Sip with Nikki

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 br...

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...

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 chemis...

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 w...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 c...

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...

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,...

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 t...

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...

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...) 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 (a...

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 "rotte...

Hi 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...

If 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...

If 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...

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 t...

If 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 oxidat...

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...

I’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 m...

In this special Encore Episode, we dive deep into world of Olive Oil, led by the incredible Liz Tagami. She's a 6th generation Californian, who has been involved in defining and nurturing the Lucero Olive Oil brand for over 16 years. She’s a specialty food and cooking equipment industry veteran with 4 decades of international business experience. She and her husband, Donald, now own...

We’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 g...

In Part 2 (a continuation from last week's episode), I'm chatting with Ali Smith Story of Smith Story Wines, who shares how her handsome and intelligent doodle inspired a heartwarming initiative called Socks for Sandwich! You'll also hear about: This delightful backstory of their dog, Sandwich, and how his quirky name brings joy to many. Her remarkable journey as a breast cancer survivor and how i...