My first conversation with Joanie Metivier, a wine writer, sommelier, and influencer from Quebec, was at the onset of a press trip to the Vinho Verde region of Portugal in June 2018. Throughout our four days of tasting and learning, it was a joy to continue our chats about family, travel, and of course, wine while walking through the vineyards, exploring food and wine pairings, and soaking up the beauty of Portugal. (And I brushed up on my French, too, thanks to Joanie…) A gregarious, thoughtful, and incredibly fun person to be with, Joanie has extensive knowledge about all-things-wine. It was a delight to be in her aura and I’m thrilled to share Joanie’s words about her passions and plans for the future.
Subsequently, I was the first Quebecer to complete the Whisky Ambassador training. These new titles allowed me to obtain a sommelier position at the Cellier du Roi, with, as a working tool, a beautiful and well diversified wine card awarded by Wine Spectator. We can say that I plunged head first into the fabulous wine world and I’m honoured to be part of the specialized wine press. It’s definitely an advantage to push further the sharing aspect of wine writing. I may be the youngest wine writer in Quebec, but my adventures and knowledge are rich and esteemed.”
Joaniemetivier.com |@joaniemetivier
When did you realize you were passionate about wine?
“I have always had incredible admiration for passionate, specialized people. You know, the kind of people who love their job so much, that they have practiced a whole life and can talk about it with passion, emotion and a certain fanaticism. It is a quality that is not necessarily limited only to the world of wine. However, we must admit that the subject lends itself perfectly. There’s just something about it that makes people happy and this is a beautiful thing. I’ve had many mentors since, that all had the same common things, curiosity and passion.”
What is your favorite wine event?
“I’ll admit, I prefer smaller events or more private tastings. They allow for more discussion and better understanding of wines and estates. However, I do have a special place in my heart for La Grande Degustation de Montreal. It was one of the first big tastings and I’ve seen it grow through the years. It always comes with crazy times in Montreal.”
What are your plans for the coming year?
“There are just so many plans – I feel like I’m not going to make it alive! I don’t want to spill too much info for now, but I have my very first book coming up in the next few months. We also have a brand-new online magazine, Winetourismmag.com, entirely dedicated to wine regions as destinations with amazing collaborators from around the world. I’m also starting prep for taking on the challenge of the Advanced Sommelier program of the Court of Master Sommeliers. Wish me luck!”
What is the most remarkable bottle you’ve had the chance to taste?
“I was very privileged to be invited to this once in a lifetime tasting of Dopff & Irion, Chateau de Riquewihr, Les Murailles of various old vintages as well as their more current products. In a very kind and appreciated wave of thoughtfulness and generosity, the estate and its general manager Frédéric Raynaud decided, after finding stocks of forgotten old bottles dating back to 1945, to share this unique tasting experience with professionals around the world, including me.”
Which wine destination is the most interesting?
“My last trip was to Champagne and it was incredible. It may not be the most beautiful region visually (the Douro or the Mosel are way more impressive on that aspect) but I loved the dedication and collective force of all the producers. To have an entire region produce only this one specific high-end type of product and where almost all agree on the importance of pursuing the excellence status is very interesting to see.”
Thank you, Joanie!
Cheers, Cindy
