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Wine Behind The Scenes

Wine Behind The Scenes

Written by: Laurel Simmons
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Do you love and enjoy wine? Are you fascinated by everything about wine? If so, you'll love this show. Every other week, join Laurel Simmons, who is just like you, passionate about wine and who has explored it with much enthusiasm, intention, and travels as you escape into and explore stories about wine -- the places, tastes, smells, sights, and the people who enjoy it. Learn with her, laugh with her, taste, and travel with her as you explore Wine Behind The Scenes together.Laurel Simmons 2022-2023 Art Cooking Food & Wine Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Bordeaux Dreaming: How to Revive a Winery - A Special Replay

    Bordeaux Dreaming: How to Revive a Winery - A Special Replay
    Jun 10 2026

    From the Wine Behind the Scenes Archives, we're bringing back a captivating conversation about wine, sustainability, and the journey of starting over in France.

    From buying a vineyard in liquidation to transforming it into a sustainable and award-winning estate, Caro Feely's story is extraordinary.

    Join us on this episode of Wine Beyond the Scenes as Caro shares her amazing story of passion, perseverance, and the magic of organic winemaking in the heart of France.

    Stay tuned to discover the hidden gems of their vineyard, the challenges of climate change, and the surprises that led to the creation of a unique wine experience.

    In this episode you will be able to learn about:

    • Caro Feely's wild and wonderful adventure of moving from South Africa to France to buy a vineyard in Bordeaux
    • The Feely family's journey from liquidation to success in the wine industry
    • Organic and biodynamic farming practices, leading to high-quality wines and commercial success
    • Caro's beautifully written Vineyard Series books that offer insights into their journey and philosophy
    • An exciting new fiction series, Earth Chorus, that is in the works

    Caro Feely, originally from South Africa with Irish roots, set out on an extraordinary adventure to make their dream of wine farming a reality, accompanied by her husband Sean. After moving from South Africa to Ireland and then to France, they purchased a vineyard and winery in Bordeaux, where they have been living for almost 20 years.

    Caro and Sean's commitment to organic farming and natural winemaking has led to the production of high-quality wines, including classic Bordeaux varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.

    Caro's passion for wine and sustainability is evident in their vineyard practices, which focus on biodiversity and organic farming methods. Alongside managing the vineyard, Caro also offers yoga retreats at their estate and has authored several books, including the Vineyard Series and the upcoming Earth Chorus series.

    Caro and Sean have created a sustainable and thriving vineyard in the heart of Bordeaux through their dedication to environmental practices and producing exceptional wines.

    Contact Caro Feely here:

    • Personal Website: https://carofeely.com/
    • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carofeely1142
    • X: https://x.com/carofeely
    • Work Website: https://chateaufeely.com/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caro.feely.wines
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carofeely/
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • How to Decode Wine Etiquette: Making It Easy: Special Replay

    How to Decode Wine Etiquette: Making It Easy: Special Replay
    May 20 2026
    From the Wine Behind the Scenes Archives, we're revisiting a standout episode that makes navigating wine in social settings feel a whole lot easier. In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, I sit down with Juliette Han, a fellow wine lover who isn't afraid to ask the honest questions about choosing wine, especially in high-pressure moments like business dinners or group settings.

    From decoding wine lists to working with sommeliers, we explore how to approach wine with more confidence and less stress.

    What You'll Learn in This Episode:
    • How to confidently order wine in social and professional settings, even if you're not an expert
    • Tips for choosing versatile, crowd-pleasing wines for group dining
    • When (and how) to lean on a sommelier without feeling awkward or overspending
    • The truth about screw caps vs. corks and why one doesn't mean better quality
    • How wine can break the ice and elevate the connection at the table
    • Why wine should be fun, approachable, and never intimidating
    Juliette Han is a passionate wine enthusiast with a curious and open-minded approach to wine and dining. Based in New York City, she brings a relatable voice to the wine conversation, asking thoughtful questions that reflect what many of us think but don't always say aloud.

    Her background in business and love for hospitality make her the perfect guest to explore how wine intersects with social dynamics, etiquette, and the occasional awkward menu moment. Our conversation is down-to-earth, informative, and a reminder that enjoying wine should feel good, never intimidating.

    If you've ever stressed about ordering wine, this episode is for you!

    Listen now to Wine Behind the Scenes on your favourite podcast app, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review.

    Please share this episode with a friend who's ever said, "You choose the wine, I have no idea!"
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Upside Down and Inside Out: Wine and Food Pairings Re-imagined! - Special Replay

    Upside Down and Inside Out: Wine and Food Pairings Re-imagined! - Special Replay
    May 6 2026
    This week, we revisit a standout episode from the Wine Behind the Scenes Archives, one that invites you to break away from routine.

    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 La Coast Hotel in the late 90s, Allison quickly learned the art, 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:
    https://www.instagram.com/allifpearce/
    https://twitter.com/allisonfpearce
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
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