Shows
Sip with Nikki*Episode Revisit* Are Non-Alcoholic Wines Really that Bad?If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!I read an article today called "Nonalcoholic wine is still terrible. Will it ever get better?" It's by Ester Mobley in the 1/24/26 San Francisco Chronicle and it inspired me to add to and re-release our episode from last January, where 4 of us got together to taste a lineup of De-Alcholoized Wines. It was a great episode, entertaining and enlightening... so here's your chance in case you missed it!The rise of NOLO...
2026-01-2051 minSip with NikkiChardonn-YAY? Or NAY? Three Generations Weigh In...Why do people LOVE or HATE Chardonnay? It's the polarizing grape that tends to split the room...I'm leading 3 generations from ages 21-80 through a blind tasting featuring six different Chardonnays, ranging from $15 to $70 a bottle.You'll hear why Chardonnay can range from “yuck” to “yum” so easily, and explore the factors that contribute to its diverse flavor profiles. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a graduate of the school of ABC (Anything But Chardonnay), this episode promises some eye-opening insights and a lot of laughs with my family, as we navigate through the often misu...
2026-01-0655 min
Dritte HalbzeitRuhe in der Super League – nur in Zürich nichtIn der 324. Ausgabe der «Dritten Halbzeit» geht es – mal wieder – um den FC Zürich. Am ersten Tag des Jahres hat der Club mit Steven Zuber nämlich nicht nur seinen besten Spieler verloren. Man hat auch erklärt, dass der Spielerberater Dino Lamberti sich in diesem Winter um die Transfer-Angelegenheiten des FCZ kümmert. Wie ist es dazu gekommen, nachdem Lamberti vor vielen Jahren noch auf der «schwarzen Liste» des Clubs stand? Und wo liegen die Gefahren für die Zürcher?Im Rest der Super League passiert hingegen ziemlich wenig: Der FC Basel sucht weiter einen Stürmer...
2026-01-0548 minSip with NikkiHappiness and Hope: Catching up with Sensory Expert Dr. HobyBack by popular demand... Dr. Hoby Wedler is my dear friend and sensory export who was born without sight. With his PhD in organic chemistry, he inspires people to experience the life at it fullest, especially when it comes to food, wine and the smells and sounds of the world around us!Listen as Hoby and his partner Justin, my partner Michael and I all gather around the Holiday table and talk about:The exciting new projects we've all been up to since we last saw each other!Hoby and Justin's first impression of our new...
2025-12-2343 minSip with NikkiGrenache and Gratitude: My Thoughts on BothAre you drinking Grenache? Here's why you should be. And why our newest release is extra-special! The emotional moment of sending off our first Grenache bottles is truly unforgettable, marking years of hard work and dedication. Our new Grenache represents not just a wine but a legacy we're excited to share with you all. This wine's release is tied to the cause of cancer research, making every bottle purchased a step towards making a difference. Grenache is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with various foods, making it a must-try for any dinner table. We (sustainably) packed each...
2025-12-0934 minSip with NikkiOur Holiday Wine Playbook, with Nikki and MichaelIf you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy Michael and I a glass of wine! We would be so grateful! Cheers, Angels! Episode Notes:With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Michael is weighing in on our holiday traditions and the all-important task of selecting the perfect wines to complement the feast. Michael, the self-proclaimed Thanksgiving aficionado (eye-roll) shares his excitement for the holiday and why it is his favorite!This year marks a change as we transition from hosting to being guests at a friend's home, which sparks a fun conversation...
2025-11-2535 minSip with NikkiBonus Re-Re Release: It's Beaujolais Nouveau Day! What's this Wine Holiday all about?I'm re-releasing our episode from last November in honor of Beaujolais Nouveau Day! What's this fun made up Wine Holiday all about?The 3rd Thursday of November is Beaujolais Nouveau Day, which has historically celebrated the end of Harvest. It also means the arrival of super young, fun and flirty red wines made from the Beaujolais region in Central France. But is Beaujolais as a category of wine, just about those bubble gum and grape popsicle tasting wines???(which are certainly cheap and cheerful...)Get the scoop here on what you might...
2025-11-2020 minSip with NikkiNew! Disney Deliciousness: Where to find the Best (and Newest) Sips and Bites at Walt Disney World!I recently took a MUCH NEEDED girls trip to Walt Disney World, where I escaped into the Disney happiness bubble with my mom and sisters. After the year our family has had, it was the perfect getaway, filled with laughs, love and so much delicious food and beverage!Listen to this all new episode, where I recap what we had at some of the newest spots (Geo-82, Beak and Barrel and Three Bridges) as well as some classic but overlooked spots like the secret Champagne Bar in Epcot!And I'm sharing a tip on how...
2025-11-1146 minSip with NikkiChasing the Dream: How Italy Became Home, with Ashley Bartner of La Tavola MarcheAre you finding yourself dreaming of moving to Italy? (I am...) This episode brings you the inspiring journey of Ashley Bartner and her husband Jason, who traded their New York lives for an agriturismo in the enchanting La Marche region. They’re living the dream—running a farm, hosting cooking classes, and sharing their experiences with those curious about relocating to Italy. You'll hear how they navigated the challenges of moving abroad, from securing visas to finding the perfect property and starting up La Tavola Marche. Takeaways: Ashley and Jason moved from New York to I...
2025-10-2847 minSip with NikkiShh... Top Secret Wine Deals, with Agent Cru of Wine SpiesIf 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 Ag...
2025-10-1458 minSip with NikkiEpisode Revisit: Ya Can't Grow A Cake! with Chef Melissa WalnockMichael 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...
2025-10-0753 minSip with NikkiA Much Needed Dose of Joy: Exploring Disneyland with Dr. HobyIf 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...
2025-09-0943 minSip with NikkiEpisode Revisit: Manifesting Magic...It Could Happen!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...
2025-08-2634 min
University of Minnesota PressCapitalism Hates You: Horror film and Marxist theory.From Get Out to The Babadook to Saint Maud: In his new book, Josh Gooch uses the horror film genre to expose the hostile conditions of life under capitalism, drawing connections between Marxist theory and contemporary narratives of psychological unease. Here, Gooch is joined in conversation with Jo Isaacson. This episode contains spoilers for multiple films (list below).Joshua Gooch is professor of English at D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York. He is author of Capitalism Hates You: Marxism and the New Horror Film; Dickensian Affects: Charles Dickens and Feelings of Precarity and The Victorian Novel, Se...
2025-08-191h 15Sip with NikkiCoombsville Wine Memoirs, with Leo Tellez and Joe Hinde of Ackerman Family VineyardsI 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...
2025-08-181h 00Sip with NikkiIf and Only If: The Emergence of Sphaerics Wines with Laura Jones and Brian BallI 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...
2025-08-1154 minSip with NikkiEpisode Revist: Is Older Necessarily Better? Tips on Aging WineSign 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 wo...
2025-08-0431 minSip with NikkiPróst! A Taste of Germany with My Nephew Aidan from West PointProud 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. ...
2025-07-2851 minSip with NikkiPairing Night Part 2: The Feast! With Dr. Hoby WedlerCheck 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 i...
2025-07-2147 minSip with NikkiOrange is the New White? Your Crash Course In Orange WinesIf 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...
2025-06-2332 minSip with NikkiJalapeños in Sauvignon Blanc? We Tried The Controversial TikTok Trend!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: th...
2025-05-1228 minSip with NikkiDo You Know Vermentino??? Your Perfect Pairing GuideIf you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy Nikki and Michael a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!We’re diving into the world of Vermentino! As spring unfolds, it’s the perfect time to explore this refreshing white wine that’s ready for its perfect pairing on your table! I'll catch you up on everything you need to know about this lesser know Italian white grape and then Michael and I turn traditional food and wine pairing on its head. Instead of picking a meal and then choosing a wine...
2025-04-0726 minSip with NikkiHooray for Viognier! A Wine with POWER and FinesseIf you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy Nikki and Michael a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!Alright, Sippers... this week, I'm breaking down one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES: Viognier! It's unfamiliar to many wine drinkers and if you're one of them, you're missing out!It's such a versatile white wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes: from the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes (my family) to spicy food, cheeses and so much more!What you'll hear:A fun way...
2025-03-3129 minSip with NikkiA New Wine Movement Has Started... Are you IN?Wine is more than just a beverage; it’s a catalyst for connection, a way to bring people together and share experiences. This week, I'm excited to invite you to join in on "Share and Pair Sundays", a campaign that encourages you to invite friends over to enjoy good food and wine together. (sounds simple, cause it is).Similar to the Come Over October initiative this past fall, it also emphasizes that it’s the moments and connections around food and wine that can bring us the most joy and fulfillment.In this episode, I'm expl...
2025-03-2431 minSip with NikkiWhat's Wrong With My Wine? Identifying Wine Flaws Without the DramaIf you'd like to Support the Podcast, like listeners Lisa an Greg, you can buy Nikki and Michael a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!Have you ever been out, taken a sip of your favorite wine only to find it tastes off... but you're not sure why or what to do? I'm unpacking the three main culprits that could be ruining your glass. Think: cork taint, volatile acidity, and oxidation. I’ll share a quick and easy top on how to spot these issues and how to address them wi...
2025-03-1714 minSip with NikkiSip Spotlight: A Sexy Santa Barbara Sparkler!During our recent road trip down to Southern California, Michael and I explored the hidden gem of Santa Barbara's wine scene, which is often overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma Wine Country. We taste a unique sparkling wine that brings a refreshing twist to any occasion, perfect for those times when you need a little sparkle in your life. (Michael!)We share what the heck is Fizzy Riv and why you need it in your life!Check out Margerum Wine Company here! and follow them on InstagramVisit American Olive Farmer Here and use code...
2025-03-1015 minSip with NikkiChef's Counter Magic: A Taste of Disney's Napa RoseI’m sitting in the middle of Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth, and I can’t help but share what we experienced last night! Michael and I are on a road trip from Sonoma County, and let me tell you, our first stop was nothing short of magical. The culinary experience we had at the Napa Rose Restaurant in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa was out of this world! I woke up with my travel mic in hand, ready to dish all about our AMAZING dinner. It was the Chef’s Counter experience, and trust me...
2025-03-0317 minSip with NikkiWhy Do We Love Sangiovese? A Super Special Sip SpotlightWe’re exploring the ins and outs of this fabulous Italian grape, why it deserves a spot on your table, and what dishes it pairs perfectly with—hint: think delicious fresh pasta and rich tomato sauces. Plus, I’m bringing in my other half, Michael, for an exciting tasting of our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese that we’ve been waiting to uncork. Here's what you'll hear:Why Sangiovese is a very versatile grape that pairs perfectly with a wide range of foods. I share why, of all the grapes in California, we chose to make this type of wineThe...
2025-02-1734 min
La corte del Rey, un Podcast de Stephen King producido por Penguin Random House Grupo EditorialE9 T3 - Episodio especial Blackwater (2da parte)
Episodio especial #2 - Blackwater
Segundo y último episodio especial de La Corte del Rey dedicado a la saga Blackwater. Nuevamente, Ariel estuvo conversando con Luciano Lamberti sobre la obra maestra de Michael McDowell, esta vez cubriendo toda la saga, así que ¡cuidado con los spoilers si aún no la leíste!
2025-01-2455 minSip with NikkiSpecial: From Ashes to Action: Essential Tips for Fire Survivors and SupportersThe episode is a poignant reminder of the human spirit's resilience in the face of disaster, as Nikki and her sister Amanda, an LA resident, share their insights on rebuilding lives and communities after wildfires. They dive into the emotional complexity of losing a home (which Nikki and Michael experienced in 2017), the struggle to accept assistance, and the importance of connecting with others who have faced similar challenges in order to move forward and rebuild.With a focus on actionable advice, from finding long-term rentals to organizing community support, the episode serves as a guide for those...
2025-01-2050 minSip with NikkiGoing No/Lo? Our Uncensored Tasting of Non and Low Alcohol WinesThe rise of NOLO wines (non-alcoholic or low-alcohol alternatives), is attracting attention in the beverage industry. Listen in as Michael and I and our good friends and fellow wine industry professionals, Hoby and Justin, taste through sparkling, white, rosé and red non-alcoholic wines and share our unfiltered responses with each other! Learn about the different methods used to create non-alcoholic wines, preserving flavor during alcohol removalHow are de-alcoholized wines different from the sparkling grape juice we were all served as kids during the holidays?Can Nolo wines fully replace traditional wines, or are they just enjoyable alternatives?
2025-01-1343 minLa corte del Rey, un Podcast de Stephen King producido por Penguin Random House Grupo EditorialE8 T3 - Episodio especial Blackwater (1ra parte)Stephen King lo definió como "el mejor escritor de libros en tapa blanda en EEUU". Su nombre es Michael McDowell y su obra maestra, una saga de seis volúmenes titulada BLACKWATER, acaba de comenzar a ser publicada en Argentina. Fue la excusa perfecta para que Ariel se junte nuevamente con Luciano Lamberti a conversar sobre esta obra que es récord de ventas en todo el mundo...40 años después de su publicación original.
2024-12-0657 min
Italian Wine PodcastNikki Lamberti | Voices with Cynthia ChaplinWelcome to Episode 2177, in which Cynthia Chaplin interviews Nikki Lamberti in this installment of Voices on the Italian Wine Podcast. Nikki Lamberti is a certified wine professional (CWP), educator and owner/winemaker based in Napa Valley. About today’s guest:Nikki Lamberti is a dynamic and entertaining Certified Wine Professional (CWP), wine educator and owner/winemaker of a boutique wine brand in Sonoma County, CA. As a New Jersey native, she earned a BS in Environmental Science from Rutgers University before working in animal husbandry and conservation education for the Disney Compa...
2024-12-0441 minSip with Nikki*50th Episode Special* Wine, Wit and Wisdom, with Master Sommelier George MiliotesFor our 50th Episode, I knew I wanted to do something extra special. So Michael and I flew to Orlando, visited Walt Disney World and got to spend time with George Miliotes of Wine Bar George. George has been on my "list" as a dream guest since starting this podcast, and with a little faith+ trust + pixie dust, dreams can come true!In his Library room on the second floor of Wine Bar George, we got in to: How and Why he become one of 281 Master Sommeliers in the world What a train-wreck a holiday table...
2024-12-0257 minSip with NikkiLess But Better with Mark McWilliams of Arista WineryThis week, Michael (in his official co-hosting debut) and I are sitting down with Mark McWilliams, Co-Owner of Arista Winery in Healdsburg CA (Sonoma County). Listen to our heartfelt and hilarious conversation, as we sip 2 beautiful wines while the sun sets and harvest moon rises in the vineyard around us. (Poor us). Mark is an enthusiastic storyteller who shares:How his family came from Texarkana, TX to Sonoma CountyThe ups and downs of starting and owning a winery How NOT competitive the wine industry is A sad but amazing story about their first harvest and a spe...
2024-10-2159 minSip with NikkiBehind the Vines: A Sneak Peek into Harvest DayIt's Harvest time here in Wine Country! We wait all year for our one chance to create beautiful wine for you...and you're coming along for the day! Ride along with Michael and I for the pick, sorting and extra special crush (hint: STOMP) that happened on September 9th. You'll hear:The vineyard crew hand picking our Sangiovese grapesA special check in with our growers Joe and Travis RamazzottiThe sorting process that only allow the BEST grapes into the mixHow I react to spiders in my hairOur creative solution(PIVOT!) to crush the grapes this year (Lucy would...
2024-09-1633 min
The Clinton Baptiste Paranormal Podcast - The Spirit Archive – produced by Peters-FoxSeason 7 - Episode 06Season 7 - Episode 6Hello, my spectral spectators! Clinton Baptiste here, currently performing in the hauntingly beautiful city of Cambridge.We kick things off with my tour manager, Harry, and I having a natter about the local spa—always a highlight on tour. It’s a place where the waters are so soothing, you’d think they were blessed by a friendly ghost.Then, Linda chimes in with a spooky tale about George Michael Lamberti, the George Michael lookalike performer. Was it good? We dive into the world of George Michael and po...
2024-07-191h 11Sip with NikkiBest Day Ever! The Food and Wine of SicilyTo kick of Season 2, I’m sharing highlights from our AWESOME day in Sicily on our recent vacation (July 2024).I’m joined my my partner Michael and my parents Dominick and Susan and I wore a tiny mic to bring you along with us! On our fantastic 11-night Disney Mediterranean Cruise, we had one day in Sicily and we definitely made the most of it! Listen in as we:Surprise my dad with some stops in Savoca to see where some famous scenes from the Godfather were filmed Eat our way through Taormina where we tr...
2024-07-1529 minSip with NikkiOut of Office...and loving it!If you missed the Season one Finale last week, I shared that Michael and I are taking short break and we will be back with Season 2 and new episodes on Monday July 15th!We are traveling to Italy, Greece and Spain... And don’t worry… I have three mics in my carry-on to capture all the food, wine and beautiful people as we travel and will share with you all that we discovered when we get back!Regular weekly episodes with resume on MONDAY JULY 15th!In the meantime, have fun catching up on an...
2024-07-0101 minSip with NikkiSipping Around the World (At Epcot)-Part 2Drinking around the world at Epcot….Have you done it? Head about it? Planning your next trip? It’s Definitely a thing. This is Part 2 in a 2 part series- Miss part 1? Go back to last week and catch up!My partner Michael and I are taking you on adventure around the world (at Walt Disney World’s Epcot!) In this conclusion to cliff-hanging part 1, find out :If we make it all the way around "the World" and complete the last 8 countriesDid we need a nap to make it happen If we know the words to “Oh Ca...
2024-05-1331 minSip with NikkiSipping Around the World (At Epcot)- Part 1Drinking around the world at Epcot….Have you done it? Head about it? Planning your next trip? It’s Definitely a thing. With or without kids (we are without), Walt Disney World can be a playground for foodies and people who like to try “all the things”. The World Showcase in Epcot has 11 countries represented around a beautiful lagoon, and each stop highlights the people, culture, music, food and drinks from that nation! This is part 1 in a series, where my partner Michael and I “Sip Around the World” and take you with us! Please Note: L...
2024-05-0628 minSip with NikkiSecond Generation Winegrowing, with Travis RamazzottiThe Ramazzotti family has been managing vineyards in Sonoma County since the late 1970s, and they are well-known and respected grape growers and wine producers with a gorgeous new tasting room in Geyserville, CA. (Sonoma County) This week, I'm sitting down with Travis Ramazzotti, who is a second generation member of the family business and he talks about:What it was like growing up surrounded by vineyards and farmingHow old (young) he was when he learned to drive a tractorWhat led him to chose to be a part of the family businessWhy wine is important His im...
2024-04-2253 minSip with NikkiAging wine…. Why and How?Alright class, (don’t worry, it’s Wine School)… Taking a break from our super fun interviews to give you some quick clarity on a topic that I ALWAYS get so many questions on… Aging Wine!If you’ve ever wondered things like:Why should I age a wine? How does it change?Will I like it?What’s the best way to store it?How do I know if a wine is going to get better… or WORSE with age?Then this episode is for you!I’ll break down :The elements in a...
2023-12-2526 min