Sip with Nikki

In this continuation from last week's episode, I'm joined by my good friend and blind sensory guide, Dr Hoby Wedler, his partner Justin, my other half Michael and my lifelong friend Dr. Kim from Virginia.

Last week we talked about some guidelines for food and wine pairing, with Dr Hoby coming at it from the scientific standpoint (with his PhD in Organic Chemistry).

Now you get to pull up a stool at my kitchen island as the 5 of us cook together, try different wine pairings and share tips and recipes for you to try at home!

Episode Links:

Follow Dr. Hoby on Instagram

Pride Mountain Vineyards Viognier- (call winery to order)-paired with chicken wings and mushrooms

Lagrein Merlot "Laurin"- paired with Mushrooms

Here are the special olive oil tasting glasses we talked about from American Olive Farmer

Sollevato Sangiovese 2022- paired with Margarita Pizza

Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend- paired with Mushroom pasta

(Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!0

Our favorite canned tomatoes for making pizza. Bianco DiNapoli

Episode Recipes:

Hoby and Justin's Porcini Mushroom Pasta

Nikki's Links:

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]

We're diving into the delicious world of food and wine pairings, guided by the brilliant Dr. Hoby Wedler. Hoby, who’s blind since birth and armed with a PhD in organic chemistry, brings a unique perspective that’ll have you understanding why certain flavors click while others clash.

As we gather in the kitchen with our partners and my lifelong buddy Kim, we explore the chemistry behind what makes our favorite dishes and wines bring out the best in each other (or not!). We've got some eye-opening tips as we tackle listener questions in Part 1 of a 2 part Series.

Takeaways:

• How to describing cheese to someone who has never tasted it before?...
• Why Food and wine pairings are highly subjective, and what works for one person may not for another.
• How Our surrounding environment can significantly impact our perception of wine and its flavors.
• Using the right savory flavors can elevate the enjoyment of wine and fruit pairings.

Episode Links:

Follow Dr. Hoby on Instagram

Mounts Family Vermentino

Nikki's Links:

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

My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" 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!

Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese just took the Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition! Get yours here! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.)

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 getting personal. While it wasn't easy and has taken me months to get here, I felt it was time to share about my Breast Cancer battle with the hopes of helping others who may find themselves or their loved ones in a similar situation.

I recored my thoughts and emotions on the morning before my first chemotherapy and again that evening. And I think it's enlightening, encouraging and worth sharing.

I am also scalp cooling to preserve my hair, using the Paxman system and I want to make sure people (especially women) know about this as an option and what to expect from the process.

Want to get in touch? Send me a note at [email protected]

Nikki's Links:

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

My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" 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!

Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese just took the Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition! Get yours here! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.)

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.

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! 

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

I am re-releasing one of our most talked about episodes because EVERYONE needs to hear this. So if you missed it or would like a "re-visit" (as we call it in wine tasting)... I'm bringing one of our first and most popular episodes to the top of our now 80 episode catalog!

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 we 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:

• The call from Francis Ford Coppola that inspired him to create Tasting in the Dark
• His first chemistry teacher who questioned how chemistry would “work for him”, until he told her “No one can see atoms”…. (Mic drop)
• His thought on the questions around the health benefits of wine
• How he identifies color
• His uncensored reaction when I snuck my newly released 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese into our “blind tasting”

You can find and follow Hoby here!

www.hobywedler.com

IG: @hobywedler

Email him at [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: Sollevato Sangiovese

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

Nikki's Links:

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

My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" 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!

Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese just took the Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition! Get yours here! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.)

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.

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]

If you'd like to be an ANGEL and Support the Podcast, you buy me a glass of wine and get a shout-out on a future episode!

This week we're talking about what Orange wine is (and what it is not). Listen as we get into:

• The winemaking process that gives these wines their unique characteristics
• How these wines can surprise your palate with unexpected complexity and intriguing flavor profiles
• Michael and I taste three different orange wines, sharing our uncensored thoughts and reactions and thoughts on food pairings
• By the end, you'll not only understand what orange wine is but also feel inspired to seek it out on your next wine run!

Sip Spotlight Wines:

Langhart-Hill Rumplestiltskin Trousseau Gris (California)

Domaine Ostertag The New Chapter Vin Orange (Alsace)

Gulp Hablo (Spain)

Nikki's Links:

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

My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" 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!

Our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese just took the Gold Medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition! Get yours here! (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off.)

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.

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]

I'm thrilled to welcome back Liz Tagami of American Olive Farmer and Lucero Oil! If you haven't listened to Episode 62, "Olive Oil Deep Dive" yet, check that one out to learn more about the beautiful oils Liz and Donald are creating in Corning, CA.

They have been sold out of their flavored olive oils for some time, but they are back and I finally got to taste them with Liz!

You'll hear:

• The unique processes behind American Olive Farmer's flavored oils and the importance of using real, high-quality ingredients in flavored oils to ensure authentic taste and aroma
• The fascinating history of balsamic vinegar and its connection to Roman soldiers
• We taste 3 exciting oils (Lemon, Basil and Roasted Garlic) and 2 gorgeous vinegars and talk about recipes and ways to enjoys these beautiful enhancements
• Liz shares about the olive growing season and the various challenges that small producers face, including labor shortages and crop variances

You can get a trio of all 3 delicious flavored oils and vinegars from from American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order! Be sure to sign up for their fantastic newsletter chock full of recipes and inspiration!

Nikki's Links:

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes

My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" 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!

Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:

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.

Ways to help and support:

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and I'd 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]

I'd like to Shout out to all the ANGELS who have supported the podcast through their kind tips and donations! Thank you for buying me a glass of wine and contributing to covering the costs to create and publish this podcast! You can be an angel too! Support the Podcast

This week I'm joined by Roman Sharifi, co-founder of the premium wine accessories brand Copain de Vin, based in Amsterdam. I saw their recent Kickstarter Campaign for "VinVoyage", which are groundbreaking, high-end gorgeous crystal PORTABLE and DURABLE wine glasses that you can take with you on vacation, to the beach or even a hike!

We get into why wine glasses matter and I confess to clumsily bringing my own with me when I travel and WHY.

Laugh and learn with Roman and I as we cover:

• What led him from teacher to sommelier to entrepreneur and the lessons he's learned about business and self care along the way
• How their prototype to a market-ready product took years of hard work and determination
• How sustainability is at the heart of the Vin Voyage glasses, aiming to replace plastic cups and promote eco-friendly practices while enjoying wine on the go.
• The innovative design of the Vin Voyage glasses not only emphasizes portability but also prioritizes the drinking experience with high-quality mouth-blown crystal. (yes- glasses matter)
• How you can get your hands on these awesome and innovative new glasses before they hit the market

To purchase the VinVoyage glasses or inquire about investing in this growing project, email Roman at [email protected] and mention the Sip With Nikki podcast.

Follow Copain de Vin on Instagram

My Sip Spotlight Wine:

Smith Madrone Riesling from Spring Mountain

Nikki's Links:

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes

My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" 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!

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.

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]

I'm re- releasing on of our most listened to episodes from Jan 2024 with additional edits and bonus content!

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:

Grab my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet Here

The App I love is VIVINO

One of my favorite wine books is The Wine Bible. You can get the newest edition on Amazon here

Nikki's Links:

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes

My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" 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!

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.

Ways to help and support:

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine I 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]

This week I'm breaking down what exactly makes a wine a "Super Tuscan", the rebellious history behind it, and why you want to explore this category of wines.

• You'll learn about the specific grapes used in the Super Tuscan blends and what makes them so special for wine lovers.
• We'll share some of our favorite Super Tuscans from Italy and explore what makes them so unique and how those wines led me to make my own Super Tuscan Inspired Blend in California.
• Plus, I’m super excited to introduce my mom, who’s giving her first-ever wine review on the podcast!

Links and Resources:

My favorite splurge Super Tuscans from Italy:

Find Antinori Tignanello Here

Find Ornellia Here

Find Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Here

A great Value Priced Super Tuscan- La Volte- under $40!

Nikki's Links:

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes

My Super Tuscan Inspired Blend, Sollevato "Fortunato" 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!

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.

If you'd like to be an ANGEL and Support the Podcast, you buy me a glass of wine and get a shout-out on a future episode!

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? [email protected]

Special Announcement: If you're not already on the Sip With Nikki mailing list, be sure to sign up here to be the first to know about our Inaugural CLUB SIP Membership, Coming SOON! (And get my free wine tips cheat sheet when you do...)

Episode Notes: A trio of powerhouse winemakers-Sally Johnson Blum, Molly Hill, and Ashley Hepworth—come together to discuss their groundbreaking project, Abloom, on this episode of Sip with Nikki.

They're bringing a fresh perspective on the often under appreciated Grenache and their luxury rose made from it. You'll hear why they created this label, the challenges they faced, and the joyful spirit that fuels their unique collaboration.

From the intentional crafting process to the unique stories that each bottle tells, it’s a chat that promises to be as rich and layered as the wine itself.

You'll Hear:

• Each winemaker answer the questions "Why Does Wine Matter?"
• Behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the meticulous and unique intentional process that went into crafting Abloom
• What it was like to collaborate as 3 celebrated women winemakers in the Napa Valley
• Why this limited wine release represents a pivotal moment in the world of wine
• Listener questions including "When did you find your calling as a winemaker?"
• What they believe differentiates Napa Valley's winemaking culture from the rest of the world
• How Abloom Wine represents a bold new direction, focusing on Rosé of Grenache in an area known for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Episode Links:

Abloom Wine- sign up to receive an invitation to purchase during the June 2025 release

Follow Abloom on Instagram

Sally Johnson Blum (SJB Winemaking)

Ashley Hepworth Wine Consulting

Molly Hill and Gro Wines

Nikki's Links:

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes

The wine that I make, 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!

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.

If you'd like to be an ANGEL and Support the Podcast, you buy me a glass of wine and get a shout-out on a future episode!

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? [email protected]