Wine, Travel, and Food: The Ultimate Sensory Journey

In this episode of Wine Behind the Scenes, Laurel Simmons sits down with Nick Elliott a Certified Sommelier, classically trained chef, and founder of The Wine Guy. With over 30 years of experience, Nick brings a joyful, unpretentious approach to wine education. From culinary school to leading immersive wine trips around the world, he shares how food, travel, and storytelling shape the way we enjoy wine. Plus, Judith Lewis returns with another round of "Wonky Wine Terms," diving into the quirky phrase: "energy on the palate." Key Talking Points / Episode Highlights:

• Nick's journey from chef to sommelier and wine educator
• Why wine should be fun and accessible, not intimidating
• How to pair food and wine by either complementing or contrasting flavours
• Unusual pairings (yes, port and blue cheese is a winner!)
• The influence of coastal climates on wine
• Designing immersive wine tours in Bordeaux, Australia, and New Zealand
• Creating wine experiences that go beyond the glass

In this episode, you will learn about:

• How to break the "rules" of food and wine pairings with confidence
• The power of storytelling in wine education
• What it takes to plan and lead world-class wine tours
• The unexpected factors that make wine truly memorable

Nick Elliott is the founder of The Wine Guy, a Certified Sommelier, former winemaker, and classically trained chef with over three decades of experience in the food and wine industry. Passionate about making wine approachable and joyful, Nick hosts curated global wine tours and personalized tasting events that blend education with unforgettable experiences. Through his work, he empowers people of all backgrounds to explore wine in a way that's fun, flavourful, and deeply personal. Listen now to Wine Behind the Scenes on your favourite podcast app, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review.