Sip with Nikki

I recently took a MUCH NEEDED girls trip to Walt Disney World, where I escaped into the Disney happiness bubble with my mom and sisters. After the year our family has had, it was the perfect getaway, filled with laughs, love and so much delicious food and beverage!

Listen to this all new episode, where I recap what we had at some of the newest spots (Geo-82, Beak and Barrel and Three Bridges) as well as some classic but overlooked spots like the secret Champagne Bar in Epcot!

And I'm sharing a tip on how to get reservations at some of those hot spots!

Whether you are a Disney visitor or not this audio food porn is a great lesson in food and wine pairing and my tips on how to live your best culinary life!

Highlights include:

1. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort- Dahlia Lounge and Three Bridges
2. Disney's Riviera Resort- Topolino and Bar Riva
3. Disney's Animal Kingdom- Tiffins Nomad Lounge
4. Epcot- Les Vins de France, Geo-82, Rose and Crown Pub, Bramblewood Bites
5. Disney's Polynesian Resort- Wailulu Bar and Grill
6. Magic Kingdom- Beak and Barrel

Episode Links and resources:

Find the fantastic Spanish Garnacha I had at Three Bridges here!

Learn more about the South African Chenin Blanc we had at Wailulu Bar here!

Other Links and Discount Codes:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022 and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (last call!)

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!

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

Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

Are you finding yourself dreaming of moving to Italy? (I am...) This episode brings you the inspiring journey of Ashley Bartner and her husband Jason, who traded their New York lives for an agriturismo in the enchanting La Marche region.

They’re living the dream—running a farm, hosting cooking classes, and sharing their experiences with those curious about relocating to Italy. You'll hear how they navigated the challenges of moving abroad, from securing visas to finding the perfect property and starting up La Tavola Marche.

Takeaways:

1. Ashley and Jason moved from New York to Italy and started their agriturismo, inspiring others to pursue their dreams of living abroad.
2. She shares their experience navigating the complexities of moving to another country, including visas, taxes, and local customs.
3. They offer workshops on how to successfully transition to life in Italy, helping people turn their dreams into reality, and addressing common challenges faced by expats.
4. We do a special Sip Spotlight on the unique local wine, Lacrima, and find a rare and exciting connection between Sonoma County and the La Marche region!

Episode Links and Resources:

Visit Ashley and Jason's Website to learn more about staying at the Inn, cooking classes and their Move to Italy Workshops!

Check out their podcast "The Podcast From Italy".

Follow them on Instagram

Find the local Lacrima

Contact Ramazzotti Family Vineyards in Sonoma County to try their Lacrima!

Other Links and Discount Codes:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022 and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (last call!)

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!

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

Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

If you’ve ever wondered how to snag top-notch wines at eye-popping prices...This week I'm going Undercover with "Agent Cru" from Wine Spies!

From the thrill of getting your daily deals to learning about innovative shipping solutions that keep your wine cool and safe (and complimentary!), this episode is packed with tips and laughs!

HIghlights:

• Wine Spies offers amazing deals on high-quality wines, often selling for less than half the retail price, which makes it a great option for wine lovers looking to score a bargain. Sign up for their daily deals HERE
• Agent Cru shares his journey from working in a family winery (cellar rat!) to becoming the CEO of Wine Spies, highlighting his passion for curating wines for a diverse audience.

Follow them on Instagram

Other Links and resources:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

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

Check out Sena Sea's website  to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

Michael and I just binged watched the new Netflix series, "Next Gen Chef" which was filmed at the Culinary Institute of America in NY. We were excited to see an appearance from a long time friend, Chef Melissa Walnock, who was one of the first guests on the podcast back in Feb 2024!

In case you missed it, or just want another dose of her badass wisdom and joy, I'm re- releasing a newly edited version of her episode in celebration of her Netflix debut!

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 (NextGen!)

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!

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]

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

Truth? I am in the middle of a difficult chapter in my life, and I was looking for some much needed joy. So I planned a very last minute trip to LA with my good friends Hoby and Justin. We designed 48 joyful hours around 2 of my favorite things... Dave Matthews and Disney!

Listen to our day at Disneyland as Hoby, who brings a unique perspective as someone who navigates the world without sight, helps us appreciate the magic around us in a whole new way. You'll also get a behind the scenes listen as he records some of his viral videos that have taken over IG, TikTok and YouTube!

Highlights:

-We taste some coveted Disney snacks, like the classic turkey leg and the new and exciting pickle dog... and recommended wine pairings with each one!

-Hoby shares his impression of some classic and new attractions and his perceptions experiencing them without site

-We have a lot of fun and there is joy and laughter and you should listen. That is all.

Other Links and resources:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

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

Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

This week I'm revisiting an episode from one year ago where I shared a very exciting and rare experience that happened to me while in Bend, Oregon last summer. Enjoy a new intro and outtro to the original episode, where I look back on what has happened after a CRAZY year of life and reflect on if I would have done it differently if given the chance. Spoiler alert: I get a little emotional and a little philosophical.

I'm also highlighting a STEAL of a wine (90 points from Wine Enthusiast and under $15!) that pairs beautifully with this story... and you'll hear about the connection between the two!

Without giving away too much... You'll hear about:

• 26 years of consistent passion and enthusiasm for ONE THING
• How being patient paid off
• My curiosity of how YOU think it went and what you would have done differently!

Song lyrics referenced in the episode:

Oh, how it happened, blew the lid and got a taste, it's some kind of magic

It could happen like it did, Like we awoke, we were still dreaming

When it happened like it did , If I wasn't there, I wouldn't believe it-DJM

This week's Sip Spotlight wine is a Blast from the Past!

Other Links and resources:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!)

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

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

Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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

I was lucky to sit down with Winemaker Leo Tellez and Dir. of Hospitality and Sales, Joe Hinde from Ackerman Family Vineyards in downtown Napa! From the "aviary" of their restored Victorian Heritage House, we laugh and learn from each other as I hear their journeys that led them to where they are today.

Listen as we taste 3 unique and delicious small-production wines (Triple Sip Spotlight!) and talk about the newest Napa Valley AVA, Coombsville, what makes it special and why you need to be drinking wines from this very specific region.

Highlights:

• Coombesville is a hidden gem in Napa Valley, producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Both of of these wine professionals come from multi-generational wine families and carved their paths in this industry
• Now more than ever, the importance of supporting and drinking wines from small family producers
• Winemaking is a blend of art and science, requiring creativity and meticulous attention.
• The joy of wine tasting lies in the stories and connections made around the table.

Episode Links:

You can purchase their wines and set up a tasting at Ackerman Family Vineyards

Check out their YouTube Channel for more of the "Joe and Leo Show"

Follow them on Instagram

Other Links and resources:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

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

Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

I recently learned about the powerhouse husband and wife duo Brian Ball and Laura Jones and their new Chardonnay focused winery, Sphaerics.

I'm always interested to learn about other small family operated wineries, especially when we are neighbors here in Sonoma County AND they are also created by people who are both partners in Life AND Business, like Michael and I.

Listen as I sit down with Brian and Laura and over spectacular vineyard views of the Alexander Valley, they share how 15 years of working in the wine business, him as a GM and her as a celebrated winemaker, led to the creation of their own brand highlighting coveted vineyard sites... and a new and exciting vineyard that will be part of their portfolio soon!

Highlights:

• Brian shares what led him from Wall Street to Wine Country and Why..
• Laura shares her story of making wines around the world and why she is so passionate about Chardonnay
• We talk about the perceptions and misconceptions about Chardonnay and why it's so exciting to work with
• They share about the "Energy" in their wines and what that means to you, the wine drinker
• How to acquire these tiny production masterpieces in the future

Episode Links:

Sign up for their mailing list at Sphaerics Wine

Follow Sphaerics on Instagram

Read the San Francisco Chronicle article (by Esther Mobley) that put them on my radar

Read this awesome highlight of Sphaerics and Laura's winemaking in Wine Spectator

Other Links and resources:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

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

Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

Sign up for my free downloadable wine tips cheat sheet here, which is a great learning companion to this episode!

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

Episode Notes:

Alright class, (don’t worry, it’s Wine School)… This week is what we call in wine tasting a "Revisit", which sounds so much classier than saying "can I have some more?" And it's a topic that I ALWAYS get so many questions about (which is why it was worth a revisit)...Aging Wine!

If you’ve ever wondered things like:

Why should I age a wine? How does it change?Will I like it better? What’s the best way to store it? Then this episode is for you!

I’ll break down :

1. The elements in a wine that determine it it will “get better” with time
2. What happens to wines as they age and how the flavor and texture change
3. The best way to store your wine if you are going to “let it ride”

Episode Links:

You can get the 2019 Vintage of our Sip Spotlight, Robert Sinskey Abraxas through the winery directly here

Or if you’d like to try the 2015 Vintage I described, to experience more age on this white blend, My partner wine.com has some available here

First time customers Use the code SAVEBIG for $20 off your order of $150

Other Links and resources:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

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

Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

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 brought home some different things that he wanted to share with us along with the stories of his time in the field.

Listen to our 3 generation gathering as Aidan and I are joined my mom, Susan, and my sisters Dana (his mom) and Amanda as we listen, learn and taste all the German things.

Takeaways:

• Aidan shares his insights from his military exchange in Germany, including cultural differences in drinking habits
• We talk about the generational shift in alcohol consumption, and I get his thoughts on Gen Z's preferences
• We taste a surprising Wine he brought back from the Baden region
• We do a side by side tasting of German and American Jagermeister
• He shares about military "patch culture" as we learn about an interesting (ahem) cocktail that was a staple for him during his training in the field

Links and resources:

Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

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

Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]