Vol. 1 | Late Fall 2025

Curated Sips. Community. Culture.

Author

Mahlik Rich
November 21, 2025

The Sip More Report

Opening Pour: A Note from Mahlik

Welcome to the very first volume of The Sip More Report, a seasonal dispatch from the heart of New Orleans' wine, culture, and hospitality scenes. Whether you met me at a Velvet Sessions, a private tasting, or somewhere in between, this is my way of keeping us connected and keeping our glasses full with all of the things that matter to us most!

Cheers!

Late Fall into early Winter: Sip season is in
effect.

  • WSET Level 3 Certified
    I’m proud to have officially passed the Level 3 in Wine! It’s a milestone that means more curated tastings, refined service, and storytelling that goes deeper than the glass. The work continues, but the journey tastes damn good.

  • Velvet Sessions Returns – Today (November 21st)
    We’re back with another Velvet Sessions: live music, low lights, warm greetings, and the same slow-sip energy that’s made it one of New Orleans’ most velvety nights. If you’re reading this in time, pull up.

  • Private Tastings & Intimate Pours
    The tasting calendar is filling up with private in-home sessions, corporate bookings, and wine flights designed to meet people where they sip. Got an idea for one? Let’s build something together.

Sip-Worthy Trends: Wine Gets Personal

This season’s energy? Intimacy over opulence.

These days, people want more. They don’t just want bottles, cut outs and sparklers. They want experiences that are intentional, story-driven and personal…and soulful! Expect to see more intimate experiences like Sunday Supper New Orleans or Mikecol’s Jazz Bounce Lounge, more wine + culture mashups and an increase in demand for curated, thoughtful spaces.

And I’m here for all of it.

Local Flavor: What I’m Feeling Right Now

Spotlight: Lola’s A Taste of Spain

This month, I wanted to highlight a gem that I feel shouldn’t be so “hidden”. Lola’s was a great, 10/10 (redundant, I know) experience from the door to the table. Working in hospitality, it’s easy to please us, most times, but we still notice everything. With that said, every element of Lola’s was noteworthy in the best ways. Friendly team members, a thoughtful cocktail/wine list and intentional menu items that transported us right into a Spanish Tasca. If you’re looking for a new solo spot, date spot or just another dope spot to add to your eating list this one has my stamp of approval; you can book reservations below!

Crabmeat Tropical

Don’t let the picture throw you off! This was rolling.

Shrimp Paella

Always a safe bet when trying a new Spanish/Portuguese restaurant!

A Final Note

Something to drop in the groupchat! Since I’m usually the one doing all the pairing, I was wondering…

“What are you pairing with your peace this season?”

Something to mull over as we ease into the new year. See yall soon, Happy Indigenous People’s Day, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!!!

Want to collab, sponsor, or pour something special together? Hit reply or find me on IG

@sip.more | @mahlikrich

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