TT Wine Explorer Podcast

In this episode of the TT Wine Explorer Podcast, we delve into the world where art meets wine. Tania chats with Lara Tomaszewska, an expert fine art consultant, appraiser and founder of ArtRow (an online digital art marketplace). Together, Tania and Lara explore how art and wine can serve as powerful vehicles to the world of the senses, transporting us to different places and moments - and how this can occur in the hands (and palates) of us everyday people, and outside of the framework of hierarchical connoisseurship. Lara shares her journey into the art world, discusses her methodology of art appraisal and valuation, and offers insights into the integration of art in wineries, with a special focus on Phantom Creek Estates in British Columbia’s spectacular Southern Okanagan Valley as a specific case study. The conversation also touches on the democratization of the art market through vehicles such as ArtRow, and how technology like blockchain and AI can bring potential new avenues for transparency, trust and consumer involvement in both the art market and wine industry. This episode is about how we as everyday consumers, artists, wine producers and business owners can be part of both “place-making” and our own “practice” of experiencing expressions of art and wine.

This episode is a case study of how the owners of a very small winery (in a very small wine region) are blending their large multi-national corporate expertise with a winemaking hobby “run amok” to produce small lot, artisanal wines which reflect unique terroir of British Columbia’s spectacular Pacific West Coast. Tania’s guest, Julie Powell, is co-owner of Alderlea Vineyards, located in Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley wine region. Julie discusses how she and husband Zachary Brown first launched into the wine industry (in their garage), what they grow, how they grow it, and how Alderlea Vineyards sets business objectives and production levels to meet demand, stay manageably small (and sleep at night). Julie, Zac and vineyard dog Vino run the show and are the ones who’ll greet you at the gate when you visit Alderlea. This episode is also about the potential future of BC ‘s “Wine Islands” and the appeal and strength of “cohesive diversity” - a paradigm in which a wide spectrum of winery business sizes and styles operating in one region can successfully co-exist and lift their collective game. Through intentionality, a clear strategy focused on the “critical few” and sticking to your core values, a small business (no matter what the industry) can be nimble and adapt to change - all vital in our world of increased costs, shrinking profit margins, regulatory barriers, labour shortages, shifting consumer demands, and wild swings in our weather and climate landscape.

Tania goes to Vegas and lives to tell. If you don’t gamble, don’t go to shows, and don’t visit “Celebrity Chef” restaurants, what on earth does one do in Sin City? Well A LOT as it turns out. In this “Side Bar” episode, Tania chats with returning guest Graham MacLennan (creator and producer of the Cheftimony Podcast) about Tania’s recent trip to Las Vegas, and her experience of that crazy place through her eyes as reticent newbie turned hooked Vegas geek. What brought on the conversion? Tania talks about her time on the Strip, seeing the Sphere, wandering through “Old Vegas”, checking out Downtown dive bars and getting into the very cool museum scene (yes - they’ve got museums!). Tania also shares a way to escape the madness and head into nature by taking a side trip into the spectacular and awe-inspiring Red Rock Canyon, just a short drive outside of Las Vegas. And then there’s Oscars Steakhouse at the Plaza. On-point cocktails, perfect Caesar Salad, thick griilled asparagus stalks, luxurious mac n’ cheese, roasted brussels sprouts sprinkled with parmesan, juicy rib eye on the bone perfectly grilled, salted and sliced…and much, much more. Want to see yourself in a scene from “Casino”? This is it. There’s also Evel Pie, Letty’s tacos, BBQ food trucks, wine exploring for everyday tasters, and jumping into the mix. Your Vegas adventure need not be fancy (but your pocketbook might think it is!). It’s all about just getting out there and letting it ride.

This episode is about starting and growing a premium “brick-and-mortar” retail wine shop business in a small and highly regulated market. Tania’s guest, John Clerides, is the founder and owner of Marquis Wine Cellars, located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Established more than 30 years ago, Marquis is one of British Columbia’s pre-eminent private bottle shops and offers local consumers more than 2000 wine selections from around the world, including select exclusive offerings unique to its market. Tania and John discuss the regulatory and consumer landscape which existed when Marquis first opened its doors, and where and how his business has grown from there - including aspects around “in-store” experience, building relationships, bringing in exclusive wines from around the world, utilizing a digital platform, and most importantly: the seller-customer relationship. Having travelled through many wine regions around the world, John also talks about what he finds exciting about the wine scene in Greece (as well as some practicalities around importing directly from small producers on the other side of the “Old World”). Looking back on decades-long experience as a business owner, John also shares learnings and thoughts around being an entrepreneur. No matter how successful a business is, an owner must never rest on laurels, never get complacent. There will always be business barriers to address, and things to constantly tweak and adjust. But hey, that (and the people whom we meet along the way) are the fun things driving our passion to build and keep going, right?

This episode is a flight to both Spain and London for a discussion about how, when we look to the future of wine, we can draw from the past. Tania’s guest, Beth Willard, is a contributing writer to Decanter Magazine (one of the world’s leading wine publications) and Co-Chair Judge of this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards. An Aussie who jumps between London and Spain, Beth has particular expertise in Spanish and Central European wines, paired with deep experience in many other facets of the global wine world. Tania and Beth discuss aspects of the current Spanish wine scene, including how a new generation of winemakers is embracing their country’s past through the rehabilitation and nurture of 100+ year vines to respond to extreme heat and drought conditions. The role of cooperatives in the development of Spanish wine production and the power of community (“human geography” elements of terroir) will no doubt support the future crafting of fresh, interesting and sustainable modern wines. Tania and Beth also discuss the connect (or sometimes disconnect) between the wine trade and consumers, through key drivers such as wines clubs, “direct to consumer” channels and consumer trends. What does the everyday consumer really want? What are tasters looking for, and how might you introduce it? This episode is also a chance to get behind the scenes of the world’s largest wine awards and hear first-hand what it’s like to taste (and judge) literally hundreds of wines and whittle down the winners which are ultimately showcased in that coveted glossy Decanter magazine.

Can wine bring growth to your portfolio? How does wine express itself in the world of digital assets? Tania’s guest, Dr Sara Adami-Johnson (Vice President, HNW Planning Services, RBC Family Office Services) is an international estate, art and digital legacy planner. In addition to being a lawyer and trusts and estates practitioner, Sara also has a PhD in International Business and art advisory expertise (a perfect multi-disciplinary blend for considering issues around the investment potential of that “liquid art” in your bottle). Tania and Sara discuss wine as an “alternative” asset class, where wine sits on a “pie chart” of diversified investment holdings, and factors to keep in mind if investing in the “illiquid” tangible asset of wine to “supercharge” your portfolio - including how to mitigate the risk of the devaluation of your holdings. (No one wants a “Billionaire’s Vinegar” situation). And as some luxury wine producers introduce uber-specialty products into the digital space, Tania and Sara also explore the world of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and how the blockchain may appeal to wine investors and wine enthusiasts alike. Similar to investing in fine art, jewellery or vintage cars, scarcity and provenance are central to assessing the value of one’s wine investment. But ultimately, there are no guarantees in this world. Beauty is in the eye of the taster.

This episode is about the flow (or actually, the blockage) of Canadian wine within our own borders, and why our home-grown and locally-made wines face internal trade barriers within our federation. Why does it feel easier for Canadians to buy wine from almost anywhere else in the world other than from our own neighbouring provinces? Mark Hicken returns to continue the discussion from Episode 4 (The Legacy of Prohibition - Where are We Now?). A leading liquor policy expert and former “wine lawyer”, Mark was appointed in 2017 as liquor policy advisor to the British Columbia Government and tasked with making recommendations to improve BC’s liquor policy and regulations. Mark has also testified in Canada’s House of Commons regarding aspects around federal wine trade regulations. Tania and Mark discuss how (unlike in the United States, Australia and the European Union, for example) Canadians have to “import” wines across our own provincial borders, and how our regulatory and taxation payment framework could be adjusted to allow for more seamless wine trade transactions (especially given the rise of online “direct to consumer” platforms as powerful sales channels for business). Can the regulator in Alberta really prohibit British Columbia wine producers from shipping their wine directly to wine club members, or other consumers located in Alberta who just want to “click and buy” specialty wine products? How can we operate as a unified country when we continue to face internal trade barriers? Will our regulators, leaders and other stakeholders modernize and step up to unfetter “Team Canada” so that we can support our own small businesses and artisanal products?

This episode is a return flight to the Okanagan Valley at a time when this largest wine-producing region of British Columbia faces acute challenges, and as wine producers there grapple with how best to weather the storm and move towards long-term business sustainability. Tania’s guest is John Skinner, proprietor of Painted Rock Estate Winery. Since opening in 2009, Painted Rock has developed a strong following (domestically and internationally) for its red wines made from Bordeaux varieties. Mother Nature confers great beauty on Painted Rock’s iconic and spectacular site, but can also dish out high heat units in the summer and huge temperature swings in the winter. Tania and John discuss severe crop damage resulting from the Okanagan Valley’s extremely cold temperatures in December 2022 and January 2024 and how this will affect production in the short and long term, including aspects around determining how and which crops should be re-planted. The conversation also touches on internal Canadian trade barriers arising from recent steps taken by the regulator in Alberta to stymie online “direct to consumer” sales channels between BC wine producers and Albertan residents. Wine is farming, but it’s also business. This episode also considers how a brand needs to be earned (not assumed), reasons for getting product on the world stage, modifying your business plan to build a robust and supportive wine club, and powerfully continuing the customer journey both through winery visits and in the digital space. Looking forward, what can (or should) the Okanagan Valley’s 2030 and 2040 plan look like?

This episode is about the transformative power of travel and curiosity and immersing ourselves in the world of the senses. It’s about “grounding” our feet in nature, connecting through shared adventure and clinking glasses while we’re at it. Maple Leaf Adventures is an award-winning, small ship eco-tourism company which leads unique expeditions on the wild coasts of British Columbia and Alaska, including a Salish Sea “Wines & Islands” Cruise Expedition which explores British Columbia’s emerging coastal wine region. Maple Leaf is also a solutionist and leader of the Marine Debris Removal Initiative (MDRI). Through this ground-breaking and innovative “pandemic pivot”, more than 330 metric tons of marine debris were collected from 300-400 kilometres of British Columbia’s coastline in 2020, keeping a group of small tourism operators moving and members of their teams employed after global tourism ground to a halt. Tania and Maureen Gordon (co-owner of Maple Leaf Adventures) discuss wine exploring in coastal wilds aboard a luxury 135 foot ocean-going catamaran, what eco-travel adventure can look like on a small ship, and building a business which simultaneously supports local communities, a conservation-based economy and regenerative travel. This discussion looks back, but also forward. What will the travelling human spirit be seeking in the decade ahead?

A highly accomplished marketing expert and original founder of award-winning Liquidity Wines (Okanagan Falls, British Columbia), Tania’s guest Ian MacDonald shares his story about building a new winery from the ground up. Under Ian’s leadership, Liquidity Wines transformed an insolvent vineyard site into a premium winery brand and world class integrated wine travel destination before being purchased by a larger market player less than ten years after Liquidity opened its doors. Tania and Ian discuss creating the vision for your product, assembling your team to help you achieve that vision, pursuing organic growth for your business, setting production levels, considering pricing models, and most importantly, how to connect with consumers through experience and story to achieve brand retention and market differentiation. Thinking of getting into the winery game? Ian has a few tips for you. Tania and Ian also discuss what the future of wine exploring could look like in British Columbia given our extremely challenging recent vintages, acute weather events, climate swings, and the current trend of less wine being consumed globally. And as you’ll also hear in this episode, you don’t need an MBA to crush it in the business world. (For an additional, more detailed discussion about Ian MacDonald’s hands-on life training to develop branding and marketing expertise across a range of sectors (including the ski world and the Olympics), check out the March 15, 2023 episode (“Après Ski”) of Little Kitchen Academy’s “Meet Me in the Kitchen” Podcast).

Tania discusses “down shifting” with returning guest Graham MacLennan, a fellow lawyer, Chef and host of his Cheftimony Podcast. In this “Side Bar” episode, Tania and Graham discuss food and wine exploring on Sardinia, one of the world’s “blue zones” known for the longevity of its inhabitants. As Graham learned and observed during his recent trip, making pasta, eating well and enjoying wine are all part of the program. With many people reducing their alcohol intake or taking “dry” breaks, Tania and Graham also discuss how we can still wine explore even when we’re not drinking it. And for you foodies out there, Graham recommends some great local restaurants to visit should you find yourself in Piedmont (on the Italian mainland) and a pasta cooking school on Sardinia if you’re looking to get your hands dirty before sipping on a Vermentino.

Join Tania for her discussion with Grant Stanley, “pinot noir pioneer journeyman” and winemaker at SpearHead Winery, Wine Align’s 2022 Best Performing Small Winery in Canada (www.spearheadwinery.com). Tania and Grant discuss his journey of becoming a Pinot Noir specialist, some of the building blocks of winemaking, and how “heartbreak grape” Pinot Noir can work in British Columbia - a region situated on “the edge” of the global wine map. Tania and Grant also consider the acute challenges currently facing British Columbia wine producers in light of the deep freezes suffered by vines in the Okanagan Valley over the last two winters, and the consequential devastating loss of more than 50% production for the 2023 vintage (and close to 70%-80% loss in some areas). As part of local industry stabilising and striving for business and economic sustainability, is it time for us to reconsider aspects of site selection, and/or how we source some of our grapes? This episode is for cork dorks, Pinot Noir lovers and everyday consumers alike. It’s about the passion and pursuit driving us humans to continue to make and love wine “on the edge”.

Join Tania for her discussion with Mark Hicken, a leading liquor policy expert, former “wine lawyer” and Executive Director of the Canadian Association for Responsible Drinkers (www.cafrd.ca). Tania and Mark consider the legacy of North America’s early 20th century Prohibition Era as it relates to the complex myriad of rules and regulations governing how we make, sell, purchase, taste and experience wine. Although much of this episode relates specifically to rules around alcohol in British Columbia, Tania and Mark discuss some current trends and hot topics in the global wine industry which are of broader application and importance to producers and consumers alike, such as changes in wine labelling, proposed low-risk drinking guidelines and rise in Neo-Prohibitionism. More than 100 years have passed since the repeal of Prohibition. Where are we now?

Join Tania for her discussion with VJ Gandhi, founder of Kascadia Wine Merchants and a Canadian now living and building a business in Northern California. Tania and VJ talk about what it’s like to introduce British Columbia wines to US consumers, from starting the process to pitching the product (and everything in between). Wine is largely about geography, and this is an example of how wine connects us across borders. This episode is also about entrepreneurship and creating a business to fill a market gap, not only in a highly regulated landscape, but also in the context of bringing essentially unknown products from a comparatively miniscule wine-producing region into one of the world’s powerhouses of wine. As VJ says, “my business has become my story”. Interested in hearing further discussion about why you don’t see more Canadian wine in shops and on wine lists in the United States (or further beyond internationally)? Tune into Tania’s “Side Bar” discussion on this very topic in Cheftimony Podcast Episode 54 (Line Cook Thoughts). Looking to send a gift of Canadian wine to a US-based recipient? Live in the United States and want to try some Canadian or “PacWest” wine exploring? Learn how with Kascadia Wine Merchants at Kascadiawinemerchants.com

Join Tania for her discussion with “Vegas geek” Graham MacLennan, a practising lawyer, Chef and host of the Cheftimony Podcast. Tania and Graham talk about what drives the Vegas food scene, including some current Vegas foodie spots, both “on” and “off” strip. Of course, where there’s food, there’s wine and Sin City is no exception. Hear how “everything wine” is on offer in Vegas (and how Las Vegas became the first home to Robert Mondavi wines outside of California). Whether you’re looking for restaurant and bar tips to add to your “Vegas List”, or simply to armchair travel through the lights, tastes and sounds of this over-the-top town, tune in to hear how Las Vegas, “like a shark, just keeps moving forward”. Interested in hearing some other conversations which Tania has with Graham about all things wine? Check out these Cheftimony episodes: • Episode 65 - Side Bar, Front and Centre • Episode 35 - Wine & Wifi

Host Tania Tomaszewska introduces herself and pours you a small taste of her new TT Wine Explorer Podcast, explaining how it all started and where she'll be taking you on this flight.