For this episode, we welcome Barclay Robinson, winemaker at Foreign Affair Winery in Niagara. Barclay’s path began as a sommelier in Calgary before studies at Brock University and vintages at Henry of Pelham and Tawse shaped his vision. His curiosity for Italian wines, especially Amarone, led him to embrace the appassimento method in Canada.
Foreign Affair was founded in the 1990s by Marisa and Len Crispino, inspired by their years in Verona. Today, under Corby Spirit and Wine, the estate continues their legacy, producing bold, distinctive wines through the drying of grapes before fermentation. Barclay shares how blending, patience, and terroir define their Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Riesling, while new projects keep the winery evolving.
This conversation explores legacy, innovation, and how Niagara’s cool climate can yield wines of surprising richness. At its heart, it is about vision and determination.
* Update: Since recording this episode, Foreign Affair Winery has appointed a new winemaker. We revisited the winery in Episode 58 (July 2024), featuring René Van Ede.
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