Sip with Nikki

Latest Episodes:

Our Zin-Centric Tasting at Tres Sabores Winery Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

If you listened to last week’s episode, you heard me dispel some myths around Zinfandel and sing this grape’s praises! This week you’re coming along to a Zinfandel-centric tasting at the beautiful Tres Sabores Winery in St Helena, CA.

Tres Sabores is a boutique organic winery owned by winemaker, Julie Johnson and they are celebrating their 25th year making gorgeous wines in the Napa Valley.

Join my dear friends Anne, Joan, Ericka and I, as our wine educator, Jim Olmos, shares Zinfandel in 4 different and exciting wines. You’ll hear their reactions and the story of this special winery and why it drew me in the very first time I visited over 15 years ago.

Listen to our impressions of:

Rosé of Zinfandel (is it White Zinfandel?)
2022 Zinfandel
A special Library vintage of Zin (hint- it blew us away...)
My favorite Zin driven blend "Porque No?"

You can order these beautiful wines or plan your tasting visit to Tres Sabores Here.

When in St Helena, be sure to visit one of my favorites, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch and bring your Tres Sabores Zinfindel for some fantastic pairings!

Did you know I make my own wine here in Sonoma County? My 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese is available to be shipped to most US States. Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off. It's a delicious, medium bodied, aromatic red wine that is perfect with pizza, pasta and your charcuterie spread!

You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Zinfandel: What It Is, What It Isn't and Why You Should Be Drinking It Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

When you hear “Zinfandel”, what do you think of? A bubble gum sweet pink wine? A jug wine? Today we’re quickly setting the record straight with what Zinfandel (aka America’s Grape) IS and what it ISN’T.

What you need to know about this sometimes mis-understood grape
Why you should be drinking it and what to expect
Great pairing recommendations

Check out this cool video all about Zinfandel!

Nikki’s Favorite Zins

You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

*50th Episode Special* Wine, Wit and Wisdom, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

For 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 can be and what wine pairs with it
Why he proudly offers coveted wines $150 an ounce and why they cost what they do
A delicious (and steal) Sip Spotlight Wine
His feelings on the controversial wine word, YUMMY
How Merlot is not a "lesser" grape
What he drinks when he just needs a hug
And so much more....

Links and Resources:

Visit George's website to sign up for your 90 Minute Tasting event!

Follow Wine Bar George on Instagram

Visit the Miliote's family's favorite spot Enzo’s Longwood.

Get our Sip Spotlight Wine that we taste together: Chanrion Cote De Bruilly

Get the famous Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot here.

You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Accidentally Championing Turkish Wines, with Andrea Lemieux Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Andrea Lemieux is a Michigan native who found herself on a "temporary" assignment in Istanbul… and 12 years later she is still there championing Turkish wines and the people and the history behind them.

Episode Highlights:

How the country is embracing and reviving its native grapes
I taste my first ever Turkish wine-hear my reaction!
The rise of women in wine in a Muslim dominant country
What American foods she misses the most and can't getting Turkey
Tips for transporting 12 bottles of wine in a suitcase

Links and Resources:

Get Andrea's book the Essential Guide to Turkish Wine

Check out Andrea's Website The Quirky Cork and follow her on Instagram

Get the Wine Diapers here.

Order and Ship Pasaeli wines from Bottle Barn in CA (We tasted the 2021 Karasakis)

Follow Pasaeli on Instagram

If you are in Houston you can find a great selection of Turkish Wines Here.

Andrea's recommended Turkish Wineries to visit:

Yedi Bilgeler

Akberg

You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Hey Hey, It's Beaujolais! Your Go-To Guide Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

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 be missing... there are more complex beautiful wines that also come out of that region
Steal the tips for finding the right ones for you.
Hear about our Sip Spotlight wine and how to try it for yourself!

You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Are you REALLY Tasting Your Wine? Top Tips for Maximizng Each Sip Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

Are you really tasting your wine? Like, REALLY?

I'm often asked for tips on the best way to experience a wine, including:

What temperature should I enjoy my wine?
Is swirling really a thing? And Why?
What's the best way to actually taste the wine?

If you've ever wondered these things... You're going to want to listen in.

And if you want to dive deeper into the tips I touch on here, check out these previous episodes:

Aging Wine- Why and How?

The How's and Why's of Aerating your Wine

A FEW tips to elevate your wine Joy

Pairing Schmairing- Finding the best food and wine combinations

Try a delicious and highly limited wine from a California woman winemaker! Nikk’s 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese is available to be shipped to most US States. Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off

You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Bold Women Make the Best Wine (Naturally), with Marilee Bramhall of Iola Wines Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Bold Women Make the Best Wine (Naturally).

Marilee Bramhall is the founder of Iola Wines where she sources and direct imports organic wines from top women winemakers in France and Italy.

Listen in to hear:

What led her to specialize in such a specific niche of the wine market
The % of women winemakers versus the % of wines being purchased by women
Her observations about how different genders approach wine differently
2 unique and surprising Italian wines both made by sisters (Cue “Sisters, Sisters….” from White Christmas)

Use the code NIKKI20 for $20 Flat rate shipping at Iola Wines.

You can purchase the Oro Di Baal Sparking Fiano.

Grab the beautiful Cascina Vengore Arneis from Northern Italy.

Be sure to sign up for Iola Wines newsletter and take advantage of your Free 10 minute Master Class “Discover Your Perfect Bottle

Try a delicious and highly limited wine from a California woman winemaker! Nikk’s 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese is available to be shipped to most US States. Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off

You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Syrah and Solo Travel Magic, with Award Winning Author Jen Ruiz Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Jen Ruiz is a lawyer turned travel blogger, content creator, Tedx speaker and author of 5 Amazon best sellers! In her newest book “12 Trips in 12 Months”, she shares how she experiences the world as a solo female traveler and shares how to find your own Travel Magic!

As we sip on a surprisingly delicious wine from Washington state we talk about:

Her quest for love as she travels the globe
How lucky many of us are to be able to travel
Her take on the word “Influencer” and why she’s proud to be one
We swap gorilla trekking stories... spoiler: we had very different experience

You can check out her websites and sign up for travel tips and deals!

jenonajetplane.com

12tripsin12months.com

Follow her AWESOME Instagram@jenonajetplane

Find this week’s Sip Spotlight from the Columbia Valley, WA: Luke 2020 Syrah

If you need a unique and crowd-pleasing wine for the holidays. try my Sollevato Sangiovese ...(yes I'm biased, I make it)! Use code PODLISTENER for 10% off your order. I can ship to most states in the US!

You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Less But Better with Mark McWilliams of Arista Winery Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

This 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 County
The 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 special human Ulises Valdez (read more about him here)
What’s an Appellation and why does it matter?
How there is an “Ocean of shitty Chard” on the planet (his words, I agree)
The concept of “Tension” in wine
His thoughts on the HOT TOPIC of natural wine (not NATURAL wine)

Check out Arista’s website to be a part of their “A List” and get in line for all allocation of their exquisite wines. If you are visiting Napa/Sonoma, I highly recommend you book a visit to Arista (and tell them you heard about it on Sip With Nikki!)

If you need a unique and delicious wine for Thanksgiving try my Sollevato Wines...(yes I'm biased, I make it)! Use code PODLISTENER for 10% off your order. I can ship to most states in the US!

You NEED some Olives and Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Pumpkin Spice Chardonnay?? Listen to what Wine Professionals Eat and Drink... Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

Did you listen to last week’s episode about Come Over October? If not, check it out! As part of the “Come Over October” Movement, my friends and I got together on Saturday night to Eat, Drink and Be Merry. (Also a quote from one of my favorite Dave Matthews Songs).

I thought it'd be fun to share a peek into our gathering where we had 2 winemakers (I’m one!), multiple wine hospitality and marketing professionals, entrepreneurs and wine lovers gathering for a birthday celebration. If you’ve ever wondered what “wine people” drink, eat and talk about… this is your behind the scenes invite!

Join us in the kitchen to hear:

Hosts Dana and Tac share a 30 year recipe tradition
Max's opinion on why our Sollevato Sangiovese is a Classic Thanksgiving wine
Friends Sally and Max soft launching their new brand “Stereograph” to their inner circle
The group’s verdict on a PUMPKIN SPICE CHARDONNAY (yes, you read that right…)

Links and Discount Codes:

Allison's Laurent Pierre Champagne that she paired with spicy marinated shrimp

Ashes and Diamonds Cabernet Franc- also a fun spot to visit in Napa

Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot- Jay, Dana, Allison and I all work here and Sally was the winemaker there for 15 years!

Stereograph Wines- Launching 2025

Benevolent Neglect Vermentino- fun new tasting room in downtown Napa

Sylvie unique and small lot Cabernet Sauvignon

Dana's Spicy Fennel Slaw recipe

Visit the Come Over October Website to learn how you can get involved and find entertaining tips and ideas! And don't forget to use #comeoveroctober to tag your pictures, and videos!

If you need a unique and delicious wine for Thanksgiving try my Sollevato Wines...(yes I'm biased, I make it)! Use code PODLISTENER for 10% off your order. I can ship to most states in the US!

You NEED some Olives and Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.

Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

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