Revealing the Secrets inside a Winemaker's Home and Heart
Release Date: 04/02/2025
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_outlineWe talk about her journey from growing up on the family farm to becoming one of Niagara’s most passionate advocates for local wine. Sue-Ann doesn’t just make wine, she creates experiences. Whether battling Mother Nature, perfecting food and wine pairings, or travelling to places like Singapore and Germany to share her craft, her dedication and love for winemaking are truly inspiring.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the unique world of Icewine-making and the excitement of the Icewine Festival in Niagara, as Sue-Ann shares her passion for this specialty wine.
- Learn about the challenges of winemaking, including the importance of adapting to changing climate conditions.
- Explore the personal journey of Sue-Ann, a fifth-generation grape grower, and her path to becoming a winemaker, including her studies in Australia.
- Uncover the significance of community and collaboration among wineries in the Niagara Benchlands and how they aim to change perceptions about Ontario wines.
- Enjoy insightful food and wine pairing tips, including unexpected combinations that elevate the tasting experience, such as Icewine with savory dishes.
Contact Sue-Ann Staff here: