Divergence signifies a change in life direction and Winemaker Jeff Moote definitely personifies that. He left a 10-year career as a chemical engineer and delved into the world of winemaking, taking classes at Brock University and then launching his own label in 2020. Not having his own vineyards gives Jeff the ability to search out grapes from a variety of growers from Lincoln Lakeshore to Niagara on the Lake. We discuss the choices of vineyards, the art of making sparkling wine and taste some fabulous wines. Once again, I had the opportunity to try a wine I had never had before – MRV. It is a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier and it was a truly amazing experience. The tropical notes on this wine are fabulous!! Do something different on your next wine tour and discover the beauty of small wine makers – you'll be glad you did.

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded July 15, 2026

Show notes: www.divergence.ca; www.drinkcollab.ca

Wines sampled: 2021 Riesling Brut, MV Brut One (multi vintage), 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 MRV (blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier), 2023 Grimsby Hillside Frontier Block Chardonnay Signature, 2023 Gamay Noir, 2023 Cabernet (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)

Konzelmann is one of the oldest wineries in the Niagara Region, with its origins in Germany over 100 years ago. You can feel the sense of history and the family pride the minute you walk through the doors of the winery. Winemaker Shantal Silverthorne shared a lot of the family history with us while pouring some fantastic wines. It was fun to taste two wines I have never had before: Pinot Blanc and Riesling x Traminer. You'll really enjoy hearing about these two unique varietals and I'm sure you'll want to make a trip to the winery to try them, along with their infamous peach wine. Be sure to walk up the stairs to the tower and take in the view of the lake too!

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded June 24, 2026

Show notes: www.konzelmann.ca

Wines sampled: 2025 Pinot Blanc, 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 Riesling x Traminer, 2025 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Meritage, Juice! Wine Spritz Peach, 2025 Peach