Meet Nikki

I have always loved wine and like most typical wine drinkers…I knew I loved drinking it, but I was overwhelmed with all the choices, vocabulary and price points. In 2008 I took my first trip to Napa and it was a game changer. I remember thinking “I could retire here one day…” I was completely enamored with the views, the lifestyle, the foodie culture and of course, the wine. 

After some serious soul searching, (and multiple trips back to Wine Country) I began a new chapter and left my 15+ year career with The Walt Disney Company to chase my wine dream. I completed my wine certification at the Culinary Institute of America in St Helena and moved from Orlando to California in October of 2012 alone and without a job, but with a huge passion for wine and a hunger (thirst?) to learn more…

I rented a house in a remote mountain vineyard (think Under the Tuscan Sun), helped with the harvest at a small boutique winery and landed at Pride Mountain Vineyards as a Wine Educator. I’m in my 11th year there and I love teaching people how to make sense of wine.  

In 2018 I completed my Certificate in Winemaking through UC Davis with the goal of creating my own wine. I know how much enJOYment wine brings me and I always thought if I I could one day create a bottle that would bring that much joy to others that it would be the culmination of this crazy journey. My partner (in life and business) Michael and I released our first vintage of 2019 Sangiovese in 2022 and are in our 5th vintage of production!

I started the “Sip with Nikki” project to help people make sense of wine by minimizing overwhelm and maximizing enjoyment.  And to remove the sometimes pretentious overlay that can accompany the wine world so you can simply elevate your experience with food, wine and pairings.

Thank you for being interested in being part of this community.  Let’s get sipping!