E53 - Hidden Bench Estate Winery, Canada

For Episode 53, we explore the picturesque Beamsville Bench in Canada’s Niagara region with Harald Thiel, founder and owner of Hidden Bench Estate Winery. Known for its premium wines crafted from organic estate-grown fruit, Hidden Bench focuses on cool climate varietals, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Harald Thiel’s journey from a successful business career to becoming a vintner is deeply rooted in his European heritage, where wine was a family staple. Established in 2003, Hidden Bench embodies Thiel's vision of producing world-class wines Canadians can proudly present. During our conversation, Thiel emphasizes sustainability and organic farming, key pillars of Hidden Bench’s winemaking philosophy. The winery utilizes geothermal technology and solar panels, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Thiel also discusses the challenges of climate change and the innovative practices they employ to ensure quality and sustainability.  For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web:  https://readbetweenthewinespodcast.com  Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia  Connect with us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines   

Om Podcasten

Read Between the Wines Podcast is not really a podcast, it’s a repository of stories from the wine world. It is focused on the narratives behind the winemakers rather than wine scoring. Founded and hosted by Vino-enthusiast Pierre Ferland, it offers a different and refreshing concept in wine exploration. Each episode offers a unique perspective on vineyard’s tales, much like each vintage brings its own profile and personality to a blend. Some conversations will delve into winemaking techniques, while others will explore initiatives to preserve biodiversity and find solutions to combat climate change. From a consumer perspective, we are intrigued by how wine scoring has dominated the industry, leaving many enthusiasts perplexed by its intricacies yet still relying on a solitary number for their selections. We understand and respect the fact that a generous score can help move a few bottles and we won’t hold it against any wineries, but from a vintner and a winemaker perspective, we pose a pivotal question: what legacy do you wish to imprint upon your clientele? A numerical rating, or the compelling tale of your craft? Think about it. What score would you give to the “Mona Lisa” or “The Starry Night” from Van Gogh? About “Composition 8” from Kandinsky or “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo. It’s very subjective indeed and so is Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia and Riesling from Germany.