Episodios

  • Flying Whale: How to Find Home Through Wine

    Flying Whale: How to Find Home Through Wine
    Jan 14 2026
    What happens when wine becomes a vessel for memory, healing, and home?

    In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, host Laurel Simmons sits down with Maba Ba, the storyteller and founder behind Flying Whale Wine, a French wine project shaped by personal taste over tradition. Born in Dakar, Senegal, raised between cultures, and now based in New York City, Maba's journey into wine wasn't linear, but it was always intentional.

    From his first curious sip to producing his own wines in Roussillon, France, Maba shares how Flying Whale became a reflection of his identity, his upbringing, and his desire to break open the way we talk about and connect with wine. The conversation touches on diaspora, creative entrepreneurship, and the power of doing things your own way, especially in an industry that often expects you to fit into someone else's mould.
    What You'll Learn:
    • How Maba Ba's cross-continental life shaped his path into winemaking
    • Why Flying Whale Wine is all about story, not snobbery
    • The real challenges of getting small, independent wines into the U.S. market
    • How Maba blends art, identity, and flavour to create something deeply personal
    • Why belonging is a theme that runs through every bottle he produces
    • The mission behind his "Sip and Tell" challenge
    • What it means to make space for yourself and others in wine culture
    Whether you're a wine lover, creative soul, or someone figuring out how to build a life across borders, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the best wines tell stories and the best storytellers are often outsiders looking in.
    Listen now at: www.winebehindthescenes.com
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    29 m
  • Puddings, Port, and Wine: the Magic of Edwardian Traditions

    Puddings, Port, and Wine: the Magic of Edwardian Traditions
    Dec 24 2025
    What did a holiday feast look like in Edwardian England?

    Think multiple courses, carefully decanted wines, and a strict social hierarchy governing every sip and bite.

    In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons is joined by author Susan Jennings, whose historical novel, "The Blue Pendant," dives deep into life inside a grand seaside hotel in early 20th-century Britain.
    Inspired by her grandmother's stories and fuelled by meticulous research, Susan paints a vivid picture of the Edwardian era. In this period of time, food and wine were more than sustenance; they were statements of class, comfort, and culture. Together, she and Laurel explore the customs of the time, the importance of Christmas dinners, and the quiet labour of those working behind the scenes in grand hotels. What You'll Learn:
    • What inspired The Blue Pendant and how Susan wove her family's history into the story
    • How Edwardian hotels operated from butlers to banquet halls
    • The essential role of wine in social status and formal dining
    • Christmas traditions of the time (yes, there was port!)
    • How customs from over a century ago still echo in our modern holiday celebrations
    • What it was really like for the staff behind those sparkling dinner scenes
    Whether you're a historical fiction fan or just love a well-set table, this episode will transport you to a time of elegance, tradition, and a whole lot of wine.

    Listen now at: www.winebehindthescenes.com
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    30 m
  • The Christmas Magic of Wine and Chocolate

    The Christmas Magic of Wine and Chocolate
    Dec 10 2025
    In this special holiday episode, host Laurel Simmons invites you to slow down and indulge in two of the season's most comforting pleasures: chocolate and wine. But this isn't just about taste, it's about transformation, history, and the quiet rituals that make the holidays feel magical.
    Laurel takes us through the ancient origins of both chocolate and wine, connecting their sacred roots to modern-day celebration. She dives into the science of fermentation, explains why these two delights pair so well emotionally and chemically, and offers practical, easy-to-follow tips for creating your own perfect pairings at home this holiday season.

    Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or someone who just wants to pair their peppermint bark with something bold and bubbly, this festive episode is your invitation to slow down and savour the joy of the season.

    What You'll Learn:
    • The emotional and sensory reasons wine and chocolate feel so special during the holidays
    • How fermentation connects both wine and chocolate at a molecular level
    • The rich cultural history of chocolate from ancient rituals to Victorian Christmas traditions
    • Practical rules for pairing: matching sweetness, intensity, and texture
    • Specific wine suggestions for dark, milk, white, salted caramel, and peppermint chocolate
    • Why terroir matters just as much for chocolate as it does for wine
    • How to build mindful holiday rituals around flavour and connection
    Whether you're setting the table for a holiday dinner or just sneaking a chocolate truffle with a glass of red by the fireplace, this episode is a delicious reminder to slow down and celebrate the season's sweetest moments. The Christmas Magic of Wine & Chocolate is your perfect cozy holiday listen.

    Listen now at: www.winebehindthescenes.com
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    27 m
  • How to Design a Life in Wine You Love

    How to Design a Life in Wine You Love
    Nov 26 2025
    What do wine, cats, design, and career reinvention have in common? The guest this week, Jaime Drayer, will say everything.

    In this inspiring episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel sits down with Jaime to talk about how she went from working as a graphic designer to building her own creative brand (hello, Kitties and Cabernet!) before diving headfirst into the wine world. What began as a part-time retail job at Burning Kiln Winery quickly turned into a full-time passion. Today, Jaime is the winery's Marketing Coordinator, combining her eye for design, love for storytelling, and a growing knowledge of all things wine.

    Jaime shares how she returned to her hometown of Norfolk County, found an unexpected opportunity in an emerging wine region, and discovered a supportive all-female leadership team that's helping shape the future of Ontario wine. If you've ever thought about switching lanes, following your creative instincts, or learning wine from the ground up this episode's for you.
    What You'll Learn:
    • How Jaime transitioned from graphic designer to wine marketer
    • The story behind her wine-and-cat-themed business, Kitties and Cabernet
    • Why Burning Kiln Winery's unique location sets it apart in Ontario
    • What it's like working with an all-female management team
    • The ins and outs of learning about wine through hands-on experience
    • Tips for anyone curious about working in wine
    • How passion projects can fuel your main hustle
    And we have our wonky term with Judith Lewis - What the term "RS" means in wine (and no, it's not a new app!)

    Jaime Drayer is the Marketing Coordinator at Burning Kiln Winery in Norfolk County, Ontario. A trained graphic designer, Jaime began her career in Hamilton, working in the creative industry across the GTA before launching her own wine-inspired brand, Kitties and Cabernet.

    After returning to her hometown in 2023, she joined Burning Kiln as a part-time retail team member. Her role quickly evolved to include sales and marketing, a perfect match for her storytelling skills and growing passion for the wine industry.

    Whether she's designing greeting cards, planning winery events, or creating brand content, Jaime brings creativity, heart, and authenticity to everything she does.

    Listen now at: www.winebehindthescenes.com
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    28 m
  • How to Discover the Heart of Hungary's Wine Culture

    How to Discover the Heart of Hungary's Wine Culture
    Nov 12 2025
    In this warm and flavorful episode, Laurel reconnects with Csilla Janosi: winemaker, wine tour organizer, and passionate ambassador for Hungarian food and wine culture. Laurel recounts her recent visit to Hungary, where she explored centuries-old cellars, and where she visited Csilla's winery.
    Together, they dive into Hungary's unique wine regions, traditional grape varieties, and the cultural richness that infuses each glass of wine. Csilla also shares the story of the winery she has with her joint venture with partner Monica, Molla Winery, and how their mission extends far beyond wine to include heartfelt hospitality and slow, meaningful travel experiences. And yes, there's paprika, goulash, and plenty of food-and-wine pairings to make your mouth water.

    What You'll Learn:
    • What makes Hungarian grape varieties so special
    • The story behind Csilla's micro-winery
    • How paprika is grown, smoked, and used in Hungarian cuisine
    • Tips for pairing Hungarian wines with seasonal dishes
    • The art of wine-focused culinary travel in Hungary
    • What the term "polished wine" really means (Judith Lewis joins Laurel for this one!)
    Csilla Janosi is a Hungarian wine lover and tourism expert who blends over 25 years of experience in the travel industry with her deep passion for wine. She co-founded Wine A'More Travel to share the charm of Hungary's vineyards, food traditions, and hidden cellars with guests from around the world. Csilla holds a WSET Level 2 certification and is as hands-on in the vineyard as she is in the kitchen, offering immersive tours that include harvesting grapes, cooking traditional meals, and tasting the best of Hungary. Her warmth, knowledge, and storytelling make her an unforgettable guide and host.

    Listen now at: www.winebehindthescenes.com
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    29 m
  • How to Blend Legacy and Passion into Great Wine

    How to Blend Legacy and Passion into Great Wine
    Oct 29 2025
    In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons is joined by Andrea Kaiser, founder of Drea's Wine Co. and daughter of the legendary winemaker Karl J. Kaiser, co-founder of Inniskillin Wines. Andrea shares her incredible journey, from growing up in the vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake to launching her own boutique label in tribute to her father.

    This heartfelt and inspiring episode explores the challenges of building a wine brand from scratch, the evolution of Niagara's wine scene, and the importance of supporting local producers. Andrea opens up about her career in marketing, her deep-rooted passion for wine, and the powerful legacy she carries forward. They also touch on how global wine trends are influencing local business, what it means to create "single-vineyard, small-batch" wines, and how Ontario wines are earning international acclaim. What You'll Learn:
    • How Andrea Kaiser built Drea's Wine Co. from the ground up
    • The story behind her father, Karl J. Kaiser, and his impact on Canadian winemaking
    • What it means to produce "single-vineyard, small-batch" wines
    • Challenges and opportunities in Niagara's evolving wine industry
    • The importance of local support in a globally competitive market
    • How to recognize premium wines in a saturated market
    • Why storytelling and legacy matter in branding
    • Tips for aspiring wine entrepreneurs
    Andrea (Drea) Kaiser is a marketing veteran, educator, hospitality expert, and Niagara Regional Councillor. With over 30 years of experience in the wine and tourism industry, she has led marketing for Reif Estate Winery, chaired the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and taught at Niagara College. Andrea launched Drea's Wine Co. in honour of her late father, Karl J. Kaiser, one of Canada's most celebrated winemakers. Her boutique winery produces award-winning wines that have received international acclaim, including mentions from Decanter, Jancis Robinson, and even placement in Michelin-starred restaurants. She continues to advocate for sustainable winemaking, wine education, and local food culture, all while championing Niagara wines on the global stage.

    Listen now at: www.winebehindthescenes.com
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    31 m
  • It's Halloween: How to Enjoy Wine Behind the Screams

    It's Halloween: How to Enjoy Wine Behind the Screams
    Oct 15 2025
    In this special Halloween edition of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons invites you to a hauntingly good time with spooky wine names, haunted cellars, ghost stories, and wine tips that are perfect for your next Halloween gathering.
     Whether you're curious about "ferocious tannins," looking to impress your guests with clever wine and candy pairings, or just want to discover some eerie bottles to add to your collection, this episode has something deliciously dark for you. Plus, you'll get to hear not just one wonky wine term but two!
    What You'll Discover:
    • The truth behind ferocious tannins and why they're misunderstood, and how to tame them
    • Favourite Halloween-ready wines with names that could star in a horror movie (Blood of Jupiter, Back from the Dead Red, and more)
    • A ghostly tour through haunted wine cellars and spooky vineyard legends
    • Practical tips for pairing wine with Halloween treats, from savoury dishes to candy corn and peanut butter cups
    • Smart advice on how to navigate restaurant wine markups without getting tricked
    Whether you're throwing a haunted dinner party or just sipping something dark and delicious by candlelight, this episode will make your Halloween wine experience ghoulishly fun. Wine Behind the Screams is your perfect seasonal listen.
    Listen now at: www.winebehindthescenes.com
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    23 m
  • How a Love of Wine Became the Wine Likes App

    How a Love of Wine Became the Wine Likes App
    Oct 1 2025
    What starts as a story inspired by a grandfather's World War II experience with champagne turns into a full-circle journey through fine dining, wine education, and app development.

    In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons is joined by Jeff Gillis, a certified sommelier, adjunct professor, and former food and beverage director at luxury hotels in Beverly Hills and Napa Valley.

    Jeff shares how his upbringing shaped his love of wine and why curating wine lists at five-star hotels prepared him for teaching and innovating. He talks about building his app, Wine Likes, a gamified platform designed to help wine lovers connect, learn, and discover new bottles.
    Whether you're in hospitality, a wine student, or just someone who's tired of wine apps that don't get you, this conversation blends tradition and tech with heart and a healthy splash of fun.

    What You'll Learn:
    • How WWII and a European-style home influenced Jeff's love of wine
    • What it's really like to run wine programs at world-class hotels
    • The power of educating future wine pros with science and storytelling
    • Why supporting local winemakers is a long-term win
    • What led Jeff to create a social wine app, and how it works
    • The real challenges of transitioning from hospitality to tech
    • A surprising 'wonky wine term' that might make you giggle
    And if you're ready to hear how the past, present, and future of wine collide in one conversation? Listen now at www.winebehindthescenes.com

    Jeff Gillis began his career in the hospitality industry, spending over 15 years as a food and beverage director, wine buyer, and wine director for top-tier hotels like The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Peninsula Group, and Bardessono in Napa Valley. After earning an MBA from the University of Illinois, he transitioned into biotech operations, where he also began building Wine Likes, a social platform for wine lovers.

    A WSET2-certified sommelier and adjunct professor at the College of the Canyons, Jeff is passionate about teaching, innovating, and making wine fun again, especially for those who want to enjoy wine without the pressure of being an expert.

    You can visit Jeff's website here: www.winelikes.com and all of his other socials:
    Instagram: @winelikesapp
    LinkedIn: @winelikesceo
    Facebook: @winelikes
    TikTok: @winelikes
    Más Menos
    28 m
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