Hi, I’m Nikki. Welcome to Palm & Vine – a wine blog for wine lovers!
Palm & Vine is dedicated to igniting your passion for life while exploring the best aspects of being alive…food, wine, and travel! My goal is to inspire you to try new wines, visit the far corners of the wine world, and embrace every moment with unforgettable food and wine experiences. I can’t wait to savor, sip, and wander together. Thank you so much for being here!
On Palm & Vine, you’ll find guidance into the world of wine, mouthwatering wine pairing recipes, and inspiration for your upcoming wine travels. If you’re tired of the same old Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Check out my rare varieties series, inspired by my complete obsession with discovering the lesser known, minority varieties from around the world.
About Me
I’m also a world-traveling wine writer and wine industry communications strategist backed by WSET certifications and cellar hand experience in both hemispheres. I love helping wine brands captivate their target audience and turn raving fans into lifelong customers through purpose driven content. Catch me in action on Wine Folly, The Vintner Project, and The Refined Society.
I’ve partnered with international wine brands on campaigns to boost brand awareness, capture new audiences, and increase global sales. Viña Ijalba, Mauro Sebaste, 90 Plus Cellars, WinesMasters TV, Tenuta Talamonti, The Taste of Croatia, Di Giovanna, Vranken Pommery, and Cellar Tours are amongst my previous brand partners.
Plus, I’m a Feedspot Top 100 wine blogger and The Primlani Kitchen named me amongst women in wine to follow…
“Nikki demystifies wine and its intimidating facets in the most fun yet profound manner.”
The Primlani Kitchen
Explore more of my work, brand partnerships, and media mentions on my press page.
If you want to collaborate or are in need of copywriting, PR, or marketing services, please email me at nikki@palmandvine.com.
My Wine Story
In 2017, following a life-changing trip to the Southern Rhône Valley, I dove headfirst into the wine industry. I moved to Paso Robles in California’s Central Coast, leaving behind an eight-year career in marketing and public relations in Southern California. My career in wine started off with a bang, as I was on fire in direct-to consumer sales at Adelaida Vineyards & Winery. I consistently earned top monthly sales and wine club joins because I was having so much fun sharing wines I loved with others.
Next, I obtained my WSET 2 with distinction that same year, but learning from the books wasn’t enough. I wanted more! I had to experience winemaking firsthand. So, for the 2018 vintage I worked as a cellar hand at Adelaida and learned a ton.
As fate would have it, I met the love of my life working in the cellar that vintage. Marco, the Italian winemaking intern, who came all the way from Sardinia to experience a California vintage. (Thank God for Google translator!) Want to hear something crazy? Marco and I almost both worked at Adelaida exactly two years prior. Yet I decided to move back to San Diego and Marco chose to take an opportunity in Chile instead. Destiny much?
Australia, France & Beyond
The next year, Marco and I moved to Australia to work a massive vintage down under in McLaren Vale. This was ten times the size of Adelaida’s vintage, as we processed around 3,000 tons of fruit compared to 300 tons at Adelaida. Quite the experience! Next, I picked up a few tasting room jobs along the way as we traveled from Barossa to Yarra Valley with a few stops in between.
Following six months in Australia, we returned to Marco’s home in Sardinia for the rest of 2019 . Then, we moved to Burgundy in 2020. Exploring as many vineyards and wineries as possible wherever we went.
Along the way, I began wine writing and building brand partnerships. I also became Content Director at Terra Vine Agency, where we manage digital marketing, PR, and PPC advertising for brands like Palate Club, Repour, and more.
I’m currently studying for my WSET 3 certification through Château de Pommard here in Burgundy. Along with pursuing a career in wine writing and communications while toying with the idea of starting a wine imports company.
More About Me
When I’m not drinking, writing, or talking about wine, you can find me out hiking in nature or chilling out with a yoga flow, preferably by the sea, but anywhere will do. I’m also hooked on creating mouthwatering new recipes and perfecting my spin on classic dishes. Plus, I love boosting my creative chops with photography, and binging the latest spy series or murder mystery thriller. (Latest obsessions: How to Get Away with Murder and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.)
Curious to know more? Here are 5 facts about me:
- The first time I met my in laws we did not speak the same language yet….thankfully, there are other ways to communicate.
- I worked as a Publicist in Hollywood for over two years, representing clients like Days of our Lives (yes, the soap opera) and Nelly the rapper.
- From 2019-2020, I lived in four countries (in four wine regions), learned to speak Italian, and started studying French!
- I’m half Greek (Mom’s side) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding definitely hits close to home.
- I’m living proof that when you pursue your passions, your life will bloom exponentially.
Where To Next?
Explore the wine archives.
Discover and fall in love with new varieties.
Follow me on Instagram.