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 - Introduction
00:14 - Wine Bar Evolves After Michelin Recognition
03:28 - Seasonal Artist-Themed Dining Experience
06:47 - "Exciting Napa Valley Event"
12:57 - Riddling Process Explained
14:25 - Final Touches & Risks
18:41 - Provence Rosé Awakening
21:11 - "What Did You Really Want?"
24:13 - "Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine"
27:17 - "DC Advocacy for Fire Victims"
29:43 - Napa Valley: A Beautiful Gem
30:19 - Outro
Key Takeaways:From Parisian Dreams to DC Delights
Art, Food, and Experience Collide
Champagne & Change
Heritage in Every Bubble
The Magic of Method Champenoise
Sparkling for Every Occasion (and Dish!)
Facing the Fires
A Toast to Inspiration
Quotes:"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 Nellis
Elli 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:
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