Pour & Explore: A Wine, Food & Travel Podcast

Food, Travel & Tunes: Jacqine’s Musical Cookbook Adventure

What if your next cookbook could sing, crack jokes, and start the dinner party for you?
In this episode of Pour and Explore, host Nick Elliott sits down with the wildly creative Jacqine a chef, musician, comedian, storyteller, and all-around artist who has created something truly one-of-a-kind: an interactive cookbook that blends international recipes, original music, immersive stories, and humor into a full-sensory kitchen experience.
We explore:
How Jacqine combined her love of food, music, and performance into an unforgettable multimedia culinary adventure
Her travels through Italy, Greece, and Spain—and how those cultures inspired her globally-infused cooking
What it’s like to bring characters like Chef Soup Dishy to life through storytelling and improv
Her favorite go-to international dishes (hello, Pad Thai and chicken & peppers 🍝🌶️)
The magic of Pinot Noir and wine-soaked dinner parties abroad
Her wide-ranging music career (with tunes streaming in 110+ countries 🌍🎶)
Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, comedy fan, or just someone who wants a little more joy in the kitchen, this episode will spark your creativity.
 
Connect with Jacqine:
Website: https://Jacqine.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqine.cb/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacque.cohen
Brand page: https://www.facebook.com/Jacqinemusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacqine
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FvjwX4IOGqhVT4nIP16em?si=1F_by2JwTdqPe3ndbtE_Dg
Connect with Nick:
Website: www.thewineguy.vin
Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
 
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

Unpacking Umami: The Flavor You Didn’t Know You Loved

What is that deep, savory flavor that makes Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and miso soup so unforgettable? It’s called umami, and in this episode, we are diving fork-first into the delicious world of the fifth taste.
 
Join me as I explores the science, history, and mouthwatering pairings that make umami one of the most exciting—and underappreciated—flavor profiles in food and wine. From Champagne and oysters to Barolo and aged Parmesan, this episode is packed with insider wine tips, pairing ideas, and even a fun at-home tasting experiment you can try with friends.
 
If you’ve ever wondered:
Why roasted mushrooms taste better than raw?
What wine aged “on the lees” really means?
How to avoid flavor flops when pairing umami-rich dishes with wine?
This episode is your ultimate guide.
 
Grab your free Wine + Umami Pairing Cheat Sheet — comment “UMAMI” on YouTube, Social Media or DM Nick @thewineguy.vin
 
You are also invited to the upcoming 10-day European wine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam in November 2025—and how you can join!
 
Connect with Nick: Website: www.thewineguy.vin
Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
 
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

Living the Life as a Digital Nomad with Jasmine Mastrolia

Have you ever dreamed of packing your bags, grabbing your laptop, and working from anywhere in the world? This week on Pour and Explore, we’re diving into the realities of the digital nomad lifestyle with someone who’s doing just that—and loving it.
Joining me today is Jasmine Mastrolia, a social media strategist and full-time digital nomad who traded in a traditional life for an adventurous one abroad. Currently based in Albania, Jasmine has crafted a life filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, unexpected challenges, and, of course, amazing wine.
 
In this episode:
What it really takes to live and work abroad full-time
Wine culture in the Balkans (and why you shouldn’t overlook Albanian wines)
Hidden gems of Albanian cuisine and how to find the best local eats
How Jasmine built her social media business while traveling
Practical tips for flights, language barriers, and train travel in Europe
The mindset shift that changed everything: “Do it scared”
 
Connect with Jasmine:
jasmine@jasminemastrolia.com
jasminemastrolia.com
 
Connect with Nick:
Website: www.thewineguy.vin
Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

How to Read a Wine Label Like a Sommelier: What Matters & What Doesn’t

Confused by wine labels? You're not alone. In this episode, I’m coming to you straight from the Venetian in Las Vegas to break down everything you need to know about decoding wine labels—so you can buy smarter and drink better.
From grape varieties to buzzwords like reserve and old vine, I’m sharing exactly what matters, what’s just marketing fluff, and how to spot quality with just a glance. We’ll explore the difference between Old World and New World labeling, what “estate bottled” actually means, and why “contains sulfites” isn’t the red flag you think it is.
Whether you’re staring down a wall of bottles at your local shop or planning a visit to a vineyard, this crash course will give you the confidence to pick the perfect bottle—every time.
 
In this episode:
How to instantly tell if a wine is labeled by grape or region
What “vintage,” “ABV,” and “AVA” actually tell you
Why terms like reserve might mean nothing at all
How to spot wines from sustainable and organic producers
Tips for shopping at a wine store vs. grocery store
What your wine label is really trying to tell you
 
Want help decoding a label you’ve found?
Send me a photo on social or email me at cheers@thewineguy.vin and I’ll help you break it down.

The Art of Sensual Cooking: Elevate Your Kitchen Experience with Chef Gwen Patrone

Food is more than just fuel—it’s an experience. In this episode, I sit down with Chef Gwen, also known as The Sexy Chef, to talk about how she’s redefining the way we approach cooking. It’s not just about the ingredients or the techniques—it’s about passion, creativity, and bringing emotion into every dish.
 
With a background in culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing, Gwen has combined her love for food with storytelling, sensuality, and education to create a brand that makes cooking more indulgent and exciting. From teaching global cuisines to crafting her own line of spices, she’s on a mission to inspire people to fall in love with the cooking experience.
 
In this episode:
What Makes a Dish Sexy? – How flavor, texture, and presentation combine to create an unforgettable experience
The Art of Cooking with Emotion – Why food is about more than just taste—it’s about connection, indulgence, and love
Bringing Sensory Elements into the Kitchen – The role of music, lighting, and atmosphere in elevating your cooking game
Gwen’s Culinary Journey – From working in restaurants to building her own brand, how she’s transforming the way people cook
Tips for Home Cooks – How to level up your cooking, experiment with ingredients, and make every meal feel like an experience
 
Connect with Gwen:
Join Gwen’s VIP List – Text FOODIE to 26786 for updates on her upcoming launch, recipes, and more
Follow The Sexy Chef on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenpatrone/
 
Connect with Nick:
Website: www.thewineguy.vin
Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin!
 
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

Famous Writers & Their Drinks: Literary Legends, Cocktails, and Iconic Bars

What do Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Dorothy Parker have in common? A love for both words and well-crafted drinks. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating (and sometimes infamous) drinking habits of some of history’s greatest writers.
 
From Hemingway’s absinthe-laced cocktails in Havana to Fitzgerald’s jazz-age champagne toasts, we uncover how alcohol shaped their creativity, their social circles, and their legendary works.
 
In this episode:
The signature drinks of famous authors and the stories behind them
The bars, cafés, and hotels where they found inspiration (many of which you can still visit today)
A few quotes and toasts from literary legends that stand the test of time
 
Bars mentioned in this episode:
Harry's Bar (Venice, Italy):
Website: https://www.cipriani.com/harrys-bar
 
The Hemingway Bar at The Ritz (Paris, France):
Website: https://www.ritzparis.com/hotel/paris/bars-restaurants/bar-hemingway
 
Davy Byrne's Pub (Dublin, Ireland):
Website: https://davybyrnes.com/
 
El Floridita (Havana, Cuba):
Website: https://www.barfloridita.com/
 
The Algonquin Hotel (New York City, USA):
Website: https://www.algonquinhotel.com/
 
Shakespeare and Company (Paris, France):
Website: https://shakespeareandcompany.com/
 
Connect with Nick:
Website: www.thewineguy.vin
Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin!
 
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

Rethinking the Wine Industry with Priscilla Hennekam: Innovation, Inclusion, and the Future of Wine

The wine world is evolving, and today’s guest is at the forefront of reshaping how we experience, talk about, and connect through wine. In this episode I sit down with Priscilla Hennekam, a global voice in the wine industry, who is leading the charge in making wine more inclusive, accessible, and forward-thinking.
From her beginnings in Brazil to her journey across the globe—including Argentina, France, and Australia—Priscilla has built a thriving community with Rethinking the Wine Industry, a growing platform that’s challenging outdated traditions and embracing a fresh, consumer-focused approach to wine.
In This Episode:
Breaking Wine Rules – Why it’s time to move beyond outdated traditions
Meeting People Where They Are – The key to making wine education engaging and approachable
The Future of Wine – How shifting consumer habits, innovation, and content creation are shaping the industry
Her Podcast & Community – Why Vino Visionaries is a must-listen for anyone passionate about wine’s future
 
If you’ve ever felt like wine is too complicated, too exclusive, or too stuck in its ways—this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of thinking about what’s in your glass.
 
Connect with Priscilla:
https://rethinking.wine
 
Connect with Nick:
Website: www.thewineguy.vin
Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
 
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

The Art of Wine and Food Pairing: How to Elevate Every Sip and Bite

Pairing wine with food is more than just tradition—it’s an art. In this episode of Pour and Explore, we’re diving deep into the secrets of creating perfect pairings to enhance both the flavors on your plate and the wine in your glass. Whether you're planning a dinner party, dining out, or simply enjoying a meal at home, these insights will help you take your food and wine experience to the next level.
 
In this episode:
The fundamental rules of food and wine pairing (and when to break them)
How to match wines with rich, bold dishes vs. light and delicate flavors
Common pairing mistakes and how to avoid them
Some of my favorite unexpected pairings that just work
 
Resources & Links:
Want a cheat sheet for food and wine pairing? Get my free guide by sending me an email! cheers@thewineguy.vin
Recipes: https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/coq-au-vin-recipes/
 
If you would like to deep dive into any of these topics a little more, comment on social media or email me at cheers@thewineguy.vin.
Like, Subscribe and Comment YES! on this podcast or on the socials for a FREE copy of my new e-book, Your Guy'd To Wine!
 
 
Connect with Nick:
• Website: www.thewineguy.vin
• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
• Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin!
 
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

How Solo Travel Can Transform Your Life with Grace Simmons

Thinking about solo travel but feeling unsure? Grace Simmons, a travel mindset coach and founder of Amethyst Palaver Hut LLC joins the podcast to ease your fears! Grace is also the host of The Random and Wonderful Podcast, where she shares inspiring travel stories and lessons from the road.
Grace shares her story of how a skydiving experience and a last-minute solo trip to Iceland changed her perspective on life. She shares the practical skills and mindset shifts that solo travel brings, including how to build confidence, navigate challenges, and use travel as a tool for personal development.
 
In this episode:
How solo travel builds confidence and resilience
The biggest mistakes to avoid on your first solo trip
Practical tips for budgeting and planning a stress-free journey
The impact of travel on emotional wellness and self-awareness
Why stepping outside of your comfort zone is the best thing you can do for yourself
Grace also shares details about her upcoming Journey to Wellness Retreat in Bacalar, Mexico, happening May 8-12, 2025. If you're looking for a travel experience that combines personal growth, relaxation, and community, this retreat is designed for you.
 
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amethystpalaverhut/
The Random and Wonderful Podcast: https://random-and-wonderful.captivate.fm
 
Connect with Nick:
• Website: www.thewineguy.vin
• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
• Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin!
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

How to Plan the Ultimate Wine & Food Road Trip

Ready to plan a wine and food road trip that doesn’t suck? We've got you covered! In this episode, Nick Elliott, The Wine Guy, shares his expert tips on planning the perfect trip to wine country. Avoid rookie mistakes, like spending hours driving between stops or facing a hangry meltdown, and learn how to craft a smooth, enjoyable journey full of incredible wine, food, and unforgettable moments.
 
In this episode:
Top Wine Regions – Explore destinations like Paso Robles, Willamette Valley, and Tuscany, all perfect for easy road trips.
How to Choose Wineries – Big-name wineries, small family-run gems, and offbeat producers to round out your itinerary.
Food Planning – Why skipping lunch will ruin your day and how to find the best dining spots in advance.
Travel Safety – Tips for designated drivers, hiring local guides, and using rideshare services to keep your trip safe and fun.
Where to Stay – Winery stays, boutique inns, Airbnbs, and more options to ensure you’re comfortable at the end of each day.
Packing Essentials – Wine bags, snacks, chargers, notebooks, and other must-haves for your adventure.
 
 
Check out the Wine Guy Spotify Road Trip Playlist Here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5jtlAI2IOpMYAlyI06n7MQ?si=5kY6RS-eS6iL-VvVwj_pOQ
 
Connect with Nick:
• Website: www.thewineguy.vin
• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
• Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin!
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!