Wine Smarter Drink Better
Bridging the Gap: 5 N/A Wines for Dry January and Beyond
Norma is kicking off January by tackling the biggest question in the 'Sip Without the Slip' world: Can non-alcoholic wine actually deliver a premium experience? 🥂
In this episode, Norma, Mila, and a Mystery Guest put 11 bottles to the test. After wading through a massive sea of duds to find the rare N/A wines that actually have merit, Norma invited sober powerhouse athlete Nikki Wise and her Gen Z friends Mina and Nat to road-test the top picks. 🫧 You can follow Nikki's athletic and sober journey on Instagram @nikkirunwild.
Watch what happens when two different generations sit down with the same bottles. From Rieslings to Cabs, the teams discover 5 universal winners that actually pass the test. If you've been hesitant to dive into the world of N/A wine, this episode is the perfect place to start.
Sip Without the Slip: A 5-Minute Blind Tasting for NYE
The Ultimate Guide to a Hangover-Free Midnight Toast
Can you actually enjoy a New Year’s Eve toast without the alcohol? As more people embrace a "sober curious" lifestyle—whether for health, safety, or a head-start on Dry January—the demand for high-quality, alcohol-removed sparkling wine is at an all-time high.
But let’s be honest: not all bubbles are created equal.
In this special 5-minute bonus episode of Just the Sip, we take the guesswork out of your holiday shopping. We put three popular alcohol-removed sparkling wines to the ultimate test in a rigorous blind tasting.
We’ve released this episode early to ensure you have plenty of time to find our top pick at your local retailer before the NYE rush.
Whether you are the designated driver, abstaining for medical reasons, or simply choosing to stay sharp for 2026, this is the show for you.
Don't Shoot Your Eye Out! Master the Champagne 'Whisper'
Learn the essential, safe, and elegant technique for opening any bottle of bubbly! Violène from Champagne Dom Caudron in France joins us to demonstrate the difference between a forceful pop and a sophisticated whisper. Perfect your hosting skills just in time for New Year's Eve.
Want more sparkle? After watching, tune into "The Sip, the Story, and the Sparkle" below to discover the world of German Sekt!
The Ultimate Unique Holiday Gift Guide: Treasures and Pleasures Collection
SOLVE YOUR HOLIDAY LIST CONUNDRUM!
Norma has curated this year's collection, featuring exclusive Just the Sip discounts/freebies on truly unique gems and sophisticated pleasures for everyone on your list.
Discover the perfect luxury accessories, gourmet provisions, and smart travel essentials that elevate the art of sipping and dining—all items you won't find anywhere else.
Just the Sip has Santa Surprises and incredible savings for you!
→ WATCH NOW to unlock your exclusive codes before the Christmas shipping deadline!
Disclosure: This gift guide is presented in partnership with our sponsors and contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission on sales generated through the links and exclusive codes provided.
Cheers to Movember - A Rockstar's Guide to Perfect Pairing and Giving
What pairs with turkey, ham, and all the fixings?
Become the rockstar of any holiday gathering with expert advice from Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Wines. He reveals the perfect three-bottle lineup to flawlessly match every dish on your table.
But this is more than a brilliant pairing; it's a mission. Throughout the entire month of November, 20% of all qualifying wine sales will be donated directly to the Movember charity for men's mental and physical health.
To ensure your bottles arrive in time for Thanksgiving, be sure to place your order right away!
Make your purchase count! 🍷
The “Grandfather” of Chianti: A Historic Sip with Barone Francesco Ricasoli
Ever wondered about the history behind your favorite glass of Chianti? Find out in this historic episode! Join Norma for a rare conversation with Barone Francesco Ricasoli—the 32nd-generation "Grandfather of Chianti." We talk about his family's thousand-year legacy, their secrets to Chianti Classico, and how you can experience it all in person by visiting the iconic Castello di Brolio in Italy.
The Sip, the Story, and the Sparkle
Riddle me this: German Sparkling?
Join Norma in Heilbronn, Germany, for an effervescent chat with viniculturist and winemaker Peter Albrecht!
We uncork the story of their family's bubbly German Sekt, including his special Crémant; even catch a demonstration of sparkling wine riddling.
If you're enjoying the sips of knowledge and fun, please Like and Subscribe for more delicious content!❤️🍷
DelBrenna: Italian Style & Romance for Your Valentine’s Table
True style is found in the details.
This Valentine’s Day, elevate your romantic celebration with lead-free LUXION® Eco-Crystal masterpieces from renowned Italian jeweler, DelBrenna.
Handcrafted with the soul of Tuscany, these aren't just goblets—they are a sensory experience designed to unlock the complex aromas of your wine while adding an air of effortless sophistication to your table. Beyond the glass, DelBrenna’s artisans specialize in the art of the gift, including custom-made jewelry pieces tailored to your unique story.
As a special Valentine’s gift to the Just The Sip community, use code NORMA15 for 15% off their magnum wine goblets and stunning jewelry collection (excluding 18k). Whether you are gifting a bespoke treasure or hosting an intimate dinner, DelBrenna ensures your moment is magnificent. 🥂✨
Stay tuned to Just The Sip this February for an exclusive look at the heart behind the brand—the beautiful love story of Sebastian and Megan DelBrenna.
Ketcham Estate: Allie’s Reserve & The Art of the Romantic Dinner
Elevate your special moments with the refined elegance of Ketcham Estate. Nestled in the heart of the Russian River Valley, this boutique winery produces award-winning wines that define true merit—none more so than the very special Allie’s Reserve Pinot Noir.
Allie’s Reserve is a silky, sophisticated expression of Sonoma’s finest fruit, offering a depth and grace that makes any romantic dinner feel legendary. It is the absolute perfection when paired with a premium, ranch-to-table cut like the Prime Rib from Podunk’s Ranch. Together, they create a dining experience that rivals the world’s best steakhouses, right in your own home.
Exclusive Just The Sip Offer: Use code NORMA20 at checkout for 20% OFF these exceptional releases. Allie’s Reserve isn't just a wine; it’s meant for your most meaningful moments.
Podunk’s Ranch: Ranch-to-Table Excellence for Your Next Date Night
Skip the crowded restaurant and create an unforgettable romantic evening with the merit of ethically raised, sustainable beef. Podunk’s Ranch provides high-quality, flavorful cuts that are surprisingly well-priced compared to grocery store or imported alternatives.
Imagine a perfectly seared, melt-in-your-mouth ribeye or a succulent prime rib, seasoned simply to let the real flavor shine. To truly unlock the experience, we recommend pairing your meal with the iconic Allie’s Reserve Pinot Noir from Ketcham Estate. The rich complexity of the beef and the silky tannins of the Reserve are a match made in culinary heaven.
Exclusive Just The Sip Offer: Use code NORMA10 to receive two FREE ribeye steaks and one pound of ground beef (a $70+ value!) with any order of 20 pounds or more. Stock your freezer with premium beef and make every dinner a special occasion.
The Wine Suitcase: Travel with Your Collection in Total Confidence
Don't leave your favorite finds behind. Whether you’re bringing a rare vintage home from Italy or packing a few bottles of Allie’s Reserve for a romantic weekend getaway, this hardshell suitcase is your ultimate travel companion.
Designed for the serious enthusiast, this TSA-approved case features protective pre-cut foam that cradles every bottle, ensuring your precious cargo survives even the roughest journeys. No more worrying about breakage—just stylish, stress-free transport for your entire collection.
It’s the perfect addition to your wine lifestyle and a thoughtful gift for the traveler on the move. Click below to watch our "Brutal Durability Test" video and shop through our unique link to secure yours today!
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 🍷🧳
The Rabbit Electric Corkscrew: Effortless Entertaining at Your Fingertips
Stop struggling with stubborn corks and start enjoying the pour. This best-selling automatic wine opener is the ultimate tool for the modern host, allowing you to open any bottle in seconds without the hassle.
Designed for total ease of use, this corkscrew does all the work for you—no buttons required. It is an ideal solution for anyone with hand pain or arthritis, or for those who simply want to transition from kitchen to table with zero effort. It’s the perfect companion for your Allie’s Reserve or your next Podunk’s Ranch steak dinner.
This sleek, rechargeable gadget features a built-in foil cutter and opens over 30 bottles on a single charge via USB.Click below to grab this hosting essential through our unique link and support the Just The Sip journey!
Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 🍷
About Just The Sip
Philosophy
Just The Sip: Tongasmic Wine Exploration & Adventure with Norma informs normal people who want to learn more about wine. We hope to empower everyday people to make the best, most educated wine decisions. Dedication to curiosity, humor, selfless service, transparency, and authenticity drives this show.
RIddle me this...
Norma is on an exciting adventure to expand her knowledge by exploring the wonderful world of wine in a fun and relaxed environment and sharing that with you; buckle in for this ride! The show creates a fresh and novel resource for wine appreciation highlighting experts and industry leaders who enthusiastically share their unique insider insights at a beginners level.
About Norma
About Norma
Having served over 20 honorable years of service, Norma is a retired, service-disabled military member who has always had a taste for wine (watch episode 1). Just the Sip is as much for Norma as it is for you, so have courage to provide positive feedback on your wine journey and which wine topics interest you. Thanks for watching and Wine Smarter, Drink Better!
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What have you learned on Just the Sip? We'd love to hear from you!
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