Pour & Explore: Wine, Food & Travel Stories from Around The World

Nick Elliott
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you ready to sip, savor, and wander the world? The Pour and Explore Podcast is the podcast where wine, food, and travel come together in perfect harmony. Hosted by  certified sommelier, former winemaker, classically trained chef, and a lifelong lover of travel, Nick Elliott, this show is your ticket to vibrant conversations, delicious discoveries, and inspiring adventures. If you ever wanted to learn, laugh, and be inspired by the delicious and the adventurous, you’re in the right place. Each episode we will explore topics like pairing wine with your favorite dishes, discovering hidden gem wine regions, or even the wildest travel stories behind the world’s most beloved cuisines. There’s no snobbery here, just approachable, fun, and fascinating conversations. Whether you’re a wine expert. A foodie, an avid traveler, or just someone who loves discovering the wonders of the world, Pour and Explore has something for you. Subscribe now and join us as we sip, savor, and wander the world. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @the.real.wine.guy for even more flavorful inspiration. Let’s keep wondering and wandering together! 🍷✨ https://www.thewineguy.vin/

  1. 3D AGO

    Small Towns, Big Dates, and Budget-Friendly Escapes!

    🍷 Small Towns, Big Dates, and Budget-Friendly Escapes! Ready to ditch the tourist traps and find the heart of America? 🇺🇸 In our latest episode, I’m sitting down with Crystal Statskey, the creative mastermind behind Dates in the States. From a five-week "make or break" road trip in a Mustang to becoming a self-published author, Crystal’s journey is all about intentional travel and finding hidden gems. In this episode, we dive into: 🏙️ The "Must-See" US Trio: Crystal’s top picks for falling in love with the US in just three days (New Orleans is a non-negotiable!). 🏡 The $220 Travel Hack: How she stayed in Costa Rica for eight days for free using home swapping. 🥨 Quirky Festivals: From Lilac-flavored gin in Rochester to the "Pickle Capital" of the world. 📚 Mystery Date Books: How Crystal turned her travel blog into a successful series of self-published date-night guides. Pro Tip from the Episode: If you want to eat like a local and save your budget, talk to the people who live there—and don’t be afraid to cook breakfast in your Airbnb!       📝 Show Notes & Resources Explore Crystal’s Guides: Mystery Date Books on Etsy Travel Like a Local: Dates in the States Official Site Budget Tools Mentioned: HomeExchange: Stay with locals worldwide. Flashfood: Save on groceries while on the road. Travel App Deep Dive: Watch Crystal’s YouTube breakdown.   👇 Join the Adventure! We want to see where you're headed next! Follow us both on social media for daily travel inspiration, small-town highlights, and the best wine-country secrets. Follow Crystal Statskey: @DatesInTheStates Follow The Wine Guy: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.wine.guy/#

    39 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Comfort Food from Around the Globe: History, Heritage & A Warm Hug

    In this episode of Pour & Explore, we aren't chasing Michelin stars or exotic luxury; we are chasing comfort. Join us as we take a culinary tour of four regions—the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America—to uncover the stories behind the dishes that wrap around us like a warm blanket. We explore how comfort food is defined differently by culture, geography, and history, yet always leads back to memory and resilience. In This Episode, You’ll Explore: United States: The Language of Leftovers How American comfort food reflects resilience and stretching ingredients. The history of Mac & Cheese, tracing back to Thomas Jefferson and enslaved chefs. The origins of Fried Chicken and the blend of Mexican spices and cowboy practicality found in Chili. Europe: Old World Nourishment Dishes born from peasant traditions that used every scrap, like Shepherd's Pie (leftover meat and potatoes). How Pizza started as a food for the poor in Naples. The transformation of tough ingredients into delicacies, like the French Coq au Vin ("rooster with wine"). Asia: Balance & Bowls Foods that center around broths, rice, and noodles to soothe the spirit. The evolution of Ramen from student food to art form. The healing nature of Congee (rice porridge) and the protein-rich tradition of Indian Dal. Latin America: Hearty & Celebratory Comfort food as a communal identity tied to family gatherings. The history of Tamales (ancient Aztec food), Feijoada (Brazil's national dish born from scraps), and the daily staple of Arepas. Resources Mentioned: Free Download: Comfort Foods Around the World & Wine Pairings Guide – A curated list of the dishes discussed in this episode paired with recommended wines to make them shine. Click the link for access: https://www.thewineguy.vin/downloads Memorable Quote: "Comfort food is never just about the ingredients. It’s about memory, family, resilience, and culture."

    29 min

  3. FEB 6

    Nourish & Explore: Finding Peace with Your Plate on the Road

    On this episode of Pour & Explore, we sit down with Shelly Najjar, a Nutrition Mindset Coach and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. We move beyond calorie counting to discuss the sensory experience of eating and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Shelly breaks down the "All Foods Fit" philosophy, explains the biological reaction to different macronutrients, and offers practical tips for maintaining mindfulness while traveling. Whether you are a "foodie" documenting every meal or someone looking to break free from food guilt, this conversation is packed with nourishing insights.   Key Takeaways: The "All Foods Fit" Philosophy: Shelly explains that there are no morally "good" or "bad" foods. While a carrot and carrot cake digest differently, choosing one over the other doesn't make you a better or worse person. The Purple Elephant Effect: Shelly uses a "purple elephant" analogy to demonstrate how trying not to think about a forbidden food (restriction) actually makes you obsess over it more. Eating with Your Senses: Satisfaction comes from more than just taste. Visuals, textures, and even the environment play a huge role in how satisfied we feel after a meal. Travel Nutrition Tips: Maintaining routine on the road is hard. Shelly suggests packing snacks like trail mix to avoid sugar crashes and focusing on "satisfaction" when dining out in new places. Biology 101: We discuss the physiological difference between eating a doughnut (carbs/fats) versus nuts (protein/fats) and why pairing carbs with protein helps prevent energy slumps. Guest Bio: Shelly Najjar is a Nutrition Mindset Coach who helps people care for themselves and fully enjoy their lives while reaching their goals. She draws on thousands of hours of training as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, holding a Master's degree in Public Health Nutrition. Her specialty is addressing the "why" and "how" we eat, blending mindset with practical tips to make nutrition and self-care easier.   Links & Resources: Website: ConfidentNutritionNow.com Instagram: @confidentnutritiontravels Facebook: Confident Nutrition with Shelly Najjar YouTube: Shelly Najjar   Memorable Quote: "One, you're not alone... and two, that usually happens because of restriction. That out of control feeling is very common. It's not your fault." — Shelly Najjar

    43 min

  4. FEB 4

    Cooking Classes Abroad, Local Markets & Travel Photography Hacks

    On this episode of Pour & Explore, we step out of the restaurant and into the kitchen. We are joined by podcaster, photographer, and avid traveler Lorraine Ball to discuss her tradition of taking cooking classes around the world. From the intimate home kitchens of Paris to making "banitsa" in Bulgaria, Lorraine shares why cooking is the ultimate way to understand a new culture. We also geek out over wine (specifically why you might be wrong about Chardonnay), share tips for visiting local markets, and discuss how to capture better travel photos with just your smartphone. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The "Day 1" Rule: Why Lorraine always schedules her cooking classes for the very first day of a trip (and why you should too). Read the Menu: How to avoid disappointment by checking the fine print—if you don't like fish stew, don't book the standard Portuguese class! Market Magic: The difference between visiting the famous "tourist" markets (like in Florence) vs. the hidden neighborhood gems. Wine Revelations: A story from Austria that challenges the "I hate Chardonnay" mindset and the debate between American Oak vs. Stainless Steel. Mobile Photography Tips: How to transition from a bulky camera to a smartphone without losing quality, plus the one app Lorraine swears by for editing on the go. Resources & Mentions: App Mentioned: Snapseed (for photo editing). Book Mentioned: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. Guest’s Podcast: More Than a Few Words (Marketing conversations for business owners). Memorable Quote: "You don't like fish stew? Maybe you shouldn't go to the fish stew class... Reading the details is really important." — Lorraine Ball

    47 min

  5. JAN 16

    One Dish, Many Stories: How A Single Culinary Idea Turns Global

    Food is history, and a dish you love might have traveled centuries and crossed continents to land on your plate. In this episode of Pour & Explore, we dive into the incredible, universal stories of three comfort dishes—dumplings, noodles, and meat pies—and trace how they've been adapted across the globe. From Chinese Jiaozi and Polish Pierogi to Italian Pasta and Vietnamese Pho, these simple foods carry the flavors of migration, resourcefulness, and tradition. You’ll never look at a bowl of ramen or a handheld meat pie the same way again. Key Segments: The Travel-Ready Plate: Why simple comfort food becomes a global phenomenon. Dumplings: Little Pockets of History: A tour of the world’s favorite filled dough—including ravioli, empanadas, and chicken & dumplings. Noodles: The Threads That Connect Us: Tracing the journey of the world’s most versatile starch, from Chinese la mian to Japanese ramen and German spätzle. Meat Pies: Handheld History: How a practical, simple meal became a national obsession in places like Australia, the UK (Cornish Pasties), and the Caribbean (Jamaican Patties). The Final Bite: What these dishes tell us about our shared human instinct for comfort and connection. The Host's Challenge: This week, pick one dish (dumplings, noodles, or meat pies) and try it from a culture you haven't experienced before. As you eat it, reflect on the incredible journey that dish has taken and comment here! Connect with The Wine Guy: Want more food, wine, and travel stories? Follow on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn: https://www.tiktok.com/@realwineguy, https://www.instagram.com/the.real.wine.guy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewineguynte/,  Listen to more episodes of Pour & Explore wherever you get your podcasts!

    29 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    Next Gen Wino: Redefining Wine for Millennials & Gen Z, Katina Burke

    Think wine country is all velvet ropes and $175 dinners? Katina Burke is building the opposite—authentic, affordable, actually fun wine trips designed for Millennials and Gen Z.   Nick Elliott, The Wine Guy, sits down with Katina Burke, founder of Next Gen Wino, a new platform + white-glove travel service connecting younger wine lovers with welcoming tasting rooms, small producers, and real-deal experiences (not just the glossy postcard stops). They dig into why younger drinkers do love wine—when it’s presented differently—and how curated, people-first itineraries can turn “wine-curious” into lifelong fans.   What You’ll Learn How Next Gen Wino curates wineries with great vibes, kind staff, and crushable wines—no intimidation required. Why the same 3–4 “influencer” wineries aren’t the best intro to a region—and where the hidden gems live. The simple pre-trip tasting that boosts confidence before you hit wine country. Smart swaps for Sauvignon Blanc fans (think Albariño, Vermentino, un-oaked Chardonnay). Two travel recs Katina can’t stop raving about: Buenos Aires/Mendoza and Sicily/Etna.   Connect with Next Gen Wino: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextgenwino Website: https://www.nextgenwino.com   Connect with Nick: Website + Tastings: thewineguy.vin Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @thewineguyvin

    36 min

  7. 10/12/2025

    Worth the Wait: A Guide to Aging Wine (Even Without a Cellar)

    Ever wonder why some wines get better with time while others fall flat? In this episode of Pour and Explore, certified sommelier and former winemaker Nick Elliott breaks down the art—and science—of aging wine. You’ll learn which bottles are worth saving, how to store them without a fancy cellar, and how to know when they’re ready to pop. Nick explains what’s actually happening inside the bottle as it ages, why acidity and tannin matter, and which wines (like Cabernet, Barolo, and Riesling) evolve beautifully over time. He also shares a few that are better enjoyed young—looking at you, rosé—and how to store bottles properly in a closet, cabinet, or budget-friendly wine fridge. You’ll even get tips for tasting aged wines, pairing them with food, and avoiding common storage mistakes. Whether you’re a collector or a casual sipper, this episode will help you age wine with confidence—and enjoy it when it’s just right. In this episode: Which wines are built to age What happens inside the bottle over time Simple storage rules (no cellar required) When to open that special bottle Connect with Nick: Website + Tastings: thewineguy.vin Email: cheers@thewineguy.vin Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @thewineguyvin

    32 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    Curiosity, Connection, and a Glass (or two) of Wine with Ron Higgs

    New to wine or just tired of feeling intimidated by tasting rooms? This one’s for you. I’m joined by Ron Higgs, Navy veteran, systems engineer, craft-beer lover turned wine volunteer, who went from “I can’t drink wine without making a face” to seven years pouring in a boutique Woodinville winery. We trace his journey from Monterey (where both of our palates woke up) to Santa Rosa/Healdsburg weekends and Washington wine country, and we share exactly how to start exploring wine without the fuss.   In this episode: How a non-wine drinker became a tasting-room regular—and then a volunteer Monterey memories: the first “aha” sip and why starting light works Sonoma & Santa Rosa highlights: seeking small, boutique producers over big names Woodinville 101: what makes Washington’s tasting rooms special “Co-opetition” in wine: how small wineries share gear, knowledge, and customers A practical script for walking into your first tasting room with confidence Why travel changes your palate—and how to use that to find wines you love   Connect with me: Questions, ideas, or a favorite pairing to share? Email me at cheers@thewineguy.vin or find all my links at thewineguy.vin. If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow Pour and Explore, rate the show, and share it with a friend who loves to cook and travel.

    37 min
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About

Are you ready to sip, savor, and wander the world? The Pour and Explore Podcast is the podcast where wine, food, and travel come together in perfect harmony. Hosted by  certified sommelier, former winemaker, classically trained chef, and a lifelong lover of travel, Nick Elliott, this show is your ticket to vibrant conversations, delicious discoveries, and inspiring adventures. If you ever wanted to learn, laugh, and be inspired by the delicious and the adventurous, you’re in the right place. Each episode we will explore topics like pairing wine with your favorite dishes, discovering hidden gem wine regions, or even the wildest travel stories behind the world’s most beloved cuisines. There’s no snobbery here, just approachable, fun, and fascinating conversations. Whether you’re a wine expert. A foodie, an avid traveler, or just someone who loves discovering the wonders of the world, Pour and Explore has something for you. Subscribe now and join us as we sip, savor, and wander the world. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @the.real.wine.guy for even more flavorful inspiration. Let’s keep wondering and wandering together! 🍷✨ https://www.thewineguy.vin/

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