A Bubbly Conversation With Paula Kornell

Well, hello bubbles! It’s me, Nycci Nellis, and welcome to Industry Night, where we sip, swirl, and spill the sparkling tea on all things delicious.Today’s episode comes to you from Apéro—the utterly charming Champagne and caviar bar tucked right at the entrance of Georgetown. It’s the kind of place where every glass is a celebration and every corner is camera-ready.I’m starting things off with Elli Benchimol, the visionary behind this little gem and its upstairs sister space, La Bohème. She’s created a haven for Champagne lovers, cocktail seekers, and anyone in need of a touch of magic in their glass. And with her is her chef, Jennifer Castañeda-Jones.Then—get ready to sparkle—we’re talking bubbles with Paula Kornell, Napa Valley Vintner and fourth-generation sparkling wine maker. Paula is in town as part of the Napa Valley Vintners annual visit to D.C., where they hit Capitol Hill to talk trade, health, fire mitigation, and more. But tonight? She's here to pour and to shine.We’ll sip on a few of her exquisite bottles and dive into Paula’s legacy, her vision, and why sparkling wine is not just for special occasions anymore.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:14 - Wine Bar Evolves After Michelin Recognition03:28 - Seasonal Artist-Themed Dining Experience06:47 - "Exciting Napa Valley Event"12:57 - Riddling Process Explained14:25 - Final Touches & Risks18:41 - Provence Rosé Awakening21:11 - "What Did You Really Want?"24:13 - "Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine"27:17 - "DC Advocacy for Fire Victims"29:43 - Napa Valley: A Beautiful Gem30:19 - OutroKey Takeaways:From Parisian Dreams to DC DelightsArt, Food, and Experience CollideChampagne & ChangeHeritage in Every BubbleThe Magic of Method ChampenoiseSparkling for Every Occasion (and Dish!)Facing the FiresA Toast to InspirationQuotes:"I aimed to create a joyful neighborhood spot that feels like a magical night in Paris, with timeless classics and moments of delight in every visit."- Elli Benchimol"By embracing refinement, modernity, and seasonality, our ever-evolving menu reflects our best discoveries and authentic selves."- Jennifer Castaneda Jones"Champagne captures life's 'ah' moments—little celebrations in a glass. We all deserve more of these joys, wherever we may find them."- Paula Kornell"Sparkling wine transforms the everyday into the extraordinary—it's not just for special occasions, but for savoring life's simple joys."- Nycci NellisElli BenchimolInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elligoth/ https://www.instagram.com/aperodc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aperodcWebsite: https://www.aperodc.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacULIvcPf1LdLejAOiG_Ib52cy_0wQyhw-MPQxfr5J907M3zAo5KqQ8WtZAew_aem_Ugy4ra2ZE21f8aXirisg4wPaula KornellInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulakornellsparkling/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulakornellsparkling/Website: https://www.paulakornell.com/historyFeaturing Nycci NellisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/Produced by Heartcast Mediahttp://www.heartcastmedia.com