In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons sits down with Nick Elliott a Certified Sommelier, classically trained chef, and founder of The Wine Guy. With over 30 years of experience, Nick brings a joyful, unpretentious approach to wine education. From culinary school to leading immersive wine trips around the world, he shares […]

In this special episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, I’m coming to you from the Ontario Craft Wine Conference in Niagara Falls, where I asked several passionate winemakers, winery owners, and wine lovers to share their favourite wine and food pairings, and the answers were deliciously unexpected. After all, why not ask the very people […]

In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, I sit down with Juliette Han, a fellow wine lover who isn’t afraid to ask the honest questions about choosing wine, especially in high-pressure moments like business dinners or group settings.  From decoding wine lists to working with sommeliers, we explore how to approach wine with more […]

In this episode, Laurel Simmons interviews Doug Whitty, owner of 13th Street Winery, about the history of the winery, the challenges and rewards of the wine industry in the Niagara region, and the unique elements that make 13th Street Winery a destination.  Doug shares insights into the winery’s evolution, the importance of embracing change, and […]

What happens when climate change meets centuries-old winemaking practices? In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, I catch up with Konstantina Goula, who’s now co-managing her family’s organic winery in northern Greece. Since her last appearance, the vineyard has faced extreme weather, a 50% crop loss, and major change. From automated watering systems to unforgettable […]

In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Sue-Ann Staff as my guest, where she’ll be revealing the secrets of winemaking and running a winery. As a seventh-generation farmer and fifth-generation grape grower in the Niagara Peninsula, Sue-Ann has a deep passion for crafting Icewine and other exceptional wines, and she’s eager to share some truly […]

Today, we journey across the world with Stephanie Cuadra, a woman whose path to wine is as bold and layered as the wines she now produces. Once a political journalist covering Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, Stephanie found herself unexpectedly in the world of Chianti, managing communications for a top winery. Now, she’s a wine importer […]

Welcome to another episode of Wine Behind the Scenes! Today, with renowned tea expert Nicole Wilson, we step beyond the vineyard and into a world where common tea and wine secrets are revealed. Tea and wine share more in common than you might think. Both are shaped by terroir, tradition, and time. Nicole, a passionate […]

From surviving war-torn Croatia to crafting premium Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand, Eva Pemper’s winemaking journey is a testament to resilience and passion. But here’s the unexpected twist: despite facing economic struggles, she’s now building an international wine brand while honoring her family’s winemaking legacy. Want to know how she’s making waves in the global […]

Mastering chocolate and wine pairing! Have you ever wondered why some chocolate and wine combinations leave you craving more, while others fall flat?  In this episode, Judith Lewis shares her wealth of knowledge, revealing the secrets behind selecting the perfect wine to complement your favourite chocolate – allowing YOU to master chocolate and wine pairing. […]

Today, we’re exploring the captivating connection between wine and romance with Amy Riley, a leading expert in aphrodisiac foods and a passionate wine lover. For many of us, learning about the secrets of wine and romance can make life a little more fun. From ancient myths to modern romantic dinners, wine has always played a […]

Step into the world of wine, hospitality, and connection at Atlanta’s unique and fun wine lounge! In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, I’m joined by Damon Raque, the visionary behind Atlanta’s Bottle Bank, a space that’s far more than wine storage. It’s where wine lovers come together to taste, learn, and connect in […]