Ontario's wine industry has transformed over the past few decades, and this week on Unwined with Mandi, we're exploring its past, present, and future.

Sponsored by Wines of Ontario, Mandi sits down with renowned winemaker Thomas Bachelder, Montreal native and one of the pioneers of Niagara Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Gabriel De Marco, Head Winemaker at Cave Spring Vineyard, to discuss the evolution of Ontario wine and where the industry stands today, and Chris Thompson of Volta Estate in Prince Edward County, who shares his vision for the next generation of Ontario winemaking.

Mandi also highlights the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C), taking place in Niagara from July 16–19, where wine lovers can enjoy tastings, winery dinners, educational seminars, and meet producers from Ontario and cool-climate wine regions around the world. For tickets and event information, visit www.coolchardonnay.org.

Plus, Mandi shares her Wines of the Week, featuring some outstanding Ontario bottles that prove there's never been a better time to discover Canadian wine.

As Quebecers prepare to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, this week's edition of Unwined with Mandi shines a spotlight on the wines and spirits being crafted right here at home.

Mandi welcomes Marie-Elaine Dufour and Chris Zacchia of Vignoble Côte de Vaudreuil to discuss their journey as winery owners and their vision for creating more than just great wine. From their new wine, Légende Vivante, to their efforts to build a welcoming gathering place where visitors can connect, relax, and enjoy the best of Quebec hospitality, they share what makes their corner of the province so special.

Then, Mandi sits down with Steven Fortin and Elizabeth Ryan, the duo behind Nordique Wine. They discuss how they built a successful wine brand through strategic partnerships, the wines currently available at the SAQ, and their thoughts on the exciting future of Quebec's wine industry.

The celebration continues with Maureen David of 1769 Distillery. She shares the story behind the distillery's 100% Quebec-made spirits, including their innovative bag-in-box format, and offers a festive cocktail recipe perfect for Saint-Jean celebrations, backyard gatherings, and Father's Day festivities.

Plus, Mandi shares her Wines of the Week, featuring a selection of bottles perfect for raising a glass to Dad and celebrating the long Quebec summer ahead!

Today on Unwined with Mandi, we're heading to Portugal to explore one of the country's most iconic and historic wine producers: Aveleda.

Joining Mandi is Diogo Campilho, Head Winemaker at Aveleda, to talk about the winery's rich history, the wines that have made it famous around the world, and the innovative sustainability practices that continue to shape its future. You'll also discover what makes the Aveleda community so special and why this family-owned estate has become one of Portugal's most beloved wine destinations.

Planning a trip to Porto? Aveleda is absolutely worth the visit. Picture a magical estate with roaming peacocks, breathtaking gardens, vineyard picnics, bread-making workshops, and even the opportunity to create your own wine blend.

And if Portugal isn't on your travel calendar just yet, don't worry. A trip to your local SAQ can be the next best thing. Aveleda's wines offer a delicious taste of the lush, vibrant Vinho Verde region, bringing a little bit of Portugal right into your glass.

Today, we're celebrating a few fantastic Wines of the Week, but we're also looking ahead to a very special event happening on June 16th at Pampa Social, where I'll be hosting a wine dinner that promises to be full of great food, great wine, and even better company. Email Mandi @ mrobertsonbelvin@gmail.com for more info.

And who better to join us than the people behind it all? Today, we're welcoming Martin Fernandez Mores and Jorge Hans Nunez, the co-owners of Pampa Social. Their restaurant has quickly become a place where people gather not just for brunch, lunch, tapas, and wine, but for a genuine sense of hospitality and connection.

Inspired by Turkish, Colombian, and Argentine flavours, Pampa Social is a reflection of their own stories, cultures, and experiences. Today we'll learn about their childhoods, what inspired them to pursue a life in food and hospitality, and how they created a restaurant where everyone feels like family the moment they walk through the door.

Pampa Social

4857 av du Parc , Mile End, Montreal

We’re heading to Spain’s vibrant wine region of Rueda to celebrate World Verdejo Day on June 5th! Discover what makes this region so special, from its high-altitude vineyards and dramatic temperature swings to its unique soils and the star grape that put Rueda on the map: Verdejo.

Joining me is Toni Collado, who shares insights into the Rueda region, the story behind Beronia, and one of their delicious Verdejo wines currently available at the SAQ.

Plus, Chef Rodrigo Olguin stops by with a mouthwatering recipe designed to pair perfectly with a crisp, refreshing glass of Verdejo.

Whether you’re already a fan of Spanish wines or looking for your next summer sipper, this episode is packed with delicious discoveries, food-pairing inspiration, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass to Rueda!

Today on Unwined with Mandi, Mandi has her Wines of the Week and welcomes two fascinating guests from the world of wine and food.

First, wine writer Magdalena Kaiser joins the show to discuss her new book celebrating the wines, food, and people of Niagara — and why the region continues to establish itself as one of Canada’s most exciting culinary and wine destinations.

Later, Mandi sits down with William Wilkinson, head winemaker at Le Bonheur Estate in South Africa, for a more personal conversation about his journey in wine, his philosophy as a winemaker, and the story behind one of South Africa’s historic estates.

This morning on Unwined with Mandi, we’re taking listeners from the rugged coastlines of Tasmania to the vineyards of Ribera del Duero with a show all about flavour, craftsmanship, and wines made for the season ahead.

First, we’ll chat with Tom Wallace from Devil's Corner about why Tasmania has become one of the most exciting cool-climate wine regions in the world, especially for elegant, vibrant Pinot Noir. Then, we’ll switch gears and speak with Jamie Johnson about an exciting new collaboration involving The Balvenie and artist Victo Ngai, exploring the intersection of whisky, craftsmanship, and creativity. Finally, we’ll head to Spain with Luisa de Paz from Bodegas Protos to talk about why the bold yet balanced wines of Ribera del Duero are absolutely perfect for BBQ season — from grilled meats to smoky summer evenings. A delicious, globe-trotting show filled with stories, wine, whisky, and plenty of inspiration for what to sip this summer.

On this special Mother’s Day edition of Unwined with Mandi, host Mandi Robertson celebrated moms with heartfelt stories, delicious food, and wines perfect for raising a glass to the women who do it all.

The show featured Mandi’s top wines of the week, carefully chosen for Mother’s Day celebrations — from brunch tables to elegant family dinners — with a focus on wines that feel joyful, approachable, and memorable.

Joining the show was Teresa Araújo from Sogrape to discuss the iconic Mateus Rosé from Portugal. The conversation explored the beauty of Portugal’s regional grape blends and how Mateus Rosé became one of the world’s most recognizable wines. Listeners also heard the touching historical story behind the bottle’s unique shape — inspired by the flasks used during World War II — a design that has remained virtually unchanged for decades and continues to symbolize both nostalgia and timeless style.

The culinary side of Mother’s Day came courtesy of recipe developer Cristina Iacono, who shared a comforting yet elegant chicken piccata recipe perfect for treating mom at home. The discussion highlighted bright Mediterranean flavours, simple preparation, and why thoughtful home cooking can sometimes be the greatest gift of all.

And bringing some humor and heart to the show was Mother’s Day “spoiling expert” Jake Robertson, who joined Mandi to talk about the little things that make moms feel appreciated — adding a fun, personal, and family-centered touch to the episode.