169: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 161: My wine hero, Beverage Manager/Head Sommelier for The National Club Brian Perry (Part II)
If I think about the people who had the biggest influence on me when it comes to wine, Brian Perry, the Beverage Manager and Head Sommelier for The National Club is right at the top of the list. There is so much to admire about Brian. I’ll always appreciate the fact that when I joined the club, I was the youngest member at the time and as a sports media gas bag I was not exactly a captain of in...
34m Feb 13, 2024
34m
168: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 160: My wine hero, Beverage Manager/Head Sommelier for The National Club Brian Perry (Part I)
On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I sit down with one my wine mentors, Brian Perry, the Beverage Manager and Head Sommelier for The National Club. Brian has a remarkable story from bartending with little wine knowledge to running one of the largest wine programs in Canada. This episode went long so I have split it up into two parts. This is Part One.
38m Feb 13, 2024
38m
167: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 159: Wine Importer Emily Craig
Really cool origin story with my guest on the wine podcast, Wine Importer Emily Craig, owner of Emily Craig Import Agency. Emily went from graduating with a Science Degree, to working a harvest in Nova Scotia to working for some of the largest Canadian wine importing companies in Canada to starting her own boutique wine important company. Oh, and she started during the pandemic. This is someone...
43m Jan 28, 2024
43m
166: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 158: Brooke Husband, Assistant Winemaker for Domaine Queylus
I love how Assistant Winemaker for Domaine Queylus Brooke Husband can make winemaking technique and the difficulties of Wild Fermentation sound so interesting. On my latest interview Brooke does such a great job blending (Pun intended, sorry) the human element that goes into making great wine. Lotta range in this episode from the importance of wine education, the spending habits of people far y...
45m Jan 09, 2024
45m
165: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 157: Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble from On Seven Estate Winery
Find me a better winemaking couple than Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble! I sit down with the vino power couple about their work with On Seven Estate Winery, a Niagara boutique winery obsessed with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Great interview for anyone interested in learning about how Niagara is perfectly suited for world class Burgundian style wine and also a cool story about taking chances in the...
47m Dec 27, 2023
47m
164: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 156: Sherry Karlo and Saxe Brickenden from Karlo Estates
In the final installment of my Karlo Estates podcast series live from their “Speak Easy” wine lounge I sit down with vintners, Sherry Karlo and Saxe Brickenden. An emotional/funny/educational, and even romantic interview that goes from the toughest moments for Sherry after the tragic passing of her husband to the remarkable bounce back for Karlo Estates with the assistance from Saxe. Tears are ...
50m Dec 18, 2023
50m
163: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 155: Karlo Estates Winemaker Spencer Mayer
In Part II of my three-part podcast series with Prince Edward County winery Karlo Estates I sit down with Winemaker Spencer Mayer. A self professed "nerd" when it comes to all things wine this was a fun conversation with a winemaker who is in the relative early stages of making a name for himself in the business. Some great stories about his young son helping in the winery, the influence of Der...
33m Dec 12, 2023
33m
162: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 154: Derek Barnett, Executive Winemaker for Karlo Estates
This is Part I of my three-part podcast series with Prince Edward County winery Karlo Estates. What better way to kick it off than with wine legend Derek Barnett, the Executive Winemaker for Karlo Estates. Derek goes over some of the stylistic differences between the wines of Niagara versus Prince Edward County, how he originally got into wine and why he puts up with the drive all the way from ...
39m Dec 05, 2023
39m
161: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 153: Nicolas Sinoquet the CEO & President of Chateau Gruaud-Larose
The Podcast is going back to Bordeaux, this time to St-Julien with Nicolas Sinoquet the CEO & President of Chateau Gruaud-Larose! Nicolas goes over the importance of patience when it comes to making great wine and their commitment to bio dynamic winemaking.
27m Nov 25, 2023
27m
160: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 152: Domaine de Chevalier winemaker Hugo Bernard
The ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ gets to sit down with one of the best in the business, Hugo Bernard, the winemaker for Domaine de Chevalier. A wide-ranging interview on all things Bordeaux, his family’s long history with the estate and one of the best white wine portfolios in all of Bordeaux.
34m Nov 17, 2023
34m
159: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 151: Michael Pinkus
On the latest episode I sit down one of the Hosts & Co-creator of the ‘Two Guys Talking Wine Podcast’, Michael Pinkus. This was a really fun interview. I prepared a dozen or so “real” wine questions and we got to about three of them. This is a very different wine interview. Really just two people who love shooting the shit about wine for an hour. Fun times!
55m Nov 06, 2023
55m
158: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 150: Mark DeWolf
The Wine Podcast is heading to Atlantic Canada with “serial wine entrepreneur” Mark DeWolf. The man has so many titles, the best way to describe him is if there is a wine related event going on in Halifax there is an excellent chance Mark is involved including the upcoming ‘Best Canadian Sommelier Competition’ coming soon to Halifax.
30m Oct 27, 2023
30m
157: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 149: Christophe Reitz, Sommelier at Quatrefoil Restaurant
On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I interview Christophe Reitz, Sommelier at Quatrefoil Restaurant in Dundas Ontario. Fresh off his wine tasting victory, winning the 2023 CAPS Cup tasting challenge we chat about prepping for a wine competition and the perils of blind wine tasting.
33m Oct 14, 2023
33m
156: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 148: Bordeaux Marathon, Morocco wineries & RIP James Lahti
Matt is going solo in his latest info. Tales of running the Bordeaux marathon, wine tourism in Bordeaux, a fantastic winery in Morocco and remembering Long Dog winemaker James Lahti.
30m Oct 02, 2023
30m
155: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 147 - Nick Di Donato: President & CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group
On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast I’m joined by the President & CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group Nick Di Donato. Just how different was the Toronto dining scene when he first came into the picture in the 1980s? How much push back did he get from the community as his background was in nightclubs at the time? From an international perspective how important ...
56m Aug 25, 2023
56m
154: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 146: Joel Wilcox, the Founder & Director of Fourth Wall Wineses
On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People’ Podcast my interview with Joel Wilcox, the Founder & Director of Fourth Wall wines, a projected dedicated to making high quality Niagara wine. We chat about the stylistic differences that can be found in Niagara appellations, how does the classic movie ‘High Fidelity’ fit into his wine philosophy and which iconic Italian wine did h...
1hr Aug 08, 2023
1hr
153: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 145: Namratha Prashanth, Bordeaux Brand Owner (Solicantus)
This is Namratha Prashanth. She went from studying hospitality in Bangalore at 20 to being forbidden to work by her husband and in-laws to now becoming the Brand Owner of 'Solicantus' which produces a white and red Bordeaux. It would be an understatement to say her story is not the most unique and the most harrowing wine journey I have heard since I started doing this podcast. Her journey is bo...
50m Jul 27, 2023
50m
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 ...
1hr Aug 09, 2022
1hr
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