Shows
Sip with NikkiBetter Mixers, Better Drinks! Shaking Things Up with Ken MacKenzie of Fresh VictorIf you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine! Please and Thank you!Yes, I drink cocktails... and this week I'm sitting down with Ken MacKenzie from Fresh Victor! We dive into the world of premium cocktail mixers that are not only fresh but also made with clean ingredients—no more high fructose corn syrup in our drinks!Whether you're shaking things up at a dinner party or kicking back poolside, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you enjoy cocktails and mocktails that are packed with flavor and...
2026-02-0354 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 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 minSip 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 NikkiPairing Night Part 1: The Science of Wine and Food, 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! 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 budd...
2025-07-1440 minSip with NikkiI've Got This. A Personal Update from NikkiThis 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...
2025-07-0735 minSip with Nikki*Special Encore 80th Episode* Seeing Flavor with Dr. Hoby WedlerI 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. Hob...
2025-06-3056 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 NikkiLemon and Basil and Garlic, Oh My! Discovering Flavored Olive Oils with Liz TagamiI'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...
2025-06-1652 minSip with NikkiWhy Glasses Matter: The Making of VinVoyage with Roman SharifiI'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...
2025-06-0949 minSip with Nikki*Special Encore Episode* Should You Judge a Wine by Its Bottle?? How to Shop SmarterI'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...
2025-06-0232 minSip with NikkiWhat's So Super About Super Tuscan Wines?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 t...
2025-05-2533 minSip with NikkiRedefining Rosé: How 3 Women Winemakers Are Pushing Boundaries with AbloomSpecial 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 cr...
2025-05-191h 00Sip 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 NikkiWine Trends and Unexpected Gems, with Winemaker Sally Johnson BlumIf 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. ...
2025-05-0546 minSip with NikkiDisney Deliciousness: Where to find the Best Bites and Drinks at Walt Disney WorldIf 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...)Show Notes: If you think a visit to Walt Disney World (or Disneyland) means days of chicken fingers and churros... think again! While those classic park snacks are fan favorites, the food (and wine) scene in the parks and resorts is no joke! I am am HERE. FOR. IT.It isn’t ju...
2025-04-2836 minSip with Nikki*70th Episode Encore Special* Wine Haters Welcome, with My Friend Heather (who doesn't like wine)If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and I’ll give you a shoutout on a future episode!Not everyone loves wine. I know this. And while it’s hard for me to relate, I can respect it. For our 70th Episode, I'm re-sharing one of our most listened episodes to date!I Last year, I sat down with my friend Heather, who’s not exactly a fan of wine (she calls it "rotten juice"). She wanted to learn more about what all the hype is about. You’ll...
2025-04-2155 minSip with NikkiMerroir and Terroir? The Surprising Parallels In Fish and Wine! With Sena Wheeler of Sena SeaHi Friend! Welcome to this week's party! If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!The Scoop:We are diving into the world of wild Alaskan salmon (See what I did there!) with my guest Sena Wheeler. She and her husband Rich own Sena Sea, a company dedicated to delivering fresh, sustainably caught seafood right to your door. Listen as we laugh and learn from each other about the craftsmanship and similarities behind both fishing and winemaking. ...
2025-04-1455 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 min