For Episode 55, we deviate from our usual path, and for the first time on Read Between the Wines podcast, wine won’t be the main topic.

Our guest is a highly acclaimed media personality, particularly in the United States. He is the Chief Climate Correspondent for the news channel CNN: Bill Weir has covered numerous major events including the war in Afghanistan, was the first American to broadcast live from Tibet, and he reported from various disaster zones such as Hurricane Katrina and the Japan tsunami.

Al Gore – the "former next President" of the United States once said – Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt… and despair ain’t just a tire in the trunk… Whether you are a denial or not, it doesn’t matter – it’s happening right before our eyes. Bill has recently published a book entitled "Life as We Know It," and we discuss his book, but more importantly, we delve into the climate crisis that affects us all, including vintners and winemakers.

For episode 54 – we are heading to Sicily, Italy, to discover the 2024 Wine Family of the Year awarded by the Meininger Awards Excellence in March 2024 in Düsseldorf: PLANETA. And we are truly honoured to welcome Alessio Planeta himself.

Over the years, this far-seeing family has dedicated itself primarily to viticulture, extending its activities over 400 hectares in six vineyards located in Sicily’s finest growing areas. Today, the Planetas constitute world-class excellence in Sicily’s not only wine industry, but also olive groves and hospitality.

For episode 53 – we are heading to Canada’s Niagara region, specifically the heart of the Beamsville Bench, to visit Hidden Bench Estate Winery. Our guest is the founder and owner Harald Thiel. Hidden Bench is renowned to craft premium wines using organic fruit exclusively grown on their estate vineyards. They focus on cool climate varietals particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I sat down with Harald at the winery to chat about his journey as a vintner after a successful career in the business world...