Helena Nicklin takes us through a journey of reinvention and rediscovery as she shares her path from prominent wine writer to founder of a community exploring "the art of living." As a fixture in the UK wine industry for over two decades, her story reveals both the glamour and challenges of a career where alcohol constantly arrives at your doorstep.
With refreshing candor, Helena describes her "midlife breakthrough" – the moment she and her husband decided to escape burnout by completely reimagining their lives. Their bold move to the Isle of Wight created space for something new: Flock and Hive, a podcast and e-magazine exploring five pillars of the good life: food and drink, artistry and culture, travel and adventure, sensory science, and spirituality and energy.
What makes Helena's perspective so valuable is her commitment to accessibility in a field often plagued by pretension. "Wine is joyous," she reminds us, advocating that people should simply drink what they enjoy without judgment. Her approach to both wine and wellness feels liberating – honest about the challenges of moderation when surrounded by your passion, yet practical about finding balance.
The conversation weaves through fascinating territory: how women have helped demystify wine culture, the struggles of maintaining physical wellness while building a new venture, and the joy of creating community around shared curiosity. Helena's journey serves as a reminder that at any stage of life, we can rewrite our story while still honoring what we love.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast seeking a more balanced approach or someone contemplating your own reinvention, this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and a refreshing perspective on building a life that pours from a place of passion rather than obligation. What areas of your life might benefit from a similar breakthrough?

Support the show

Thanks so much for listening!
Get all the info here: LinkTree
Instagram & Facebook: @spandexandwine
Web Site: www.spandexandwine.com