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Read Between the Wines Podcast

Pierre Ferland

Read Between the Wines Podcast is not really a podcast, it's a repository of stories from the wine world. It is focused on the narratives behind the winemakers rather than wine scoring.

Founded and hosted by Vino-enthusiast Pierre Ferland, it offers a different and refreshing concept in wine exploration. Each episode offers a unique perspective on vineyard's tales, much like each vintage brings its own profile and personality to a blend. Some conversations will delve into winemaking techniques, while others will explore initiatives to preserve biodiversity and find solutions to combat climate change.

From a consumer perspective, we are intrigued by how wine scoring has dominated the industry, leaving many enthusiasts perplexed by its intricacies yet still relying on a solitary number for their selections. We understand and respect the fact that a generous score can help move a few bottles and we won't hold it against any wineries, but from a vintner and a winemaker perspective, we pose a pivotal question: what legacy do you wish to imprint upon your clientele? A numerical rating, or the compelling tale of your craft? Think about it. What score would you give to the "Mona Lisa" or "The Starry Night" from Van Gogh? About "Composition 8" from Kandinsky or "The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo. It's very subjective indeed and so is Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia and Riesling from Germany.

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  • 97 episodes
  • Updated Thursday

Episodes97

Newest first
  • Sep 6, 2019 · 1 hr 53 min

    E18 - Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Sue-Ann Staff, one of Canada's most acclaimed winemakers, recognised with more than 450 national and international awards. A seventh-generation grower from Jordan, Ontario, Sue-Ann carries forward a family legacy dating back to vineyards planted in 1898, rooted in the soils of the Twenty Mile Bench and Vinemount Ridge. Our conversation explores her journey from working in Australia to founding her own estate, the challenges of ownership, and her philosophy that blends art and science in equal measure. She reflects on women in wine, the importance of community among Niagara producers, and the stories behind her labels, from "Fancy Farm Girl" to wines named for her ancestors. At its heart, this episode celebrates energy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to people, place, and the evolving culture of Canadian wine. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Aug 29, 2019 · 1 hr 42 min

    E17 - Pier-Alexis Soulière, Master Sommelier · Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Pier-Alexis Soulière MS, one of fewer than 300 Master Sommeliers worldwide and winner of the 2018 Best Sommelier of the Americas. Born in rural Québec and now internationally recognised, he brings global experience from Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Sydney, New York, and California. Our conversation explores the rigorous path to becoming a Master Sommelier, the human side of hospitality, and the importance of stories in creating lasting connections between people and wine. Pier-Alexis shares his philosophy on keeping wine simple, avoiding intimidation, and encouraging curiosity through playful approaches to buying and tasting. From the challenges of service to reflections on trends such as Eastern European wines, ratings, and food pairing, this episode offers rare insights into one of the world's most exclusive professions, reminding us that wine is always about people, place, and shared pleasure. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Aug 23, 2019 · 2 hr 9 min

    E16 - Lundy Manor Wine Cellars, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Adam Kern and Chris Robinson of Lundy Manor Wine Cellars. Adam, a trained winemaker and sommelier, and Chris, a passionate voice for appassimento, share their unique perspectives on making wine in Niagara Falls, one of the region's most distinctive sites. Set on historic Lundy's Lane, Lundy Manor stands apart with its clay-rich soils, exposure above the escarpment, and bold vision inspired by international investors. The conversation explores the balance between terroir and winemaker personality, the influence of global trends, and how identity and coherence shape a winery's philosophy. From blending and barrel work to icewine versus recioto, we examine how place and philosophy intersect to create wines that carry both Niagara's character and the personal imprint of those who craft them. At its heart, this is a story of people, place, and the evolving culture of Canadian wine. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Jul 15, 2019 · 1 hr 35 min

    E15 - Foreign Affair Winery · Barclay Robinson, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Barclay Robinson, winemaker at Foreign Affair Winery in Niagara. Barclay's path began as a sommelier in Calgary before studies at Brock University and vintages at Henry of Pelham and Tawse shaped his vision. His curiosity for Italian wines, especially Amarone, led him to embrace the appassimento method in Canada. Foreign Affair was founded in the 1990s by Marisa and Len Crispino, inspired by their years in Verona. Today, under Corby Spirit and Wine, the estate continues their legacy, producing bold, distinctive wines through the drying of grapes before fermentation. Barclay shares how blending, patience, and terroir define their Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Riesling, while new projects keep the winery evolving. This conversation explores legacy, innovation, and how Niagara's cool climate can yield wines of surprising richness. At its heart, it is about vision and determination. * Update: Since recording this episode, Foreign Affair Winery has appointed a new winemaker. We revisited the winery in Episode 58 (July 2024), featuring René Van Ede. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Jun 30, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min

    E14 - Featherstone Estate Winery, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Louise Engel of Featherstone Estate Winery in Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench. Together with her husband David Johnson, Louise transitioned from running a renowned gourmet poultry market in Guelph to cultivating one of Ontario's most distinctive vineyards. Their journey reflects a deep connection between food, farming, and wine. Set on a limestone bench south of Vineland, Featherstone is an estate where sheep manage the vines, chickens roam freely, and even a falcon is employed for pest control. The old farmhouse tasting room embodies their philosophy of hospitality and simplicity, making wine approachable and rooted in place. This conversation explores eco-friendly farming, the cultural heritage of Ontario wine, and why Riesling and Cabernet Franc thrive here. At its heart, it is about people who believe wine should be fun, local, and shared. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Jun 28, 2019 · 1 hr 59 min

    E13 - Rockway Vineyards, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome David Stasiuk, head winemaker at Rockway Vineyards in Niagara's Twenty Mile Bench. David's journey began in hospitality before wine studies at Niagara College led him to vintages in the Okanagan, Australia's Yarra Valley, and Marlborough, New Zealand. These experiences shaped his craft and fuelled a philosophy rooted in balance, patience, and terroir. Rockway stands out as both an estate winery and an 18-hole championship golf course, offering a rare blend of wine and sport. From its breezy benchland soils, David cultivates Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, while exploring sparkling wine production and innovative styles. This conversation explores Niagara's evolving identity, the realities of small-scale winemaking, and why Cabernet Franc and Riesling shine so brightly in Ontario. At its heart, it's about people, place, and the pursuit of meaningful wines. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • May 17, 2019 · 1 hr 10 min

    E12 – Adamo Estate Winery, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Shauna White, winemaker at Adamo Estate Winery in Ontario's Hockley Valley. With experience spanning British Columbia, Chablis, Oregon, Australia and New Zealand, Shauna brings a truly global perspective to cool-climate winemaking. She discusses the challenges of growing vinifera north of Niagara, the use of geo-textiles to protect vines in winter, and her commitment to organic and biodynamic practices. Shauna also shares her experiments with orange wine and pét-nat, reflecting her belief that innovation and balance go hand in hand. This episode explores her journey from a family vineyard in BC to leading one of Ontario's most dynamic boutique wineries. Shauna's passion, humility, and adventurous spirit shine through, showing why wine is always about people, place, and perseverance. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • May 15, 2019 · 1 hr 18 min

    E11 – Creekside Estate Winery, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Rob Power, long-time winemaker at Creekside Estate Winery in Jordan, Ontario. Known for its motto "Serious wines from an irreverent bunch," Creekside has built a reputation for innovation, especially with Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Rob reflects on two decades of vintages, the origins of the Broken Press Syrah, and why experimentation defines Creekside's approach. He shares how his path from Toronto's Select Bistro to Brock University's first Cool Climate Oenology class shaped his relaxed yet thoughtful style. We also discuss the challenges of Niagara's climate, the balance between innovation and consistency, and how humour and humility sustain winemaking. This is a candid conversation with one of Canada's most respected voices, reminding us that wine should be serious in the glass but fun in the making. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • May 3, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min

    E10 – Trail Estate Winery, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome winemaker Mackenzie Brisbois of Trail Estate Winery in Prince Edward County. Mackenzie brings global harvest experience and a sharp curiosity to her role, crafting wines that are minimal intervention yet highly expressive of place. She discusses the challenges of farming in PEC's cool climate, her philosophy of keeping parcels separate, and why transparency and experimentation are central to her winemaking. From orange wine to pét-nat, Mackenzie shares how innovation and patience shape her work in the cellar. This episode highlights the collaborative spirit among Ontario winemakers and how shared knowledge strengthens the community. It is a candid look at thoughtful risk-taking, sustainability, and the artistry behind wines that truly reflect their origins. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Apr 25, 2019 · 1 hr 1 min

    E9 - Red, White and Black · The Documentary, USA

    For this episode, we welcome Jerry Bell Jr, director of the documentary Red, White & Black, which explores the lives of minority winemakers in Oregon and the barriers they continue to face. Jerry shares the origins of the project, beginning with Haitian American winemaker Bertony Faustin of Abbey Creek, and explains how the film expanded to highlight Black, women, and LGBTQ+ voices in an industry that has long been overwhelmingly white. Our conversation uncovers Oregon's exclusion laws, the challenges of land ownership, and the subtle and not-so-subtle discrimination that persists in tasting rooms. Jerry also reflects on the importance of consumer education, inclusive wine tourism, and redefining what it means to be a winemaker. Honest and hopeful, this episode is a call to acknowledge history, embrace diversity, and build a wine culture where everyone belongs. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Mar 29, 2019 · 1 hr 12 min

    E5 - Cave Spring Vineyard, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Angelo Pavan, founding winemaker at Cave Spring Vineyard in Niagara's Beamsville Bench. With decades of experience, Angelo has helped shape Canadian wine, establishing Riesling and Chardonnay as signature grapes of the region. His pioneering work reflects both scientific rigour and deep respect for terroir. Angelo discusses the challenges and opportunities of cool-climate winemaking, sharing his philosophy on balance, patience, and consistency. He reflects on his career, the evolution of Niagara wine, and how collaboration has strengthened the industry. This episode offers listeners a chance to hear from one of Canada's most influential voices, whose calm wisdom and commitment to excellence have inspired generations of winemakers. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Mar 19, 2019 · 1 hr 11 min

    E4 - Between the Lines Winery, Canada

    For this episode, we welcome Greg Wertsch, co-founder of Between the Lines Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, for the very first interview of the podcast. Fittingly, our debut features a winery whose name almost mirrors our own — a coincidence too good not to celebrate. Greg, alongside his brother Yannick, has built a family estate that blends German winemaking training with Canadian determination, producing small-lot wines that combine precision and creativity. In our conversation, Greg reflects on how Between the Lines began, his journey into winemaking, and the philosophy that drives the winery. He explains how he and Yannick divide their responsibilities, the calculated risks they take in the vineyard and cellar, and why their approach has been described as "German engineering with a Canadian twist." This debut interview offers an inside look at how the Wertsch brothers are shaping Niagara's next generation of wine. With Greg at the helm, listeners gain candid insights into the balance between innovation, discipline, and authenticity. For more information about our podcast, visit us on the web: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Feb 11, 2019 · 32 min

    E3 - Wine Mythbusters - Part II

    The myth-busting continues. This episode wraps our special two-part series on the "Dirty Dozen" of wine myths. We take on the next six: do expensive glasses really matter, is decanting only for grand old bottles, are blends inferior, what is the right serving temperature, do wine "legs" signal quality, and must red pair with red meat while white stays with fish. Expect clear answers, practical tips, and a few smiles. The goal is simple. Enjoy wine with confidence, not rules. If you missed the start, head back to Episode 2. Discover more today: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Jan 16, 2019 · 41 min

    E2 - Wine Mythbusters - Part I

    Think you know wine? Think again. This episode kicks off a special two-part series where we tackle the "Dirty Dozen" of wine myths. In Part one, we take on six of the most persistent misconceptions: do wine ratings really know your palate, are expensive bottles always better, does every wine improve with age, cork versus screw cap, the myth of smelling the cork, and why storage matters more than you think. Expect straight talk, practical tips, and a few laughs. Wine should be enjoyed, not overcomplicated. Catch the conclusion in Episode 3: Sip smarter today: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines

  • Dec 6, 2018 · 23 min

    E1 - Introduction to Read Between the Wines

    Wine is the mythical beverage. In this first episode, host Pierre Ferland sets the table for Read Between the Wines—a show about people, place, and story. From ancient roots and monks to today's golden age, we explore why wine is simple once you know what to look for. Expect friendly guidance for real life moments: wine lists, pairings, and confidence at the table. Meet winemakers, sommeliers, critics, and fellow enthusiasts in future episodes. Discover regions and styles along the way, from Oregon Pinot Noir and South African Chenin Blanc to Canadian Riesling and ice wine. If you enjoy learning without the snobbery, you are in the right place. Start listening now and discover a new way to experience wine. Visit our websitefor more info: https://readbetweenthewines.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines