a shameful admission.  Wine Hot Take: Mosel over Mimosa’s at brunch Wine Hot Take: Grosses Gewächs over Premier Cru Burgundy 
23m Jun 15, 2022
23m
119: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 112: 2027 Cellars winemaker and co-founder Kevin Panagapka
The podcast is back in Niagara with a winery I’m shocked it took me so long to discover. I’m joined by Kevin Panagapka, winemaker, and co-founder of 2027 Cellars.  A true boutique winery Kevin’s portfolio has no weak links just high-end wine making.  We chat about what led to Kevin and his wife Jodie’s decision to start up their own winery back in 2007.  Kevin shares a funny story about the big...
45m May 15, 2022
45m
118: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 111 with Johan Jordaan, Spier Head Winemaker
Moving from Niagara to back to South Africa for the latest podcast. In this edition I interview the head winemaker for Spier Winery, Johan Jordann.  Beyond talking about his journey to making wine in Stellenbosch we get just how important charity, giving back and making a real difference into the community is to Spier. Some companies attempt to do good for the positive press, some dip their t...
34m May 04, 2022
34m
117: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 110 with Kelly Mason from Domaine Queylus
Trust me when I tell ya you’re going to love my interview with winemaker (Domaine Queylus & Mason Vineyard) Kelly Mason. I ask her what she loves the most and hates the most about Pinot Noir, her answer is hilarious and would not be allowed on terrestrial radio. Kelly is one of the most talented winemakers in Ontario … she has a cult following! Also, the wines of Domaine Queylus should dispel ...
54m Apr 27, 2022
54m
116: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 109: Kacaba Vineyards Head Winemaker, Vadim Chelekhov.
The Podcast is back after a min hiatus! I sat down with the Head Winemaker for Kacaba Vineyards, Vadim Chelekhov. For my money Vadim makes Ontario’s best Syrah. We chat about his journey as a four-year-old child in Kazakhstan nosing his way through Icewine to switching from a life in medicine to wine to the pressures that come at harvest. Also, a hilarious story about trying to buy wine at ...
43m Apr 13, 2022
43m
115: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 108 with Heidi Kritzinger from Kanonkop Wine Estate
Part II of my Kanonkop Wine Estate podcast! This time with the person who does just about everything for Kanonkop beyond crushing the grapes, Heidi Kritzinger.  We talk about kicking ass in World Tasting Championships, the joy of Pinotage and changing the narrative of the global perception of South African wine. 
39m Mar 20, 2022
39m
114: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 107 with Abrie Beeslaar
It’s a Kanonkop Wine Estate two-pack this week on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast! First up is iconic winemaker for Kanonkop, Abrie Beeslaar. 
35m Mar 14, 2022
35m
113: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 106 with Beverly Crandon
On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I’m joined by wine consultant, educator and entrepreneur.   Love Beverly’s goal of brining the joy of wine to under-represented communities. We discuss her work in this area, pairing wine with Caribbean food and can chocolate go with wine?  Tons of range in our conversation from racism in the wine industry to eavesdroppin...
43m Mar 08, 2022
43m
112: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Episode 106 = Corinne Perez (Head winemaker for Pierre Sparr)
The Podcast is heading to Alsace to chat with the head winemaker for Pierre Sparr, Corinne Perez! We discuss how she fell in love with wine, the joy of Gewurztraminer and the pros and cons of the Ka-Billion rules that surround making wine in France.  A great look into the wines of Alsace. 
30m Feb 18, 2022
30m
111: 'The Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast = Stark-Conde Winemaker Rudger van Vyk
On the latest episode Matt is joined by the wildly impressive Rudger van Vyk, the winemaker for Stark-Conde in Stellenbosch South Africa. The man has more awards than Meryl Streep. We discuss his journey from dreaming to be a professional rugby player to running his own winery. 
37m Feb 03, 2022
37m
110: ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast Episode 104: Ken Forrester
One of the highlights of our trip to South Africa was an incredible lunch with South African wine legend Ken Forrester. In the middle of the chaos of trying to find a new route home this lunch was the perfect antidote to any travel stress. The theme of this trip was to expand my knowledge of South African wine and Ken certainly helped pouring a wide variety of wines including a 100% Roussanne ...
39m Jan 07, 2022
39m
109: ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast: Nicolas Bureau the Chief Executive for Glenelly Wine Estate
The ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast is back! I spent two weeks in South Africa including four full days touring the gorgeous wine region of Stellenbosch.  My first interview is with Nicolas Bureau the Chief Executive for Glenelly Wine Estate, We discuss his remarkable grandmother May-Eliane de Lencquesaing (She was the managing director for Château Pichon Longuevill...
48m Dec 15, 2021
48m
108: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Michael Juergens
Michael Juergens may just be the most interesting man in wine. He’s building from scratch vineyards in the Kingdom of Bhutan, dealing with monkeys in the vineyards and overcoming the trickiest supply chain issues you’ll ever come across! 
49m Oct 29, 2021
49m
107: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Episode 101: Master Somm Cameron Douglas
I go to the furthest corner of the globe for the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with People’ Podcast episode with MS Cameron Douglas from New Zealand. My guest was not only the first individual from New Zealand to become a Master Sommelier but at the time he was the first person in the whole Southern Hemisphere to earn the highest distinction in the wine world.  We discuss the Court of Maste...
53m Oct 05, 2021
53m
106: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Episode 100: Adam Lowy from Cloudsley Cellars
On the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I’m joined with Founder & wine maker for Cloudsley Cellars (@cloudsleycellars) Adam Lowy! So great going to visit Adam and try all his single vineyard wines with the background for our tasting being the specific vineyards the grapes come from. We chat about his passion for all things Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, how hard is it to li...
52m Sep 15, 2021
52m
105: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Episode 99: André Proulx
On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine n& Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast it’s the triumphant return of “Virtual Winery Guy”/Winemaker André Proulx.  A super fun time just shooting the shit about all things wine, his new Rosé and how walking through Wismer Vineyards can both tickle ya in all places and give you a religious experience.  Can’t wait to try his Pinot!!!
58m Sep 04, 2021
58m
104: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Episode 98 = Michael Evans
The Podcast has been off for a month but we’re back with a guest who has worked for Bill Clinton, drank with John Kerry and has created what is the most unique wine club I have ever seen. Michael Evans, the CEO & Co-Founder of ‘The Vines’ is my guest on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast.  His wine club allows you to travel to famous wine regions, purchase your own ...
33m Aug 19, 2021
33m
103: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Episode 97 = Taylor Emerson, Black Bank Hill Winery
On the latest podcast Matt is joined by Niagara region Black Bank Hill Winery vintner Taylor Emerson … in PERSON!! (Spaced out, both double vaxxed)  Taylor has released his first vintage so we discuss how scared/excited he is, how he got into the wine world, the joy of single vineyard Niagara wines and making a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant wine in Ontario.  
53m Jul 19, 2021
53m