Sip with Nikki

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 SIP Membership, Coming SOON! (And get my free wine tips cheat sheet when you do...)

Episode Notes:

I recently learned about a viral TikTok trend where frozen jalapeños meet Sauvignon Blanc. Curious? So were we!

Michael and I decided to give a go and taste-test three different Sauvignon Blancs from around the globe before and after adding frozen jalapeño slices to each... Spoiler: the results may surprise you! (It surprised us!)

We’ll share impressions of each wine, how the jalapeno alters the flavor profiles, and whether this quirky pairing/infusion is a hit or miss.

Takeaways:

• This podcast episode dives into the quirky TikTok challenge of adding frozen jalapeño slices to Sauvignon Blanc, which sparked much curiosity and debate between us.
• We taste three different Sauvignon Blancs, each with unique characteristics, before and after adding jalapenos, leading to some unexpected flavor revelations.
• We get into wine purism versus TikTok trends and the fun in experimenting with food and drink, even if it makes some wine lovers cringe.

Wines Featured in our Challenge:

Oyster Bay Sauvignon, Marlborough New Zealand

Martin Ray Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, California

Moulin Jamet Sancerre, France

Nikki's Links:

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and to see pics and video of our Jalapeño + SB challenge!

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 Nikki's favorite products 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]

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 SIP Membership, Coming SOON! (And get my free wine tips cheat sheet when you do...)

Episode Notes:

My good friend, Winemaker Sally Johnson Blum (SJB) is back and she has been busy!

We're getting into her exciting new ventures, including her own small wine brand, Stereograph (launching soon) and her consulting firm, SJB Winemaking, where she's crafting wines for various clients across California and Washington.

We enjoy a double Sip Spotlight with 2 of her wines, including a stunning Sémillon and a unique Chenin Blanc, both of which showcase her knack for making under-appreciated varietals shine.

Plus, we tackle the current trends in the wine world, like the shift towards lighter wines and the challenges faced by small brands today.

You'll hear:

• What inspired Sally to make wine for multiple clients instead of one winery
• Why she's chosen to highlight some lesser known white wine varieties like Sémillion and Chenin Blanc in the Napa Valley
• Our take on current wine trends and the shifting preferences of wine consumers
• If/How tariffs are affecting wine production and small wineries

Links and Resources:

SJB Winemaking- to find all of Sally's projects in one place and learn more about Max's design services and read Sally's blog with thoughts on the future of the wine industry

Stereograph Wines- sign up to know when this exciting new label is available!

Follow Sally on Instagram

Get the Spring Pea Purée recipe- great spring/summer pairing with Sally's Sémillion from Sylvie Estates!

Nikki's Links:

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and to see all the Food and Drinks you heard about today!

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 Nikki's favorite products 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]

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 SIP Membership, Coming SOON! (And get my free wine tips cheat sheet when you do...)

Show Notes:

If you think a visit to Walt Disney World (or Disneyland) means days of chicken fingers and churros... think again! While those classic park snacks are fan favorites, the food (and wine) scene in the parks and resorts is no joke! I am am HERE. FOR. IT.

It isn’t just about food, though; it’s about the memories made with friends, the laughter shared, with my family and the pure joy of experiencing Disney through the lens of a food lover (is that you?)

So, whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, let’s dig into the deliciousness that awaits at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Listen in to my recent visit for all the tips on some lesser know delicious bites across Disney property (and some classic favorites).

• What cocktails we sipped poolside at the Riviera Resort
• My standout mouthwatering offerings at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival,
• The bites from the Honeybee kiosk that paired so well with a very surprising wine option
• The new and improved food offerings at Olga's Cantina in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
• My FAVORITE breakfast item on Disney Property
• A sneak peak into 2 NEW (to me) locations and what we ordered that blew us away!

Links and other Resources:

Wines mentioned in this episode:

Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Blackberry Wine

Florida Orange Groves Orange Blossom Honey Wine (Mead)

Joseph Drouhin Burgundy (Pinot Noir) enjoyed at Toplino's Terrace

Protea South Africa Chenin Blanc enjoyed at Wailulu Bar and Grill

Nikki's Links:

Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and to see all the Food and Drinks you heard about today!

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 Nikki's favorite products 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]

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

Not everyone loves wine. I know this. And while it’s hard for me to relate, I can respect it. 

For our 70th Episode, I'm re-sharing one of our most listened episodes to date!I Last year, I sat down with my friend Heather, who’s not exactly a fan of wine (she calls it "rotten juice"). She wanted to learn more about what all the hype is about. You’ll hear us sip, swirl, and banter our way through some whites and reds, with Heather offering her unfiltered reactions that are both hilarious and insightful.

We dive into the sensory experience of wine: smells, tastes, and even how food changes everything. Listen to hear if Heather realizes there’s more to wine than she thought... At the end, you'll hear a new update from her, 1 year later... does she like it any better?

Listen as we open 5 different bottles of wine and discuss:

• What’s that smell?
• The one that was “stanky”
• If cheddar popcorn and chili pistachios hold up as wine pairings 
• The definition of cougar juice 
• Drinking for taste, not to get drunk
• Is non alcoholic wine a thing?

Get my favorite wine preservation system, the Coravin Pivot, so you can take your time with your open bottles. 

You can purchase my small-lot 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese that is “Not Bad” Here- Use discount code PODLISTNER for 10% off. 

Information about the lovely and light Croix Chardonnay we tasted here: 

For Pride Mountain Vineyards Viognier, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon visit their website or call 707-963-4949 to place an order.

Want more tips to get the most out of your wine? Get my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here.

Questions, suggestions and guest requests? [email protected]

Hi Friend! Welcome to this week's party! If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode!

The Scoop:

We are diving into the world of wild Alaskan salmon (See what I did there!) with my guest Sena Wheeler. She and her husband Rich own Sena Sea, a company dedicated to delivering fresh, sustainably caught seafood right to your door.

Listen as we laugh and learn from each other about the craftsmanship and similarities behind both fishing and winemaking.

• Sena shares her fascinating foray into the fishing industry, rooted in five generations of family tradition.
• She shares insights about the health benefits of certain fish including its high omega-3 content and anti-inflammatory properties and why we should all be eating more of it.
• Through their innovative packing and shipping methods, Sena explains how they're able to bring the highest qualityAlaskan fish into homes across the country, providing a taste of freshness that many might not have access to locally
• She passionately defends the rich, red hue of wild salmon, attributing it to the fish's natural diet and habitat. (and we laugh about what color most people THINK salmon should be...)
• We explore the concept of 'merroir', akin to 'terroir' in wine, which adds a unique flavor profile to the fish based on its geographical origin, down to the river!
• This leads us into a first ever dual Sip Spotlight + Fish Spotlight where we pair the gorgeous Copper River salmon with two very different wines a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and a light-bodied Pinot Noir, both chosen for their complementary qualities.

Links and Resources for you:

Check out Sena Sea's website to a la carte order, set up a subscription box, sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing

To learn more about this awesome family and their business, Follow Sena Sea on Instagram and Facebook

Find today's Sip Spotlight Wines:

2024 Graywacke Sauvignon Blanc 

2023 King Estate "Inscription" Pinot Noir

Domaine Roy & Fils Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

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!

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

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

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? [email protected]

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

We’re diving into the world of Vermentino! As spring unfolds, it’s the perfect time to explore this refreshing white wine that’s ready for its perfect pairing on your table! I'll catch you up on everything you need to know about this lesser know Italian white grape and then Michael and I turn traditional food and wine pairing on its head. Instead of picking a meal and then choosing a wine, we decided to go with the wine first – a concept we refer to as "wine first pairing".

Then join Michael and I in our kitchen as we try an exciting new spring pasta recipe and see how all the flavors come together.

We're talking about:

• What Vermentino is known for and what to expect in the glass
• Our delicious Sip Spotlight wine, 2023 Reeve Vermentino from Sonoma County and where to find it
• How the temperature of the wine in your glass really does make a difference

Links and Resources:

Check out Reeve Winery and plan you wine tasting visit! Follow them on IG

Until their new 2024 vintage is available in May, you can find the Reeve Vermintino at Bottle Barn and through the Vivino ap.

Here's the recipe for the delicious Pea, Pancetta and Broccolini Pasta

Be sure to top your pasta (and everything else) with our favorite red chili peppers from Burlap and Barrel. A collaboration with our good friend and James Beard finalist, Dan Richer.

Checkout the highlight bubble on Nikki's Instagram, to see the delicious pairing!

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!

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

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

Questions? Comments? Guest requests? [email protected]

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

Alright, Sippers... this week, I'm breaking down one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES: Viognier! It's unfamiliar to many wine drinkers and if you're one of them, you're missing out!

It's such a versatile white wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes: from the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes (my family) to spicy food, cheeses and so much more!

What you'll hear:

• A fun way to remember how to pronounce it... a fun little cheer that will have you shouting “VIOGNIER” like me!
• I mean, talk about aromatics? And why does my Aunt Vivian want to dab it behind her ear?
• Why it’s considered the "red wine drinker's white."
• The nuances of Viognier’s flavor and texture and what makes it unique
• The perfect pairings that shine with this wine

To get this week's Sip Spotlight wine, visit Pride Mountain Vineyards website and sign up for the mailing list if you're not already, or not yet a member of the Summit Circle (which you can also do there). Available to non-members on 4/15/25 in limited quantities at $49/bottle. Members always get it guaranteed and first!

Follow Pride Mountain Vineyards on Instagram or Facebook to learn more about this special place I've called home for 13 years.

Other Links and Resources:

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!

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

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

Questions? Comments? [email protected]

You should Follow Nikki on INSTAGRAM

Follow Sollevato Wines on Instagram!

Wine is more than just a beverage; it’s a catalyst for connection, a way to bring people together and share experiences. This week, I'm excited to invite you to join in on "Share and Pair Sundays", a campaign that encourages you to invite friends over to enjoy good food and wine together. (sounds simple, cause it is).

Similar to the Come Over October initiative this past fall, it also emphasizes that it’s the moments and connections around food and wine that can bring us the most joy and fulfillment.

In this episode, I'm explaining what it is, how and why you can get involved and re-sharing my favorite clips from my conversation with wine writer and campaign co-creator, Karen MacNeil and my friend and chemistry nerd Dr.Hoby Wedler about why these movements are so important.

You'll hear how:

• Residual pandemic habits have led many of us to stay comfy at home, making social gatherings feel more special than ever.
• Wine is more than just a drink; it’s a bond that brings people together and creates community.
• Share and Pair Sundays encourages us to connect over food and wine, emphasizing joy and togetherness.
• The campaign aims to counteract the trend of isolation by promoting the act of inviting friends over.
• Wine has the power to transform strangers into friends and foster connections through shared experiences.

Tag Share and Pair Sundays on Instagram

Check out the Share and Pair Sundays website for more info, tips and ways to have fun with the movement!

Our 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!

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

Questions? Comments? [email protected]

You should Follow Nikki on INSTAGRAM and check out my Share and Pair Sundays Highlights there!

Follow Sollevato Wines on Instagram!

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

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

Have you ever been out, taken a sip of your favorite wine only to find it tastes off... but you're not sure why or what to do?

I'm unpacking the three main culprits that could be ruining your glass. Think: cork taint, volatile acidity, and oxidation. I’ll share a quick and easy top on how to spot these issues and how to address them without sounding like a total wine snob.

I'm talking:

• Understanding your wine is crucial; if it smells or tastes off, something's likely wrong with it.
• The three common wine flaws you should know about: corked, volatile acidity, and oxidation and what they smell and taste like
• Trust the professionals; they often can tell you if the wine is as it should be.
• Making sure you get every ounce of enjoyment from that glass.
• Wine can be a living entity; how it's stored and served can greatly affect your experience.

Our 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!

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

Questions? Comments? [email protected]

You should Follow Nikki on INSTAGRAM !!

Follow Sollevato Wines on Instagram !

During our recent road trip down to Southern California, Michael and I explored the hidden gem of Santa Barbara's wine scene, which is often overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma Wine Country.

• We taste a unique sparkling wine that brings a refreshing twist to any occasion, perfect for those times when you need a little sparkle in your life. (Michael!)
• We share what the heck is Fizzy Riv and why you need it in your life!

Check out Margerum Wine Company here! and follow them on Instagram

Visit American Olive Farmer Here and use code SIPWITHNIKKI for $10 off your order!Purchase the Juicy and jumping from the glass Sollevato Sangiovese that made Liz’s would be socks roll up and down! And for a limited time you'll see a bundle with 2 bottles of Sangiovese and one bottle of Olio Novello.

Use code PODLISTENER for 10% off your order! 

If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine with your donation and get a shout out on a future episode. Please and Thank you!

Follow Sollevato Wines on Instagram

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

Questions? Comments? [email protected]

You should Follow Nikki on INSTAGRAM !!