Unwined with Mandi Robertson

As Quebecers prepare to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, this week's edition of Unwined with Mandi shines a spotlight on the wines and spirits being crafted right here at home. Mandi welcomes Marie-Elaine Dufour and Chris Zacchia of Vignoble Côte de Vaudreuil to discuss their journey as winery owners and their vision for creating more than just great wine. From their new wine, Légende Vivante, to their efforts to build a welcoming gathering place where visitors can connect, relax, and enjoy the best of Quebec hospitality, they share what makes their corner of the province so special. Then, Mandi sits down with Steven Fortin and Elizabeth Ryan, the duo behind Nordique Wine. They discuss how they built a successful wine brand through strategic partnerships, the wines currently available at the SAQ, and their thoughts on the exciting future of Quebec's wine industry. The celebration continues with Maureen David of 1769 Distillery. She shares the story behind the distillery's 100% Quebec-made spirits, including their innovative bag-in-box format, and offers a festive cocktail recipe perfect for Saint-Jean celebrations, backyard gatherings, and Father's Day festivities. Plus, Mandi shares her Wines of the Week, featuring a selection of bottles perfect for raising a glass to Dad and celebrating the long Quebec summer ahead!

Today’s show is taking us on a little journey through the Mediterranean — from the rugged vineyards of southern France to the mountains of Greece, and even into the world of one of the most ancient and essential ingredients in cooking: olive oil. We’re starting in the Languedoc, one of France’s most dynamic and exciting wine regions, where passionate producers are redefining what southern French wines can be. I’ll be joined by Camille Valette from Domaine Canet-Valette, a winery that has built a reputation for soulful wines that really capture the wild beauty of the region. Then we head to Greece, where ancient grapes are having a well-deserved renaissance. Aris Tselepos from Tselepos Winery will introduce us to Moschofilero, one of Greece’s most aromatic and captivating white varieties — a grape that more wine lovers should absolutely have on their radar. And finally, because great food and great wine are inseparable, we’ll talk about something that sits at the heart of Mediterranean cuisine: olive oil. Tony Drakos from Zoe Olive Oil will join us to explain what makes truly great olive oil, why quality matters, and how the right bottle can transform even the simplest dish.

We’re diving into craftsmanship — in the glass and on the plate. First, we welcome Geneviève Charest, master blender at Sortilège, to talk about the art of blending Canadian whisky with Québec maple syrup. What does it actually take to balance spirit, sweetness, texture, and tradition? We’ll get into the science — and the magic — behind one of Québec’s most iconic bottles. Then, we head to Portugal with Teresa Araújo from Casa Ferreirinha, one of the Douro’s most historic estates. We’ll explore the legacy behind the winery and why Portuguese wines continue to impress with their freshness, energy, and sense of place. And finally, Ari Schor of Restaurant Beba joins us to share his culinary journey — from his roots to building one of Montreal’s most thoughtful and tradition-driven kitchens. Plus — of course — my affordable Wines of the Week, because great wine doesn’t have to break the bank.

Today's show is kicking off with Wines of the Week — wines that've got you covered for both Valentine’s and Galentine’s. Whether you’re planning a candlelight romance or a no-drama night with your girls, we’ll talk about exactly what should be in your glass. Then… we’re going on a vin-venture to Crotia A country with over 2,000 years of winemaking history, indigenous grapes you’ve probably never tried, and a food culture that deserves way more attention than it gets. We’ll dive into the history, the culture, and why Croatian wine is quietly one of Europe’s most exciting stories right now. I’ll be speaking with Juraj Sladić, the winemaker behind Testament Winery — a producer that’s helping redefine modern Croatian wine. We’ll also talk to Saša Muradori, one of the co-operators behind Croatia Unpacked, about how to truly experience the country beyond the postcard version. And to close out the show, we’re bringing in Virginia Holst, creator of Wander Far – Spend Less, who will tell us how to travel to Croatia with kids — because yes, you can explore history, culture, food and wine… and still make it family-friendly. So today’s show is about more than what’s in your glass.It’s about why Croatia should be on your radar — especially if you’re planning a trip soon. 

Today on Unwined with Mandi, we’re starting in Spain with Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta, one of Rioja’s historic benchmarks. I’ll be joined by Javier Bañales, who will walk us through what defines classic fine Rioja wines, why time and freshness matter so much, and why these wines remain timeless and deeply pleasurable to drink. Then, we head to Italy with Masi Agricola. Raffaele Boscaini will join me to talk about a brand-new Prosecco that’s just landed at the SAQ — what makes it different, why the branding changed, and why this is the kind of bottle you’ll want to have chilled and ready. And finally — something very exciting for Montreal food lovers. A brand-new Italian restaurant has just opened its doors, and today we have them in studio. Celebrated Montreal chef Steve Marcone joins me alongside his partner Viral Patel to introduce La Figata — a new address for Italian cuisine that’s already generating serious buzz.

If you’ve ever been curious about Japan — the culture, the food, the drinks, or even what it actually takes to get there — today’s show is for you. We’re diving into all things Japan, from what’s in your glass, to what’s on your plate, to how to confidently plan a trip to one of the most fascinating countries in the world. We’ll be talking sake recommendations and how to enjoy them with Marie‑Hélène Boisvert, a sake educator, expert, and sommelier who helps make sake approachable and food-friendly.We’ll also be joined by Michael Tremblay, also known as Mr. Sake — a sake master, author, and educator who has dedicated his career to helping people truly understand what sake is and why it deserves a place at the table. Beyond the glass, Kuniko Fujita will join us to explore Japanese food culture and the different styles of Japanese restaurants — going well beyond sushi and ramen — and what these dining traditions can teach us about how Japan eats. And finally, if Japan has always felt like a dream destination but one you weren’t quite sure how to plan, Priscilla Portsmouth will be here to ease those worries, sharing practical travel tips and everything you need to know before booking that flight. From sake to food to travel, today’s show is all about making Japan feel less intimidating, more accessible, and incredibly inspiring. You can find more travel information at https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/

Best of Unwined: Quails' Gate in the Okanagan valley and Spanish Bierzo wines