Rock And Grapes Presents:

Russ Little, trombonist, composer, arranger, and conductor has had a fairly storied career in the Canadian music business. Starting off with a little band by the name of Lighthouse, in the late '60's, Russ had already established himself as one of the scene's go-to studio musicians and was already composing music for Canadian radio and television by his early thirties. A big claim to fame for Russ was being the composer of the theme to SCTV, Canada's biggest comedy ensemble television show - it kinda did pretty well south of the border too!For the last fifty years or more, Russ has been a fixture on the Toronto Jazz scene as well, playing with The Boss Brass and recording several albums with other Canadian jazz legends like Brian Barlow, Robi Botos, Tom Szczesniak, Rich Brown and many many more. 

This week I visit Dobbin Estate. Dobbin Estate has been designed to be a premium winery and the consulting team of Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble have made certain that all conditions are perfect for this ambitious endeavour. With North and South facing slopes, Dobbin Estate is primed to bring forth Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc with a European sensibility that comes though in your glass.  Ontario wines have grown by leaps and bounds, and the Ontario Wine Industry is now in a phase where fine wine, meant to be cellared for perhaps decades, is being created right here. We are living in a time where the list of pioneering  Ontario winemakers keeps growing, and with this burst of talent, meticulous attention to detail and passion, we can firmly state that we are on par with the rest of the best. 

Again we skip the Grapes and go directly to the Rock. Former record exec from Capitol Records, Steve Meyer, and Part II speaking about the great Al Coury, Vice President of Capitol Records, co-fouder of RSO Records, and founder of Network Records that eventually led him to Geffen Records. It's another week of Rock talk. Next week we're back on track with the Ontario Wine Industry!

Today we skip the Grapes and go directly to the Rock. Former record exec from Capitol Records, Steve Meyer, speaks with me about the great Al Coury, Vice President of Capitol Records, co-fouder of RSO Records, and founder of Network Records that eventually led him to Geffen Records. Al worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Guns'N'Roses - who else can claim that?? 

Well, the January Rock And Grapes Count Down has come to an end. I will count down the Top Ten wines until we get to #1, that honour going to Leaning Post, for their 2020 Senchuk Vineyard Chardonnay. Also, Niagara native John Neudorf has a new album coming out, and a lot more to speak about. 

This week I speak with Thomas Reid, sales and marketing manager for Lailey Winery. This week Lailey has had two wines in the Top Wines of Ontario count down and we will be speaking to Thomas about the 2022 Lailey Riesling and the Stonebridge 2019 Estate Chardonnay. We've got another 13 wines to go before we see who holds the #1 spot on our Rock And Grapes count down.

Season 2 is here! Marc Pistor, of Fogolar Wines and the group effort Collab Wine and Beverage is here to talk about 2024 and what we have to look forward to. Marc and I discuss the Top Wine of Ontario (as chosen by M.S. Bruce Wallner, Nabila Rawji and me) , where his collaborative team has landed so far on the list and what Marc sees for the future of Ontario's wine industry. I don't want to spoil the ending for you - but we need to embrace Ontario Riesling like we've never done before!

Well, its been a good start so far. Twenty-five episodes of winemakers, musicians, politicians and record execs, and I think we're getting somewhere. I'd like to thank all of you who have been listening, and I'd also like to thank all my guests thus far. 2023 was only the start and 2024 will bring even more. Look out for The Top 25 Wines of Ontario coming out in January of 2024. And look for a new Rock And Grapes Presents website to accompany all I'm doing with the podcast. Enjoy the Holidays and see you in the New Year!

Bob Gruen is regarded as one of THE foremost Rock Photographers in the music business having captured images of Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The New York Dolls, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Ramones, Blondie, Elton John, Kiss and many, many more. He struck up a friendship with John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1971 and became a friend and confidant to both. I thought this a fitting week to have Bob on the podcast, as December 8th marks the 43rd anniversary of  the passing of John Lennon. Plus, Bob has a legit tie to wine - but you'll have to listen!

My first guest this week is May Pang. May spent most of 1973 and 1974 being the most important person in John Lennon's life. May and I discuss the new documentary streaming now, "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story", the story that chronicles the years she spent as John Lennon's girlfriend  - first at the insistence of Yoko Ono, but then  things got....complicated.  For any Beatles fan - this is a must-see-documentary. Over the thirty minutes we speak you will learn about May, and the incredibly interesting life she has led. This week I also speak with Thomas Reid, the Marketing and Sales Manager at Lailey Vineyards/Stonebridge. Thomas gives us an introduction to Lailey and the happenings as of late - and a look into how they approach creating premium wines in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

Today, Bruce Wallner checks in to discuss the "Best Canadian Sommelier" and the rigours this poor candidate had to endure to take the win. Bruce also updates us on The  Somm Factory's upcoming course schedule.  Also,  I speak with Ronnie Littlejohn, JAZZ.FM's host of  The Gumbo Kitchen. Ronnie's Friday evening  show explores New Orleans jazz, swampy funk, second-line brass bands and more. However, Ronnie and I discuss how he ended up being a DJ for this popular Toronto radio mainstay (and his disdain of Steely Dan - unbelievable!). 

Filmmakers and winemakers collide. This week I interview the award winning filmmaker, Maya Gallus, as we speak about her brand new, light-hearted yet full-bodied film, Crush: Message in a Bottle, the landmark doc featuring a well chosen group of pioneering Niagara winemakers. Bruce Wallner checks in from Halifax this week as he attends Canada's Best Sommelier Competition.  Also, it's "last kick at the can" to enter the "Top 25 Wines of Ontario".

This week I am introducing my new sponsor, The Sommelier Factory, which means I'll be speaking with MS Bruce Wallner about the Somm Factory schedule and our upcoming "Top 25 Wines of Ontario". Also, this is your first week to catch CRUSH: Message in a Bottle, the new movie from director Maya Gallus, high-lighting the hard working winemakers of Niagara. And also, former Capitol Records exec Steve Meyer joins me to talk about The Beatles "new" song "Now and Then" - what side of history will you be on?

This week I speak with Tom O'Brien from Cooper's Hawk down in the Lake Erie North Shore region of our lovely Province.  Also, I've got a little clip I've stolen from my other podcast so you can hear from Italy about Cab Franc's rising prominence and climate change affecting their choice of varietals. And again, I'll remind you about the upcoming submission deadline for my "Top 25 Wines of the Year" review that will be taking place at the end of 2023. 

This week I finally make it to The County! I am joined by both Sherry Karlo and Saxe Brickenden of Karlo Estates. We talk specifically about P.E.C.'s different varietals and the way The County brings in customers. Plus:I want your wines!In the past, many of you may know I ran an awards and annual report for the Sommelier group S.O.S.A. Well, this fall I'm going about things a little differently. I'm not sure that anyone needs another wine competition, nor all the entry fees that this can lead to. What I'm doing this year is a list of “25 Top Wines of the Year” (the list will be larger in the future but the 25 top entries will be highlighted this year). I know 2020 was a pretty great vintage and after a few consistent years (without having to think of 2022's outcome) it would be great to have entries only from current releases, but I will be open this year to “dealer's choice”.  So far, what I've been doing is growing my audience (and thank you for listening by the way) in anticipation for what will be an annual “best of” list, highlighting chosen wines to round out the “the seven” chosen varietals plus that I'll be looking into. The difference with what I'll be doing this year – what I have not done yet – is promoting specific wines and the wineries from which they hail.  For all 25 wines and wineries chosen:- I will be doing in-depth podcast episodes with each of you, twice throughout the year- the wines chosen later this fall will appear and stay on my website (soon TBA) for the year. - plus promotion tied to your winery for the year you appear on the review.I will not be asking for any entry fees, as this is a waste of good money for those who really can't afford to be entering every single possible promotional venue out there – only to be left out of the list of winners. And also, to be completely transparent, I will be choosing from submissions – not paid submissions.The varietals to be considered this year are:- Chardonnay- Riesling- Cabernet Franc- Gamay- Pinot Noir- Vidal- Baco Noir as well as a general “Sparkling” category. What I'm hoping we can achieve is more of a personal story about all of you and the incredible wines you create. I know this is a "hand sell" and word of mouth business (until things can open up a little more for what we thought we had in the first place, “free enterprise” but that's another story to be continued) but what I'm going to be doing, is what other wine writers have been doing for you day in and day out – only you and I will be talking together so everyone can hear from the winemakers themselves, what went into creating the great wines Ontario has to offer. I will be ensuring that this podcast carries on all year – even when you are all taking a well-deserved vacation at the end of this year or beginning of the next. I firmly believe that continuing the discussion about Ontario wines week in and week out is the key to forcing that door open a little more each week and bringing your message to the people of Ontario and far beyond – but I'd really like to turn all those Toronto folks into mass consumers! If you'd like to send me your wines for consideration (you can enter as many categories as you wish) just respond to this email or you can message me @rockandgrapes on Instagram and we can hammer out all the logistical details to get your wines to my front door. Please remember that I am happy to receive all the wines you wish to submit and they will all be reviewed within their chosen categories. After I have worked my way through them, the chosen wineries will be contacted and we will discuss the coming year's events. I'm very excited and hopeful about what we are doing together.

If you're in the Ontario wine business you'll want to listen to Sam and I speak about the current situation with the government in this Province. MPP Sam Oosterhoff was kind enough to find time in his busy schedule to speak with me. Also, below is what I sent out last week. I want your wines! see below:In the past, many of you may know I ran an awards and annual report for the Sommelier group S.O.S.A. Well, this fall I'm going about things a little differently. I'm not sure that anyone needs another wine competition, nor all the entry fees that this can lead to. What I'm doing this year is a list of “25 Top Wines of the Year” (the list will be larger in the future but the 25 top entries will be highlighted this year). I know 2020 was a pretty great vintage and after a few consistent years (without having to think of 2022's outcome) it would be great to have entries only from current releases, but I will be open this year to “dealer's choice”.  So far, what I've been doing is growing my audience (and thank you for listening by the way) in anticipation for what will be an annual “best of” list, highlighting chosen wines to round out the “the seven” chosen varietals plus that I'll be looking into. The difference with what I'll be doing this year – what I have not done yet – is promoting specific wines and the wineries from which they hail.  For all 25 wines and wineries chosen:- I will be doing in-depth podcast episodes with each of you, twice throughout the year- the wines chosen later this fall will appear and stay on my website (soon TBA) for the year. - plus promotion tied to your winery for the year you appear on the review.I will not be asking for any entry fees, as this is a waste of good money for those who really can't afford to be entering every single possible promotional venue out there – only to be left out of the list of winners. And also, to be completely transparent, I will be choosing from submissions – not paid submissions.The varietals to be considered this year are:- Chardonnay- Riesling- Cabernet Franc- Gamay- Pinot Noir- Vidal- Baco Noir as well as a general “Sparkling” category. What I'm hoping we can achieve is more of a personal story about all of you and the incredible wines you create. I know this is a "hand sell" and word of mouth business (until things can open up a little more for what we thought we had in the first place, “free enterprise” but that's another story to be continued) but what I'm going to be doing, is what other wine writers have been doing for you day in and day out – only you and I will be talking together so everyone can hear from the winemakers themselves, what went into creating the great wines Ontario has to offer. I will be ensuring that this podcast carries on all year – even when you are all taking a well-deserved vacation at the end of this year or beginning of the next. I firmly believe that continuing the discussion about Ontario wines week in and week out is the key to forcing that door open a little more each week and bringing your message to the people of Ontario and far beyond – but I'd really like to turn all those Toronto folks into mass consumers! If you'd like to send me your wines for consideration (you can enter as many categories as you wish) just respond to this email or you can message me @rockandgrapes on Instagramand we can hammer out all the logistical details to get your wines to my front door. Please remember that I am happy to receive all the wines you wish to submit and they will all be reviewed within their chosen categories. After I have worked my way through them, the chosen wineries will be contacted and we will discuss the coming year's events. I'm very excited and hopeful about what we are doing together

In the past, many of you may know I ran an awards and annual report for the Sommelier group S.O.S.A. Well, this fall I'm going about things a little differently. I'm not sure that anyone needs another wine competition, nor all the entry fees that this can lead to. What I'm doing this year is a list of “25 Top Wines of the Year” (the list will be larger in the future but the 25 top entries will be highlighted this year). I know 2020 was a pretty great vintage and after a few consistent years (without having to think of 2022's outcome) it would be great to have entries only from current releases, but I will be open this year to “dealer's choice”.  So far, what I've been doing is growing my audience (and thank you for listening by the way) in anticipation for what will be an annual “best of” list, highlighting chosen wines to round out the “the seven” chosen varietals plus that I'll be looking into. The difference with what I'll be doing this year – what I have not done yet – is promoting specific wines and the wineries from which they hail.  For all 25 wines and wineries chosen:- I will be doing in-depth podcast episodes with each of you, twice throughout the year- the wines chosen later this fall will appear and stay on my website (soon TBA) for the year. - plus promotion tied to your winery for the year you appear on the review.I will not be asking for any entry fees, as this is a waste of good money for those who really can't afford to be entering every single possible promotional venue out there – only to be left out of the list of winners. And also, to be completely transparent, I will be choosing from submissions – not paid submissions.The varietals to be considered this year are:- Chardonnay- Riesling- Cabernet Franc- Gamay- Pinot Noir- Vidal- Baco Noir as well as a general “Sparkling” category. What I'm hoping we can achieve is more of a personal story about all of you and the incredible wines you create. I know this is a "hand sell" and word of mouth business (until things can open up a little more for what we thought we had in the first place, “free enterprise” but that's another story to be continued) but what I'm going to be doing, is what other wine writers have been doing for you day in and day out – only you and I will be talking together so everyone can hear from the winemakers themselves, what went into creating the great wines Ontario has to offer. I will be ensuring that this podcast carries on all year – even when you are all taking a well-deserved vacation at the end of this year or beginning of the next. I firmly believe that continuing the discussion about Ontario wines week in and week out is the key to forcing that door open a little more each week and bringing your message to the people of Ontario and far beyond – but I'd really like to turn all those Toronto folks into mass consumers! If you'd like to send me your wines for consideration (you can enter as many categories as you wish) just respond to this email or you can message me @rockandgrapes on Instagram and we can hammer out all the logistical details to get your wines to my front door. Please remember that I am happy to receive all the wines you wish to submit and they will all be reviewed within their chosen categories. After I have worked my way through them, the chosen wineries will be contacted and we will discuss the coming year's events. I'm very excited and hopeful about what we are doing together – and I hope you are too. 

This week Adam Kern and I discuss Kern and Company, Adam's dream being realized. Also, we travel back in time to the 1980's with some fairly socially unacceptable behaviour from "Brother" Jake Edwards, one of the greatest voices on the radio in the 1980's and 1990's before it all changed....

Sue Ann gives me the low-down on  the 6.1% beer and wine fee, the ongoing taxation of wine makers, the marketing of wines in Ontario and how it all affects her operation and her outlook on the future of being a Niagara winemaker. 

This week I speak with Sarah Hoare from the London Born Wine Company in Vineland, and from The BNL, drummer, Tyler Stewart, we find out how TV producer Chuck Lorre tracked down The Barenaked Ladies and convinced them to write and record the biggest TV theme song in history for The Big Bang Theory.

Part 2 of my interview with Vineland Estates' Brian  Schmidt reveals a cohesive plan for Ontario to move forward as a united front, with a chosen arsenal of what we do best. Has Ontario settled on what we do best? If so, here's what we do moving forward; Cabernet Franc, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and the two "workhorse" grapes that the VQA has settled on, Vidal Blanc and Baco Noir. Progress in motion?

This week is Part One of my interview with Brian Schmidt of Vineland Estates. Brian talks about his 33 years in the business, the VQA and the viability of wine making in Ontario. This week I provide a glimpse of what is to come with an excerpt of my talk with legendary recording engineer Bill Schnee. Bill has worked with EVERYONE in the record business. His stories are amazing, and Bill has a new book out, “Chairman at the Board: Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation”  - this one you need to pick up!

This week I speak with Adam Lowy of Cloudsley Cellars about his passions, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We sit outside at Cloudsley on a perfect summer day to discuss Adam's take on non-interventive winemaking (sorry about the noise from the traffic on the road!). Also, Dave Diamond and Mr Zero talk about how This Beat Goes On/Switchin' to Glide became a giant Canadian One hit wonder - and who knew The Kings were from Oakville, Ontario??

This week I found myself in Beamsville at the Maison Mason with winemaker Kelly Mason talking about (that extra 3 hours it would seem she needs to add to each day) just to get it all done! We talked and tasted very delicious wines. Also, former editor of Creem Magazine, Dave Di Martino talks about all things rock.

This week we take a left turn and go “ hops-and-barley-based non-alc” as I speak with Founder and CEO Ted  Fleming of PARTAKE Brewing about the long road to market placement and viability. Also this week is part one of my interview with CREEM magazine's Editor Dave DiMartino about rock and roll in the 1980s - Detroit and the geographic fallout…Ontario. 

I foresee a great weekend this weekend as the International  Cool Climate Chardonnay Festival hits Niagara, and Magdalena Kaiser, the Director of PR for the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario is here to give us a run down of all the exciting events happening this week. Also, I'll be joined by Creekside's winemaker Rob Power. And I'm sneaking a little Country music in at the end.  Lend me your ears!!!

In this episode I am in Lincoln, Ontario  at "The Crush" talking with owner/innovator/winemaker Graham Rennie about the intricacies of running a profitable wine business in Ontario. Graham has created a haven for virtual winemakers and has solved a few other problems as well. We will also hear from a colleague of mine, Matt Woo, a man who has schucked an oyster or two in his time, sold wine, sake and the dreams of musicianship. We will hear the latest single from the band he plays bass for, Tragic Hearts. 

Today we hit all the right notes. You'll hear my conversation that took place over the Canada Day weekend with the good folks at Leaning Post Winery, Nadia and Ilya Senchuk, as we discuss the future of the wine business in Ontario. Right after that we look into the past with Steve Meyer, former Vice President of Promotions at Capitol Records as we discuss his storied career working with many different giant musical acts – but today it's all about The Beatles. It's also fitting that I got to speak to Steve on the eve of July the 4th, so Happy Fourth of July! to all of our American listeners as well. As I said on an earlier occasion, I've been fortunate enough in this life to be introduced to a wide variety of people. I hope you find it all as strange and interesting as I do... 

This week I speak with sommelier and winemaker Adam Kern of KERN & CO about what is involved in trying to make a business profitable in Ontario while making great, quality wines . We will also speak to Rob Preuss, and some of you may know Rob as the keyboard player from 1980's pop band The Spoons or from his time spent playing with Honeymoon Suite. 

This week I speak with Harald Thiel of Hidden Bench in Niagara. Also on the podcast this week is Lou Pomanti. Lou started out in the music business playing with the legendary Blood, Sweat and Tears and since then it's been a who's who of the Canadian music business working for: Michael Bublé, Marc Jordan, Rita MacNeil, The Boomers, Michelle Wright, Ann Murray, Triumph, The Canadian Tenors, Kim Mitchell, David Wilcox and on, and on, and on. It's a good week to be a fly on the wall!

This week is our first full length episode, featuring one wine maker and one musician. Each week I will try my best to keep you entertained with talk about music and wine and a few other pertinent things that may arise. What's the commonality? Business.  These days, any business  run by visionaries, artists or craftspeople are all under fire. There seems to be less 'pie' to be divided up, and it's only going into a few mouths. The only way to be a patron of the artist - is to know who those artists are, and after all we all need support. This week I speak with Thomas Bachelder and also Sarah Smith. 

This is a snippet of what's going to happen here each week. You will hear  full-length interviews from musicians and winemakers all over Ontario (as well as our American neighbours). Open dialogue is an important way to understand how to keep the ball rolling and make sure we're all rowing the boat in the same direction.  Adding music to wine is like adding food to wine - they both enhance life, and without either I'm not sure what the heck we're doing here. Every week you'll hear winemakers and musicians sharing their stories and their struggles. I want to hear your story too!

This week we finish our conversation with studio legend Bill Schnee.  We talk about Steely Dan's Aja, Boz Scaggs and Mark Knopfler. Bill has a new book out, “Chairman at the Board: Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation”  - this one you need to pick up. It's informative and interactive. A must read for an aspiring studio engineer - or any audiophile who appreciates everything Bill has done in his career.

This week we speak with studio legend Bill Schnee. Bill has worked with EVERYONE in the record business. His stories are amazing, and Bill has a new book out, “Chairman at the Board: Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation”  - this one you need to pick up!

This week James and Jack speak with  Juno winner, Laila Biali, about what its like being a Canadian Jazz vocalist, pianist and composer navigating that fine line between Pop and Jazz. Laila has worked with Chris Botti, Randy Bachman, Paula Cole, Larnell Lewis, Jodi Proznik and Sting on his latest forthcoming album. Tune in for a great show!

James and Jack speak with David Diamond and Zero from The Kings. The entire planet was introduced to The Kings in 1980 upon the release of their massive smash hit, "This Beat Goes On/Switching To Glide" that has become one of, if not THE greatest one-hit-wonder of the 20th century. Tune in to see how it happened and what they're up to now.

James and Jack speak to Tyler Stewart, drummer for the Barenaked Ladies. They've got a new album out, Detour de Force, and Tyler will fill us in on how Covid derailed their recording schedule and their tour schedule. You'll also find out how the BNL got their name, and how TV producer Chuck Lorre tracked them down and convinced them to write and record the biggest TV theme song in history, for The Big Bang Theory.

James and Jack catch up with Jeff Burrows, drummer for the Canadian rock power trio, The Tea Party. They discuss the band's new single "Summertime" and their upcoming cross country tour this fall.

James speaks with Rob Preuss (The Spoons, Honeymoon Suite) about what it was like being in two of the biggest Canadian bands of the 1980's - and way beyond.  You will also learn Rob's unique association with actor Rami Malek and his role in Bohemian Rhapsody.