Wine Smarter Drink Better
Streaming now — 50 States of Wine: The Wild World of Alaskan Wine at Bear Creek Winery
In our July episode, we are heading to Homer, Alaska, to explore the wild, rule-breaking world of glacier country winemaking. Join us behind the scenes for an exclusive interview with lead winemaker Louis Maurer as he reveals the reality of fermenting unblended Alaskan wild fruits for their Glacier Bear label. Whether you are a total novice or a seasoned sipper, this episode will completely change how you look at what belongs in a bottle.
▶️ (Click the episode image to watch the full video!)
Want to explore the rest of our catalog and never miss a pairing? Join the crew on our official YouTube channel!
🥩 The Beef: Podunk’s Ranch Prime Cuts
Do you actually know where your grocery store beef comes from? Most labels won't tell you. Podunk’s Ranch fixes that by delivering premium, ethically raised, single-source Colorado beef straight to your door.
This insanely delish marbled beef delivers massive flavor built for summer smoke and fire—making it the perfect pairing for Ketcham Estate’s elegant wines. Insider tip: When you break down the math, these high-quality family ranch bundles are often cheaper per pound than the supermarket shelf.
Just The Sip VIP Deal: Use code NORMA10 at checkout to score $70 of free extra premium goods with your burger or steak bundle!
🍷 The Wine: Ketcham Estate Small-Lot Releases
Looking for the perfect bottle anytime of the year? This boutique, woman-led winery crafts food-friendly, small-lot releases that are absolute dynamite with everything from casual summer cookouts to elegant dinners.
They offer an incredible spectrum of choices, from their vibrant, jasmine-scented Viognier and crisp Rosé to their luxurious, dark-cherry Pinot Noirs. And if you are lighting up the grill, their bold, velvety CabRene Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect pairing to handle the rich, savory depth of Podunk’s Ranch beef.
Just The Sip VIP Deal: Use code NORMA20 for 20% OFF all regularly priced wines!
💎 The Luxury: DelBrenna Artisan Jewelry & Goblets
At Just The Sip, we believe luxury should be enjoyed every single day. If you watch our daily 365 Inspired and Adventurous Pairings, you'll see me wearing DelBrenna's stunning jewelry and almost always drinking out of their magnum crystal wine goblet.
Handcrafted in Cortona, Italy, these pieces bring a touch of Tuscan soul to modern style. Beyond their signature goblets, DelBrenna specializes in custom jewelry tailored to your unique story—making it a beautiful gift or a well-deserved treat for yourself.
Just The Sip VIP Deal: Use code NORMA15 for 15% OFF their stunning collections! (Excludes 18k)
🧳 The Sipster Travel Shop: Wine Smarter on the Move
There is no such thing as perfect travel, but you can always be prepared. To help you wine smarter and drink betterwherever you go, this collection features my essential gear for smart, comfortable travel. From TSA-friendly tools and comfort essentials to the reliable protective gear that keeps your liquid treasures completely safe in your checked luggage, this is everything you need to set yourself up for smooth sailing on the high seas and beyond.
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 🍷🧳
Norma’s Test Kitchen: The "Just the Sip" Essentials
Behind every single one of my 365 Inspired and Adventurous Pairings is a set of simple tools I trust implicitly. To help you wine smarter and drink better at home, I’ve curated the reliable, durable kitchen gear I use every day—whether I’m searing a steak in my All-Clad pans, using my GreenPan collection for a quick meal, or finding the perfect setup to elevate tonight’s takeout. You don't need a culinary degree to create magic; you just need the right essentials.
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 🍷
The Sip List: Fun Gifts & Must-Haves
Know someone who loves wine but loves a great vibe even more? To help you wine smarter and drink better, I’ve put together a special curated list of my personal favorite finds. From clever, simple gadgets to unique must-haves, these are the fun essentials that turn any everyday bottle into a true occasion. Dive in, find the perfect gift, and let’s keep wine simple, adventurous, and fun!
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 🍷
Level Up Your Wine IQ
Want to move past buying wine just based on a pretty label, or saying, "I don't know, I just like how it tastes"? To help you wine smarter and drink better, I’ve curated a list of my favorite, zero-snobbery wine books over on my Amazon storefront. Whether you're decoding a complicated restaurant menu or practicing your own pairings at home, these are your simple, easy-to-digest cheat sheets to mastering the basics with total confidence.
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 🍷
The Sipster Tech Bundle: High-Quality Gear, Zero Fuss
Ever wonder how I film my interviews at wine symposiums or capture those perfect close-up pour shots? When I first started the show, I bought cheap microphones and paid the price—losing critical interviews and throwing away entire videos because the audio was completely ruined.
I learned the hard way that while you don't need an expensive Hollywood studio to share your passion, you do need gear that works. I’ve hand-selected these reliable, easy-to-use mics, lights, and tripods because they are durable enough for life on the road and get the job done beautifully every single time.
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 🍷
About Just The Sip
Philosophy
Welcome to Just The Sip: Tongasmic Wine Exploration & Adventure with Norma. Built for everyday people who want to explore wine without the fluff, our mission is to keep it simple and empower you to wine smarter and drink better with every single glass. Driven by a dedication to curiosity, humor, selfless service, transparency, and authent
Welcome to Just The Sip: Tongasmic Wine Exploration & Adventure with Norma. Built for everyday people who want to explore wine without the fluff, our mission is to keep it simple and empower you to wine smarter and drink better with every single glass. Driven by a dedication to curiosity, humor, selfless service, transparency, and authenticity, we are here to help you make confident decisions, demystify flavor, and have a blast along the way.
RIddle me this...
I am on an exciting adventure to expand my own knowledge by exploring the wonderful world of wine in a fun, relaxed environment—and I am taking you right along with me! Buckle in for the ride. Just the Sip: Tongasmic Wine Exploration & Adventure with Norma brings you a fresh resource for wine appreciation, highlighting top experts alongsi
I am on an exciting adventure to expand my own knowledge by exploring the wonderful world of wine in a fun, relaxed environment—and I am taking you right along with me! Buckle in for the ride. Just the Sip: Tongasmic Wine Exploration & Adventure with Norma brings you a fresh resource for wine appreciation, highlighting top experts alongside the everyday people who passionately support the industry. They all enthusiastically share their unique insider insights at a completely approachable, beginner-friendly level.
About the Crew
About the Crew
Behind Just the Sip: Tongasmic Wine Exploration & Adventure with Norma is a dedicated, small-but-mighty production team. At the helm is Norma, a retired, service-disabled veteran who served 20 honorable years in the military and has always had a deep passion for wine (be sure to check out Episode 1!). This show is as much for our crew as
Behind Just the Sip: Tongasmic Wine Exploration & Adventure with Norma is a dedicated, small-but-mighty production team. At the helm is Norma, a retired, service-disabled veteran who served 20 honorable years in the military and has always had a deep passion for wine (be sure to check out Episode 1!). This show is as much for our crew as it is for you. We’d love for you to share your own wine journey with us and let us know which topics interest you most. Thank you so much for watching, and as always—Wine Smarter, Drink Better!
