Sip with Nikki

If you can’t come up with anything other than “wine” or “yummy” when asked to describe what's in your glass , you are NOT alone! Plenty of people that love wine are the first to admit they stink at identifying what they are smelling and tasting in the glass. Or they question WHY it even matters.

I'm giving you a very quick and easy tool to better approach what’s in the glass, so you can be better at knowing WHAT you like and WHY you like it! (Or why you DON’T!)

We are using the acronym FEW to identify:

FRUIT, EARTH and WOOD in wines 

Where these things come from and why you should care

Get the Wine Aroma wheel here

Try my 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese here. Its F E  w. 

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine or our producer Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Get my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

I first met Dr Hoby Wedler when he led my wine education team and I through his signature “Tasting in the Dark” experience. We were blindfolded and tasting the wines  (thought) we knew very well, in a whole new light (or lack thereof). 

Dr. Hoby Wedler is a Chemist, Sensory Expert, Motivational Speaker and Entrepreneur who happens to be blind since birth.

After your virtual time with Hoby, you’ll have a new perspective on how to take in the world around you, especially when it comes to things like Seeing Flavor and Tasting Color!

You’ll hear about: 

10:58- The call from Francis Ford Coppola that inspired him to create Tasting in the Dark

13:57- His first chemistry teacher who questioned how chemistry would “work for him”, until he told her “No one can see atoms”…. (Mic drop)

22:55- His thought on the questions around the health benefits of wine

35:26-How he identifies color

44:52- His reaction when I snuck my newly released 2021 Sangiovese into our “blind tasting”

You can find and follow Hoby here!

www.hobywedler.com

All social media platforms: @hobywedler

Email him your burning questions: [email protected]

Get our Sip Spotlight Wines Here!

Wine #1- Hoby's Choice: Chianti Classico

Wine #4 -The trick I played on him with my own wine: 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me or Hoby a glass of wine or our producer Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Get my Free Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here: 

https://www.sipwithnikki.com/resource

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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- so you can feel better about grabbing that bottle… whether it’s the $10, the $100 or anything in between. 

There was so much to simplify for you here that I split into 2 parts- In this week's conclusion, we cover the last 2 elements that affect the COST of production of wine which has a direct correlation to the PRICE of that bottle. 

They are:

• Packaging and label specifications- you learn one of my favorite nerdy wine terms here...
• The more Ambiguous factors- Perception, reputation and Hype!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine or our producer Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Get my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here: 

You can purchase my tiny production Sangiovese here:

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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 grabbing that bottle… whether it’s $10, $100 or anything in between (or beyond!)

There was so much to simplify for you on this topic, that I split into 2 parts- This week we cover the first 3 elements that affect the COST of production of wine which has a direct correlation to the PRICE of that bottle. 

I’ll talk about:

• Farming 
• Volume/Production Size
• Winemaking and aging

Tune in next week for rest of what influences pricing!

Get my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here: 

https://www.sipwithnikki.com/resource

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine or our producer Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

You're invited to purchase my meticulously priced Sollevato Sangiovese here.

Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

Submit a Listener Question and get a SHOUT OUT in a future episode!

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 creations 
• Being a woman in some of the most famous kitchens in the country 
• Her crazy practical exam to become faculty at the Culinary Institute 
• What it’s like teaching the next generation the art of pastry
• We even get a surprise cameo from her Sommelier husband, Anthony, as we taste a wine that reminds him of his roots. 

Get our Sip Spotlight wine through my affiliate partner website here:

Check out her baking classes here

Be sure to follow her gorgeous Instagram @chefwalnock

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine (or our producer, Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Get my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here: 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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 I was home for Christmas, I asked her if she was up to recording a favorite family recipe with me...and what ensued was the funniest recount of some of our family’s history along with a heartfelt conversation with one of my most favorite people on the planet. 

Listen in as she takes us through:

1. The Coveted Recipe for Grandma's Italian Cream
2. Tips for bottling this magical beverage
3. Her thoughts on enhancing the drink with additional spirits (and which ones to use)
4. How my great-grandparents' entrepreneurial spirit kept the family comfortable through the depression and prohibition

It’s fun. And funny. And you’ll thank me when you make this recipe! (And yes, she blessed me sharing this with all of you).

Get the recipe here!

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine or our producer Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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 obvious 
• What the location in the store (and even on the shelf) can tell you about the wine

These quick and simple ideas should help you feel more confident next time you find yourself in the wine store so you don’t just select your wine by the coolest label (which might be ok too, as long as you like what's inside!)

Resources I mentioned:

1. Grab my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet Here
2. The App I love is VIVINO
3. One of my favorite wine books is The Wine Bible. You can get the newest edition on Amazon here:

Ways to help and support:

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine or our producer Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful! (it's like leaving a tip when you've had great service).

Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS them! Click here to Follow! 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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 episode, we reminisce about growing up on the East Coast, our family gatherings, and the love of wine, food and each other that that keeps us close!

Join us as we dive into heartwarming and hilarious childhood stories, revealing the moments that have shaped our unique sisterhood bond.

We talk about:

• What got us into wine- and how our preferences differ
• How I got in trouble for hiding my broccoli bottoms
• What it was like growing up in New Jersey 
• Our modernization of the Feast of the 7 Fishes
• Why you MUST have cream cheese in the house at all times

It’s Silly and Heartfelt and I’m always grateful for the time we have together. 

Here’s our favorite recipe for Hogwash cilantro + jalapeño sauce for oysters.

Sip Spotlight: Schramsberg Brut Rose 2020- available through one of my affiliate partners : Purchase Here

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, (you can buy me a glass of wine or our producer Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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 last?"

In this Episode:

What is Wine Aeration?

Why Do it?

• It Unlocks aromas
• Soften those Tannins
• Increase Expressive Flavors

When to Aerate:

• Young Red Wines
• Full-Bodied Whites (sometimes)

How to Aerate Your Wine:

• Decanting: This is a beautiful Riedel decanter for a great price- holds 2 bottles at once!
• Swirling in the Glass
• Aerating Pourers Here’s one of my favorites:

Part 2: How can you protect against the oxygen we were just trying to ADD a moment ago if you don't plan on finishing that bottle?

• Put your wine in the fridge!
• Get Creative with Gas (tee hee): We use the Coravin Pivot regularly at the winery and at our house. This Coravin Bundle has the Same Pivot PLUS an aerator attachment for the bottle!
• Vacuum Victory: This is a great one.

If you'd like to Support the Podcast (buy me a glass of wine or Producer Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

Enjoying these episodes? Please consider Rating, Reviewing Following on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs). 

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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 (and been a trusted advisor) during the last 2 decades of re-inventing myself and following my passions. He’s provided humor and levity throughout the ups and downs of it all. 

In a recent visit back to Orlando, Steve and I met at one of our favorite restaurants that we used to frequent when I lived there, called Dragonfly I visit pretty much every time I'm back in town! It’s some of the best sushi I found on the east coast.  So this is the first of an ongoing special series of restaurant recordings!

Join us at our lively dinner table as we:

• Visit with some of our old favorite sushi rolls and try to convince “Jeremy” (totally made-up) in the kitchen to make some discontinued menu items for us
• Chase "fireworks" food and wine pairing moments
• Talk about how a Jersey girl became a wine educator and winemaker by way of Walt Disney World 
• Discuss just saying Yes and figuring out the rest later...
• Try 2 awesome wines - DOUBLE SIP SPOTLIGHT! Order them here:

Terranoble Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)

Penner-Ash Pinot Noir (Wilamette Valle, OR)

I hope you enjoy pulling up a virtual chair to our table.

We laugh.

I cry (just a little).

And we have some damn good food and wine as we do it

We also talk about our passion project Sollevato Wines.

If you'd like to Fill the envelope here for the next vintage (or to buy Kathryn a bourbon) we would be so grateful!

Please consider Rating,  Reviewing Following on Apple Podcasts!

“Delightful and fun. Now I love my Monday Commute” (kpjscarbs).

Sound like you? I’d love for you to leave your own review!

How? Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode! 

If you haven't already, please FOLLOW the podcast! We have so many more exciting episodes coming out, and if you're not following you might MISS then! Click here to Follow! 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]