How to Find Your Place in a Changing Wine World
Wine Behind The Scenes
In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons chats with Joel Droogh, whose path to the wine industry started on a dairy farm outside Ottawa. From chasing cows as a kid to crafting low-alcohol wines in Niagara, Joel shares how his hands-on background and entrepreneurial drive led him to a life among the vines. Joel opens up about his transition from brewing to winemaking, why Canadian wineries are facing big challenges (and big opportunities), and how younger drinkers are reshaping the industry. They talk branding, climate change, community engagement, and what it will take for...
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How to Untangle the World of Wine: Questions & Answers
Wine Behind The Scenes
In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons sits down with her niece, Liesel Meissner, for a fun, informative, and completely unpretentious conversation about wine. Tired of being overwhelmed in wine shops and feeling lost when restaurant lists, Liesel came armed with questions, and Laurel delivered the answers. From understanding residual sugar and decoding trendy terms like "orange wine" and "pet-nat," to what wine to bring to a business dinner, this episode strips away the mystery and seriousness and gets real about what makes wine enjoyable and accessible. If you’ve ever...
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Tannins, Tunnels & Tito: How to Explore Croatia’s Wine Heritage
Wine Behind The Scenes
In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons reconnects with Kit Pepper, a wine editor, educator, and founder of Cheers Croatia Magazine. Kit, who lives on the island that's a 50-minute ferry ride from the Dalmatian city of Split, returns to dive even deeper into Croatia’s long, complex relationship with wine. From the ancient Greeks and Romans to the shadow of communism and the wars of the 1990s, Kit shares how politics, geography, and culture shaped Croatian viniculture and how the industry is thriving today. The conversation also explores the rise of wine tourism, the...
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Supermarket to Lemberger: How to Uncork the Unexpected
Wine Behind The Scenes
In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons sits down with wine educator Elaine Peters to explore the vibrant world of Ontario wine through the lens of personal experience, cultural connection, and joyful discovery. Elaine shares how she transitioned from corporate life to the tasting room, from Bell to the LCBO and now to Between the Lines Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Along the way, she embraced her love of wine by diving into WSET courses and finding her voice in the world of wine. Whether she’s guiding visitors through tastings in multiple languages or highlighting...
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How to Make Wine with Grapes, Grit (and Sumac)
Wine Behind The Scenes
In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons sat down with Yvonne Irvine, a long-time winemaker in Niagara and the co-founder of Maenad Wine Co. Yvonne shares her journey from studying biotechnology and business to launching a brand that’s all about creative freedom, fun, and celebrating women unapologetically. Her wines are low-intervention, playful, and packed with personality from co-ferments with botanicals to pét-nats and piquette blends. They talk about what it means to make wine without the pressure of tradition, why it matters to create space for women in the wine...
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Buying Wine? How To (Maybe) Outsmart Your Brain
Wine Behind The Scenes
In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons sits down with Dr. Antonia Mantonakis, also known as The Wine Psychologist, to explore how celebrity culture and subtle psychological triggers shape our wine choices, whether we realize it or not. From wine-tasting experiments with Olympic athletes to the endowment effect (a real thing!) and why we’re more likely to buy something we’ve physically touched, Antonia shares her fascinating research into the subconscious forces behind buying and enjoying wine. This is a conversation that’s as playful as it is eye-opening, especially...
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Champagne: A First Lick of Ice Cream with Every Bite?
Wine Behind The Scenes
In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons sits down with David Aferiat, founder of Avid Vines, to explore the sparkling world of Champagne and why it’s so much more than just a drink for special occasions. David shares his passion for sourcing organic, artisanal Champagnes, and how Avid Vines came to life. The conversation reveals what sets small-batch Champagne producers apart, why proper shipping and storage are crucial, and how Champagne can and should be incorporated into everyday meals. From practical tips on pairing bubbly with unexpected dishes to a discussion about...
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Wine, Travel, and Food: The Ultimate Sensory Journey
Wine Behind The Scenes
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 how food, travel, and storytelling shape the way we enjoy wine. Plus, Judith Lewis returns with another round of “Wonky Wine Terms,” diving into the quirky phrase: “energy on the palate.” Key Talking Points / Episode Highlights: Nick’s journey...
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Insider Secrets: Wine and Food Pairings from People in the Know
Wine Behind The Scenes
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, directors, and wine lovers to share their favourite wine and food pairings, and the answers were deliciously unexpected. From popcorn with oaked Chardonnay to sparkling rosé with fried chicken sandwiches, this episode is a playful and insightful snapshot of how Ontario wines are showing up in everyday food moments. You’ll hear from voices across the region, including 13th Street Winery, Wending Home Winery, Sue-Ann...
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How to Decode Wine Etiquette: Making It Easy
Wine Behind The Scenes
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 confidence and less stress. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to confidently order wine in social and professional settings, even if you’re not an expert Tips for choosing versatile, crowd-pleasing wines for group dining When (and how) to lean on a...
info_outlineWell not quite.
Marzia and Bob Murdoch, left their corporate careers in Toronto to pursue their dream of owning a winery in Niagara’s scenic wine country.
Tune in to hear how they turned adversity into a thriving winery, producing award-winning wines and creating a vibrant community. This episode is full of inspiration, resilience, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass!
In this episode you will be able to:
- Discover the inspiring journey of Marzia and Bob Murdoch, who made a bold 180-degree life change by purchasing a winery in Niagara during the challenges of COVID-19.
- Learn about the unique challenges they faced, including losing their first crop to winter kill and navigating the complexities of running a winery without prior experience in farming or hospitality.
- Understand the three distinct businesses involved in winery operations: farming, winemaking, and sales, and how Marzia and Bob tackled each aspect.
- Hear about their innovative strategies for marketing and sales, especially during the pandemic, including building a new website and implementing e-commerce solutions.
- Explore the importance of community and networking within the wine industry, and how collaboration with other wineries has been beneficial for their growth.
- Gain valuable advice for anyone considering entering the winery business, emphasizing the need for hard work, dedication, and a realistic understanding of the industry.
Marzia and Bob Murdoch are the dynamic duo behind 180 Wines, a boutique winery located in the picturesque Jordan Station of Niagara, Ontario.
After spending over 30 years in corporate careers in Toronto, they made a bold decision to pivot their lives and embrace the world of winemaking just as the COVID-19 pandemic began.
With no prior experience in farming or hospitality, they faced numerous challenges, including losing their first crop to winter kill. However, their determination and passion for their new venture have transformed their lives for the better.
The couple has also integrated their family into the business, with their two daughters contributing to various aspects of winery operations, from marketing to staffing.
Their winery features a charming bistro and event space, offering a unique culinary experience that complements their wines. With a love for entertaining and a commitment to creating memorable experiences for their guests, Marzia and Bob invite you to join them at 180 Wines for a taste of their passion and dedication to the art of winemaking.
Contact Marzia and Bob Murdoch here:
- Website: www.180wines.ca
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/180wines/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/180wines/