The HelenaSips Podcast

A Drink With... Sarah McCartney

In this episode, I speak to Sarah McCartney, a self-taught, British artisan perfumer and founder of cult perfume house 4160 Tuesdays. Sarah is known for creating scents inspired by memories, places and everyday pleasures, from marmalade on toast and tea and biscuits to seaside holidays. After 14 years working as head writer for Lush Cosmetics’s magazine, during which time she devoured over 200 books on herbalism and essential oils in order to better describe products to customers, Sarah turned her writing talents towards a novel, which then became the launch point for a whole new new career in perfumery. She has since built a devoted following for her fragrances that are imaginative, joyful and unapologetically human. Join us as we discuss what being a called “a young upstart” at 50 looks like, the joy and function of fragrance, why perfumery doeasn’t have to be an exclusive club and of course, a lot of parallels with wine. Please subscribe if you enjoy these conversations - and tell your friends! Find Sarah McCartney Instagram: @ [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmccartneythinks/]sarahmccartneythinks [https://www.instagram.com/sarahmccartneythinks/] and @4160tuesdays [https://www.instagram.com/4160tuesdays/] 4160tuesdays.com [https://www.4160tuesdays.com/] In the glass… Kier Normonde aka Kier Breton A blend of local dry cider from Normany or Brittany with a splash of crème de Cassis de Dijon. Light, refreshing and deliciously local. ******* Liked this? Listen to more episodes: Designer & entrepreneur, Cath Kidston [https://www.helenasips.com/p/podcast-cath-kidston] ‘Chocolat’ author, Joanne Harris [https://www.helenasips.com/p/podcast-joanne-harris] Actor & Winemaker Sam Neill [https://www.helenasips.com/p/a-drink-with-sam-neill] Broadcaster & super athlete, Vassos Alexander [https://www.helenasips.com/p/podcast-vassos-alexander] Co-Founder of Renais Gin, Alex Watson [https://www.helenasips.com/p/a-drink-with-alex-watson] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.helenasips.com/subscribe [https://www.helenasips.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

A Drink With... Sam Neill

This episode is a little different in format, as I managed to grab some time with Sam Neill while on a recent wine press trip to New Zealand before I knew The HelenaSips Podcast would exist! In this intimate chat, we hear about Sam’s philosophy on wine and the character of each of the Central Otago subregions where he grows his grapes for Two Paddocks. We hear what he drinks when it’s not Pinot, get an explanation of each of his cuvées as songs, discover his favourite role to play and learn why he will never put his wine under a cork again! Please subscribe if you enjoy these conversations - and tell your friends. Find Sam Neill Instagram: @samneilltheprop [https://www.instagram.com/samneilltheprop/] In the glass… Two Paddocks Estate Pinot Noir 2024 Silky, elegant and aromatic with notes of wild herbs and bright red cherry. A delight! twopaddocks.com [https://www.twopaddocks.com/] ******* Liked this? Listen to more episodes: Designer & entrepreneur, Cath Kidston [https://www.helenasips.com/p/podcast-cath-kidston] Chocolate author, Joanne Harris [https://www.helenasips.com/p/podcast-joanne-harris] Broadcaster & super athlete, Vassos Alexander [https://www.helenasips.com/p/podcast-vassos-alexander] Co-Founder of Renais Gin, Alex Watson [https://www.helenasips.com/p/a-drink-with-alex-watson] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.helenasips.com/subscribe [https://www.helenasips.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

A Drink With... Alex Watson

In episode 4 of The HelenaSips Podcast, Helena meets Alex Watson, co-founder of Renais Gin with his actor sister, Emma Watson. This is a conversation about creating a unique spirit made from ‘upcycled’ Chablis grapes that looks as good as it tastes. We hear about what growing up in France has taught him about the French concept of the Art of Living and what makes for a good life. Along the way we touch on glassware and cocktails, the family winery and how to make and epic ‘terroir-tini’. The phrase by Charles Spence I was searching for was the 'Provençal Rosé Paaradox'. In the glass The Terroir Martini 60ml Renais Gin 15ml Chablis (Domaine Watson if you can find it!) 2 Dashes Lemon Bitters Chilled Martini Glass Method: Add all your ingredients into a mixing glass, then fill to the brim with large chunks of clear, quality ice. Stir for 20 seconds to chill and dilute. Find Alex & Renais Gin Instagram @Alex.s.watson [https://www.instagram.com/alex.s.watson/] and @RenaisGin [https://www.instagram.com/renaisgin/] Website: Renais.co.uk [https://www.renais.co.uk/] Subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.helenasips.com/subscribe [https://www.helenasips.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

A Drink With... Joanne Harris

In this episode, I meet celebrated author Joanne Harris. Joanne is known globally as a master storyteller, yet her artistry doesn't stop at the page. Whether performing with her storytime band, advocating for creativity and fair play in the arts and now dabbling in perfumery, Joanne brings an extraordinary sensory quality and richness to everything she touches. I this conversation, we hear about her exciting new book, Vianne, which is the prequel to her best selling book, Chocolat. YOu knnow, the one that was made into a BAFTA winning, Oscar nominated film! We hear about the fragrance that she's put together to go with the new book and how scent has always been an important part of her writing process. Along the way, we talk food and drink and all the good stuff needed for a happy life. Find Joanne on Instagram @joannechocolat [https://www.instagram.com/joannechocolat/?hl=en] www.joanne-harris.co.uk [https://www.joanne-harris.co.uk/] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.helenasips.com/subscribe [https://www.helenasips.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

A Drink With... Vassos Alexander

In this episode, Helena Nicklin talks to Vassos Alexander, a much-loved broadcaster and endurance athlete, about his journey from an ordinary, self-described “regular bloke” to someone who thrives on pushing the limits of human capability. The conversation explores how running, swimming and extreme physical challenges have reshaped his relationship with his body, alcohol and daily rituals, replacing old habits with a deeper sense of purpose, discipline, and connection to both nature and self.  For Vassos, joy and contentment come not from comfort, but from stepping beyond it, testing boundaries and embracing the discomfort that ultimately makes life feel more vivid and meaningful. Ultimately, we hear about his simple but powerful philosophy: to seek out challenges, savour everyday pleasures and consciously “squeeze the juice” out of life, finding playfulness and joy in even the most ordinary moments. Find Vassos Alexander Instagram:  @vassos.alexander [https://www.instagram.com/vassos.alexander/] Books: Swimmingly, by Vassos Alexander [https://www.waterstones.com/book/swimmingly/vassos-alexander/9781399414593] Running Up That Hill, by Vassos Alexander [https://www.waterstones.com/book/running-up-that-hill/vassos-alexander/chrissie-wellington/9781472947963] Don’t Stop Me Now, by Vassos Alexander [https://www.waterstones.com/book/dont-stop-me-now/vassos-alexander/chris-evans/9781472921536] In the glass… A crisp, light red wine. Try Frappato: a native red wine grape from Sicily, that’s all about earthy strawberry with a bit of spice.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.helenasips.com/subscribe [https://www.helenasips.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]