Pour & Explore: A Wine, Food & Travel Podcast

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!

Self-Care in Motion: Solo Travel, Digital Freedom, and Designing a Life You Love with Angie Saint-YI

What if your next big adventure wasn’t about where you go—but why you go? In this episode we are joined by solo travel advocate and digital entrepreneur Angie Saint-YI, founder of The Flexitarian Digest, to explore how travel can become a powerful form of self-care, self-expression, and ultimately—freedom.
Angie shares her journey from road-tripping as a kid to flying solo across the globe, and how she transformed her passion for mindful travel into a thriving brand. From booking her first tennis trip to Wimbledon (with some serious ticket hacks!) to launching her own travel planning guide, Angie reveals how curiosity, courage, and Canva can go a long way.
You’ll hear:
Why solo travel is a radical act of self-care
The truth about travel budgets (and how to still explore on a dime)
Tips for planning your first solo adventure
The mindset shifts that helped Angie bootstrap her business
How digital platforms like Substack and TikTok are reshaping storytelling
And the surprising joy of coffee shops that used to be lavatories (yes, really)
Whether you're craving inspiration, considering your next escape, or dreaming about turning your passions into a business, this episode will remind you that you don’t need permission to live a life that excites you—just curiosity and a little leap of faith.
 
Connect with Angie:
Follow Angie on Instagram: @theflexitariandigest
Check out Angie's travel planning guide and resources: The Flexitarian Digest
 
Join Nick’s upcoming wine adventures: TheWineGuy.vin
 
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!

Dessert Wines 101: From Port to Sauternes and Everything in Between

Think dessert wines are just syrupy sips best left behind? Think again. The best dessert wines aren't just about sugar, they're about balance, complexity, versatility, and most importantly, they are absolutely scrumptious.
 
In this episode Nick Elliott, certified sommelier and your favorite wine guide, pulls back the curtain on the world of dessert wines. From the luxurious golden pours of Sauternes to icy Canadian Eiswein, nutty PX Sherry, and honeyed Tokaji, Nick walks you through the styles, regions, and production methods behind these often-overlooked gems.
 
You’ll learn:
What really makes a wine a dessert wine (hint: it’s more than just sugar)
How noble rot transforms grapes into liquid gold
Perfect pairings, from blue cheese to fried chicken to foie gras
Tips for serving dessert wine like a pro—including temps, glassware, and pour sizes
How to choose between options like Sauternes, Ice Wine, Tokaji, Sherry, and Vin Santo
 
Bonus: Nick shares some of his go-to recommendations and where to find these sweet treats without breaking the bank.
Pour yourself a small glass and get ready to savor.
 
Connect with Nick:Website: https://www.thewineguy.vinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.wine.guy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wine.guy.NTE/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realwineguyEmail: cheers@thewineguy.vinCheers, and remember to keep wondering and wandering!

Suds, Sauce & Shenanigans with Philly Dee, Round Guys Brewing

What do craft beer, killer wings, podcasting, and UFOs have in common? This week’s guest: Chef Philly Dee.
Philly Dee is the culinary and creative mind behind Round Guys Brewing in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, a standout craft brewery in the Philly suburbs. He joins the podcast to talk about everything from beer and barbecue to building businesses and spotting UFOs. Seriously—we cover it all.
From his humble beginnings in a Mexican barrio outside L.A. to his leadership role in the East Coast beer scene, Philly D brings stories, flavor, and a ton of heart.
 
In this episode:
The journey of Round Guys Brewing and how it evolved into a contract brewing powerhouse
What makes Philly Dee’s blood orange honey wheat BBQ wings a must-try
Why being in the beer industry is more than just “day drinking”
Hilarious mishaps, including the time a whole batch of beer went down the drain (literally!)
The origin of the I'm Telling You podcast and its unforgettable “waxing symposiums” tagline
Philly Dee's take on Philly cheesesteaks
A firsthand story of a UFO encounter that turned into an entire podcast episode
 
Connect with Philly Dee:
Visit Round Guys Brewing: roundguysbrewery.com
Listen to Philly Dee’s podcast, I'm Telling You: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCACdUDRYPAmFU5OfAfolZMA
Follow Philly Dee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Roundguys/  
Check Out Round Guys on IG: http://instagram.com/RoundGuys
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!

Grape Adventures: From Vineyard to Bottle

Have you ever thought about what really goes into the glass of wine you’re sipping? This episode will take you on a deep, sensory journey from the very first bud on the vine all the way to the finished bottle on your table.
This isn’t just a wine—it’s a story of soil, sun, science, and soul.
From vineyard planning and grape growing to harvest, fermentation, and bottling, Nick breaks down the incredible, labor-intensive process of how wine is made. Whether you’re a wine lover, a casual sipper, or just wine-curious, this solo episode is your behind-the-scenes look at what makes each bottle so complex, so flavorful, and so human.
 
In this episode:
The lifecycle of a grape—from bud break to harvest
How weather, soil, and vineyard decisions shape your wine’s taste
What happens in the winery after grapes are picked
The difference between stainless steel, oak, and amphora aging
Malolactic fermentation, lees contact, and other winemaking magic
Why every sip of wine is a journey—and how to appreciate it more deeply
 
Plus, Nick shares some exciting updates about his upcoming wine trips, including a 10-day Rhône River cruise through France and Germany in November 2025—and a newly announced adventure in Australia and New Zealand for 2026!
 
FREE BONUS – Want a visual guide to the journey of a grape? DM us “journey” on Instagram, or send us an email and Nick will send you a downloadable PDF to help you better understand how wine gets from vine to glass.
 
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!

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.