

Unreserved Wine Talk
Natalie MacLean
The Unreserved Wine Talk podcast features candid conversations with the most fascinating people in the wine world. Your host, award-winning journalist Natalie MacLean, dives into how it feels to compete in the nerve-wracking World's Best Sommelier Competition, the shadowy underground of wine forgery, the zany tactics of a winemaker who hosted a funeral for cork, and more. Nestled in these colourful stories are practical tips on how to choose wine from a restaurant list, pair it with food and spot great values in the liquor store.
Every second episode, Natalie goes solo with an unfiltered, personal reflection on wine. She'll share with you how it feels to be a woman in what is still a largely male-dominated field, her gut reaction to the latest health study that says no amount of alcohol consumption is safe and her journey in writing her next book. She'll reveal these vulnerable, sometimes embarrassing, stories with tipsy wit and wisdom that she's soaked up from 20 years of writing about wine.
This podcast is for wine lovers from novices to well-cellared aficionados.
Every second episode, Natalie goes solo with an unfiltered, personal reflection on wine. She'll share with you how it feels to be a woman in what is still a largely male-dominated field, her gut reaction to the latest health study that says no amount of alcohol consumption is safe and her journey in writing her next book. She'll reveal these vulnerable, sometimes embarrassing, stories with tipsy wit and wisdom that she's soaked up from 20 years of writing about wine.
This podcast is for wine lovers from novices to well-cellared aficionados.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 11, 2022 • 45min
180: Extreme Winemaking, Ontario Wine Gems, Canada's Regions & Grapes
Why is icewine considered extreme winemaking, and what are some weird, but wonderful food pairings for this elixir? Which Canadian wine regions should you visit next? What unusual things can you do at Ontario wineries? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What are the major wine regions in Canada? How does Ontario’s weather impact the types of wine that are produced? What are the most important characteristics of Canadian Icewine? Which types of food pair best with Icewine? How does the late harvest time for Icewine present additional difficulties for winemakers? What are some of the main attractions of the Ontario wine regions and sub-regions? How do the Niagara River and Lake Ontario affect the climate in the sub-region around them? Which innovative and environmentally-friendly methods are the winemakers at Featherstone Estate Winery using to protect their vines? What are the top grape varieties grown in Ontario? Where do I think Canadian wine and wineries will go in the future? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/180.

May 4, 2022 • 53min
179: Finding Bargain Wines and Regions with Janina Doyle of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
Why does Italy make such a fantastic wine destination to visit? Which underpriced wines for their quality should you try next? How can you successfully navigate the walls of bottles in a wine shop? Which simple technique can you use to improve your tasting skills and learn more about wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Janina Doyle, host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How did a trip to Italy introduce me to the wonderful world of wine? What does a typical day look like for me? What’s it like to be live on TV on Canada’s biggest morning show, The Social and CTV News? Where will you be taken and what will you learn in my first book, Red, White, And Drunk All Over? Why do I believe that you are the reason I’ve been able to get great access when writing my books and in my other wine endeavours? Which discovery did I make about finding incredible wine value in my second book, Unquenchable? Which bargain wines should you try next? Why does Italy make such a fantastic wine destination to visit? What has been the most beautiful moment of my wine career so far? What strategies can you use as a consumer to navigate the overwhelming walls of bottles in a wine shop? Which simple technique can you use to improve your tasting skills and learn more about wine? What’s our favourite type of wine glass? How can you go beyond the basic red wine and cheese pairings? Which perfect wine pairings can you try with these famous books? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/179.

Apr 27, 2022 • 43min
178: Pandemic's Positive Impact on Wine + Buying Wine Online with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling
How has the pandemic positively impacted the wine industry? Why is the percentage of women buying online rising faster than men? How do consumers benefit when wine producers have access to more and better data? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What Wineries Need to Do Now. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Which interesting trends have been identified when it comes to Gen Z drinking habits? What can wine brands do to engage younger generations? Which positive trends stood out in the DTC report? How did the pandemic impact online DTC sales? Has the lifting of lockdown restrictions negatively impacted online DTC sales? Why should consumers be excited about the growth of the online side of the wine industry? What are the implications of the DTC report for the Canadian wine scene? How did Canadian wineries quickly adapt to the new environment of the pandemic? What would be the benefits of opening the borders to shipping wine across provinces in Canada? How does having more data and more granularity benefit everyone from wine consumers to producers? Why are more women purchasing wine online than men? What are Andrea & Cathy’s ideal settings for having a glass of wine? Which controversial wine opinions do Cathy & Andrea have? Which childhood foods would be fun to pair with wine today? What was Andrea’s worst food and wine pairing? Which great historical figures would Cathy & Andrea love to share a bottle of wine with? What message would Andrea & Cathay share if they could put up their own billboard downtown in a big city? Which wine would Cathy & Andrea want to be served at their funerals? Key Takeaways At least there were some upsides to the pandemic on the wine industry in terms of moving it forward with selling online and tightening direct connections between those who make wine and those who drink it. I found it fascinating that the percentage of women buying online is rising faster than men. It makes sense though given women still buy most household items. Getting granular on the data means getting more personal with consumers in terms of their experience in buying the wine whether that’s in person at the winery or online. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe have recently co-authored a ground-breaking report on the wine industry that will be of interest to those who make, sell and buy wine, from wineries to consumers. Andrea Smalling is Chief Marketing Officer and Head of E-Commerce Sales of WineDirect, a U.S.-based company that helps wineries sell directly to consumers. Cathy Huyghe is an award-winning journalist with a regular column in Forbes and co-founder and CEO of Enolytics, a data-driven business intelligence company for the $970 billion wine and spirits industry. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/178.

Apr 20, 2022 • 39min
177: Ground-Breaking Report for Making, Buying & Selling Wine with Cathy Huyghe & Andrea Smalling
How have major events like the pandemic and the wildfires affected the way we buy wine online? Do younger generations, such as Gen Y, Gen Z and Millenials, have different criteria for buying wine? What impact does storytelling have on wine sales? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Cathy Huyghe and Andrea Smalling, authors of the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report: What Wineries Need to Do Now. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights What did Andrea’s previous career with Proctor & Gamble involve? Why did Andrea decide to move into a career in the wine industry? What was the realization Andrea had about wine being an agricultural business? How did Cathy fall in love with wine and wine writing? Why does Cathy consider herself primarily an issues writer? What’s the mission behind A Balanced Glass? Which key advice does Cathy wish she could tell her younger self, early on in her wine career? What do we mean by DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) wine sales? How does WineDirect serve wineries? Why was the WineDirect x Enolytics 2021 Direct-To-Consumer Impact Report created? What was the founding mission of Enolytics? What type of data was analyzed for the DTC Impact Report? How did the report track the impact of the California wildfires on the wine industry? What did the DTC Impact Report show about the impact of those wildfires? Why is the story behind the wine important to younger drinkers? Did the report reveal any insights about wine and gender? Key Takeaways I found it fascinating to learn how the pandemic, the wildfires and other major events have changed the way we buy wine online. It’s interesting that younger generations, such as Gen Y, Gen Z and Millenials, really want that in-person experience when buying wine. I would have assumed they’d be all about online only. We’re back to storytelling, whether it’s wine or books, it has a profound impact on sales and connection. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe Andrea Smalling & Cathy Huyghe have recently co-authored a ground-breaking report on the wine industry that will be of interest to those who make, sell and buy wine, from wineries to consumers. Andrea Smalling is Chief Marketing Officer and Head of E-Commerce Sales of WineDirect, a U.S.-based company that helps wineries sell directly to consumers. Cathy Huyghe is an award-winning journalist with a regular column in Forbes and co-founder and CEO of Enolytics, a data-driven business intelligence company for the $970 billion wine and spirits industry. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/177.

Apr 13, 2022 • 33min
176: Australian Wine Pairings, Tips and Trends with James Atkinson of Drinks Adventures
Are you curious about the Australian wine scene and the latest trends and changes? How about tips on buying terrific Australian wines? What are some iconic Australian food and wine pairings you should try? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights Are there any parallel trends in the beer and wine industries? Is natural wine gaining popularity in Australia? What is James’ controversial take on natural wine? What changes and trends have emerged recently in the Australian wine scene? How has Australian Chardonnay evolved and improved over the years? Which wine regions should you try for Australian cool-climate Chardonnay? What are some iconic Australian food and wine pairings? What are the biggest challenges facing the Australian wine industry? Which must-see site should you visit on a trip to Champagne? What did James love about his trip to Alsace? Which foods should you try on a visit to Alsace? Which wines does James like to pair with pizza? What barbecue and wine pairing surprised James? What’s James’ favourite wine book? Why is winesave James’ favourite wine gadget? Which vintage wine would James want to be served at his funeral? Which common red wine mistake can we easily avoid? Key Takeaways His descriptions of Australian wines made me not only want to revisit the wine styles but also go back to Australia itself. It’s such a magical place. James makes some important points about cool-climate Australian wines and how elegant and balanced they are, to the point where they can easily be confused with Burgundian wines, especially when it comes to Chardonnay. I loved his iconic Australian food and wine pairing suggestions and can’t wait to try them. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About James Atkinson James Atkinson is the creator of the Drinks Adventures podcast and winner of Best Podcast at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards 2021. A lover of all fine drinks, James was previously editor of Australian Brews News and drinks industry publication TheShout. A Certified Cicerone® (beer sommelier) and two-time winner of the Australian International Beer Awards prize for Best Media, James has judged at several prestigious beer competitions. As a journalist, he has contributed to publications including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Halliday, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Good Food, Selector and more. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/176.

Apr 6, 2022 • 29min
175: Wine Sommeliers v Beer Cicerones and Tasting Techniques with Drinks Adventures' James Atkinson
What's the difference between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier or cicerone? Which glass is best for properly appreciating great beer? What can you expect from Arizona as an up-and-coming wine region? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with James Atkinson, drinks journalist and host of the Drinks Adventures podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How did James land the opportunity to host wine royalty, Jancis Robinson, at his house? What aspects of James’ interview with Jancis Robinson stood out the most? How did James create an opportunity to interview a childhood idol on his podcast? How has rockstar winemaker Maynard James Keenan been influenced by Australian wine? What can you expect from Arizona as an up-and-coming wine region? When did James know he wanted to be a professional drinks writer? What were the most difficult aspects of James’ pre-drinks writing career? Which aspect of James’ early career would he change if he had the chance? What are the differences between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier (cicerone)? How long can you keep beer before it goes bad? What’s the process like to become a Certified Cicerone? Which type of glass is best to properly appreciate the nuances of your beer? What’s James’ favourite beer and food pairing? Key Takeaways I enjoyed learning about the difference between a wine sommelier and a beer sommelier or cicerone. Even though I’m not a beer drinker, it’s good to know which glass is best for appreciating great beer. That tip will be handy for my partner Miles who loves local, craft beer. Arizona is an interesting up-and-coming wine region. I would not have thought viticulture would be possible in such a warm region. I look forward to trying the wines someday. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB26262 About James Atkinson James Atkinson is the creator of the Drinks Adventures podcast and winner of Best Podcast at the Australian Wine Communicator Awards 2021. A lover of all fine drinks, James was previously editor of Australian Brews News and drinks industry publication TheShout. A Certified Cicerone® (beer sommelier) and two-time winner of the Australian International Beer Awards prize for Best Media, James has judged at several prestigious beer competitions. As a journalist, he has contributed to publications including The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Halliday, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Good Food, Selector and more. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/175.

Mar 30, 2022 • 44min
174: Retronasal Smell in Tasting Wine and Virtual Brands with Jim Duane of Inside Winemaking Podcast
How can tuning into the retronasal aspect of smell take your wine tasting skill to the next level? What makes the sense of smell so fascinating? What does it mean to be a virtual wine brand? What do grapes & M&Ms have in common? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway If you live in the United States you can get 10% of Jim’s Terratorium wines using the code NATALIE. Highlights What’s the story behind Seavey Vineyard having both grapes and livestock? Which unusual cow-specific winemaking tip does Jim follow every harvest? How did 15 tons of crushed Pinot Noir grapes go missing and end up in a parking lot? What’s it like to work a harvest without power? How did Jim go from totally avoiding Rosé to making three vintages by 2021? What makes Riesling the hardest wine to ferment? What led to the aha moment in high school when Jim first became intrigued by fermentation? How are off-dry, dry and sweet wines classified depending on their sugar levels? Why does Jim consider himself a gardener at heart? What’s unique about working with Seavey Vineyard? Why was Jim terrified about going into a career as a winemaker? What was Jim’s inspiration for creating his podcast, Inside Winemaking? How was working at Stags’ Leap winery was like a university of practical winemaking for Jim? Why is mastering logistics a critical part of becoming a successful winemaker? What were Jim’s biggest takeaways from working at Robert Mondavi Winery? Why was Jim excited to have access to the To Kalon vineyard? Key Takeaways I enjoyed hearing about what winemaker wannabes and everyday wine drinkers can learn from Jim’s podcast. Even if you don’t want to become a winemaker, understanding the process can deepen your appreciation of what you’re drinking. The retronasal sense of smell is a game-changer when it comes to detecting specific aromas in wine. It’s a subset, of course, within the fascinating world of smell that we’ll continue to explore on this podcast in future episodes. Jim’s comparison of grapes with M&Ms was helpful in understanding texture and ripeness. I also was interested in Jim’s explanation of virtual wine brands. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he’s been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/174.

Mar 23, 2022 • 37min
173: What Being a Winemaker is Really Like with Inside Winemaking's Jim Duane
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a winemaker and wondered what it takes? What’s it like to work a wine harvest without power? What makes Riesling the most difficult grape to ferment? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jim Duane, winemaker and host of the Inside Winemaking Podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Giveaway If you live in the United States you can get 10% of Jim’s Terratorium wines using the code NATALIE. Highlights What’s the story behind Seavey Vineyard having both grapes and livestock? Which unusual cow-specific winemaking tip does Jim follow every harvest? How did 15 tons of crushed Pinot Noir grapes go missing and end up in a parking lot? What’s it like to work a harvest without power? How did Jim go from totally avoiding Rosé to making three vintages by 2021? What makes Riesling the hardest wine to ferment? What led to the aha moment in high school when Jim first became intrigued by fermentation? How are off-dry, dry and sweet wines classified depending on their sugar levels? Why does Jim consider himself a gardener at heart? What’s unique about working with Seavey Vineyard? Why was Jim terrified about going into a career as a winemaker? What was Jim’s inspiration for creating his podcast, Inside Winemaking? How was working at Stags’ Leap winery was like a university of practical winemaking for Jim? Why is mastering logistics a critical part of becoming a successful winemaker? What were Jim’s biggest takeaways from working at Robert Mondavi Winery? Why was Jim excited to have access to the To Kalon vineyard? Key Takeaways Jim gives us a taste for what it’s like being a winemaker, but his podcast and courses will help you take a deep dive if you’re so inclined. His story about working a harvest without power was incredible. Pure grit and determination. And I guess that’s how they did it in the old days every year. Hard to imagine. I’m fascinated with all aspects of Riesling as it’s so diverse in style and food pairings, but Jim really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to make. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Jim Duane Jim Duane studied biology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington then worked at Brancott Vineyards in New Zealand. Hauling rocks in the vineyard, he says, helped him get ready for graduate school at the renowned University of California at Davis oenology program. In 2004, he moved to Napa where he’s been ever since. Jim is now the winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in California's Napa Valley. Prior to that, he worked at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2014, he launched a podcast called Inside Winemaking, which is ranked one of the most popular wine podcasts. In 2021, he launched Terratorium Wines as a direct result of his podcast and winemaking classes. Jim and his wife Erin have two daughters that keep them busy. Recently, he notes, they logged four pulled-teeth in a 36-hour period. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/173.

Mar 16, 2022 • 49min
172: Wine Supertasters, Food Pairings and Canadian Palates with XChateau's Robert Vernick & Peter Yeung
What does it mean to be a supertaster? How did wine consumption habits change during the pandemic? Do Canadians have different wine preferences compared to drinkers in other regions? Why is food and wine pairing such a great way to get into the world of wine? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung, co-hosts of the XChateau podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How did I get started in my wine career? What motivated me to go from wine enthusiast to wine writer? What does it mean to be a supertaster? How do I manage my time between all my wine endeavours from books, to TV appearances, to the podcast? Would wine experts benefit from my wine and food pairing course? Why are "day in the life" stories often a better way to learn? What features do wine lovers around the world enjoy with my mobile wine apps? Are American wines well received in Canada? How did wine consumption habits change during the pandemic? Is there a distinguishable Canadian palate when it comes to wine? Which Canadian wines should you try next, outside of the icewine category? Why is food and wine pairing such a great way for beginners to ease into the world of wine? What's unique about Tim Hanni's perspective on food and wine? How has my business and my focus within it changed over the years? Why are wine scores helpful despite lacking nuance? What value is shared with subscribers through my newsletter? Why is visiting vineyards one of my favourite ways to learn about wine? What's the best way to learn more about Canadian wines? Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 About Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung Robert Vernick and Peter Yeung co-host the XChateau podcast that features insights, analysis, and perspectives on news and trends in the wine industry beyond winemaking, such as marketing, finance, and consumer trends. Robert is a noted wine blogger who holds the WSET Diploma. Peter is a wine business consultant and the award-winning author of Luxury Wine Marketing published by Infinite Ideas in Oxford, U.K. He was named one of Wine Business Monthly's 2020 Wine Industry Leaders. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/172.

Mar 9, 2022 • 43min
171: Chilean Wine in the Driest Place on Earth & England's Storied Wine History with Janina Doyle
Are you curious about British wines and their history that dates back to King Henry VIII? How is wine made in the driest place on Earth and where is that exactly? Are stemless wine glasses better than traditional stemware? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Janina Doyle, sommelier and host of the Eat Sleep Wine Repeat podcast. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks Highlights How are English wines connected to King Henry VIII and the Domesday Book? Which wine makes a great pairing with classic English fish and chips? What English wine brands should you look for on North American shelves? How do you use Coravin wine preservation systems? What does Janina love about Hush Heath Estate Balfour Luke's Pinot Noir? What are suitcase clones and where do they show up in the wine world? Which hallmarks should be present in a good quality Pinot Noir? Can you pair Pinot Noir with fish or chicken? What critical tip should you keep in mind when choosing a corkscrew? How can you open your wine like a professional? How did the Pais grape variety end up in Chile? What’s the tasting profile of Ventisquero País Moscatel like? Why shouldn’t you chill an oaked wine? How is viticulture possible in the driest desert on Earth? What features should you look for in a good wine glass? Why does Janina prefer stemless wine glasses? Which wine would Janina now pair with her favourite birthday cake from childhood? Which person outside of the wine world would Janina most want to share a bottle of wine with? Key Takeaways British wines have a fascinating history dating back to King Henry VIII. Now that was a man who enjoyed his food and drink. It was interesting to hear how wine is made in the driest place on Earth in Chile. I look forward to trying some of those wines. The debate about stemless wine glasses versus traditional stemware continues. Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Video Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wednesday at 7 pm eastern on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I’ll be jumping into the comments as we watch it together so that I can answer your questions in real-time. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621 Giveaway You could win a 1-hour online masterclass with Janina Doyle. The class will be tailored to you, which wines you have access to, and what you want to learn about. You can have the class just for yourself, or gather a whole group together. How to Win To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and tell me that you heard about this giveaway on the podcast. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. I’ll select the winner randomly from those who participate. You get a bonus entry for every wine-loving friend you tag and if you re-share this post in your stories. Good luck! About Janina Doyle Janina Doyle started her wine career in several top-notch restaurants in London, UK, rising from waitress to head sommelier as she completed her WSET diploma. She has spent the last six years creating Eat Sleep Wine Repeat where she offers wine tastings, events and services. She also created the Bromley Wine Society, a local monthly wine group, and her podcast, Eat Sleep Wine Repeat. She is also Brand Ambassador for Ventisquero Wine Estates in Chile. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/171.