Spill The Wine

Tiny bubbles in the wine make me happy – and if they make YOU happy, then this is the episode for you as we explore the wonderful world of Petillant Naturels (aka Pet Nats). Rob Harold and Joe Shenck, the owners and wine makers of King and Victoria talk about their initial experimentations with making Pet Nats, and the challenges of making a wine that is still fermenting in the bottle. We toss around some great ideas wines for expanding their Pet-Nat portfolio. And Rob unwittingly comes up with yet another great t-shirt slogan (check the title of this episode for a clue!) When you've finished listening, you will be able to confidently choose Pet Nats as a Jeopardy category. Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded March 18, 2026 Show notes: www.kingandvictoria.com Wines sampled: Reboot Reisling Pet-Nat, Savy B Sauvignon Blanc Pet-Nat, Prose Pinot Noir Rose Pet-Nat, G-Minor Gewurztraminer Pet-Nat

In this episode, we make a return trip to Niagara Custom Crush Studios to visit with Tim Reed Manessy, the owner/marketing manager of Therianthropy Inc. Therianthropy means shape shifting, grapes + wild yeast = wine! They believe in low intervention when making wines, which means organically farmed site specific grapes, wild fermentations, no filtering and no flavour or colouring manipulation. They produce some very interesting and enjoyable wines, and the labels, designed by a Parisian artist, are truly works of art. You will definitely want to try these fantastic wines after listening to this episode! Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded February 11, 2026 Show notes: www.theriantropy.wine Wines sampled: 2021 Georgian Bay Riesling, 2024 Odix Musque Merlot, 2025 Passe Tout Grains Nouveau, 2021 Avabelle Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 The Negotiant Cabernet Franc

Melissa Major Brand Partnership, marketing, and hospitality manager of Niagara Custom Crush studios was an absolute pleasure to chat with. She's so passionate about wine and the business model of the studios. It's the first of its kind in Ontario and showcases the work of 13 different wine makers, with 64 wines to sample. You really can spend hours here since it's basically a one stop shop to discover some hidden gems in Niagara wine country. During our conversation, we tasted some very unique wines, ranging from a Pet Nat to a beautiful appassimento and three different styles of Chardonnay. You'll definitely discover some amazing wines when you plan a visit here! Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded November 19, 2025 Show notes: Wines sampled: A Date with Freddie 2024 Pet Nat – Vitis Labrusca Volume 2, Unscripted Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Inferno Stallion 2023 unoaked Chardonnay, Scheule Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay, The Long Way Home 2023 Chardonnay, Rennie G 2017 Assemblage

We're going back to school in this episode to speak with Barb Tatarnic, manager of professional Certification in Ontario Wine, and Steve Trussler, 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode we travel slightly above the Niagara escarpment for a chat with Wescott's winemaker Casey Kulczik. Wescott is a winery that is keen on nurturing the micro flora and fauna on the property to produce wines that truly represent the place of where they are. Andrea and Casey start off their tasting with the Blanc de Noir from the Brilliant series. (a brilliant idea for sure!) It led to an interesting discussion about wild fermentation – describing the yeast as minions and the winemaker as Gru. Casey's passion for winemaking is front and center in this episode and he also explains why vineyard always face north/south. You'll definitely want to schedule a visit to Wescott after listening to this episode. Produced by Lukas Sluzar. Recorded February 19, 2025 Show notes: www.westcottvineyards.com Wines sampled: Brilliant Blanc de Noirs, 2021 Pinot Noir Butlers Grant old Vines, 2021 Pinot Noir Estate, 2022 Chardonnay Estate, 2021 Chardonnay Block 76, 2022 Chardonnay Butlers Grant Old Vines

Ilya and Nadia Senchuk – owners of Leaning Post Winery revealed to our host, Andrea Morris, that the dream of owning a winery actually started as pillow talk, then expanded to numbers on a napkin and eventually led to a search for the right property. After losing three bids for vineyards, they decided to rent a house with some vines on the property, which eventually became Leaning Post. Their passion for wine is evident in this episode when Nadia becomes emotional while speaking about showcasing their wines to a journalist. Their goal as winery owner is to be a warm and welcoming place to showcase what the Niagara region has to offer, with a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also expanding to other varietals. If you're not a Chardonnay fan, Nadia says "challenge accepted" and she will help you to see the beauty in this wine. This episode is full of great quotes like "Chardonnay is the pizza of wine", and is brimming over with passion and love for wine. You'll definitely want to make the trip to the "edge of glory" to experience their wines after listening to his episode! Produced by Lukas Sluzar. Recorded February 19, 2025 Show Notes: www.leaningpostwines.com Wines sampled:2021 Riesling Grimsby Hillside, 2021 Chardonnay, 2021 Chardonnay Senchuk Vineyard