Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

Follow Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

In the spirit of ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ this podcast is a biographical style interview with interesting people that will focus on their love/hate/curious relationship with wine and the fascinating lives they’ve lived so far. Oh and plenty of wine tips and recommendations.

Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People


    • May 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 217 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

    217: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 208 – Luke Marquis, the Global Sales Director for Mollydooker Wines

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 43:33


    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 getting this iconic wine off the ground is an inspiring one. Neary every label honours the Marquis honours the family history and I was thrilled to sit down with Luke to hear his family's story. 

    216: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 207 – Part II with Ilya and Nadia Senchuk from Leaning Post Wines

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 37:30


    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.

    215: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 206 – Part I with Ilya and Nadia Senchuk from Leaning Post Wines

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 38:53


    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 restaurants all over the world. 

    214: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 205 – Vadim Chelekhov, Head Winemaker for Palatine Hills Estate Winery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 57:32


    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 whites to full bodied reds.

    213: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 204 – Wine writer, influencer & photographer, Paige Comrie

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 34:10


    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 that comes from wine.

    212: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 203 – Ludovic Dervin, Senior Winemaker and General Manager for Stags' Leap Winery

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 35:05


    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.

    211: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 202 – Hidden Bench Estate Winery winemaker Alex Baines.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 40:42


    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 more about this on the rise winemaker and this remarkable boutique Niagara winery. I'm shocked it took so long to finally sit down with the good people of Hidden Bench.

    210: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 201 – Harald Thiel, Vigneron and Proprietor for Hidden Bench Estate Winery

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 41:13


    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 has a more dramatic wine origin story than Harald. Loved my time with Harald! Part II, coming next will be with winemaker Alex Baines. 

    209: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 200 – Miroki Tong, Wine Writer/Wine Podcast Co-Host ('Tasting Together with Miroki Tong & Andre Proulx')

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 57:01


    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.

    208: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 199 – Kurtis Ogasawara, the Director of Wine Making for Robert Mondavi

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025 30:35


    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.

    207: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 198 – John MacPherson, The Macallan Brand Specialist for Eastern Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 36:07


    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 was impossible not to appreciate the level of craftsmanship in this impressive whisky. A great conversation about a world that is admittedly a blind spot for me.

    206: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 197 - Sommelier for Pearl Morrisette

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 43:39


    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 Sommeliers.  

    205: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 196 - Christian Perreault Hamel, Wine Director for Harbour Sixty & Co-founder of Pelican Wine Imports

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 45:33


    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 ready for the highest levels of the Court of Master Sommeliers. 

    204: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 195 - James Peden, Director of Operations, Liberty Entertainment Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 40:08


    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 about this new venture and the work that James is doing is that when you strip away all the high-end designs and features you would come to expect from Liberty this wine club is, at its heart, all about the wine. James and his entire team of 'Wine Avengers' are just as nerdy about wine as the members and treat each bottle with the respect it deserves. 

    203: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 194 - Award winning wine writer Natalie MacLean

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 53:21


    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 the brink. This is a candid and honest conversation that I promise is balanced with plenty of lighter fare as well.

    202: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 193 - International Olive Oil Expert Fil Bucchino, founder of Abandoned Grove

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 39:08


    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 olive oil. *Yes, there is wine tie ins as well! 

    201: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 192 - Head Winemaker Rob Power + Assistant Winemaker Yvonne Irvin from Creekside Estate Winery

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 50:48


    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 this winery for years so it was a thrill to chat about their respective journey's, making Syrah in Niagara and just how different the Niagara wine scene is now versus when Creekside first launched.

    200: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 191 - Wine Novelist Steven Laine

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 36:51


    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.

    199: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 190 - Graham Rennie, Founder/CEO of Niagara Custom Crush Studio + COO & Head Winemaker Kevin Panagapka

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 42:36


    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 Niagara Custom Crush Studio and their new Chief Operating Officer and Head Winemaker Kevin Panagapka. Kevin has been on the pod before talking about his virtual winery, 2027 Cellars.  

    198: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 189 - Melissa Devore, President of Amici Cellars

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 30:17


    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' Podcast.

    197: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 188 - Jamie Paquin, Owner of Tokyo wine store, Heavenly Vines

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 23:40


    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.

    196: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 187 - Winemakers for Versado Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 29:15


    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 always learn something new whenever this Dynamic Dionysus couple come on the Podcast. 

    195: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 186 - Jamie Marfell, Winemaker for Stoneleigh Winery

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 27:42


    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.

    194: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Episode 185: Robbie Raskin, the Owner of Archives Wine & Spirits.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 51:38


    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 their downtown. There is a reason why Robbie won his VQA award and it starts with this fantastic bar. Thrilled to hear he is expanding into Toronto soon.

    193: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Episode 184: Ed Madronich, President for Flat Rock Cellars.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 35:49


    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. Canadian customers plus Ed's bold claim about Ontario terroir versus the rest of the world.  Perfect timing to sit down with Ed as the winery is releasing their 20th Anniversary Bottle of their Twisted series of wines!

    192: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Episode 183: Chef, Author and TV personality Bob Blumer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 42:18


    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 to say, you're going to enjoy this one. By the way his latest book: 'Flavorbomb: A Rogue Guide to Making Everything Taste Better' is out now!

    191: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Episode 182 Part II: Sommelier, TV Wine Personality, Wine Writer, Content Creator Renée Sferrazza

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 35:57


    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. 

    190: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Episode 182 Part I: Sommelier, TV Wine Personality, Wine Writer, Content Creator Renée Sferrazza

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 45:51


    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 about doing live TV wine segments and we fight about the movie ‘Love Actually'.

    189: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast Episode 181: Federica Boffa-Borgogno from Fratelli Serio and Battista Borgogno

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 31:21


    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 d'Alba and Dolcetto d'Alba.

    188: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 180

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 24:17


    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 did it take for them to get into their first disagreement? 

    187: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 179: Susan Sterling, Taylor Fladgate Brand Ambassador for Ontario

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 50:51


    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 of my own wine journey.  A long overdue interview!

    186: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 178: Shawn Brynildson, Winemaker Black Stallion Estate Winery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2024 48:37


    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 things wine making, California and the prejudice that does sometimes surround Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.   

    185: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 177: Jerome Christie, Territory Manager/ Portfolio Manager for Intra Vino

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 59:10


    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 things Court of Master Sommeliers. This is a great interview for people looking to get into the wine business cause Jerome will inspire you! This is a great interview for people who enjoy a good human interest story cause Jerome will inspire you! On top of that I bet you learn a thing or two about Greek wine ... I know I did.

    184: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 176: Jessica (Plus super fun cameo from Ali) Oppenlaender from Liebling Wines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 52:53


    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 wine. This is a fantastic story about wine but really more about family. A compelling/fun interview that I guarantee you will enjoy. For more about Liebling Wines: lieblingwines.ca

    183: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 175: Award-winning wine writer Sophie Menin and the author of, ‘A Year in the Vineyard'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2024 25:04


    A different edition of the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast! My guest is Sophie Menin an award-winning wine writer and the author of, ‘A Year in the Vineyard'. Her book is packed with 180 gorgeous pictures from the world's most stunning wine regions. From Piedmont to Burgundy to Napa and everywhere in between.  We discuss the many years of work that went into her latest work that will give you a completely different perspective of what it takes to make a bottle of wine.

    182: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 174: Andrew Carter, Executive Chef & Owner, The Oxley Public House restaurant.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 43:01


    My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Andrew Carter, the Executive Chef & Owner of the famed Yorkville The Oxley Public House restaurant.   A powerhouse of an interview!! Andrew went from working as a teenager in food halls to working under Nico Ladenis, the first British chef to be awarded three Michelin stars to opening up arguably the best British style pub in Toronto. The energy, the stories and the passion ... you will be hooked from start to finish.

    181: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 173: Jeff Moote, Founder and Winemaker for Divergence Wines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024 55:36


    My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is Jeff Moote the founder and winemaker for Divergence Wines, a virtual winemaker based in Niagara. Cool origin story about how Jeff went from working as an Engineer in the chemical process industry to making wine!  A hell of leap of faith that has led to a rather impressive sparkling program!

    180: Matt Talks Wine & Stuff: Episode 172 = Moritz Bak, Winemaker and Owner of Res Fortes winery.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 36:55


    The Podcast is heading to the Southern France wine region of Roussillon. My guest is Moritz Bak, owner of Res Fortes winery. A cool story about a young winemaker who fell in love with this part of the world and wanted to make world class wine. (I grabbed his last 6-Pack of Syrah!)

    179: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 171: Instagram star Cokie from 'Cokies World of Wine'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 52:08


    On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I'm joined by prolific Instagram star Cokie from Cokies World of Wine. (Find her here: https://www.instagram.com/cokiesworldofwine/) I've met so many people who have committed so much of their life to the study of wine … I don't think I have ever encountered anyone with the passion/ work ethic for all things vino like Cokie.  She is so damn impressive and is a MUST FOLLOW for anyone who wants to learn about wine. Seriously as you are reading this I can almost guarantee Cookie is studying a map of some random wine appellation. 

    178: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 170: Dobbin Estate winery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 58:30


    When a winery has the highest of aspirations to make the best wines from the Niagara terroir the Bat Signal will go out to winemakers Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble!! They are the Batman and Batman of extracting the best out of the Niagara region. On the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I bring back Ann (Third time on the Pod) and Peter (Second time) to go over their latest project, Dobbin Estate Winery. This passion project by Wade Dobbin started in 2018 after the acquisition of their prized vineyards needed some of the best minds in the land which Wade got with Ann and Peter. This was an epic interview that also featured Assistant Winemaker Dave Brennan and Dobbin Estate General Manager Nathan Dobbin and included tasting their Chardonnay, two wildly different Rieslings and a Right Bank style Bordeaux Blend.

    177: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 169: Julie Garton, Wine Director for Liberty Entertainment Group

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 47:05


    This is Julie Garton, the Wine Director for Liberty Entertainment Group. This is Julie's second appearance on the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast. Julie oversees the wine program for one of Toronto's newest restaurants Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House. We discuss her new project, just what are some of the big differences between a high end establishment and a Michelin Star level one … oh and when she climbed to the base camp for Mt. Everest. You can find out more about Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House here: bluebovine.com

    176: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 168: Sommelier and Guest Experience Manager, Checkmate Artisanal Winery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 58:46


    The ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is heading back to the Okanagan Valley! My guest is former Sommelier for The National Club and now the Guest Experience Manager for one of the best wineries in all of Canada, Checkmate Artisanal Winery. We discuss the devastating environmental damage the 2024 winter had on the entire region. As someone who has known James from his early days at the Club, I love his story from Toronto to B.C. No better person to be representing some of the best Chardonnay and Merlot made in Canada. *Bonus: Most emotional moment in the history of the pod (168 episodes in!) happens midway of this interview.

    175: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 167: Co-owner of Henry of Pelham Winery Dan Speck

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2024 57:05


    A wide-ranging conversation with one of the co-owners of Henry of Pelham Winery, Dan Speck. I sat down with last in late 2018 and since then A LOT has changed. We discuss the impact of COVID, the war in Ukraine and inflation has had on the world of wine. I guarantee you'll learn something new from one of the most interesting people in the Ontario wine biz.

    174: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 166 = Steven Campbell, Board Member for Grapes for Humanity + Famed Restaurateur

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 41:10


    My guest is Steven Campbell, board member for the non-profit organization Grapes for Humanity who just launched their wine auction to help raise money for several important environmental charities. You have until Monday April 22nd to get your bids in! (Link: https://www.waddingtons.ca/auction/grapes-for-humanity-canada-fine-wine-auction-2024-apr-22-2024/) We dive into Steven's rich past that includes owning the famed Toronto restaurant, La Maison, opening one of the first wine bars in Ontario and the dangers climate change is having on wine all over the world. (Also, his dogs make a brief appearance)

    173: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 165: Wine Journalist writer Rick VanSickle

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 57:18


    On the latest episode of the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I speak with the most important wine journalist covering all things Ontario Wine, Rick VanSickle. We discuss the politics behind wine production, how the LCBO is not doing nearly enough for Ontario winemakers and is there a future in designating specific vineyards with "Grand Cru" status?

    172: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 164: Westcott Vineyards Winemaker, Casey Kulczyk.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 45:28


    On the 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast my interview with the winemaker for Niagara winery Westcott Vineyards, Casey Kulczyk. Love his passion about Westcott's overall philosophy about making world class Niagara Wine NOT about making "Burgundian" style wine. Trust me, Casey's passion for all things Niagara winemaking and just how special Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can be in this area is infectious. No way you won't enjoy this conversation. 

    171: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 163: Scott & Maria Kirby, Owners of Kirby Estate Wines

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 44:07


    They love Merlot, can't stand the film 'Sideways' and in under a decade are making a real name for themselves in the world of Ontario wine. On the 'Matt Talks Wie & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast I sit down with the Owners of Kirby Estate, a gorgeous boutique winery specializing in Chardonnay and Bordeaux Blends. Fun conversation about where they are now as a winery and how scary was their first vintage.

    170: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 162: Châteauneuf-du-Pape Winemaker Anne Charlotte Melia Bachas and Owner of Chateau Font du Loup

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 33:24


    From Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Morocco this episode of the ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People Podcast has range! My guest is Anne Charlotte Melia Bachas.  Anne is the Winemaker and Owner of Chateau Font du Loup in Châteauneuf-du-Pape while her father Charles has founded Domaine du Val d'Argan, a winery in Morocco.  We talk about those early days in 2002 when she took over Chateau Font du Loup, winemaking in Morocco and sticking to making her style of wine. 

    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)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 33:37


    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 industry. Brian treated me the same as anyone else and it wasn't long before he became an important part of my life. Thrilled after many years I was able to convince him to sit down, talk about the Club, his rise and our collective love for wine.  This episode went long so I have split it up into two parts. This is Part II

    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)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 37:58


    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.

    167: 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast: Episode 159: Wine Importer Emily Craig

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 43:04


    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 with a clear vision for her future, a hell of a work ethic and true passion for wine.

    Claim Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel