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 and oysters to Barolo and aged Parmesan, this episode is packed with insider wine tips, pairing ideas, and even a fun at-home tasting experiment you can try with friends.

 

If you’ve ever wondered:

This episode is your ultimate guide.

 

Grab your free Wine + Umami Pairing Cheat Sheet — comment “UMAMI” on YouTube, Social Media or DM Nick @thewineguy.vin

 

You are also invited to the upcoming 10-day European wine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam in November 2025—and how you can join!

 

Connect with Nick: Website: www.thewineguy.vin

Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

Email: [email protected]

 

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

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 abroad. Currently based in Albania, Jasmine has crafted a life filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, unexpected challenges, and, of course, amazing wine.

 

In this episode:

 

Connect with Jasmine:

jasminemastrolia.com

 

Connect with Nick:

Website: www.thewineguy.vin

Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

Email: [email protected]

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

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’ll explore the difference between Old World and New World labeling, what “estate bottled” actually means, and why “contains sulfites” isn’t the red flag you think it is.

Whether you’re staring down a wall of bottles at your local shop or planning a visit to a vineyard, this crash course will give you the confidence to pick the perfect bottle—every time.

 

In this episode:

 

Want help decoding a label you’ve found?

Send me a photo on social or email me at [email protected] and I’ll help you break it down.

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 combined her love for food with storytelling, sensuality, and education to create a brand that makes cooking more indulgent and exciting. From teaching global cuisines to crafting her own line of spices, she’s on a mission to inspire people to fall in love with the cooking experience.

 

In this episode:

 

Connect with Gwen:

Join Gwen’s VIP List – Text FOODIE to 26786 for updates on her upcoming launch, recipes, and more

Follow The Sexy Chef on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenpatrone/

 

Connect with Nick:

Website: www.thewineguy.vin

Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

Email: [email protected]!

 

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

What do Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Dorothy Parker have in common? A love for both words and well-crafted drinks. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating (and sometimes infamous) drinking habits of some of history’s greatest writers.

 

From Hemingway’s absinthe-laced cocktails in Havana to Fitzgerald’s jazz-age champagne toasts, we uncover how alcohol shaped their creativity, their social circles, and their legendary works.

 

In this episode:

 

Bars mentioned in this episode:

Harry's Bar (Venice, Italy):

Website: https://www.cipriani.com/harrys-bar

 

The Hemingway Bar at The Ritz (Paris, France):

Website: https://www.ritzparis.com/hotel/paris/bars-restaurants/bar-hemingway

 

Davy Byrne's Pub (Dublin, Ireland):

Website: https://davybyrnes.com/

 

El Floridita (Havana, Cuba):

Website: https://www.barfloridita.com/

 

The Algonquin Hotel (New York City, USA):

Website: https://www.algonquinhotel.com/

 

Shakespeare and Company (Paris, France):

Website: https://shakespeareandcompany.com/

 

Connect with Nick:

Website: www.thewineguy.vin

Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

Email: [email protected]!

 

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

The wine world is evolving, and today’s guest is at the forefront of reshaping how we experience, talk about, and connect through wine. In this episode I sit down with Priscilla Hennekam, a global voice in the wine industry, who is leading the charge in making wine more inclusive, accessible, and forward-thinking.

From her beginnings in Brazil to her journey across the globe—including Argentina, France, and Australia—Priscilla has built a thriving community with Rethinking the Wine Industry, a growing platform that’s challenging outdated traditions and embracing a fresh, consumer-focused approach to wine.

In This Episode:

 

If you’ve ever felt like wine is too complicated, too exclusive, or too stuck in its ways—this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of thinking about what’s in your glass.

 

Connect with Priscilla:

https://rethinking.wine

 

Connect with Nick:

Website: www.thewineguy.vin

Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

Email: [email protected]

 

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

Pairing wine with food is more than just tradition—it’s an art. In this episode of Pour and Explore, we’re diving deep into the secrets of creating perfect pairings to enhance both the flavors on your plate and the wine in your glass. Whether you're planning a dinner party, dining out, or simply enjoying a meal at home, these insights will help you take your food and wine experience to the next level.

 

In this episode:

 

Resources & Links:

 

If you would like to deep dive into any of these topics a little more, comment on social media or email me at [email protected].

Like, Subscribe and Comment YES! on this podcast or on the socials for a FREE copy of my new e-book, Your Guy'd To Wine!

 

 

Connect with Nick:

• Website: www.thewineguy.vin

• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

• Email: [email protected]!

 

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

Thinking about solo travel but feeling unsure? Grace Simmons, a travel mindset coach and founder of Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC joins the podcast to ease your fears! Grace is also the host of The Random and Wonderful Podcast, where she shares inspiring travel stories and lessons from the road.

Grace shares her story of how a skydiving experience and a last-minute solo trip to Iceland changed her perspective on life. She shares the practical skills and mindset shifts that solo travel brings, including how to build confidence, navigate challenges, and use travel as a tool for personal development.

 

In this episode:

Grace also shares details about her upcoming Journey to Wellness Retreat in Bacalar, Mexico, happening May 8-12, 2025. If you're looking for a travel experience that combines personal growth, relaxation, and community, this retreat is designed for you.

 

Connect with Grace:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amethystpalaverhut/

The Random and Wonderful Podcast: https://random-and-wonderful.captivate.fm

 

Connect with Nick:

• Website: www.thewineguy.vin

• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

• Email: [email protected]!

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

Ready to plan a wine and food road trip that doesn’t suck? We've got you covered! In this episode, Nick Elliott, The Wine Guy, shares his expert tips on planning the perfect trip to wine country. Avoid rookie mistakes, like spending hours driving between stops or facing a hangry meltdown, and learn how to craft a smooth, enjoyable journey full of incredible wine, food, and unforgettable moments.

 

In this episode:

 

 

Check out the Wine Guy Spotify Road Trip Playlist Here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5jtlAI2IOpMYAlyI06n7MQ?si=5kY6RS-eS6iL-VvVwj_pOQ

 

Connect with Nick:

• Website: www.thewineguy.vin

• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

• Email: [email protected]!

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

In this episode of Pour and Explore, we take a detour from wine to explore its flavorful cousin—coffee! Mike Mascow, founder of Roast to Order Coffee and Tea, joins the podcast to uncover the artistry, science, and culture behind creating the perfect cup.

We discuss the parallels between coffee and wine, including how terroir, oxidation, and storage affect both beverages. Mike also reveals his tips for brewing the perfect cup (hint: it’s all about the French press!).

Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or curious to expand your palate, this episode offers plenty of insights on sourcing quality beans, preserving freshness, and savoring every sip.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Resources & Links:

 

Connect with Nick:

• Website: www.thewineguy.vin

• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

• Email: [email protected]!

Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!