Wine Behind The Scenes

Exploring the world of wine can be a fun and exciting journey. From discovering the different varieties, to learning about the production process, to finding the perfect bottle for your palate, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a novice explorer, the thrill of discovering new wines and tasting them is sure to be a memorable experience.

Let's take a listen at this episode as Curtis Stephenson shares how he and his partners started a wine business that brings in world class wines from all over the world providing an avenue for anyone on the lookout for finding, tasting, enjoying, and experiencing wines that will help you get the most out of your wine-tasting adventures.

What you will learn from this episode:

• Find out how wine agencies work and how do you stand out from competition from among the many around.
• Discover how they've managed to ride it out through the pandemic despite opening a wine business at the beginning of the first COVID lockdown.
• Learn how they source their wines and choose producers all over the world and pick the best and the great ones.
• Understand the role of wine agencies in the importation of wines and how the LCBO does its part in making sure of the quality of wines and adherence to standards.
• Find out the important considerations when importing wines from anywhere in the world.
• Hear of initiatives of representing small wineries around the globe and providing them avenues to introduce their wines to a big Canadian market, especially Ontario.

Find out what differentiates the Buyers+Cellars tasting bar from the rest of the wine bars in Ottawa.

After more than 20 years in the hospitality sector, Curtis Stephenson embodies the exceptional customer service and professionalism that drive fine dining and enhance guest experiences. He has used his knowledge and skills to develop the next generation of service professionals and in 2016 he helped open one of Canada’s top new restaurants. Curtis brings a passion to his role at Buyers+Cellars and is excited to take his Ottawa tasting room guests on an unforgettable journey through the world of wine.

Connect with Curtis Stephenson:

• Website: http://ottawa.buyersandcellars.ca/

Topics Covered:

03:53 - Getting to know Curtis and what paved the way for his introduction to the wine industry 11:34 - Opening a wine business just when first lockdowns started because of COVID and surviving the whole challenge 15:35 - Understanding the role of wine agencies and the process of importing wines where the LCBO is concerned 17:47 - Can we buy in bulk orders from the Ottawa tasting room? 20:03 - Where and how do they source their wines? 25:38 - Looking forward to travelling to these two beautiful countries which have excellent wines in the world 27:35 - What inspires Curtis everyday? 29:38 - The best thing about the Tasting Room 31:07 - How wine lets you connect to your very self

Quotes from Curtis Stephenson:

“We always had wine in our household and I was introduced to wine at a very young age.”

“It was very common to actually expose your children at a very young age to a little bit of wine, because that's just what you did in Europe.”

“I started out just as many, many people do in the restaurant industry by starting as a dishwasher.”

“Going through school I was very into art history and philosophy and that was my benchmark. And then realized, probably not going to get a real good career in that.”

“I really just loved the romantic nature of fine dining.”

“It was all about fine wines and I knew nothing like I was 20 years old and just cutting my teeth on just hospitality in general.”

“I was just at the beginning level. I knew that I loved it. I was exposed to it at a young age, but I didn't know enough.”

“And that changed my life from then on because after that point, it was everything wine.”

“Wine is so subjective, of course, as you know, and I love the technical aspects of wine.”

“I just really fell in love with finding things for someone else that they would love.”

“If you think you know everything, that's when you have to be really humble because you never know everything.”

“We wanted to do things differently. Go to areas in the world that are just underrepresented that make amazing wines, things we never see in the L C B O or SAQ if you are in Quebec.”

“We really had to navigate through those first three months and two years with a lot of like deft hands and getting outside the box.”

“There's very little known when it comes to the process of importing wine for a private wine agency.”

“We're always looking for that next great winery so that we can have a lot for our customers here, both in the tasting room and for our restau...

Welcome to a spine-tingling episode of Wine Behind the Scenes! As autumn sets in, we’re joined by wine expert Judith Lewis to uncork some unconventional delights like pumpkin and apple wines. Get ready for a whimsical path through the quirky history of these brews, perfect fall food pairings, and even some Halloween-themed wine labels like Coffin Ridge and Skeleton Malbec. Plus, we’ve got delicious fall recipes and a fun new wine term to add to your vocabulary. So, grab your glass and dive into the rich, playful flavours of fall on Wine Behind the Scenes! In this episode you will be able to:

• Discover the enchanting and slightly spooky world of autumn wines, including unique options like pumpkin and apple wines.
• Learn about the quirky history and production methods of pumpkin wine, dating back to colonial times in North America.
• Understand the difference between apple wine and hard cider, and explore the sweetness and flavour profiles of each.
• Enjoy a fun discussion on Halloween-themed wine labels, featuring creative names like Coffin Ridge, Vampire Vineyards, and Skeleton Malbec.
• Get inspired with mouth-watering fall recipe suggestions that pair perfectly with pumpkin and apple wines.
• Explore spooky ghost stories related to apple orchards and winemaking traditions, adding a mystical touch to your fall gatherings.

Judith Lewis is a renowned wine expert and passionate storyteller, known for her engaging discussions on the enchanting art of wines. With a unique flair for uncovering unconventional wine varieties, Judith brings a wealth of knowledge about seasonal wines, including the intriguing fields of pumpkin and apple wines. Her expertise extends beyond just tasting; she dove into the quirky histories and production methods behind these unconventional gems. Judith's background in understanding wine, coupled with her adventurous spirit, allows her to explore the fascinating intersections of wine, food, and culture. She has a particular fondness for pairing wines with delicious fall recipes, making her a go-to source for seasonal culinary inspiration. Whether discussing the nuances of apple wine versus hard cider or sharing her favourite spooky wine labels, Judith catches audiences with her playful and spirited approach to wine appreciation. As a frequent guest on the "Wine Behind the Scenes" podcast, Judith shares her thoughts and experiences, inviting listeners to join her on a delightful adventure through the rich flavours of fall. Her enthusiasm for wine is infectious, making her a beloved figure in the wine community and a cherished guest for any wine enthusiast looking to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of this timeless beverage. Contact Judith Lewis here:

• Website: https://www.decabbit.com/
• Website: http://mostlyaboutchocolate.com/
• X (New name for "Twitter"): https://twitter.com/judithlewis
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostlyaboutchoc/

What if I told you that beyond the pints of stout lies a hidden gem in Dublin - a burgeoning wine mecca waiting to be explored? Join us on this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes as we uncork the fascinating story of Lucia Costa, a wine enthusiast who started on a circuitous route from Portugal to Dublin. Lucia went from working in finance to managing wine shops to harvesting grapes in Germany and making wine in Argentina, to finally finding her passion in Dublin's evolving wine scene. So grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to be transported into a world where wine, life, and fun intersect in the most unexpected ways. In this episode you will hear how Lucia:

• Started in London, then worked in Germany, Argentina, and Portugal before settling in Dublin.
• Found her passion for wine through hosting online tastings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Her favourite food and wine pairing is sparkling wine with anything fried.
• Offers advice for those interested in retail wine: show interest in wine, consider online courses, and approach wine shops for opportunities.
• Has discovered how Dublin's wine scene has evolved, offering a variety of cool wine bars to explore.

Lucia Costa is a passionate and adventurous wine professional with a diverse background in the wine industry. Originally from Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, Lucia's adventure in the world of wine began during an internship in London, where she discovered her love for wine. Her curiosity and ambition led her to pursue wine education, eventually leading her to work in various wine shops and wineries across different countries, including Germany, Argentina, and Portugal. Lucia's experience in wine retail and winemaking shaped her approach to making wine fun and approachable for everyone. Currently, as the wine manager at Neighborhood Wine in Dublin, Ireland, Lucia continues to share her passion for wine through engaging tastings and events, creating memorable experiences for wine enthusiasts. With a keen interest in connecting people with great wines and winemaker stories, Lucia's vibrant personality and dedication to the wine industry make her a valuable asset in the world of wine. Contact Lucia Costa here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucialikeswine/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaluciafm/

Tinkering with coconut water and life in the laboratory was not what Aniruddha Rajagopalan was meant to do. Instead, he became a winemaker.

The funny thing is, he had no exposure to wine growing up. The alcoholic beverages that he knew were popular in India were spirits and beer. Indian people consume far less wine each year than you might think, plus Indian culture discourages drinking alcohol.

As unusual as it may be, meet an Indian winemaker. In this episode, Ani talks about how he was fortunate to study winemaking abroad in Europe as well as learn foreign languages. As a result, he was able to travel on various adventures across the globe and discover all the essential aspects of winemaking.

What you will learn from this episode:

• Find out about India's young wine industry including an interesting fact about people's consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Learn about how he became a winemaker by first tinkering with coconut water in the lab.
• Discover and understand the real work that goes behind winemaking.
• Know how to become a well-rounded winemaker and also be adept at marketing, finance, and the selling aspects of it.
• Get to understand the importance of decision-making and the organizational matters that go with winemaking, especially that of a small winery.
• Learn how to scout for educational opportunities about winemaking in prestigious schools around the globe and travel for work and leisure.
• Find out the best ways to learn foreign languages like French and German.

Aniruddha Rajagopalan was born in India. He earned a degree in Microbiology at St. Joseph College in Bangalore, India. As the opportunity opened up for him, he went to study and finish MSc in Viticulture and Oenology at Montpellier, France, and Geisenheim, Germany.

He is proficient in both French and German languages. His work experiences include: Project trainee at the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, IISc/ in Bangalore, India, a cellarhand at Weingut Schloss Reinhartshausen and Wein und Sekthaus Schlossbergh in Eltville-Erbach and in Bingen, Germany, respectively. He was also once a cellarhand this time at Spring Creek Vintners Ltd. in Marlborough, New Zealand. Before coming to Canada, his last post was at KRSMA Estates Pvt. Ltd in Karnataka, India, as winemaker.

And currently, he is now a consulting winemaker at Fernwood Estates, Bainsville, ON; at the same time a tasting room staff at Buyers and Cellars Tasting Room, Ottawa, ON, and a viticultural specialist at Databaum, Basel, Switzerland.

Connect with Aniruddha Rajagopalan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ani_rajagopalan/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniruddha-rajagopalan-b42524119
• Email: [email protected]

Topics Covered:

04:09 - Sharing about his birthplace and where he is originally from

05:23 - India's staple alcoholic beverages

06:04 - When did the first winery in India was put up, and Indian people's average consumption

07:15 - Becoming a winemaker, even with no exposure to wine in his childhood and early adult life

12:29 - Taking the chance to go to Europe for a Vinifera Euromasters education

13:55 - Being well-versed in foreign languages [how he managed to learn six languages, especially French and German]

16:34 - One good thing about studying in Europe regarding winemaking and what it was about it that shocked him [the hard work involved behind winemaking]

22:54 - More realizations about winemaking while on the job with a small winery

23:59 - Becoming a winemaker for the first time [having control over how the wine was made and dealing with all the other important aspects of winemaking]

26:55 - Why every bit of decision matter in a small winery

Quotes from Aniruddha Rajagopalan:

“Spirits and beer are the most popular alcoholic beverages in India.“

“The early eighties was when the first winery was established in India.”

“I remember reading a statistic about 15 years ago which said the average per capita consumption of wine in India was one teaspoon's worth (per year).”

“What I was doing in my research work there at the Center for Sustainable Technologies was trying to ferment coconut water.”

“I started reading books about wine, about wine making, to see how much of those ideas I could employ in fermenting coconut water.”

“The good thing about the program I studied in Europe was that the holidays between the first year and the second year kind of coincided with the European harvest. So you could spend your holiday working the harvest.”

“My idea of how wine was made was completely different from what it turned out to be.”

“I t...

Canada's wine industry has been steadily gaining recognition globally for producing high-quality wines that capture the essence of the country's unique terroir. The All Canadian Wine Championships, spearheaded by wine enthusiasts Bev and John Carnahan, play a pivotal role in showcasing the diversity and excellence of Canadian winemaking. This episode delves into the world of Canadian wine, exploring the significance of the All Canadian Wine Championships in promoting and celebrating the nation's burgeoning wine industry. In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover why the All Canadian Wine Championships is the ultimate test of Canadian winemaking excellence.
• Learn how winning awards can boost winemakers' credibility and sales - find out how a prestigious award can elevate their reputation and drive increased wine demand.
• Explore the unexpected growth of the Canadian wine industry in new regions - delve into the expansion of winemaking beyond traditional areas and the exciting possibilities it brings for Canadian wine enthusiasts.
• Dive into the rich history of the All Canadian Wine Championships - uncover the fascinating stories and milestones that have shaped this prestigious competition and its role in promoting Canadian wines.

Bev and John Carnahan are the organizers of the All Canadian Wine Championships, the most esteemed wine competition in Canada. With Bev at the helm for the past two decades and with John at her side, they have successfully managed the event, overseeing the evaluation of hundreds of bottles each year. The competition accepts entries from wineries nationwide, including grape wines, fruit wines, ciders, and mead. The judging process follows the 100-point system, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment of each wine. The competition takes place over three days, with a panel of experienced judges carefully evaluating and scoring each entry. The All Canadian Wine Championships has gained recognition for its commitment to celebrating the diversity and quality of Canadian wines. By providing a platform for both established and emerging winemakers, Bev and John have played a pivotal role in showcasing the best of what the Canadian wine industry has to offer. Contact Bev & John:

• https://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/allcanadianwinechampionships
• https://twitter.com/allcanadianwine