Today on Unwined with Mandi we’ll be celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, with Audrey Smyth from India Rosa — she’s here to tell us how they’re bringing this beautiful celebration to life in true India Rosa style — think colourful dishes, festive cocktails, and a whole lot of sparkle.

Then, we’ll shift from lights to literature — and welcome two of Quebec’s most beloved food and wine voices, Jean Aubry and Lesley Chesterman, who’ve just released their brand new book En Accord. It’s a thoughtful, delicious collaboration between two culinary icons, all about the magic that happens when food and wine truly meet in harmony.

"We’re taking a delicious trip to southern France with a crash course on Côtes du Rhône wines — what makes them so food-friendly, delicious and fun.

Then, I’ll be joined by Guillaume Blisson from Gabriel Meffre, one of the Rhône’s most historic and respected estates, to talk about blending tradition with modern winemaking.

Next, Marilou Vacheron from Clos du Caillou joins me — an estate known for its beautiful, soulful wines where old-vine Grenache and Syrah tell the story of the land.

And finally, our culinary contributor Cristina Iacono shares a fun Thanksgiving recipe — along with her perfect Côtes du Rhône pairing to bring French flair to your holiday table.

On today’s episode of Unwined with Mandi — we’re asking the big question: are natural wines really better for you?

Joining me are three incredible guests:

Thierry Bellicaud from Maison Loron shares insight on their wines.

Miguel Roquette of Quinta do Crasto in Portugal dives into the magic of old vines and the soul they bring to a wine.

And Cristina Iacono is serving up a perfect flavour-packed paella recipe paired with fresh, vibrant Rueda wines.

Mandi will be sitting down with Louis Henrion from Maison Krug to talk about the global celebration of Krug x The Carrot, happening at Jatoba from September 18th -October 3rd…. She’s also joined by Cristina Ijalba from Vinos Ijalba, diving into their mission of reviving and championing Rioja’s rare and almost forgotten grape varieties. Finally, Mandi chats with Rodrigo Gutierrez from the Rioja Consejo Regulador, as the region proudly celebrates 100 years of excellence.

Today on Unwined we learn more about Zenato winery and what it means to be part of the Ten Historical Families in the Valpolicella, also Hugh Ryman joins us to talk about Castillo de Monseran and the beauty of Garnacha. In studio, Stéphane Richer de Forges from Louis Roederer is here to talk about the family run Champagne house.

Mandi chats with Victor Ordóñez from Jorge Ordóñez Selections about one of Spain’s hidden gems — Bodega Breca.

Then we’re turning to the restaurant world with Jean-Simon Rioux Ranger, the sommelier at Coureur de Bois in Beloeil, a spot known for its incredible wine list — one of the best in the world. He’ll share what goes into building such a list.

And finally, we’ll head into the kitchen with Cristina Iacono, who’s bringing us a warm, comforting recipe for chicken cacciatore!

Wine writer Mandi Robertson shares some of her favourite selections of wines, spirits and food.

This week she is joined by Charles Goemare, President of the CIVC (Comité Champagne), to talk about the future of the world’s most celebrated bubbles. Mandi also welcomes Anne-Laure Dominicini from Nicolas Feuillatte, one of the biggest and most dynamic Champagne houses, to share insider stories straight from the region. And of course, she will have my Champagne recommendations of the week—the perfect bottles to toast any occasion.

Emma Garner from Thirty Bench in Canada to discuss one of the most fascinating grapes in the wine world — Riesling.