Pour & Explore: Wine, Food & Travel Stories from Around The World

Have you ever wanted to make a cocktail at home but felt totally overwhelmed by the bottles in the liquor store? I know that feeling, and that’s why I was so excited to sit down with today’s guest. I’m joined by Jennifer Brian, the Cocktail Evangelist and founder of Make & Muddle, a Kentucky-based cocktail company on a mission to simplify mixology and help people create drinks they love—withou...

What happens when bourbon, cigars, comedy, and real talk about life come together? You get The Cracked Skull Podcast—and today, host Corey Allinder joins me on Pour and Explore to share his story. Corey’s show is part bourbon lounge, part cigar hangout, part comedy night, and part therapy session with your best friends. Alongside his co-hosts Tony and Allen, Corey has built a space where blue-coll...

If you’ve ever savored a bold Barolo, stumbled over how to pronounce Xinomavro, or wondered why Turkish wine isn’t already on your radar, this episode is for you. Nick Elliott sits down with Andrea Lemieux, an Italian Wine Scholar, creator of The Quirky Cork, and author of The Essential Guide to Turkish Wine, to uncork the fascinating stories behind two wine worlds she knows best: Italy and Turkey...

What do your favorite wines, cheeses, breads, and even kombucha have in common? Fermentation. In this episode, Nick Elliott pulls back the curtain on the ancient, global, and totally fascinating process of fermentation. From how your favorite bottle of wine gets its start, to the tangy bite of kimchi and creamy smoothness of yogurt, this episode covers the science, culture, and delicious results o...

Ready to swirl, sip, and jet-set through Australia with fellow wine lovers? Nick Elliott is joined by down with the powerhouse behind Wine Lovers Travel, Gail Sherman, to share all about the Swirl Through Australia tour, a dream journey happening in March 2026. This isn’t your average wine vacation. We’re talking Tasmanian sparkling wines, gourmet seafood cruises, exclusive vineyard visits, wildli...

Forget everything you think you know about rosé. In this episode, Nick Elliott—sommelier, chef, winemaker, and full-time rosé enthusiast—paints the podcast pink with a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood wine styles. From ancient origins to modern misconceptions, Nick breaks down how rosé is made (hint: it’s not red + white), where to find the best bottles from around the world, and why r...

Think Indiana is just cornfields and interstates? Think again. In this episode, host Nick Elliott is joined by Kara Hammes entrepreneur and founder of the Barn Burner, a thoughtfully designed group-friendly Airbnb and event space tucked in the scenic hills of Brown County, Indiana. Kara shares how this under-the-radar Midwest gem has become a go-to for cozy wine tastings, creative retreats, and un...

Love cheese? Love wine? Let’s talk about how to make them the ultimate duo. In this episode, Nick dives into all things cheese—from fresh mozzarella to funky blue. You'll learn the six basic types of cheese, how to pair each with wine (without overcomplicating it), and how to build a cheese board that’ll impress your guests or just upgrade your solo snacking.   In this episode: Cheese 101: the mai...

What if your next business idea wasn’t something you had to learn—but something you’ve already lived? This week’s guest, Kristina Rowland, believes every adult has a six-figure story hidden inside their real-life experience—and she’s proof. Kristina Rowland is a successful content strategist, world traveler, and mom of three who built her first six-figure business with grit, Pinterest quotes, and...

Ready to turn your next gathering into an unforgettable wine tasting—without the stress or the snobbery? In this episode Nick Elliott walks you through everything you need to know to host a fun, approachable, and memorable wine tasting at home or in the office. Whether you're planning a cozy night with friends, a team-building event, or a client appreciation party, Nick shares how to:   Choose a t...

Ever wondered what it’s like to high-five a Marvel producer at 35,000 feet or tuck Mariah Carey into bed mid-flight?   In this episode, I sit down with voice actor, storyteller, and former international flight attendant Ally Murphy. With over a decade of global adventures under her belt, Ally shares stories that range from hilarious and surreal to deeply touching. From rooftop dinners in Delhi to...

What does “terroir” really mean—and how can you actually taste it in your wine?   This episode is a break down one of the wine world’s most misunderstood terms. From the gravelly soils of Bordeaux to the volcanic slopes of Napa and the cool-climate vineyards of New Zealand, terroir is the invisible hand shaping every sip.   I shares examples from my recent travels through France, explains how to t...

What if your favorite dish could do more than just taste good—what if it could spark change? In this episode, Nick Elliott sits down with the unforgettable Chef Kisha Washington—a private chef and culinary changemaker blending butter-basted salmon with bold mental health advocacy. From curating intimate dining experiences to founding the Cook’s Creed Foundation, Kisha opens up about how food can h...

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping Riesling on the Mosel, toasting Pinot in Tasmania, or pairing Sauvignon Blanc with seafood in New Zealand—this episode is your travel checklist. Nick Elliott, your go-to wine guy, is sharing his expert tips for planning unforgettable wine trips around the world. From scenic routes to insider tasting room etiquette, learn how to avoid rookie mistakes and travel lik...

What happens when you walk away from a high-tech career to pursue your passion for wine, travel, and storytelling? You get this week’s guest, Laurel Simmons, host of Wine Behind the Scenes. In this episode, Laurel shares all about the lesser-known world of Canadian wine, global food adventures, and the soul-nourishing power of saying “yes” to curiosity. From the vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake to...

From the royal courts of France to Formula One podiums and your New Year’s toast, sparkling wine has long been the symbol of celebration—but what’s the real story behind those bubbles? This episode is all about uncorking the fascinating history, science, and culture of sparkling wine. You’ll learn how a fermentation accident led to one of the world’s most luxurious beverages, the difference betwee...

What if your next big adventure wasn’t about where you go—but why you go? In this episode we are joined by solo travel advocate and digital entrepreneur Angie Saint-YI, founder of The Flexitarian Digest, to explore how travel can become a powerful form of self-care, self-expression, and ultimately—freedom. Angie shares her journey from road-tripping as a kid to flying solo across the globe, and ho...

Think dessert wines are just syrupy sips best left behind? Think again. The best dessert wines aren't just about sugar, they're about balance, complexity, versatility, and most importantly, they are absolutely scrumptious.   In this episode Nick Elliott, certified sommelier and your favorite wine guide, pulls back the curtain on the world of dessert wines. From the luxurious golden pours of Sauter...

What do craft beer, killer wings, podcasting, and UFOs have in common? This week’s guest: Chef Philly Dee. Philly Dee is the culinary and creative mind behind Round Guys Brewing in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, a standout craft brewery in the Philly suburbs. He joins the podcast to talk about everything from beer and barbecue to building businesses and spotting UFOs. Seriously—we cover it all. From his...

Have you ever thought about what really goes into the glass of wine you’re sipping? This episode will take you on a deep, sensory journey from the very first bud on the vine all the way to the finished bottle on your table. This isn’t just a wine—it’s a story of soil, sun, science, and soul. From vineyard planning and grape growing to harvest, fermentation, and bottling, Nick breaks down the incre...

What if your next cookbook could sing, crack jokes, and start the dinner party for you? In this episode of Pour and Explore, host Nick Elliott sits down with the wildly creative Jacqine a chef, musician, comedian, storyteller, and all-around artist who has created something truly one-of-a-kind: an interactive cookbook that blends international recipes, original music, immersive stories, and humor ...

What is that deep, savory flavor that makes Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and miso soup so unforgettable? It’s called umami, and in this episode, we are diving fork-first into the delicious world of the fifth taste.   Join me as I explores the science, history, and mouthwatering pairings that make umami one of the most exciting—and underappreciated—flavor profiles in food and wine. From Champagne an...

Have you ever dreamed of packing your bags, grabbing your laptop, and working from anywhere in the world? This week on Pour and Explore, we’re diving into the realities of the digital nomad lifestyle with someone who’s doing just that—and loving it. Joining me today is Jasmine Mastrolia, a social media strategist and full-time digital nomad who traded in a traditional life for an adventurous one a...

Confused by wine labels? You're not alone. In this episode, I’m coming to you straight from the Venetian in Las Vegas to break down everything you need to know about decoding wine labels—so you can buy smarter and drink better. From grape varieties to buzzwords like reserve and old vine, I’m sharing exactly what matters, what’s just marketing fluff, and how to spot quality with just a glance. We’l...

Food is more than just fuel—it’s an experience. In this episode, I sit down with Chef Gwen, also known as The Sexy Chef, to talk about how she’s redefining the way we approach cooking. It’s not just about the ingredients or the techniques—it’s about passion, creativity, and bringing emotion into every dish.   With a background in culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing, Gwen has com...