Sip with Nikki

This is PART 2 on this topic- if you missed last week’s episode on this topic- start there! Is there really a difference between a $10 bottle of wine and a $100 bottle of wine?  And if, so, What the HECK is it? If you’ve ever been stumped (or frankly a little miffed) at why bottles are priced they way they are, I’m going to shed some light on the specifics that factor into how wine is priced-...

Is there really a difference between a $10 bottle of wine and a $100 bottle of wine?  And if so...What the HECK is it? And is is WORTH it? If you’ve ever been stumped (or frankly a little annoyed or even turned off) at why bottles are priced they way they are, I’m here to shed some light on the elements that factor into how wine is priced. With a little clarity, you can feel better about grab...

This week we are laughing and learning from the very talented and witty-as-heck Chef Melissa Walnock. She’s a fellow central NJ native, who studied at and now is an instructor and Associate Dean of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. We talk about: How being a type 1 diabetic since childhood has shaped her career and artistry How having an OCD brain serves her extremely precise cre...

My Dad’s sister, my Aunt Vivian, is a Brooklyn native and the Matriarch of our family. At the time of this Episode release (Jan 2024) she just turned 87 years old and she is one of the best storytellers I know.  She has taught multiple generations how to cook “with love” and her eggplant parmigiana, potato croquettes and Sunday sauce will put anyone in the most glorious food coma.  When...

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 style How the bottle shape can clue you in as to what’s inside if the label isn’t o...

My younger sister, Amanda, had the great idea for us to record an episode together when we were home for Christmas 2023 in NJ. Although she lives in Southern CA and I'm in Northern CA, our hearts are still rooted in New Jersey, where our older sister and the rest of our family reside. So while we were home for the holidays, we opened some bubbles, put on some mics and made it happen! In...

This week, I’ve got the lowdown on all things OXYGEN. When and how to incorporate it and how to protect against by preserving that precious vino after the cork has left the building. Questions like: What’s the deal with decanting wine?  When should I do it? How and for How Long? Swirling… is that really a thing? Ever find yourself with a half-full bottle and wonder, "How can I make this magic...

So... our Producer, Kathryn, suggested that we turn the tables and someone interview me for this week's episode. This way, you'll get to know me a little and learn about what gets me fired up! (hint: it rhymes with food and wine.) I chose my good friend, Steve Tinn, in Orlando to get the job done. Not only is Steve one of the wittiest and best storytellers I know, but he’s had a front row seat (an...

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...

Man did I laugh during this interview with Dan Gora! He manages the Operations and Test Kitchen for One Hope in Napa Valley! He’s also an inspirational writer and always looking for love in Wine Country.  We cover quite a range of topics including: Identifying as Italian and the re-zoning of his family’s heritage  The inspirational Holy Trinity of the Food Network (Giada, Rachel and...

My guest in our first episode is Dan Richer, a fellow Matawan, NJ born chef and owner of Razza in Jersey City, which was named Best Pizza in North America by "50 Best". He’s the author of the New York Times Best Seller, “The Joy of Pizza” my go-to book for at-home pizza making! With 5 James Beard Nominations under his belt, Dan has dedicated his professional career to understanding the intricacies...

This week I’m talking with Sally Johnson Blum, a well known winemaker from Napa and Sonoma and one of Glamour Magazines “10 Most Bad-ass Women Winemakers! We worked together for many years and from the moment I first met her I have always been inspired by her cool and calm demeanor coupled with her laser- focused attention to detail and ability to craft phenomenal wines from really unique vineyard...

It’s finally happening!  I’m launching a podcast that helps wine and food lovers make sense of it all.  As a wine educator and winemaker living in Sonoma County, CA, I'll be welcoming you into my magical world each and every week, making wine less intimidating and more approachable and fun! A new episode will release every Monday, with some shorter solo episodes where I'll simplify the b...