Pour & Explore: A Wine, Food & Travel Podcast

Airbnb Tips, Wine Sips, and Small Town Magic with Kara Hammes

Think Indiana is just cornfields and interstates? Think again. In this episode, host Nick Elliott is joined by Kara Hammes entrepreneur and founder of the Barn Burner, a thoughtfully designed group-friendly Airbnb and event space tucked in the scenic hills of Brown County, Indiana. Kara shares how this under-the-radar Midwest gem has become a go-to for cozy wine tastings, creative retreats, and unforgettable getaways.
We explore the real work behind running a successful short-term rental, the magic touches that make guests feel truly seen, and why Brown County is a wine lover’s hidden paradise. Whether you’re curious about Airbnb hosting, searching for your next weekend escape, or just want to hear about fans, blankets, and fire alarms—this one’s for you.
 
In this episode:
Why Brown County, IN should be on your travel radar
How Kara built The Barn Burner into a luxury group rental with heart
The truth about Airbnb hosting (hint: it’s more than key codes and check-out times)
What to look for (and ask!) when booking a rental
Midwest wine surprises and Kara’s local favorites: Brown County Winery & Range 46
Small design decisions that lead to big guest satisfaction
When hospitality is less about aesthetics and more about care
Local Shoutouts:
Brown County Winery
Range 46
The Barn Burner in Brown County
 
Connect with Kara:
Follow the Barn Burner on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bcbarnburner/
Visit https://www.bcbarnburner.com to learn more or book your stay.
 
Connect with Nick:
Website: thewineguy.vin
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook: @thewineguy.vin

The Cheese Course: A Delicious Dive into Wine’s Best Friend

Love cheese? Love wine? Let’s talk about how to make them the ultimate duo.
In this episode, Nick dives into all things cheese—from fresh mozzarella to funky blue. You'll learn the six basic types of cheese, how to pair each with wine (without overcomplicating it), and how to build a cheese board that’ll impress your guests or just upgrade your solo snacking.
 
In this episode:
Cheese 101: the main types + how to enjoy them
Wine pairing tips that actually work
How to build a killer cheese board (and serve it right)
Nick’s favorite cheeses from around the world
 
Want the free wine + cheese pairing chart?
Just comment “cheese please” on social or email Nick at cheers@thewineguy.vin
 
Learn more about cheese from my friend, Irene Clemente:
https://mrsplatters.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mrs.platters
https://www.facebook.com/mrs.platters
 
Connect with Nick:
Website: thewineguy.vin
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook: @thewineguy.vin

Content Creation, World Travel & Entrepreneur Life with Kristina Rowland

What if your next business idea wasn’t something you had to learn—but something you’ve already lived? This week’s guest, Kristina Rowland, believes every adult has a six-figure story hidden inside their real-life experience—and she’s proof.
Kristina Rowland is a successful content strategist, world traveler, and mom of three who built her first six-figure business with grit, Pinterest quotes, and an unshakable vision of freedom.
Kristina shares how she broke free from the 9–5 mold, turned social media into a full-time career, and now travels the world filming for high-level clients (often with her family in tow). From TSA travel hacks to raising kids who know how to share the world, this episode is a masterclass in lifestyle design and modern entrepreneurship—with plenty of laughs and wine-fueled wisdom along the way.
In this episode:
How Christina designed a business around her non-negotiables (freedom, family, and flexibility)
Why social media is a two-dimensional handshake—and how to use it right
Pro tips for traveling with kids (and avoiding iPad meltdowns in restaurants)
Christina’s favorite destination (hint: German bakeries, asparagus season, and charming villages)
Why your lived experience could be your most profitable business asset
The dangers of recreating the 9–5 in your own business—and how to escape that trap
 
Connect with Christina:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_theprettypenny/
 
Connect with Nick:
Website: thewineguy.vin
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook: @thewineguy.vin

Private Wine Tastings Made Easy: Bring the Winery Experience to You

Ready to turn your next gathering into an unforgettable wine tasting—without the stress or the snobbery? In this episode Nick Elliott walks you through everything you need to know to host a fun, approachable, and memorable wine tasting at home or in the office.
Whether you're planning a cozy night with friends, a team-building event, or a client appreciation party, Nick shares how to:
 
Choose a theme your guests will love (no wine degree required)
Set the mood with simple, stylish touches
Pair wines with foods that actually make sense (and taste amazing)
Ask the right questions to guide—not lecture—your guests
Avoid common hosting mistakes (and keep it lighthearted)
Make it interactive with fun ideas like blind tastings and poetic tasting notes
Plus, learn how to book a virtual or in-person tasting experience with Nick—customized for your occasion, your guests, and your budget.
 
Want help planning your own tasting?
Visit thewineguy.vin or email Nick at cheers@thewineguy.vin to get started.
 
Learn about Nick’s upcoming wine trips: thewineguy.vin
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @thewineguy.vin

Behind the Mic & Above the Clouds: Aviation Stories, Voiceover Work & Travel Tales with Ally Murphy

Ever wondered what it’s like to high-five a Marvel producer at 35,000 feet or tuck Mariah Carey into bed mid-flight?
 
In this episode, I sit down with voice actor, storyteller, and former international flight attendant Ally Murphy. With over a decade of global adventures under her belt, Ally shares stories that range from hilarious and surreal to deeply touching. From rooftop dinners in Delhi to walking meditations in Seattle drizzle, this conversation reminds us that the best journeys begin with curiosity.
 
In this episode:
Allie’s wildly bingeable podcast, Red Eye
The realities of life in the skies
The magic of storytelling through voiceover
Cultural hospitality, especially in India
Why mixing wine with sleeping pills on a flight is a terrible idea (seriously)
How walking in the rain might just be the therapy you didn’t know you needed
 
Plus: I shares an early peek into his 2026 Pour and Explore wine tours to Australia and New Zealand.
 
You can learn more about Ally on her website and on social media | Instagram | LinkedIn. You can find The Red Eye on all major podcast platforms, on the podcast website, and on social media Instagram | Facebook. 
 
 
Learn about Nick’s upcoming wine trips: thewineguy.vin
Email Nick at: cheers@thewineguy.vin
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @thewineguy.vin

What Is Terroir? Discover the Secret Ingredient Behind Great Wine

What does “terroir” really mean—and how can you actually taste it in your wine?
 
This episode is a break down one of the wine world’s most misunderstood terms. From the gravelly soils of Bordeaux to the volcanic slopes of Napa and the cool-climate vineyards of New Zealand, terroir is the invisible hand shaping every sip.
 
I shares examples from my recent travels through France, explains how to taste terroir at home (without needing a sommelier certification), and dive into why wine from the same grape can taste so different depending on where it’s grown.
 
In this episode:
What terroir really is (and isn’t)
The key environmental elements that impact flavor
Real-world examples from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa, and more
Simple tasting experiments to identify terroir at home
How climate change is reshaping the wine world
Why sustainable and organic practices matter—even without the label
 
Bonus: Want Nick’s Terroir Tasting Map? Comment “terroir” on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and he’ll send it your way.
 
Learn about Nick’s upcoming wine trips: thewineguy.vin
Email Nick at: cheers@thewineguy.vin
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @thewineguy.vin

Culinary Competitions, Private Chef Life, & Mental Health in Hospitality with Chef Kisha Washington

What if your favorite dish could do more than just taste good—what if it could spark change?
In this episode, Nick Elliott sits down with the unforgettable Chef Kisha Washington—a private chef and culinary changemaker blending butter-basted salmon with bold mental health advocacy.
From curating intimate dining experiences to founding the Cook’s Creed Foundation, Kisha opens up about how food can heal, connect, and transform lives—both in the kitchen and beyond.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
Why private chefs are more accessible than you think—and how Kisha tailors unforgettable dining experiences
The emotional toll of kitchen life and the urgent need for mental health support in hospitality
How Cook’s Creed Foundation was born from personal tragedy and became a movement
Kisha's go-to tools for every home cook (hint: they’re not all ingredients)
Award-winning wine and food pairings—from Pinot Noir with steak to Sauvignon Blanc with salmon
Where to eat and sip in Northern Virginia wine country
What to expect from her book Cultivating Healthy Minds and the bold topics she’s tackling in Volume 2
Whether you're a food lover, an aspiring chef, or someone who believes in the power of purpose, this conversation will stay with you.
 
Connect with Kisha:
Chef Kisha Washington: thekeyingredientllc.com
Nonprofit: https://www.cookzcreedfoundation.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkish_dyan/

Sipping in Style: How to Plan the Perfect Wine Trip

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping Riesling on the Mosel, toasting Pinot in Tasmania, or pairing Sauvignon Blanc with seafood in New Zealand—this episode is your travel checklist.
Nick Elliott, your go-to wine guy, is sharing his expert tips for planning unforgettable wine trips around the world. From scenic routes to insider tasting room etiquette, learn how to avoid rookie mistakes and travel like a sommelier.
Nick also spotlights three upcoming wine adventures he’s leading in Germany, Australia, and New Zealand—and trust us, you’ll want a seat at the table (or on the boat!).
In this episode:
The key questions to ask before building your wine itinerary
Why 2–3 tastings per day is the magic number
The best seasons to visit top wine regions in Germany, Australia, and New Zealand
Travel tips: how to ship wine, avoid palate fatigue, and plan for spontaneity
Details on Nick’s upcoming group trips in November 2025 and March 2026
 
Want Nick’s Wine Travel Checklist?
Just comment "wine travel" on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube—or DM Nick directly—and he’ll send it your way!
 
Learn more about Nick's wine tours: https://www.thewineguy.vin/wine-tours

Wine Behind the Scenes: Boutique Wines, Global Tastings & Travel Adventures with Laurel Simmons

What happens when you walk away from a high-tech career to pursue your passion for wine, travel, and storytelling? You get this week’s guest, Laurel Simmons, host of Wine Behind the Scenes. In this episode, Laurel shares all about the lesser-known world of Canadian wine, global food adventures, and the soul-nourishing power of saying “yes” to curiosity.
From the vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake to Portuguese markets, and upcoming wine trips to Hungary and Croatia, Laurel shares the stories, surprises, and deep connections that come from sipping wine where it's made—and with the people who make it.
In this episode:
Why Canadian wine deserves more global love (hint: it’s not just ice wine!)
What makes Niagara’s cool-climate varietals- like Riesling and Cabernet Franc—so special
Laurel’s favorite unexpected wine and food pairings (Pinot Noir + maple-glazed salmon, anyone?)
How Wine Behind the Scenes highlights the humans behind the bottles
Her favorite way to explore a new country (it involves a cooking class and plenty of wine)
Why being wine-curious beats being a wine snob, every time
Whether you’re an armchair traveler or already packing your bags, this episode will inspire you to go deeper, sip slower, and ask more questions about what’s in your glass.
 
Subscribe to Wine Behind the Scenes with Laurel Simmons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wine-behind-the-scenes/id1631059671
 
Learn about Nick’s upcoming wine trips: thewineguy.vin
Email Nick at: cheers@thewineguy.vin
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @thewineguy.vin

Bubbles Around the World: Discovering Sparkling Wines by Region

From the royal courts of France to Formula One podiums and your New Year’s toast, sparkling wine has long been the symbol of celebration—but what’s the real story behind those bubbles?
This episode is all about uncorking the fascinating history, science, and culture of sparkling wine. You’ll learn how a fermentation accident led to one of the world’s most luxurious beverages, the difference between Champagne and other bubbly styles, and how to sip sparkling wine like a pro.
 
In this episode:
The accidental origins of sparkling wine (thank you, cold winters!)
Why Champagne is only from Champagne—and how to pronounce Crémant like a local
The real reason we pop bottles to celebrate
Pro tips on serving temp, glassware, and proper opening technique
Why sparkling wine isn’t just for special occasions—you deserve bubbles on a Tuesday
 
Whether you're a die-hard Champagne fan or just getting into Prosecco, this effervescent episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art and celebration behind every bottle of bubbly.
 
Connect with Nick:
Website: https://www.thewineguy.vin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.wine.guy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wine.guy.NTE/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realwineguy
Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin
Cheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!