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

10/18/23 • 29 min

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:

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.

Previous Episode

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

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/

Next Episode

Upside Down and Inside Out: Wine and Food Pairings Re-imagined!

Nothing could be more monotonous than sticking to the same flavours and combinations, meal after meal. Keeping your palate interested and excited through varying wine and food pairings can lead to a much more enjoyable experience. That’s where experimentation and personal preferences play a significant role. Exploring new territory and challenging the palate can lead to beautiful discoveries you wouldn't have stumbled upon otherwise. My guest, Allison Pearce, a trailblazer in wine and food pairing, strongly advocates for this notion of experimentation. In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover unconventional pairing wine and food strategies to elevate your next dinner party.
Challenge traditional pairing norms and unlock new culinary experiences.
Learn how to pair wines successfully with tricky ingredients like garlic or tomatoes.
Find out how to cleverly use wines to complement missing flavours in your dishes.
Understand how personal taste shapes your enjoyment of wine and why it should be embraced.

With a career beginning at Canada's grand Post Hotel in the late 90s, Allison quickly learned all about wine, being trained by a sommelier. She not only embraced the discipline but revolutionized it with her unique approach. Over time, her understanding of wine pairing has evolved, breaking traditional rules and norms. Armed with her knowledge, she started experimenting with unorthodox pairings that caught people's interest. A firm believer in flipping traditional pairings on their heads, she confidently pairs whites with red meats and vice versa. Her daring approach extends to matching wines to complement or contrast the food's flavour, challenging common misconceptions. She emphasizes that enjoying wine and food isn't confined to the classic pairings we're used to. Her innovative ideas extend to pairing wines with side dishes instead of the main course, a move unheard of in conventional circles. This avant-garde approach has become Allison's signature style, making her a food and wine pairing pioneer. Contact Allison: