What makes a great bottle of wine? Is it the grape, the region, the winemaker... or the story behind it?

This week on Unwined with Mandi, we're discovering why great wine is about so much more than what's in your glass.

First, I sit down with Véronique Hombreaux from Mouton Cadet to explore the winery's Fair for Life certification and what ethical, sustainable winemaking really means—for the people who grow the grapes, the communities they support, and ultimately, the wines we enjoy.

Then we're off to Tuscany to meet Ettore Arturo Rizzi of Fattoria Le Pupille. We'll dive into the history of this celebrated estate, the philosophy behind its wines, and highlight a few bottles you can pick up right here at the SAQ.

And of course, I'll wrap up the show with my Wines of the Week—a fresh lineup of bottles perfect for your next barbecue, dinner party or relaxing evening on the patio.

Summer is officially here, and this week on Unwined with Mandi, we're exploring the wines and destinations that deserve a place on your summer bucket list.

First, we'll head to the south of France, where Aurélie Bertin welcomes us to the beautiful Château Sainte-Roseline. We'll discover why this historic Provençal estate is worth visiting if you're travelling through the region this summer, while tasting three distinctive rosés that showcase the elegance and diversity of Provence which are available at the SAQ!

Then, we'll travel to Tuscany to meet Antonio Michael Zaccheo from Carpineto. He'll share the fascinating history of this family-owned winery, the philosophy behind their wines, and introduce us to an exciting new sparkling wine that's sure to become one of your favourite summer pours.

Plus, I'll share my Wines of the Week, featuring a few refreshing bottles perfect for patios, barbecues, and warm summer evenings.

Join me as we toast to another season of great wine, unforgettable destinations, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass—this week on Unwined with Mandi!

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.