TT Wine Explorer Podcast

Episode 25: Mocktails - The Space & Place (Angela Hansen, Mocktails Alcohol Free Liquor Store)

This episode is about creating a new space and redefining a drinking experience without alcohol. Tania is joined by Angela Hansen, founder and owner of Mocktails Alcoholic Free Liquor Store (Vancouver’s premier alcohol-free bottle shop) to discuss: * How Angela’s store came to be. * How she has created a beautiful, dedicated space which alcohol-free drinks deserve. * Making interesting, non-alcoholic drinks accessible in an often confusing and fragmented market space. * Who shops at Mocktails—from 20-somethings to 80-year-olds—and why the demand for non-alcoholic options is more diverse than you'd think. * The rise of functional beverages, like adaptogen- and nootropic-infused drinks. * The growth of niche, artisanal non-alcoholic brands from Canada and beyond. * Why alcohol-free drinks often match or exceed the price of traditional drinks with alcohol, and the real value sought by customers. * The “female-forward” energy of the sector and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people as you grow a purpose-driven business. * Taking the leap to open a “brix and mortar” business in a sector completely new to you. This discussion is about creating something from nothing, and creating a place of connection in the analogue world. It’s about taking that idea of yours and just running with it. Don’t let fear stop you. For more about Angela and Mocktails Alcoholic Free Liquor Store: * Instagram @mocktailsvancouver * mocktails.ca [https://www.mocktails.ca/]. * Go and visit! 1250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Episode 24: “Changing the Channel” - Time to Finally Support Local & Pan-Canada (Laura Milnes, Crushable Wine Club)

This episode is about disruption and just getting out there and doing it - whatever that “it” is for you. Wineprenuer (and self-described “anarcho-libertarian”) Laura Milnes (@crushablewineclub) joins Tania to discuss: • Laura’s “Pan-Canadian” online wine club “Crushable” and mission to introduce us to “under the radar” wines made by very small producers from across the country. • How we can, and should re-think our “wine buying patterns” to embrace local, buy small and step away from the mainstream to support our own supply chains and recapture “small town” ethos. • “Influencing” through content which Laura creates through her Instagram platform, “rants” and newsletters, and wines which she selects for the Crushable Wine Club. • Examples of local, artisanal producers from British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland which Laura highlights with Crushable (which you may never have heard of before listening to this episode) and revisiting hybrid grapes. This discussion is about changing the channel on some of the “wine talk” swirling around us, and an industry player who brings a totally different and un-orthodox voice to the party. ----------------------- References from this episode: • For more on Laura Milnes and Crushable, find her on Instagram @crushablewineclub or go to her website www.crushable.club • Wineries discussed: Lightening Rock; Whispering Horse Winery; Venturi Schulze; Zanatta Winery; Fogolar Wines; Liebling Wines; Vignoble de la Bauge • TT Wine Explorer Podcast - Episode 10: Blocking Our Own Wine - What Happened to Free Trade in a Federation? (Mark Hicken, WineLaw.ca): https://ttwinecounsel.com/podcast/episode-10-blocking-our-own-wine-what-happened-to-free-trade-in-a-federation-the-legacy-of-prohibition-part-2-with-mark-hicken/

Episode 23: Tariff Talks “101” - Wine, Trade & Pain (in Canada and Beyond) (Karen Graham, KMG Strategy & WineDrops.ca)

This episode is about wine, tariffs and trade relations. Public policy expert and business commentator on the Canadian wine industry, Karen Graham (KMG Strategy and www.winedrops.ca) joins Tania to discuss: • How tariffs levied by the United States on Canadian goods may affect the wine and alcohol beverage industry and consumers (both in Canada and the US). • Potential knock-on effects of counter-veiling measures which Canadian levels of government may take in response to US tariffs. • The different approaches taken (to date) by Ontario and BC regarding American alcohol products in response to potential US tariffs. • Possible “silver linings”, including whether tariffs threatened by the US could instigate the dismantling Canada’s inter-provincial trade barriers. • Consequences of potential US tariffs levied against the EU, and the role of the WTO (if any) in bilateral trade wars flowing from US tariffs. Camaraderie around wine is borderless. And ultimately no one wins with tariffs. It’s a time to look back at the history and rationale of free trade. But it’s also a time for Canada to look forward and unleash more of its own innovation, productivity and potential. ----------------------- References & Articles from this episode: • For more on Karen Graham, go to www.winedrops.ca • BC Liquor Distribution Branch Quarterly Sales: Q3 2024-25 Liquor Market Review December 2024 • Eric Asimov article, American Wine Trade Steels Itself for Possible Tariffs, Nov 13, 2024, New York Times. • California Wine Institute Statement Press Release: Wine Institute Urges Resolution of US-Canada Dispute, Feb 2, 2025 • WineDrops post on the Comeau Supreme Court of Canada decision: One ticket for 354 bottles of “imported” beer, September 2017. • WineDrops post: WTO Wine Trade Challenge Implications, February 2017. • TT Wine Explorer Podcast - Episode 10: Blocking Our Own Wine - What Happened to Free Trade in a Federation? (Mark Hicken, WineLaw.ca): https://ttwinecounsel.com/podcast/episode-10-blocking-our-own-wine-what-happened-to-free-trade-in-a-federation-the-legacy-of-prohibition-part-2-with-mark-hicken/ • TT Wine Explorer Podcast - Episode 18: Cross-Border Crush: Importing Grapes & Moving Forward (Alison Moyes, Solvero Winery): https://ttwinecounsel.com/podcast/episode-18-cross-border-crush-importing-grapes-moving-forward-alison-moyes-solvero-winery-okanagan-valley/

Episode 22: “Front of House” - Building a Restaurant Wine & Drinks List (Josh Carlson, Wine Director, Provence Marinaside)

This episode takes us “front of house” with Josh Carlson, Wine Director of Provence Marinaside in Vancouver, British Columbia. During this wide-ranging conversation, Josh and Tania discuss: • Josh’s path into the restaurant and wine world, and how he has built Provence’s deep cellar and one of Vancouver’s longest “by the glass” wine lists. • The relationship between restaurant and patron, and striking the right balance so that each guest feels comfortable and finds a wine for them. • Wine preservation systems, “wine in keg”, the Covid-19 legacy for “take out” dining and other business tool shifts. • The growing non-alc and low-alc space, Provence’s diverse “sans alc”/ zero-proof beverage list, and how non-alc drinks can pair with food. • Exploring Napa & Oregon for new gems on the list. In its convivial and relaxed space, Provence hosts a wide range of winemaker dinners and a special private cellar series. Josh chats about their upcoming “Exploring Wines of Croatia” wine dinner (taking place during the 2025 Vancouver International Wine Fest) and an exclusive private experience with Burgundian winemakers Pierre-Yves Colin and Caroline Morey. You can learn more about Provence, their food and wine program and Josh Carlson at: www.provencemarinaside.ca. Or better yet, just head to Provence for brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner or one of their weekly Jazz night to enjoy a glass and chat with Josh and his team.

Episode 21: BC Wine Industry 2024 "Roundup" (Megan O'Neill, Farris LLP)

This “roundup” episode is about the key BC Wine Industry news stories from 2024 - from a legal perspective. It’s a “101” on certain rules and regulations which govern how we make, market, sell, buy or taste wine here in British Columbia - and how these rules operate as the wine industry navigates serious challenges not only around farming, but also running a business in the current economic climate. Megan O’Neill joins as episode guest to navigate this 2024 Roundup. Megan is a Senior Associate at Farris LLP, a Vancouver-based law firm, which also has an office in wine country Kelowna. Megan is a corporate M&A lawyer who has a depth of experience working with BC Wine Industry matters. Tania and Megan discuss 2024’s “replacement vintage”, BC’s wine trade war with Alberta, onsite tastings at wineries or on restaurant outdoor patios, the potential of developing wine country into a more integrated tourism destination, and the overall state of the industry from a transactional M & A point of view. And more. This episode is for wine industry people, everyday consumers or anyone interested in business. Articles/links mentioned during this show: • About Megan O’Neill: LinkedIn and Farris LLP Profile • Selling a California Winery? Get Ready for a Reality Check (Felicity Carter) https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/insights/selling-californian-winery-get-ready-reality-check • Cross-Border Crush: Importing Grapes & Moving Forward (Alison Moyes, Solvero Winery)(Episode 18, TT Wine Explorer Podcast) https://ttwinecounsel.com/podcast/episode-18-cross-border-crush-importing-grapes-moving-forward-alison-moyes-solvero-winery-okanagan-valley/ • Blocking Our Own Wine – What Happened to Free Trade in a Federation? (Mark Hicken, WineLaw.ca)(Episode 10, TT Wine Explorer Podcast) https://ttwinecounsel.com/podcast/episode-10-blocking-our-own-wine-what-happened-to-free-trade-in-a-federation-the-legacy-of-prohibition-part-2-with-mark-hicken/ • Putting (and Keeping) the Okanagan Valley on the Wine Map (John Skinner, Painted Rock Estate Winery)(Episode 9, TT Wine Explorer Podcast) https://ttwinecounsel.com/podcast/episode-9-putting-and-keeping-the-okanagan-valley-on-the-wine-map-john-skinner-painted-rock-estate-winery/