From Italy to Ontario: Diving into the World of Winemaking with Ugo Crecco

10/04/23 • 30 min

Ontario boasts a diverse climate that allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of grapes, from cool-climate grapes like Riesling and Chardonnay to hearty reds like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The province's unique terroir and microclimates allow winemakers to create distinctive and elegant wines. Despite the promising conditions for winemaking in Ontario, winemakers face many challenges that can significantly impact their craft and success. Join us as Ugo Crecco shares the solution to achieving a deeper understanding of these challenges and their effects on the industry, allowing you to gain insight into winemaking in Ontario. In this episode, you will be able to:

Uncover the realities of the taxing struggles and unique climatic hurdles Ontario wineries face.
Discover the unique grape varieties cultivated at the Villa Romana Winery and their vital role in creating exclusive blends.
Explore the intricate process behind the bottling and preservation of wine at Villa Romana Winery.
Get a glimpse into the diverse events and activities hosted by Villa Romana Winery, from themed nights to historical reenactments.
Acquaint yourself with the compelling duality of Ugo's passions: winemaking and fishing rod artisanship.

Ugo is a seemingly retired finance professional whose true passion lies in crafting exceptional wines at his beloved Villa Romana Winery. Rooted in his family's winemaking heritage just outside of Rome, Italy, his journey into Ontario's wine country is a captivating tale of tenacity, overcoming challenges like the high tax environment and inflexible growing seasons. His enthusiasm for winemaking is palpable, vividly showing his unwavering dedication to his craft. He refuses to compromise on the excellence of his wines, which has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a laudable figure in the province's winemaking community. Each sip of his wine reflects his expertise and his profound love for the artistry of winemaking. Contact Ugo:

Villa Romana Estate Winery: https://www.villaromana.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaRomanaEstateWinery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villaromanaestatewinery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/villaromanawine

Personal:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugo.crecco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugocrecco/

Uncover the realities of the taxing struggles and unique climatic hurdles Ontario wineries face.
Discover the unique grape varieties cultivated at the Villa Romana Winery and their vital role in creating exclusive blends.
Explore the intricate process behind the bottling and preservation of wine at Villa Romana Winery.
Get a glimpse into the diverse events and activities hosted by Villa Romana Winery, from themed nights to historical reenactments.
Acquaint yourself with the compelling duality of Ugo's passions: winemaking and fishing rod artisanship.

Villa Romana Estate Winery: https://www.villaromana.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaRomanaEstateWinery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villaromanaestatewinery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/villaromanawine

Personal:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ugo.crecco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugocrecco/

Previous Episode

For the Love of Australian Wine with Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross

Who doesn't love a good backstory? And when it comes to wines and the people who enjoy it, these tales are often as enchanting as the wines themselves. This world is ripe with fascinating stories of discovery, passion, and growth, like those of our guests Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, who've journeyed from novices to Master Sommeliers. In this episode, you will be able to:

Dive into the mysterious world of the Australian wine industry.
Discover the captivating process behind the creation of "How to Drink Australian."
Explore the uniqueness that sets Australian wine and culture apart from the rest.
Gain insights into the intriguing challenges and successes of producing a unique book.
Get a sneak peek at the exciting future ventures awaiting the authors.

As Master Sommeliers, Jane and Jonathan have an impressive background and a deep-rooted affection for all things wine. Jane, with a degree in Renaissance literature, and Jonathan, initially interested in architecture and medicine, managed to cross paths in the fascinating world of wine. When they set foot in Australia, they were greeted by a wine industry vastly different from what they were accustomed to. Despite their backgrounds in hospitality and wine, they found themselves in a world that was as enriching as it was unknown. The duo decided to delve into the Australian wine industry, spending the next few years researching, learning, and writing about it. Their journey wasn't without its challenges, from handling the pressures of writing a book together to managing a business. Yet, their shared passion for wine and commitment to bringing Australian wine to the U.S. market kept them going. Today, their endeavours have resulted in a detailed guide to Australian wine and a thriving business that imports and sells Australian wine in the U.S. Their tale is a testament to their resilience and a reminder that sometimes stepping into the unknown can lead to the most rewarding experiences. Contact Jane Lopes:

Contact Jonathan Ross:

Next Episode

From Numbers to Vineyard Bliss: A Finance Pro's Journey into Winemaking

Breaking away from the corporate world to pursue a passion is a bold move that requires a leap of faith. It involves cultivating your interests and leveraging them into a sustainable income. In this case, we're talking about transitioning from a comfortable job in finance into the exciting and hands-on world of winemaking. My guest for this week, Braydon Scully, was a financial whiz who defied expectations and found solace in the allure of winemaking. After a successful career in the fast-paced finance industry, he wanted something more tangible, more grounding. In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the exhilarating journey of a career shift from finance to winemaking, all propelled by sheer passion.
Uncover the unique facets and pressing challenges of winemaking in picturesque Prince Edward County.
Decode the prestigious WSET Level 3 certification through a certificate holder's personal experience and insightful advice.
Appreciate the intense labour and meticulous handwork required for cultivating the finest vineyards.
Realize the untapped potential and superior quality of Canadian wines in a globally competitive industry.

Growing up in a family that saw wine not as an indulgence but as a part of everyday life, it was inevitable that Braydon developed a taste for the grape. His love for wine matured over the years, culminating in a life-changing decision to abandon the corporate treadmill to reconnect with his love for physical work and creativity in winemaking. Now, Braydon spends his days working magic with his hands in the vineyards of Prince Edward County, helping to infuse each bottle with passion and dedication. Contact Braydon: