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We're going back to school in this episode to speak with Barb Tatarnic,  manager of professional Certification in Ontario Wine, and Steven Tully, course designer and teacher of the Certification in Ontario Wines on-line course. This course is designed for the wine enthusiast to take a deep dive into the world of Ontario wines and discover the characteristics of cool climate wines.  During our conversation we hit on another t-shirt slogan: Napa is the Niagara of California!!  (and yes, we REALLY have to get some made). If you take one thing away from this episode, it should be this – the wonderful thing about wine is nobody knows everything! There's always something to learn and you'll definitely learn some amazing things on this podcast. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded October 22, 2025 Wines sampled: Wines sampled: Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz, Creekside Shiraz, Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay, Cave Spring Chardonnay  

There are a lot of amazing things happening at Cave Spring, so we had to make time to chat with winemaker Gabe DeMarco about the importance of the new yeast strains discovered at the winery. In collaboration with Brock University, they worked to identify, isolate and validate their own yeast strains in an effort to create wine from the Niagara region with zero international inputs. In addition, you'll also hear about their new concrete vessels which were three years in the making and are 100% domestically sourced. Of course we also taste some fabulous wines, including the first CSV reds. This episode is packed with great information and it will certainly make you want to visit both the tasting room and the vineyard. Produced by: Lukas Sluzar, recorded October 22, 2025 Show notes: www.cavespring.ca Wines sampled: base wine, Blanc de Blanc Estate, 2024 Riesling CSV, 2020 Riesling CSV, 2023 Gamay CSV, 2022 Cabernet Franc CSV  

We continue our conversation with winemaker Vadim Chlekhov and delve into the history of Palantine Hills, a winery that was the site of battles during the War of 1812. They are still finding artifacts on the property and there is a display case in the tasting room where you can view some of the items they have unearthed. We chat about the negative impact of success, Pinot Gris vs Pinot Grigio and learn about the happy mistake that became white merlot. Of course, we also taste some fantastic wine and get another t-shirt idea: Wine is a time capsule.  This is one history lesson you will be sure to enjoy! Produced by: Lukas Sluzar, recorded September 10, 2025 Show notes: www.palatinehillsestatewinery.com Wines sampled: 2024 Pinot Grigio, 2024 Skin Fermented White Viogner, 2024 White Merlot, 2020 Overtime Merlot, 2020 Overtime Merlot Reserve, 2020 Overtime Cabernet Sauvignon  

We're on the road again, this time with our first visit to the Niagara on the Lake region to explore the wines at Palatine Hills with winemaker Vadim Chlekhov. Vadim's passion and appreciation for wine began at an early age. He tasted wine with is grandfather and then drew pictures of what he tasted. He's now an incredible wine maker who believes the winemaker is essentially a steward that guides the grapes through the fermentation process. In this episode, we focus on the entry level wines that are affordable, very flavourful and award winners.  It's part of the process of demystifying wines, and you'll be amazed when you come visit and taste them. Produced by: Lukas Sluzar, recorded September 10, 2025 Show notes: www.palatinehillsestatewinery.com Wines sampled: Happy Camper Cider, 2023 Ramblers The Chiller (unoaked Chardonnay), 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Oh Goody! Rose (Merlot/Riesling blend), 2023 Ramblers Schmoozer (Cabernet/Merlot blend)  

We return to the Niagara Bench area for our next episode with a visit to 13th Street Winery. We  took a little trip down Gamay Lane with President Doug Whitty and Executive Director of Program Development Corinne Witusik. It's our first episode where the focus was on wines from one grape varietal and it was a really fun and informative exploration into Gamay.  A visit to 13th Street is an experience what combines wine with art, food, music and more. You'll hear about the history of the winery, their award winning Burger Blend wines, get some great tips on food and wine pairings, and even hear our latest t-shirt slogan – Make Wine, Not War! Plus there's even a little somethin' somethin' for the fashionistas to enjoy. Produced by: Lukas Sluzar, recorded September 10, 2025 Show notes: www.13thstreetwinery.com Wines sampled: 2023 Gamay Blanc de Noir, 2024 Gamay Vingras, 2023 Gamay Whitty Vineyard, 2024 Gamay, 2024 Gamay Sandstone  

Our third and final stop in Norfolk County brought us to Inasphere Winery. Sales manager Kathie Gilchrist shared the origins of the winery name – the land is part of the Long Point Biosphere, so the winery is technically IN A SPHERE. How's that for clever!? Kathie shared the history of the winery, which began as a vegetable farm back in 1963. The land is reclaimed marshland with a dike built around it to allow for farming. Cabbage is grown on 50 to 65 acres of the farm, and grapes were first planted in 2008. Riesling is their claim to fame, and they've also got some fabulous reds. It's definitely worth a visit to enjoy a watermelon mimosa in the summer, and apple cider mimosas in the fall. Plus you can also pick up some fresh produce (don't forget the cabbage!) Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded July 16, 2025 Show notes:  www.inaspherewines.ca Wines sampled: 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 Rose, 2022 Riesling, 2021 Spheres, 2022 Cabernet Blend, 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon  

On the second stop of our visit to Norfolk County wineries, we visited Burning Kiln and chatted with Marketing Coordinator Jaime Drayer. Jamie detailed the winery's beginnings as a tobacco farm. She  explained the reason why the wines are named for tobacco based items, and it was a very cool history lesson and glimpse into the winery's past. In addition to fabulous wines, Burning Kiln also has a restaurant on site, and hosts a concert series in the summer. It's a beautiful setting rich in history with fabulous views and amazing wines.  I'm sure you'll enjoy this episode and will be planning a visit soon. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded July 16, 2025 Show notes: www.burningkilnwinery.ca Wines sampled: 2024 Broken Needle Rose, 2023 Quitting Time Pinot Grigio, 2024 Horse & Boat Riesling, 2019 Kiln Hanger Cabernet Franc, 2023 After Party Syrah, 2022 Boss Cabernet Sauvignon    

In July 2025, Lukas and Andrea made a trip to Norfolk County to visit three wineries on the shores of Lake Erie. The first stop was Front Road Cellars, a family run winery that is also a blueberry farm. Owner Amanda Vranckx shares the story of the evolution of the winery and shares some amazing wines with us. Amanda also talked about their partnership with Guelph university in planting hybrid varietals of grapes that will withstand colder temperatures. Of course, we also tasted some blueberry wine – which seems like a necessity when you have a winery AND a blueberry farm. The landscape at this winery is stunning and it's definitely a family friendly spot with great food and beautiful wines. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded July 16, 2025 Show notes: www.blueberryhill.ca Wines sampled: Clink Clink (sparkling wine), 2024 Bright Side, 2023 Chardonnay, Blueberry Hill, 2023 Norfolk Pinot Noir, Kindred Red (Marquet/Cabernet Franc blend)  

Owners and brothers Geoff and Anthony Hall named their winery in honor of their children – one brother has sons, the other has daughters so the name is pretty obvious! Along with their adviser Angelo and brother-in-law Dan Sherrington, we sat down for a chat about wine and the challenges of starting a brand new winery in an area far from the lake,  higher in altitude and with a different soil composition than the Bench. During the tasting, we discussed the idea of doing pizza and wine pairings (YUM!) and found out more about the coffee they have on site as well. You'll love exploring their wines, walking the trails and enjoying the beautiful scenery when you visit. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded June 4, 2025 Show notes: www.sonsanddaughterswinery.com Wines sampled: 2022 Sparkling Riesling, 2022 Riesling, 2021 Rose, 2023 Delta White (40% skin fermented Riesling), 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Baco Noir  

Yvonne Irvine is the assistant winemaker at Creekside and is also the winemaker and owner of her own virtual winery Maenad. Yvonne shares some insights in the positives and negatives of being a virtual winemaker – one positive being she has full control over every aspect of the wines and can be very creative. Her creativity shines in the very unique and innovative wines we tasted like Piquettes and Pet-Nats, as well as more traditional varietals like Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. It's our first episode with a virtual winemaker and after listening, I'm sure you'll be ready to arrange a visit and buy these amazing wines. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded June 4, 2025 Show notes: www.maenadwines.com Wines sampled: 2021 Piquette, Vidal Petnat fermented with peaches and sumac, Vidal Petnat fermented with Concord grapes and tarragon, 2021 Chardonnay Grimsby Hillside, 2021 Skin Fermented Chardonnay, 2024 Vignoier Grimsby Hill, 2023 Cabernet Franc Grimsby Hillside  

Owners Bob and Marzia Murdoch really did a complete 180 in life when they quit their corporate jobs and bought a winery in Jordan. (hence the winery name – 180 Estate Winery.) The winery, formerly known as Di Profio was purchased by the Murdochs in 2021 and they set out to achieve their goal of getting people to come to the winery to enjoy themselves and relax. Since Marzia is Italian, they like to explore the Italian style of wine making like Appassimento and Ripasso, and we talk a bit about the process of making wine in that style. Per usual, we also discuss food pairings and taste some excellent wines. It's a short but sweet chat with two wonderful people! Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded June 4, 2025 Show notes: www.180wines.ca Wines sampled: 2023 Sparkling Rose, 2024 Pinot Grigio, Living the Dream (blend), 2021 Gamay Noir Reserve, 2022 Bourbon Gamay, 2021 Ripasso, 2020 Meritage  

In this episode, we make a return visit to Kacaba to chat with the new winemaker Chris Robinson. Chris is bringing a lot of passion and experience to his new role at Kacaba and we began our conversation by chatting about the importance of cleanliness in the cellars and how it affects the wine. Chris also explained what the three pillars of sustainability are in order to be called a sustainable winery. We have an interesting conversation about wine clones , root stocks and pruning before we taste some of the new white wines Kacaba has released. But don't worry fans of red wine – we also taste a couple of wonderful new red wines and learn more fun facts about Syrah. You'll definitely want to explore the white wines of Kacaba after listening to this episode! Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded May 7, 2027 Show notes: www.kacaba.com Wines sampled: 2024 Unoaked Chardonnay, 2024 Susan's Sauvignon Blanc, 2024 Fume Blanc Scheuele Vineyard, 2024 Vignoier, 2023 Pinot Noir, 2023 Reserve Syrah  

Three amateur winemakers, a doctor, a lawyer and a professor got together in 1980 and bought the land that become Thirty Bench. Winemaker Emma Garner talks with Andrea about the first plantings of Riesling grapes in 1980, and the way the soil hanging onto the water affects the tastes of grapes, which naturally affects the taste of the wine. Emma sheds some light on the origins of the myth about Riesling tasting sweet too. We also chat about the reasons why Pinot Noir is a difficult grape, and get some insights into the Cabernet Franc grape too. You'll also discover how the shape of a wine glass can amplify the taste of the wine. It's a fun and insightful episode, and you'll definitely want to schedule a visit to Thirty Bench afterwards. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded May 7, 2025 Show notes: www.thirtybench.com Wines sampled: Sparkling Riesling, 2021 Small Lot Riesling, 2021 Small Lot Chardonnay, 2021 Small Lot Pinot Noir, 2022 Winemakers Blend, 2020 Small Lot Cabernet Franc  

Hidden Bench is an organic winery and produces 100% estate wine using only grapes grown on the property. Andrea chats with winemaker Alex Baines about the process of becoming a certified organic winery and what that means for the taste and quality of the wines.  We also get to taste a concrete fermented and aged Sauvignon Blanc (Beton) . The concrete gives the wine a great texture and weight and adds a unique salinity and brininess to the wine. It was Andrea's first time tasting wine made this way and it was absolutely incredible. Alex also explains the fine art of working hard to appear invisible in the winemaking process. It's a great conversation spotlighting fantastic wines that you are sure to enjoy. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded May 7, 2025 Show notes: www.hiddenbench.com Wines sampled: 2018 Natur (sparkling), 2019 Romans Block Riesling, 2022 Beton Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Chardonnay, 2021 Gamay, 2022 Pinot Noir  

Judging by the name, one might think Organized Crime is an Italian Mafia winery. However, when our host Andrea Morris speaks with Owner Ania De Deluba and winemaker Greg Yemen, we discover the incredibly interesting story behind the name. It comes from a battle between two Mennonite churches, resulting in a church pipe organ being stolen and thrown into a ravine. You'll enjoy hearing the whole story, as well as the history of the winery, and their goal to create quaffable wines. We hear the story behind the beautiful platinum award winning Sacred Series Cuve Krystyna – a wine that is a tribute to Ania's mother. We also have a fun discussion about Pinot Noir clones, corks vs screw tops and unfiltered wines. You'll learn a lot and I guarantee you'll want to visit this fantastic winery with beautiful views. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded March 12, 2025 Show notes: www.organizedcrimewinery.com Wines sampled: 2023 Riesling, 2021 Limestone Block Chardonnay, 2020 Sacred Series Cuve Krystyna, 2022 Break In Pinot Not, 2019 Sacred Series Cabernet Franc, 2022 Sacred Series Unfilter 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc