Sip with Nikki

If you’ve ever wondered how to snag top-notch wines at eye-popping prices...This week I'm going Undercover with "Agent Cru" from Wine Spies!From the thrill of getting your daily deals to learning about innovative shipping solutions that keep your wine cool and safe (and complimentary!), this episode is packed with tips and laughs!HIghlights: Wine Spies offers amazing deals on high-quality wines, often selling for less than half the retail price, which makes it a great option for wine lovers looking to score a bargain. Sign up for their daily deals HERE Agent Cru shares his journey from working in a family winery (cellar rat!) to becoming the CEO of Wine Spies, highlighting his passion for curating wines for a diverse audience. Follow them on InstagramOther Links and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Michael and I just binged watched the new Netflix series, "Next Gen Chef" which was filmed at the Culinary Institute of America in NY. We were excited to see an appearance from a long time friend, Chef Melissa Walnock, who was one of the first guests on the podcast back in Feb 2024!In case you missed it, or just want another dose of her badass wisdom and joy, I'm re- releasing a newly edited version of her episode in celebration of her Netflix debut!We talk about:How being a type 1 diabetic since childhood has shaped her career and artistryHow having an OCD brain serves her extremely precise creations Being a woman in some of the most famous kitchens in the country Her crazy practical exam to become faculty at the Culinary Institute What it’s like teaching the next generation (NextGen!)Get our Sip Spotlight wine through my affiliate partner website here: Check out her baking classes here Be sure to follow her gorgeous Instagram @chefwalnockIf you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine! Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! Get my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here: Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!Truth? I am in the middle of a difficult chapter in my life, and I was looking for some much needed joy. So I planned a very last minute trip to LA with my good friends Hoby and Justin. We designed 48 joyful hours around 2 of my favorite things... Dave Matthews and Disney!Listen to our day at Disneyland as Hoby, who brings a unique perspective as someone who navigates the world without sight, helps us appreciate the magic around us in a whole new way. You'll also get a behind the scenes listen as he records some of his viral videos that have taken over IG, TikTok and YouTube!Highlights:-We taste some coveted Disney snacks, like the classic turkey leg and the new and exciting pickle dog... and recommended wine pairings with each one!-Hoby shares his impression of some classic and new attractions and his perceptions experiencing them without site-We have a lot of fun and there is joy and laughter and you should listen. That is all.Other Links and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

This week I'm revisiting an episode from one year ago where I shared a very exciting and rare experience that happened to me while in Bend, Oregon last summer. Enjoy a new intro and outtro to the original episode, where I look back on what has happened after a CRAZY year of life and reflect on if I would have done it differently if given the chance. Spoiler alert: I get a little emotional and a little philosophical. I'm also highlighting a STEAL of a wine (90 points from Wine Enthusiast and under $15!) that pairs beautifully with this story... and you'll hear about the connection between the two! Without giving away too much... You'll hear about:26 years of consistent passion and enthusiasm for ONE THINGHow being patient paid off My curiosity of how YOU think it went and what you would have done differently!Song lyrics referenced in the episode:Oh, how it happened, blew the lid and got a taste, it's some kind of magicIt could happen like it did, Like we awoke, we were still dreamingWhen it happened like it did , If I wasn't there, I wouldn't believe it-DJMThis week's Sip Spotlight wine is a Blast from the Past!Other Links and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.comIf you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!

I was lucky to sit down with Winemaker Leo Tellez and Dir. of Hospitality and Sales, Joe Hinde from Ackerman Family Vineyards in downtown Napa! From the "aviary" of their restored Victorian Heritage House, we laugh and learn from each other as I hear their journeys that led them to where they are today.Listen as we taste 3 unique and delicious small-production wines (Triple Sip Spotlight!) and talk about the newest Napa Valley AVA, Coombsville, what makes it special and why you need to be drinking wines from this very specific region. Highlights: Coombesville is a hidden gem in Napa Valley, producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Both of of these wine professionals come from multi-generational wine families and carved their paths in this industry Now more than ever, the importance of supporting and drinking wines from small family producers Winemaking is a blend of art and science, requiring creativity and meticulous attention. The joy of wine tasting lies in the stories and connections made around the table. Episode Links:You can purchase their wines and set up a tasting at Ackerman Family VineyardsCheck out their YouTube Channel for more of the "Joe and Leo Show"Follow them on InstagramOther Links and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

I recently learned about the powerhouse husband and wife duo Brian Ball and Laura Jones and their new Chardonnay focused winery, Sphaerics.I'm always interested to learn about other small family operated wineries, especially when we are neighbors here in Sonoma County AND they are also created by people who are both partners in Life AND Business, like Michael and I. Listen as I sit down with Brian and Laura and over spectacular vineyard views of the Alexander Valley, they share how 15 years of working in the wine business, him as a GM and her as a celebrated winemaker, led to the creation of their own brand highlighting coveted vineyard sites... and a new and exciting vineyard that will be part of their portfolio soon!Highlights: Brian shares what led him from Wall Street to Wine Country and Why..Laura shares her story of making wines around the world and why she is so passionate about Chardonnay We talk about the perceptions and misconceptions about Chardonnay and why it's so exciting to work with They share about the "Energy" in their wines and what that means to you, the wine drinkerHow to acquire these tiny production masterpieces in the futureEpisode Links: Sign up for their mailing list at Sphaerics WineFollow Sphaerics on Instagram Read the San Francisco Chronicle article (by Esther Mobley) that put them on my radarRead this awesome highlight of Sphaerics and Laura's winemaking in Wine SpectatorOther Links and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Sign up for my free downloadable wine tips cheat sheet here, which is a great learning companion to this episode!If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy Nikki a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!Episode Notes: Alright class, (don’t worry, it’s Wine School)… This week is what we call in wine tasting a "Revisit", which sounds so much classier than saying "can I have some more?" And it's a topic that I ALWAYS get so many questions about (which is why it was worth a revisit)...Aging Wine!If you’ve ever wondered things like:Why should I age a wine? How does it change?Will I like it better? What’s the best way to store it? Then this episode is for you!I’ll break down :The elements in a wine that determine it it will “get better” with timeWhat happens to wines as they age and how the flavor and texture changeThe best way to store your wine if you are going to “let it ride”Episode Links: You can get the 2019 Vintage of our Sip Spotlight, Robert Sinskey Abraxas through the winery directly here Or if you’d like to try the 2015 Vintage I described, to experience more age on this white blend, My partner wine.com has some available here  First time customers Use the code SAVEBIG for $20 off your order of $150Other Links and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Proud Aunt Moment: My nephew Aidan is about to start his third year as a Cadet and rugby player at the West Point Military Academy in NY. He recently spent 3 weeks in Germany on an exchange training with their military and he was excited to share some of his stories from his time there. Being well trained from a young age by his aunt Nikki, he was curious about German wine, beer and spirits and brought home some different things that he wanted to share with us along with the stories of his time in the field. Listen to our 3 generation gathering as Aidan and I are joined my mom, Susan, and my sisters Dana (his mom) and Amanda as we listen, learn and taste all the German things. Takeaways:Aidan shares his insights from his military exchange in Germany, including cultural differences in drinking habits We talk about the generational shift in alcohol consumption, and I get his thoughts on Gen Z's preferences We taste a surprising Wine he brought back from the Baden regionWe do a side by side tasting of German and American Jagermeister He shares about military "patch culture" as we learn about an interesting (ahem) cocktail that was a staple for him during his training in the fieldLinks and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Check out the upcoming Crush Collective Tasting in the Napa Valley on August 17th! Taste wines from podcast guest Sally Johnson Blum, including Abloom from episode 74! Get your tickets for this unique tasting experience here! In this continuation from last week's episode, I'm joined by my good friend and blind sensory guide, Dr Hoby Wedler, his partner Justin, my other half Michael and my lifelong friend Dr. Kim from Virginia. Last week we talked about some guidelines for food and wine pairing, with Dr Hoby coming at it from the scientific standpoint (with his PhD in Organic Chemistry). Now you get to pull up a stool at my kitchen island as the 5 of us cook together, try different wine pairings and share tips and recipes for you to try at home!Episode Links:Follow Dr. Hoby on InstagramPride Mountain Vineyards Viognier- (call winery to order)-paired with chicken wings and mushroomsLagrein Merlot "Laurin"- paired with MushroomsHere are the special olive oil tasting glasses we talked about from American Olive FarmerSollevato Sangiovese 2022- paired with Margarita Pizza Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend- paired with Mushroom pasta (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!0Our favorite canned tomatoes for making pizza. Bianco DiNapoliEpisode Recipes:Hoby and Justin's Porcini Mushroom Pasta Nikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Check out the upcoming Crush Collective Tasting in the Napa Valley on August 17th! Taste wines from podcast guest Sally Johnson Blum, including Abloom from episode 74! Get your tickets for this unique tasting experience here! We're diving into the delicious world of food and wine pairings, guided by the brilliant Dr. Hoby Wedler. Hoby, who’s blind since birth and armed with a PhD in organic chemistry, brings a unique perspective that’ll have you understanding why certain flavors click while others clash. As we gather in the kitchen with our partners and my lifelong buddy Kim, we explore the chemistry behind what makes our favorite dishes and wines bring out the best in each other (or not!). We've got some eye-opening tips as we tackle listener questions in Part 1 of a 2 part Series.Takeaways: How to describing cheese to someone who has never tasted it before?... Why Food and wine pairings are highly subjective, and what works for one person may not for another. How Our surrounding environment can significantly impact our perception of wine and its flavors. Using the right savory flavors can elevate the enjoyment of wine and fruit pairings. Episode Links:Follow Dr. Hoby on InstagramMounts Family VermentinoNikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese just took the Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition! Get yours here! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.)Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

This week I'm getting personal. While it wasn't easy and has taken me months to get here, I felt it was time to share about my Breast Cancer battle with the hopes of helping others who may find themselves or their loved ones in a similar situation. I recored my thoughts and emotions on the morning before my first chemotherapy and again that evening. And I think it's enlightening, encouraging and worth sharing. I am also scalp cooling to preserve my hair, using the Paxman system and I want to make sure people (especially women) know about this as an option and what to expect from the process. Want to get in touch? Send me a note at nikki@sipwithnikki.com Nikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese just took the Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition! Get yours here! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.)Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

I am re-releasing one of our most talked about episodes because EVERYONE needs to hear this. So if you missed it or would like a "re-visit" (as we call it in wine tasting)... I'm bringing one of our first and most popular episodes to the top of our now 80 episode catalog!I first met Dr Hoby Wedler when he led my wine education team and I through his signature “Tasting in the Dark” experience. We were blindfolded and tasting the wines  we thought we knew very well, in a whole new light (or lack thereof). Dr. Hoby Wedler is a Chemist, Sensory Expert, Motivational Speaker and Entrepreneur who happens to be blind since birth.After your virtual time with Hoby, you’ll have a new perspective on how to take in the world around you, especially when it comes to things like Seeing Flavor and Tasting Color!You’ll hear about: The call from Francis Ford Coppola that inspired him to create Tasting in the DarkHis first chemistry teacher who questioned how chemistry would “work for him”, until he told her “No one can see atoms”…. (Mic drop)His thought on the questions around the health benefits of wineHow he identifies colorHis uncensored reaction when I snuck my newly released 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese into our “blind tasting”You can find and follow Hoby here!www.hobywedler.comIG: @hobywedlerEmail him at hoby@hobywedler.comGet our Sip Spotlight Wines Here!Wine #1- Hoby's Choice: Chianti ClassicoWine #4 -The trick I played on him with my own wine: Sollevato SangioveseIf you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me or Hoby a glass of wine, we would be so grateful!Nikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese just took the Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition! Get yours here! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.)Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and...

If you'd like to be an ANGEL and Support the Podcast, you buy me a glass of wine and get a shout-out on a future episode!This week we're talking about what Orange wine is (and what it is not). Listen as we get into: The winemaking process that gives these wines their unique characteristics How these wines can surprise your palate with unexpected complexity and intriguing flavor profiles Michael and I taste three different orange wines, sharing our uncensored thoughts and reactions and thoughts on food pairingsBy the end, you'll not only understand what orange wine is but also feel inspired to seek it out on your next wine run!Sip Spotlight Wines:Langhart-Hill Rumplestiltskin Trousseau Gris (California) Domaine Ostertag The New Chapter Vin Orange (Alsace) Gulp Hablo (Spain) Nikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese just took the Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition! Get yours here! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.)Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS them! Click here to

I'm thrilled to welcome back Liz Tagami of American Olive Farmer and Lucero Oil! If you haven't listened to Episode 62, "Olive Oil Deep Dive" yet, check that one out to learn more about the beautiful oils Liz and Donald are creating in Corning, CA. They have been sold out of their flavored olive oils for some time, but they are back and I finally got to taste them with Liz! You'll hear: The unique processes behind American Olive Farmer's flavored oils and the importance of using real, high-quality ingredients in flavored oils to ensure authentic taste and aromaThe fascinating history of balsamic vinegar and its connection to Roman soldiers We taste 3 exciting oils (Lemon, Basil and Roasted Garlic) and 2 gorgeous vinegars and talk about recipes and ways to enjoys these beautiful enhancementsLiz shares about the olive growing season and the various challenges that small producers face, including labor shortages and crop variancesYou can get a trio of all 3 delicious flavored oils and vinegars from from American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order! Be sure to sign up for their fantastic newsletter chock full of recipes and inspiration!Nikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Ways to help and support: If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and I'd be so grateful! (it's like leaving a tip when you've had great service).Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS them! Click here to

I'd like to Shout out to all the ANGELS who have supported the podcast through their kind tips and donations! Thank you for buying me a glass of wine and contributing to covering the costs to create and publish this podcast! You can be an angel too! Support the Podcast This week I'm joined by Roman Sharifi, co-founder of the premium wine accessories brand Copain de Vin, based in Amsterdam. I saw their recent Kickstarter Campaign for "VinVoyage", which are groundbreaking, high-end gorgeous crystal PORTABLE and DURABLE wine glasses that you can take with you on vacation, to the beach or even a hike!We get into why wine glasses matter and I confess to clumsily bringing my own with me when I travel and WHY.Laugh and learn with Roman and I as we cover:What led him from teacher to sommelier to entrepreneur and the lessons he's learned about business and self care along the wayHow their prototype to a market-ready product took years of hard work and determinationHow sustainability is at the heart of the Vin Voyage glasses, aiming to replace plastic cups and promote eco-friendly practices while enjoying wine on the go. The innovative design of the Vin Voyage glasses not only emphasizes portability but also prioritizes the drinking experience with high-quality mouth-blown crystal. (yes- glasses matter)How you can get your hands on these awesome and innovative new glasses before they hit the marketTo purchase the VinVoyage glasses or inquire about investing in this growing project, email Roman at info@copaindevin.com and mention the Sip With Nikki podcast. Follow Copain de Vin on InstagramMy Sip Spotlight Wine: Smith Madrone Riesling from Spring MountainNikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select...

I'm re- releasing on of our most listened to episodes from Jan 2024 with additional edits and bonus content!If you've ever felt a bit (or totally) overwhelmed by all of the wine bottles staring back at you from their store shelves, you’re going to want to listen in as I give you some simple hacks to help you pick the right wine each time. I’ll break down:How to decipher wine labels to look for clues to pick your perfect styleHow the bottle shape can clue you in as to what’s inside if the label isn’t obvious What the location in the store (and even on the shelf) can tell you about the wineThese quick and simple ideas should help you feel more confident next time you find yourself in the wine store so you don’t just select your wine by the coolest label (which might be ok too, as long as you like what's inside!)Resources I mentioned: Grab my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet HereThe App I love is VIVINOOne of my favorite wine books is The Wine Bible. You can get the newest edition on Amazon hereNikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Ways to help and support: If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine I would be so grateful! (it's like leaving a tip when you've had great service).Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS them! Click here to a...

This week I'm breaking down what exactly makes a wine a "Super Tuscan", the rebellious history behind it, and why you want to explore this category of wines. You'll learn about the specific grapes used in the Super Tuscan blends and what makes them so special for wine lovers. We'll share some of our favorite Super Tuscans from Italy and explore what makes them so unique and how those wines led me to make my own Super Tuscan Inspired Blend in California. Plus, I’m super excited to introduce my mom, who’s giving her first-ever wine review on the podcast!Links and Resources:My favorite splurge Super Tuscans from Italy:Find Antinori Tignanello HereFind Ornellia HereFind Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia HereA great Value Priced Super Tuscan- La Volte- under $40!Nikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.If you'd like to be an ANGEL and Support the Podcast, you buy me a glass of wine and get a shout-out on a future episode!Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Special Announcement: If you're not already on the Sip With Nikki mailing list, be sure to sign up here to be the first to know about our Inaugural CLUB SIP Membership, Coming SOON! (And get my free wine tips cheat sheet when you do...)Episode Notes: A trio of powerhouse winemakers-Sally Johnson Blum, Molly Hill, and Ashley Hepworth—come together to discuss their groundbreaking project, Abloom, on this episode of Sip with Nikki. They're bringing a fresh perspective on the often under appreciated Grenache and their luxury rose made from it. You'll hear why they created this label, the challenges they faced, and the joyful spirit that fuels their unique collaboration.From the intentional crafting process to the unique stories that each bottle tells, it’s a chat that promises to be as rich and layered as the wine itself. You'll Hear: Each winemaker answer the questions "Why Does Wine Matter?"Behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the meticulous and unique intentional process that went into crafting AbloomWhat it was like to collaborate as 3 celebrated women winemakers in the Napa Valley Why this limited wine release represents a pivotal moment in the world of wineListener questions including "When did you find your calling as a winemaker?"What they believe differentiates Napa Valley's winemaking culture from the rest of the world How Abloom Wine represents a bold new direction, focusing on Rosé of Grenache in an area known for Cabernet Sauvignon.Episode Links:Abloom Wine- sign up to receive an invitation to purchase during the June 2025 releaseFollow Abloom on InstagramSally Johnson Blum (SJB Winemaking) Ashley Hepworth Wine Consulting Molly Hill and Gro WinesNikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes The wine that I make, Sollevato Sangiovese is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.If you'd like to be an ANGEL and Support the Podcast, you buy me a glass of wine and get a shout-out on a future episode!Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Special Announcement: If you're not already on the Sip With Nikki mailing list, be sure to sign up here to be the first to know about our Inaugural SIP Membership, Coming SOON! (And get my free wine tips cheat sheet when you do...)Episode Notes:I recently learned about a viral TikTok trend where frozen jalapeños meet Sauvignon Blanc. Curious? So were we! Michael and I decided to give a go and taste-test three different Sauvignon Blancs from around the globe before and after adding frozen jalapeño slices to each... Spoiler: the results may surprise you! (It surprised us!)We’ll share impressions of each wine, how the jalapeno alters the flavor profiles, and whether this quirky pairing/infusion is a hit or miss. Takeaways:This podcast episode dives into the quirky TikTok challenge of adding frozen jalapeño slices to Sauvignon Blanc, which sparked much curiosity and debate between us. We taste three different Sauvignon Blancs, each with unique characteristics, before and after adding jalapenos, leading to some unexpected flavor revelations. We get into wine purism versus TikTok trends and the fun in experimenting with food and drink, even if it makes some wine lovers cringe. Wines Featured in our Challenge: Oyster Bay Sauvignon, Marlborough New Zealand Martin Ray Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, CaliforniaMoulin Jamet Sancerre, FranceNikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and to see pics and video of our Jalapeño + SB challenge!The wine that I make, Sollevato Sangiovese is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Enjoy some of Nikki's favorite products from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.If you'd like to be an ANGEL and Support the Podcast, you buy me a glass of wine and get a shout-out on a future episode!Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

If you're not already on the Sip With Nikki mailing list, be sure to sign up here to be the first to know about our Inaugural SIP Membership, Coming SOON! (And get my free wine tips cheat sheet when you do...)Episode Notes: My good friend, Winemaker Sally Johnson Blum (SJB) is back and she has been busy! We're getting into her exciting new ventures, including her own small wine brand, Stereograph (launching soon) and her consulting firm, SJB Winemaking, where she's crafting wines for various clients across California and Washington. We enjoy a double Sip Spotlight with 2 of her wines, including a stunning Sémillon and a unique Chenin Blanc, both of which showcase her knack for making under-appreciated varietals shine. Plus, we tackle the current trends in the wine world, like the shift towards lighter wines and the challenges faced by small brands today. You'll hear:What inspired Sally to make wine for multiple clients instead of one wineryWhy she's chosen to highlight some lesser known white wine varieties like Sémillion and Chenin Blanc in the Napa ValleyOur take on current wine trends and the shifting preferences of wine consumers If/How tariffs are affecting wine production and small wineriesLinks and Resources:SJB Winemaking- to find all of Sally's projects in one place and learn more about Max's design services and read Sally's blog with thoughts on the future of the wine industryStereograph Wines- sign up to know when this exciting new label is available!Follow Sally on InstagramGet the Spring Pea Purée recipe- great spring/summer pairing with Sally's Sémillion from Sylvie Estates! Nikki's Links:Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and to see all the Food and Drinks you heard about today!The wine that I make, Sollevato Sangiovese is available to be shipped to most US States. (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.) It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!Enjoy some of Nikki's favorite products from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.If you'd like to be an ANGEL and Support the Podcast, you buy me a glass of wine and get a shout-out on a future episode!Questions? Comments? Guest requests?...