Wine Behind The Scenes

De: Laurel Simmons
  • Resumen

  • Do you love and enjoy wine? Are you fascinated by everything about wine? If so, you'll love this show. Every other week, join Laurel Simmons, who is just like you, passionate about wine and who has explored it with much enthusiasm, intention, and travels as you escape into and explore stories about wine -- the places, tastes, smells, sights, and the people who enjoy it. Learn with her, laugh with her, taste, and travel with her as you explore Wine Behind The Scenes together.
    Laurel Simmons 2022-2023
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Episodios
  • Romancing the Wine: How to Balance Innovation and Tradition
    Apr 30 2025
    In this episode, Laurel Simmons interviews Doug Whitty, owner of 13th Street Winery, about the history of the winery, the challenges and rewards of the wine industry in the Niagara region, and the unique elements that make 13th Street Winery a destination.

    Doug shares insights into the winery's evolution, the importance of embracing change, and the integral role of family and passion in crafting exceptional wines. In this episode, you will learn about:
    • The origins of 13th Street Winery and its evolution over time.
    • Why passion is a crucial ingredient for success in the wine industry.
    • Why wineries need diverse revenue streams to ensure sustainability.
    • How climate change and Mother Nature impact winegrowers and winemakers.
    • The growing prominence of Canadian wines and the Niagara region's potential.
    • How to dispel common wine myths and make wine more approachable for everyone.
    • Why it’s important to consider wine as a food that enhances the dining experience.
    • How unexpected events and discoveries, like the versatility of Gamay, shape the wine industry.
    • The fascinating story of oak barrel production and the preservation of oak forests.
    • What it takes to successfully manage a winery with many moving parts.

    Doug Whitty is the president of 13th Street Winery and of Whitty Farms, representing the third generation of the Whitty family and over 100 years of family-operated stewardship over Niagara soil.

    Upon earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph, Doug travelled extensively as a member of the internal youth expedition in Japan and the Rotary Group Study Exchange in Central America.

    After returning to Niagara, Doug consciously cultivated the family fruit farm with sustainability in mind. Eventually, Doug would go on to be selected as the president of the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

    In 2019, Doug was the recipient of the Tony Aspler Cuvée Award of Excellence. This award is presented to the individual or institution that best furthers the aims and aspirations of Ontario’s wine industry at the annual Cuvée Grand Tasting.

    Beyond agriculture, Doug is a renaissance man with a deep affinity for abstract art, local musical talent, and authentic Canadian cuisine (i.e. butter tarts).

    Connect with and follow Doug:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/13thstreetwinery/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/13thStreetWines
    Website: https://13thstreetwinery.com/
    Email: info@13thStreetWinery.com
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    28 m
  • Vines and Wines: How to Thrive in Tough Times
    Apr 16 2025
    What happens when climate change meets centuries-old winemaking practices?

    In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, I catch up with Konstantina Goula, who’s now co-managing her family’s organic winery in northern Greece. Since her last appearance, the vineyard has faced extreme weather, a 50% crop loss, and major change.
    From automated watering systems to unforgettable wine boat tours on Kerkini Lake, Konstantina shares how they’re adapting, growing, and turning challenges into opportunities one glass at a time.
    Let’s uncork this story of resilience, creativity, and the love behind every bottle.

    In this episode:
    • Discover how climate change is reshaping winemaking.
    • Learn how Konstantina’s family is embracing sustainability and smart tech like automated irrigation to protect their organic vineyards.
    • Get inspired by their pivot to wine tourism, including wine tastings on boats and lakeside events.
    • Explore how a small, family-run winery balances tradition with innovation in a changing world.
    • Laugh along in our closing segment with Judith Lewis as we decode the sensual — and slightly awkward world of wine descriptions (yes, we’re talking about "caressing").
    Konstantina Goula is the co-manager of her family’s organic winery and vineyard nestled in northern Greece, where centuries-old tradition meets modern innovation. After studying and working in the fields of tourism and marketing, Konstantina returned to her roots to help transform the family business not just through sustainable winemaking practices but by creating unforgettable wine tourism experiences.

    She’s played a key role in expanding the winery’s reach by designing events like wine boat tours, gastronomy days, and art-infused tastings that showcase both their wines and the rich cultural landscape of the region. Passionate about storytelling through wine, Konstantina brings a thoughtful, resilient approach to running a boutique winery in a world shaped by climate change.

    Whether she’s adapting to unpredictable weather patterns or dreaming up new ways to connect guests with Greek wine culture, Konstantina is a true force behind the scenes and in the vineyard.

    Contact Konstantina Goula here:
    Email: info@ktimatapostoli.gr
    Website: https://ktimatapostoli.gr/
    Phone: +30 694 657 9507
    IG: @ktimatapostoli
    FB: @toktimatapostoli.gr
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    30 m
  • Revealing the Secrets inside a Winemaker's Home and Heart
    Apr 2 2025
    Do you love wine, food, and travel? Then you’re going to love this episode!

    I’m excited to welcome Sue-Ann Staff to Wine Behind the Scenes. She is a seventh-generation farmer and fifth-generation grape grower in the Niagara Peninsula. Sue-Ann loves making Icewine and other wines, and she has some incredible stories to share.
    We 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.

    Join us for this fun and insightful conversation, and get ready to see Niagara wines in a whole new light!

    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.
    Sue-Ann Staff is a passionate winemaker and the driving force behind Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, located in the picturesque Niagara Benchlands of Ontario. As a seventh-generation farmer and fifth-generation grape grower, Sue-Ann has deep roots in the vineyard, where her love for winemaking began at an early age. With a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Guelph University and a graduate degree in winemaking from the University of Adelaide, she has honed her craft in one of the world's most dynamic wine regions.

    Sue-Ann's expertise lies in producing high-quality Icewine and a variety of other wines, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Baco Noir. Her commitment to showcasing the unique terroir of the Niagara Peninsula is evident in her work with the Niagara Benchlands Wineries, a collaborative group of 31 wineries dedicated to promoting the region's exceptional wines.

    In addition to her winemaking endeavours, Sue-Ann is an engaging storyteller who loves to connect with wine enthusiasts through tastings, events, and innovative online segments like "Sizzling with Sass," where she pairs delicious food with her wines. With a focus on quality, community, and the joy of sharing wine, Sue-Ann invites everyone to experience the warmth and hospitality of her winery, where every bottle tells a story.

    When she's not in the vineyard or the cellar, you can find Sue-Ann enjoying the great outdoors, skiing, or planning her next international wine adventure. Follow her journey and discover the magic of Niagara wines at Sue-AnnStaff.com.

    Contact Sue-Ann Staff here:
    • Website: https://www.sue-annstaff.com/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sueannstaffestatewinery/#
    • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sue-annstaffestatewinery3058
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueannstaffestatewinery
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    29 m
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