Not everyone loves wine. I know this. And while it’s hard for me to relate, I can respect it. My very good friend Heather, who lives in Austin Texas, has never liked wine. In fact, she has even referred to it as “rotten juice” during our decades long friendship. She suggested we do an episode where she shares her past experiences and biases with wine, so that other non-wine drinkers out there felt seen. I see you. Heather was open to tasting a little bit of wine, because she is curious about why people like me find so much joy in it and she wanted to have some baseline knowledge so she could carry on a conversation with the wine drinkers in her life. Listen as we open 5 different bottles of wine and discuss:What’s that smell?The one that was “stanky”If cheddar popcorn and chili pistachios hold up as wine pairings The definition of cougar juice Drinking for taste, not to get drunkIs non alcoholic wine a thing?Get my favorite wine preservation system, the Coravin Pivot, here- so you can take your time with your open bottles. You can purchase my small-lot 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese that is “Not Bad” Here- Use discount code PODLISTNER for 10% off. Information about the lovely and light Croix Chardonnay we tasted here: Curious about the Pride Mountain Vineyards Viognier? Email me at nikki@sipwithnikki.comFind Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot here If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine here-and I’ll give you a shoutout on a future episode!Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!“Every episode is such a great blend of fun, education and personal experience! By the end of each listen I know more about the food and wine world than when I hit play (and am also usually hungry and thirsty for a lovely food & wine pairing)."(Shout out to Elizloop for this great review.)Want to leave your own review (and get a show note shout out?) Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode!Want more tips to get the most out of your wine? Get my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com