In this special Encore Episode, we dive deep into world of Olive Oil, led by the incredible Liz Tagami. She's a 6th generation Californian, who has been involved in defining and nurturing the Lucero Olive Oil brand for over 16 years. She’s a specialty food and cooking equipment industry veteran with 4 decades of international business experience. She and her husband, Donald, now own the Lucero brand and American Olive Farmer website and marketplace for all things olive oil related!

We talk about:

• How a good olive oil can significantly benefit your health
• That the mediterranean diet is all about enjoying leisurely meals with loved ones while savoring delicious food and wine.
• Extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO, is defined
• How properly storing olive oil is crucial to maintaining its freshness and health benefits over time.

Visit American Olive Farmer Here and use code SIPWITHNIKKI for $10 off your order!

Follow Liz on Instagram

Follow Lucero Olive Oil on Instagram

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? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

You should Follow Nikki on INSTAGRAM !!

We’re exploring the ins and outs of this fabulous Italian grape, why it deserves a spot on your table, and what dishes it pairs perfectly with—hint: think delicious fresh pasta and rich tomato sauces. Plus, I’m bringing in my other half, Michael, for an exciting tasting of our 2022 Sollevato Sangiovese that we’ve been waiting to uncork.

Here's what you'll hear:

• Why Sangiovese is a very versatile grape that pairs perfectly with a wide range of foods.
• I share why, of all the grapes in California, we chose to make this type of wine
• The winemaking process and how this 2022 vintage is or isn't different than it's counterparts
• We taste the newest Olio Novello from American Olive Farmer and see how it compliments the wine!

Visit our website to sign up for the mailing list to know when the 2022 Sangiovese is available!

Follow Sollevato Wines on Instagram

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!

Check out Evan Goldstein's book "Perfect Pairings"

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.

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

Questions? Comments? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

You should Follow Nikki on INSTAGRAM !!

In Part 2 (a continuation from last week's episode), I'm chatting with Ali Smith Story of Smith Story Wines, who shares how her handsome and intelligent doodle inspired a heartwarming initiative called Socks for Sandwich!

You'll also hear about:

• This delightful backstory of their dog, Sandwich, and how his quirky name brings joy to many.
• Her remarkable journey as a breast cancer survivor and how it sparked her passion for helping others through her "Brave" label.
• Some Listener Questions where we get to hear Eric Story's insights into managing a business with a spouse and the need for balance and boundaries.
• The importance of good wine and the journey of learning what makes a wine truly special.
• Ali heartfelt story from a recent Taylor Swift concert that ties beautifully to her Brave label and breast cancer awareness.

Check out their website to purchase their delicious small lot wines and set up your visit to heir awesome tasting room in Healdsburg! Be sure to use the discount code "sip'" at checkout to save 10% on 4+ bottle purchases, online or in person. (Ends 3/1/25). You can also become a STORYTELLER and support this small family business in the best way possible by being a member.

Follow Sandwich the doodle on IG

Follow Smith Story Wines on IG

Other Podcast resources and links:

Podcast website: www.sipwithnikki.com: Sign up there to be part of our SIP Community and receive Nikki's free Wine Tips download.

Nikki's 2021 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!

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

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

Questions? Comments? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Please Follow Nikki on INSTAGRAM