Industry Night: A Bubbly Conversation With Paula Kornell and Elli Benchimol
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.
