Shows
Pour Decisions2025 Season Wrap-Up - with Matthew Jannette and Andrew BacklinWith the fog of harvest lifting, Matthew Jannette and Andrew Backlin reflect on the growing year. We go from bud break through harvest discussing how the slow start evolved into one of the driest seasons on record. They talked about what they are most looking forward to in terms of upcoming wines as well as some lessons learned. We also tried several wines on the episode, including a 2025 Sauvignon Blanc from Modales and a Pét-Nat from Loose Cannon, a new winery in Traverse City. We also popped a bottle of Blanc de Blanc provided by our f...
2025-12-211h 18Pour Decisions2025 Harvest Update #5Harvest is rapidly wrapping up! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.In this episode we cover a brief history of Traminette, a hybrid grape developed in the 1960's and brought to market by Cornell University in 1996. Traminette has a very famous parent, Gewurtztraminer, that contributes to its spicy, floral flavors—notes of lychee, rose, and white pepper—without the parent’s susceptibility to cold and disease.During this episode we refer back to our rose episode when talking about method...
2025-10-2040 minPour Decisions2025 Harvest Update #4Harvest continues! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.In this episode we cover a brief history of Sauvignon Blanc, a sometimes misunderstood grape with a very long history. We delve into how Sauvignon Blanc can present itself very differently based on ripeness and its lineage as a parent of another famous wine grape. We reference Andrew Backlin's episode a fair bit. Check it out here. Note: this episode is audio only. We will provide video when it...
2025-10-0731 minPour Decisions2025 Harvest Update #3Harvest continues! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.This short episode also goes over a little history and use of the Riesling grape, originally used for winemaking in the 15th century! We discuss how this famous grape is among the most versatile in the wine world, being used for everything from dry sparkling wine to true late harvests.Note: this episode is audio only. We will provide video when it adds value, but given the time craziness of harvest...
2025-09-3027 minPour Decisions2025 Harvest Update #2Harvest continues! During the harvest season we will provide periodic (~weekly) updates on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.We also go through a little history on the Cayuga White grape, the first hybrid wine grape released by Cornell University in 1972. We wrap the episode with an overview of the different methods of harvest and the rationale behind hand versus machine picking.Note: this episode is audio only. We will provide video when it adds value, but given the time craziness of harvest, we will prioritize getting content out over...
2025-09-2132 minPour DecisionsHarvest 2025 - Update #1Harvest has started! We are going to try something new for the harvest season and provide a periodic (~weekly) update on how things are going in Fennville as the fruit comes in.We also go through a little history on the Chardonnay grape, one of the most popular varieties grown around the world. And we wrap the episode with an overview of what goes into deciding when to harvest each block.Note: this episode is audio only. We will provide video when it adds value, but given the time craziness of harvest, we will prioritize...
2025-09-1335 minPour DecisionsMatthew Jannette - Head of Winemaking, Fenn Valley VineyardsIn this episode we talk to Matthew Jannette, Head of Winemaking at Fenn Valley Vineyards. Matt and Brian literally sit next to each other at work, so needless to say they dove right into a myriad of topics.Like many episodes, we start by going through Matt's journey through the craft beverage world - which included stops at some of the worlds' largest and smallest wineries. He also spent time selling wine which gives him a lot of street credibility when it comes to consumer preferences.As evidenced by the crazy number of links below...
2025-08-091h 02Pour DecisionsAMA #3 - Sparkling WineIn this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we dive into the different ways sparkling wine can be produced. We cover the three main methods, Méthode Champenoise, Charmat Method, and Carbonation Method in detail. We also touch on a couple others, such as Pét-Nat. Pour Decisions approaches the topic from two points of view. First, we try to highlight the considerations of each method, including time, equipment, and winemaking strategy. And second, we illustrate how the techniques translate into differences in the finished product. This is a great episode for producers and consumers alike. Ha...
2025-07-2050 minPour DecisionsScott Graham - Executive Director, Michigan Brewers GuildWe are joined in this episode by Scott Graham, the Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild. Scott has been part of the craft scene for over 30 years including brewing and selling some of the worlds most iconic brands and some of the most niche. In his role as Executive Director Scott advocates for the Michigan Craft Beer industry on a daily basis.We leveraged Scott's experience to discuss beer trends, both current and past. We also discussed how beer fits into the broader ecosystem of craft beverages and hospitality as a whole. He brought some excellent...
2025-06-2759 min
Welcome To A Better LifestyleBonus Episode: Inside Hollywood with Brian IsomBrian Isom's powerful journey from U.S. Army veteran to Emmy Award-winning Hollywood producer began with a near-death experience that awakened his intuition and reshaped his path. Trusting his inner voice, Brian transitioned from the battlefield to the big screen, and later, to founding a transformational coaching practice.Brian Isomhttps://www.brianisomconsulting.comMy Men Richard/Richard Lesperancerichard.lesperance@gmail.com https://linkedin.com/in/richardlesperance https://www.youtube.com/@mymenrichard
2025-06-1327 minPour DecisionsAMA #2 - All About RoseIn this Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover all things Rose! The category of Rose wine is incredibly broad, and often misunderstood. We delve into the main ways rose wine is produced and how those production decisions may impact the wine in your glass - including color, flavor, and intensity. We also cover considerations around wine and food pairing and conclude with some thoughts on knowing if a Rose is starting to go over the hill. Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming AMA? Contact us today!SponsorsFenn Valley...
2025-06-0125 minPour DecisionsJames Lester - President & Winemaker, WyncroftWe are joined in this episode by James Lester, the Founder, President, and Winemaker at Wyncroft Wines. Working alongside his wife Daun, James is directly involved in every aspect of this intentionally small winery nestled along the lakeshore in Pullman, Michigan. The majority of this discussion revolved around Wyncroft's at times tumultuous history, as James recalls nearly losing his winery on at least one occasion. His story is a testament to the grit and determination it takes to make it in our industry. We also delve into some of the tactics Wyncroft employs to produce...
2025-05-161h 56Pour DecisionsFred Bueltmann - Executive Director, Red Horse CenterWe are joined in this episode by Fred Bueltmann from the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership. It is safe to say Fred is among the founders of the Michigan craft beer and spirits industry having served in leadership roles during the early years of two of the most iconic breweries in Michigan - Bell's Brewery and New Holland Brewing.We really leaned into Fred's breath and depth of experience to delve into the long arc of the craft scene in Michigan. We used Fred's two published books, "A Rising Tide - Stories from the Michigan Brewers...
2025-04-251h 40Pour DecisionsAMA #1 - Beverage Experience on a Disney CruiseIn our first ever Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode we cover questions we received following a recent spring break trip onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. Specifically we provide an overview of fermented beverages in the Caribbean, unique challenges and idiosyncrasies of cruise ship beverage service, and some of the unique aspects of the Disney cruise itself. Have questions you would like to submit for an upcoming AMA? Contact us today!Some links to things covered...https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/https://accademia.gaggia.com/SponsorsFenn Valley Vineyards, IncCarrier SignalInterested in...
2025-04-2112 min
The Moondog ShowThe Show Before the Coach's Show(Episode 327) The Blueberry Chicks come to the studio to talk about making the last episode of the first season of The Blueberry Chicks on WNIT PBS in South Bend. The Chicks give Brian Lesperance, Vice President of Fenn Valley Vineyard a call to talk about the winery, the tasting room and their Winemakers Dinners. After that Mason Dixon and Amanda Jones come to the studio to talk about the week that was. Scott T calls the show for a road report from Big Sky Montana (Butte, Montana) to vent his frustrations from being the wheel so much. Dr. Max...
2025-04-052h 00
Pour DecisionsAndrew Backlin - Director of Production and Winemaker, Modales WinesWe are joined in this episode with Andrew Backlin from Modales Wines. Andrew grew up outside Napa county and brought his love of wine to Michigan several years ago as Modales was starting up. As the head of production and winemaking Andrew focuses on low intervention wines and has been doing so before it was popular.We cover a wide variety of topics on this episode, including the use of Non-Saccharomyces yeast, native fermentations, organic farming, and market trends. We also dive pretty deep into Andrew's favorite grape, Riesling!Some links to things covered......
2025-04-041h 25
Pour DecisionsBrian Lillie - VP, Hospitality Operations and Distribution, Chateau ChantalIn the premier of Pour Decisions we sit down with Brian Lillie with Chateau Chantal. Brian is a legend in the Michigan wine industry and has an incredibly broad perspective on wine and the craft beverage market. In addition to his day job at Chateau Chantal, Brian is the President of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, has a WSET Level 3 wine certification, and is the owner of Brian Lillie and Company. Specifically we delve into topics including wine aging, the impact of soil on flavors and aromatics, the state of the wine consumer, and so much more.
2025-03-281h 14
Pour DecisionsPour Decisions TrailerThis is the trailer for the Pour Decisions podcast! Learn more at www.craftpourdecisions.com.Pour Decisions is a podcast about craft beverages from an insiders point of view. Our primary focus is on wine made in the Midwest, but topics include other craft beverages and products. Basically, anything you can pour is fair game.The podcast is hosted by Brian Lesperance, a 13 year veteran of the Michigan wine industry. Brian currently leads Fenn Valley Vineyards, a winery in Fennville, Michigan started in 1973. He also serves on several industry boards, including the Michigan Wine Collaborative...
2025-03-2402 min
Upmarket: The Business of Real Estate Photography & MediaEp. 80 - Action Item Spectacular!!!! PMRE 2024PMRE 2024 is in the books!! The conference was once again so spectacular, that we brought back our SPECTACULAR episode devoted exclusively to ACTION ITEMS, given to us by a staggering 24 of our thoughtful peers in the REP Industry!!!! SO many great nuggets in here on growing your business. Big thanks to all of the attendees who so graciously gave up a little of their conference time to come up to the Upmarket Suite at Palms and share their wisdom. The Dynamite 24 are:Chris White - @go_iguideBrandon Cooper - @pmreconferenceRick Rickerson...
2024-11-261h 22
Behind the MittenS6,E45: Fenn Valley Vineyards, Shady Lane Cellars, Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival (Nov. 9-10, 2024)It's all about Michigan wine this week on Behind the Mitten, and we are awash in the great grape harvest of 2024. Our first guest is in charge of one of the Midwest's biggest, and arguably most exciting, food festival. The 17th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival kicks off November 21 through the 23rd. It's a full on extravaganza of food and food related events and presenations at DeVos Place throughout the weekend. Dawn Baker from Show Span joins us and shares all the new things that you'll find this year, including The Vineyard where you can s...
2024-11-2044 min
Behind the MittenS6,E37: Vine Wine'd, Canadiana Fest, Donut & Beer Fest, and other great fall festivals (Sept. 14-15, 2024)Fall is festival time in Michigan, so we went on a journey to find a few of the more interesting-sounding ones out there and get the story behind the production of these fine community affairs. This week on Behind the Mitten we'll talk fests that focus on doughnuts and beer, running through the grapevines, hawks, and surprise, surprise, even one festival that celebrates all things Canadian.Once again back in its hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan's Donut and Beer Festival is happening on October 19 at Homer Stryker Field. Featuring unique donuts from local bakeries, paired up with locally brewed...
2024-09-1944 min
The Digital ExecutiveTransforming International Arbitration: How AI is Shaping the Future with Annie Lespérance | Ep 929Send us a text
In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, Brian Thomas sits down with Annie Lespérance, Head of Americas at Jus Mundi, a leading legal tech company revolutionizing the fields of international law and arbitration with AI-powered solutions. Annie shares her journey from her extensive legal background to her current role at Jus Mundi, where she oversees strategic initiatives across the Americas.
She discusses the transformative impact of generative AI on legal research, arbitration, and how Jus Mundi's innovative AI tools are driving efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility in the legal industry. A...
2024-08-1814 min
So Very Wrong About Games#307: Galactic RenaissanceWhile we have little experience with Ed Sullivan's TV offerings, his legacy is a fascinating one. While he capitulated to pressure during the Red Scare, he did show remarkable courage in platforming African American performers despite opposition from his sponsors. Quite surprising is that the illness that eventually killed him was kept a secret from him by his family, a practise that was already frowned on in the United States by the seventies but is still widespread in many parts of the world. Games Played Last Week:01:36 -The Vale of Eternity (Eric H...
2024-04-161h 11
Behind the MittenS6,E9: Fenn Valley Vineyards - A perfect destination for wine tasting, special events and more! (March 2-3, 2024)Fenn Valley Vineyards has been creating unique Michigan wines and ciders for over fifty years, nestled in the rolling green hills of Fennville in beautiful southwest Michigan. Behind the Mitten made a recent jaunt that way, about 45 minutes south of our world headquarters in Grand Rapids. We sat down with Brian Lesperance, Vice President of Fenn Valley, and winemaker Matt Jannette to get the scoop on all that's happening at Fenn Valley, plus some wine-tasting do's and don'ts.First, let's go way back to 1973 when Fenn Valley was founded. The owners located the perfect section of land just...
2024-03-0744 min
Change Lives Make Money: The Podcast For Online Trainers#944- Creating A Vision For Your BusinessIt’s not a secret, having a vision for your business is essential. Without a vision, you’ll feel empty… no matter how much money the business is bringing in. When I first started Aesthetic Nation, I had a strong vision of helping online trainers hit $10K months in their business. Then I realized that If I could help 4, 10, 20 trainers hit 6-figure months… then what’s stopping me from helping 1,400 more trainers? This was and still is the entire VISION behind PT Domination. It’s the reason I wake up, AMPED and passi...
2023-08-0727 min
Mullins Farrier PodcastAlex NorsworthyWelcome everyone. I hope you're all doing well this busy time of the year. I have a lot to cover today in the shopkeeping portion, but the interview is actually quite short, so I feel like the two will even out in the end. As I said just a few seconds ago, it is a busy time of the year for us and as we grind it out and do as many horses as our clients put upon us, sometimes it's hard to remember why we're doing the job we do in the first place. It's easy to get...
2023-07-0327 min
Welcome To A Better LifestyleMastering the Real Estate Market with Brian GrimesJoin us in this episode as we delve into the the Real Estate industry with Brian Grimes. Our discussion includes valuable tips on property investments, home buying and selling, and financing options. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, this podcast will provide you with valuable insights to help you make informed decisions in the ever-changing real estate industry. Don't miss out on this informative episode and join the conversation today !
Brian Grimes
https://www.youtube.com/@BrianLovesCashFlow
https://www.instagram.com/briangrimes_247cfu/?hl=en
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2023-02-1622 min
Mullins Farrier PodcastAbby Bunyard AWCF ATFWelcome everyone. I'm sure you noticed the new intro. I worked on that the whole flight back from England. Just thought I would change things up a little bit for you with some new and equally inspiring quotes from some other folks who have been on the podcast. As I'm sure you already gathered from the accents of the people in the new intro, this is the first episode of many to come out of my trip to England. Abby Bunyard is the Vice President of the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association. Abby was admittedly a bit...
2022-11-2142 min
Mullins Farrier PodcastDouglas Hogue CJF, EEWelcome everyone. Today. I'm speaking with Douglas Hogue, CJF, EE. Doug currently runs his business out of a county, close to Houston, Texas. We cover a wide range of topics and Doug shared his straightforward and honest opinion on all of them. As you will hear, Doug, isn't afraid to be controversial, which seems to be part of his charm. One of the topics we covered was being fired by clients and I had the unfortunate luck to have that happen to me this very week. As you will hear me say in the conversation...
2022-08-012h 11
Michigan AF PodcastBrian Lesperance of Fenn Valley Vineyards - “The making of the wine is the easy part, selling it is where the real work goes in.”Brian Lesperance of Fenn Valley Vineyards left his career in technology to start a second one at a winery. His wife Gwen, whose family started the business in 1973, their two daughters, and Brian love riding around the farm and enjoying nearby Lake Michigan. Brian skis in the winter, cycles in the summer, and prepares meals – sometimes successfully, sometimes not – year round. Brian talks about:What extreme farming means in the wine industryHow much you have to train to cycle from Lansing to the Mackinac BridgeThe class he and Gwen taught where they paired food and wi...
2019-08-0332 min
Mullins Farrier PodcastCathy Lesperance APF-1Today I'm speaking with Cathy Lesperance. Cathy shoes many high-level sport horses in Ontario, Canada. Her clients have flown her far wide, to such places as Florida and Alberta to service their horses. She is 56 years old and lives with her partner Renee and their two very large dogs. She has loved horses since she could remember. She owned, rode and showed horses for years, from barrel racing to reining to eventing. She started her shoeing career in 1981 by apprenticing with Pat Cullen who is now deceased. She later apprenticed with Larry Lesperance, who she then married 7 years la...
2019-06-0858 min
振涛Tonyead🌹[新闻]Restrictions loom for short-term rentals such as Airbnb微博:Ottoeveryday 微信公众号: 凹凸凸成长日记Restrictions loom for short-term rentals such as AirbnbBy Glen Korstrom | Aug. 8, 2017, 8:08 a.m.From BUSINESS VANCOUVERMetro Vancouver municipal governments are grappling with ways of dealing with the rapid rise in short-term rentals being offered via companies such as Airbnb and VRBO.The rentals provide an opportunity for homeowners or tenants to make some quick cash by renting out their homes when they are on vacation.But they cut into the region’s stock of long-term rental housing and unfairly compete with bed and breakfast owners, who must conform to strict safety reg...
2017-09-0110 min