Introduction What were the key challenges and breakthroughs that shaped the BC and Ontario wine industries in the 1980s and 90s? What makes or breaks a new wine project, and why is finding the right vineyard often the most time-consuming step? What made Peter believe that Niagara-on-the-Lake could produce exceptional Chardonnay? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Ann Sperling & Peter Gamble. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live […]
Books: Wine
Is A $400 Wine Really 10 Times Better Than a $40 One? Do Wine Labels and Glassware Matter More Than You Think?
Introduction Is a $400 wine really ten times better than a $40 one? Does the right glass really improve your wine and is it worth it when the size makes you look ridiculous? Why do wine labels matter and should the label’s look be part of every wine review? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Charles Jennings and Paul Keers, co-authors of the hilarious book I Bought It So I’ll Drink It. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of their terrific book, I […]
Why do wine descriptors like cat’s pee alienate many wine lovers? Charles Jennings and Paul Keers answer that and more in “I Bought It So I’ll Drink It”
Introduction How does using everyday metaphors make wine writing more relatable? How has the pressure to be an expert in everything turned simple pleasures into social competition? Does buying your own wine versus getting free samples make you a better wine writer? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Charles Jennings and Paul Keers, co-authors of the hilarious book I Bought It So I’ll Drink It. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of their terrific book, I Bought It So I’ll Drink It. […]
How Labels on Wine and People Can be Misleading – CTV News Montreal
Most of us live our lives, as we believe things to be. We label, we judge, we make assumptions about ourselves and others. Sometimes we’re right. Often, we are wrong. We know Natalie MacLean. She joins us often to give us advice on wine, and I call her our resident bon vivant. But from a woman who makes her living studying wine labels, she will be the first to tell you that when it comes to labels. It’s complicated. Her latest book is called, Wine Witch on Fire. Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation and Drinking too Much. […]
What Do Wild Orchids Reveal About the Health of a Vineyard and How Does Preschool Turn France Into a Nation of Gourmets?
Introduction How does biodynamic farming transform a vineyard into a thriving, interconnected ecosystem? What do wild orchids reveal about the health of a vineyard? How do France’s preschool lunches help to create a nation of gourmets? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Caro Feely, author of the terrific memoir Grape Expectations: A Family’s Vineyard Adventure in France. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Grape Adventures. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and […]
What Are 4 Ways That Winemakers Die in Wineries and Why Is It So Dangerous? Caro Feely, Author of Grape Expectations, Has Answers
Introduction What makes vine growing and winemaking so physically demanding? What are the hidden dangers of winemaking that most wine lovers never hear about? Why are some winemakers choosing to label their wines as Vin de France rather than follow strict appellation rules? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Caro Feely, author of the terrific memoir Grape Expectations: A Family’s Vineyard Adventure in France. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Grape Expectations: A Family’s Vineyard Adventure in France. […]
Why do Celebrities, like Brad Pitt, John Legend, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Bon Jovi, Cameron Diaz and Kylie Minogue Choose Rosé for Their Brands?
Introduction Why is Rosé the go-to wine for celebrity-owned brands rather than Chardonnay or Cabernet? Why are the younger generations of wine drinkers choosing Rosé over red? Is the Rosé boom just a trend, or is its popularity here to stay? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Rasmus Emborg & Jens Honoré, who co-published the Rosé Revolution. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or […]
How did Marcel Ott, of Domaines Ott, revolutionize Rosé wine? Rasmus Emborg & Jens Honoré Share the Story in Rosé Revolution
Introduction How did Rosé get a bad reputation as not being a “real” wine? How did Marcel Ott revolutionize the world of Rosé wine? Why is Grenache a popular grape for making trendy pale Rosés? How do Rosé’s beautiful bottles both help and hurt its reputation? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Rasmus Emborg and Jens Honoré, the author and photographer, respectively, who have published Rosé Revolution. You can find the wines we discussed here. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm […]
Guess who’s celebrating a birthday today?
Click on the arrow above to play the short video Today, the little Wine Witch turns one year old! She’s a feisty youngster who has gone out into the world with your support to spread her message of hope, justice and resilience. Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much became a National Bestseller with your support! She (and I) could not have done this without the incredible guidance of my publisher Dundurn Press, literary agent Sam Hiyate and retail agents Hornblower Books and Read and Co. The emails and DMs from readers that […]
Why are major Champagne houses, like Taittinger and Pommery, spending millions on English vineyards?
Introduction Why are major Champagne houses, like Taittinger and Pommery, spending millions of dollars to buy and plant vineyards in England? How did Brexit reshape the English wine industry, from barrels to picking grapes? Why does visiting the English wine country feel like uncovering a hidden secret? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I’m chatting with Henry Jeffreys, author of Vines in a Cold Climate. You can find the wines we discussed here. Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of his terrific new book, Vines in a Cold Climate. How to Win […]
