About
Sip by Sip's Origin
Sip by Sip started as a blog on Instagram, and despite a quickly growing crowd of loyal followers went into hibernation trying to figure out what they wanted to be when they grew up. Now Sip is back and brought all of his Friends to our Collection of Sip by Sip Experiences and Consultation Services, and we are glad that you found us!
Mission
Sip by Sip's mission is to introduce people to different cultures, create authentic experiences, provide genuine hospitality, educate, and of course connect all this with wine by making it approachable and inclusive, taking out the intimidation that many feel, and boiling it down to what wine and travel truly have in common: they are meant to be enjoyed with open minds, not rushed or overthought.
Meet Annika Clutch
Founder / President / Travel Enthusiast / Wine Lover
Annika grew up in Berlin, Germany where she proudly chipped away at the Berlin Wall in November of 1989, and chiseled a colorful piece out which, to her, became a symbol of bringing people together.
​
Annika's enthusiasm for events also started in this thriving European capital as she was an integral part of building up an event department for a global travel company, where she was involved in the planning and execution of major televised award shows, press conferences, grand openings, symposiums, corporate incentive trips, and meetings of all sizes.
It was the fading days of paper airline tickets as a norm, the infancy of Google search, and the birth of the Euro as a currency when Annika decided to propel herself too, and crossed the Pond to look for exciting new adventures abroad. And those she found!
​
Over the next decade, Annika worked for two destination management companies (DMCs), a luxury hotel, obtained an American Bachelor's Degree in International Studies on top of her German education that had focused on tourism and special events, and became a Chicago Cubs fan. Her biggest achievement during this time, however, was without a doubt the start of her own family.
​
The next step in Annika's journey brought her closer to her German roots as she began working as an Executive Assistant for the President/CEO of a German candy manufacturer's American subsidiary. The experience in hospitality and her meticulous sense for detail and organization fit the role perfectly, and she grew the position to eventually be the Director of Corporate Events.
It was also during this time that conversations with business partners not only increased her interest in wine but gave way to a relentless curiosity and love for the history and making of wine. Today, she is a certified sommelier, and actively pursuing the Level 3 Award in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET.)
Scarred from years of Chicago winters, she loves summertime, Formula 1 racing, and music. In her spare me-time you can find her gardening... sometimes while sipping on wine.
​
Annika is a member of SITE and MPI, and sees a deep connection between her two passions, hospitality and wine, as both are designed to bring together and connect people.