Vino Veritas Poster Courtesy of Jo Films.jpg

As authors of A Wine Journey, Kathy and I enjoy listening to how people began their wine journeys and where those travels have taken them. We had an opportunity to conduct an email interview with David MacGregor, writer of the movie, Vino Veritas, available now at the iTunes store and VOD.

Wine Trail Traveler: When did you first become interested in wine? Describe the event, reason, tipping point, etc.

David MacGregor: I first became interested in wine after my wife and I had our first child.  I became the stay-at-home dad, writing and teaching at night, and to expand my interests beyond the interests of a small child, I subscribed to magazines like Gourmet, Bon Apetit, and Food and Wine.  The more I read about fine food and wine, the more interested I became in both, and reading about exquisite food and beverages somehow made my lunches of peanut butter sandwiches and Fritos taste better.

Wine Trail Traveler: How has your personal wine journey evolved since you first became interested in wine?

David MacGregor: I have a much greater appreciation for how particular wines can complement certain foods.  I had something of an epiphany in this regard when I became friends with a chef by the name of Brian Polcyn, who at the time owned and ran a restaurant called Five Lakes Grill in Milford, Michigan.  He invited a friend and I to visit his restaurant to dine, but he refused to let us order anything.  Instead, he cooked what he wanted to cook, and every course was accompanied by the wine he and his sommelier felt would best complement the dish.  I remember sitting at the table and just laughing because everything was so ridiculously delicious.  It was just a revelation.  From that point on, my appreciation for the kind of alchemy that exists between food and wine has continued to grow.

Wine Trail Traveler: Do you have favorite wines and wine regions to visit?

David MacGregor: My favorite types of wines are pinot noirs from the Russian River Valley, Malbecs from Argentina, and I’m extremely fond of the cabernets produced by Beaulieu Vineyards.  I’m also a fan of Beaujolais Nouveau.  In terms of wine regions, I have toured the vineyards of western Michigan (my favorite winery there is Tabor Hill, which also has a restaurant on the premises) and also Napa Valley, but the most fun tour was in the Niagara Wine Region and being introduced to their ice wines.

If you want to see the movie that David wrote, head to the iTunes store and search for Vino Veritas.

Cheers,
Terry