The Sipping Point: Wine, Food & More!

The Sipping Point: Wine, Food & More!

Learn the recipe for a delicious life each week with Laurie Forster, sought after speaker, certified sommelier and author of the award-winning book The Sipping Point: A Crash Course in Wine. Subscribe to The Sipping Point Podcast where each week Laurie will provide a fresh (and fun) look at the world of food, wine, spirits, travel and all that’s delicious in life. Laurie’s witty, no nonsense style is sure to be a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stuffy culinary world. Even though Laurie’s a certified sommelier, an award-winning author and wife to a world class chef, she’s not afraid to admit her first wine came from a box! Prepare to get practical, valuable and down-to-earth information from local and celebrity winemakers, chefs, brewers and more. She’ll also be taking your questions, so if there is something you’ve been dying to know about wine, food or anything else, prepare for an edu-taining answer. Make a note to tune into The Sipping Point Podcast each Wednesday. You’ll learn, laugh and gain a new perspective on what’s in your glass or on your plate! ____________ Website: www.thewinecoach.com Send all questions to laurie@thewinecoach.com.

Episodes

August 6, 2025 28 mins

Summary

On this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®, uncorks a lively conversation with Jules Taylor—renowned winemaker from Marlborough, New Zealand. Known for her expressive Sauvignon Blancs, Jules shares how she went from science student to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most beloved winemakers.

Laurie and Jules explore the unique terroir of Marlborough, the rise of Gruner Veltliner and Rosé in New Zeal...

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Register for Laurie's upcoming tasting Fall in Love with The Rhone on September 24th at 7PM ET!

Summary

What happens when a fearless wine lover and her husband turn a passion project into a powerhouse label? Laurie Forster uncorks the story with Ali Smith Story, co-owner of Smith Story Wines. From navigating the wild world of winemaking to busting myths about the industry, Ali shares her inspiring journey—complete with Sauvignon...

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Summary

In this episode, Garth Hodgdon shares his unexpected path from aspiring college professor to becoming a respected sommelier and Champagne expert. He offers insight into what makes Champagne so unique—from its production process to the wide range of styles available—and highlights the joy of discovering smaller, lesser-known producers.

Garth also talks about the versatility of Champagne when it comes to food pairings, encourag...

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Summary

On this episode of The Sipping Point, we uncork the story of Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer at Girl Meets Glass, who swapped the U.S. hustle for Parisian pours. Tanisha shares how she built her wine biz in the City of Light, what makes the French wine scene so vibrant, and why she believes wine is more than a beverage—it’s a bridge between people. Sip back and get inspired. 

Takeaways

  • Tanisha’s journey from the U.S. ...
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Join Laurie on 7/31 in Easton, MD for La Dolce Vita: Sip & Savor the Taste of Italy. Get all the details and purchase tickets HERE

Summary

What do Frasier, DIY hustle, and bold wine labels have in common? Andre Hueston Mack. In this episode, award-winning sommelier and winemaker Andre Hueston Mack uncorks his unconventional journey—from a desk job detour sparked by a TV show to launching his edgy, inclusive wine brand, Maison Noi...

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Summary

In this inspiring episode, Courtney Humiston uncorks her unconventional path from journalist to sommelier to sparkling winemaker. She shares how her love for storytelling and sense of place led her to craft Delphinium—a California Crémant that’s as elegant as it is expressive of the Golden State’s terroir. Courtney dives into the mentorships that shaped her, her food pairing philosophy, and why sparkling wine deserves a perm...

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Summary

In this special Bourdain Day episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster revisits a rare and unforgettable conversation with the late Anthony Bourdain. Recorded during his tour with Balvenie Scotch—a journey that celebrated master craftsmen across the country—Bourdain opens up about the intersection of food, storytelling, and authenticity.

Raw, real, and unapologetically Bourdain, this episode is a tribute to the man who ins...

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There's still time to order The Wine Coach Club Summer Sipper Wine Pack with 4 wines perfect for your summer grilling for $8-0 with free shipping. Check it out & Order yours HERE

Summary

What happens when a kid from Austria falls head over heels for wine and ends up running the show at one of New York’s top restaurants? You get Aldo Sohm—award-winning sommelier, wine director at the legendary Le Bernardin, and one of the mos...

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Order The Wine Coach Summer Sipper Wine Pack with 4 of her favorite wines for all your grilling favorites. Under $80 with free shipping these delicious wines will ship right to your door. Go to TheWineCoachClub.com

Laurie will teach you all about these wines during her upcoming virtual tasting Red, White & Barbeque on June 125th at 7PM ET Find out more CLICK HERE

Summary

From angel whispers to rosé revolutions—Paul Chevalier, VP o...

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Summary

On this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie uncorks a story that’s anything but ordinary. Meet Sally, the powerhouse behind Château Georges 7 in Bordeaux, who swapped spreadsheets for soil and turned her corporate career into a bold new life among the vines. Sally dives into the essence of Bordeaux—especially the Merlot-forward magic of the right bank—and spills the tea (or wine) on lesser-known white blends that deserve mo...

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In this episode of The Sipping Point, we raise a glass to innovation with Ian Blessing, co-founder of All the Bitter. Ian shares his evolution from fine wine sommelier to trailblazer in the booming non-alcoholic beverage space. We dive into the essential role of bitters in mixology, explore the bold and nuanced flavors of his handcrafted, zero-proof bitters, and learn how his shop in Chico, California offers a one-of-a-kind ...

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Upcoming Events with Laurie

June 4th Wine Comedy Show at Turks Head Wines

June 7th Maryland Crafted VIP Experience

June 25th Red, White & BBQ Virtual Tasting

Summary

In this sparkling episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster pops the cork on conversation with Teresa Heuzenroeder, a talented winemaker from Tasmania. Teresa uncorks her path into the world of wine, shines a light on what makes Tasmanian sparkling wines so special, ...

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Upcoming Events with Laurie

June 4th Wine Comedy Show at Turks Head Wines

June 7th Maryland Crafted VIP Experience

June 25th Red, White & BBQ Virtual Tasting

Summary

Join us for a flavorful conversation with Julian and Mary of The Tasting House, where passion meets palate. They dive into their paths through the culinary and wine worlds, sharing stories, insights, and a few delicious secrets. From timeless pairings to adventurous fla...

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Upcoming Events with Laurie

June 4th Wine Comedy Show at Turks Head Wines

June 7th Maryland Crafted VIP Experience

June 25th Red, White & BBQ Virtual Tasting

Summary

In this flavorful episode, Laurie sits down with the dynamic duo behind Bull and Goat Brewery to trace their hop-fueled evolution from garage brewers to masters of both beer and spirits. You'll hear how a hazy IPA helped put them on the map, why they dove into the ...

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Upcoming Events with Laurie

June 4th Wine Comedy Show at Turks Head Wines

June 7th Maryland Crafted VIP Experience

June 25th Red, White & BBQ Virtual Tasting

Summary

In this episode, Laurie Forster talks with William Weese, winemaker at Merriam Vineyards, to explore the deep roots of his winemaking philosophy. From his global journey to Sonoma’s rich terroir, William shares how family, sustainability, and a love for the land shape e...

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Summary
Laurie Forster pops the top on a sparkling convo with Mallory, founder of Saint Spritz, the refreshingly clean ready-to-drink spritz brand. They dive into the fizz behind Mallory’s inspiration, how she's shaking up the beverage aisle with better-for-you ingredients, and what it’s like juggling startups and sippy cups. From inventive flavor profiles to the brand’s surprising connection to America’s fastest-growing ...

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Get tickets for my wine comedy show Something To Wine About at Turks Head Wines on June 4th at 6pm...advance purchase is required and limited space is available.

Summary

In this lively episode, Laurie Forster sits down with Laura Barrett, winemaker at Clif Family Winery, to explore the perfect pairing of science and sustainability in winemaking. Laura shares her journey from chemistry to the cellar, her Unoaked Chardonnay & Caber...

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Summary

In this lively and insightful episode, sommelier powerhouse Cristie Norman uncorks her path into the wine world—sharing the highs, the hurdles, and how she became a force in the industry at a young age. From her current post at Delilah in Las Vegas, Cristie offers savvy advice on how to talk to your sommelier without sounding like you’re ordering a secret code. We dive into her James Beard Award nomination (now finalist), th...

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Summary

Laurie Forster chats with Allison Owen, a former corporate pro who swapped boardrooms for barrel rooms, about her leap into winemaking. They dive into the one-of-a-kind tasting experience at Turks Head Wines, the value of wine education, and the vibrant community events that bring wine lovers together. Allison shares highlights from her wine portfolio—including a standout Cabernet Sauvignon—and the perks of their wine club. ...

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Want to travel to wine country with me? Find out all about my European Wine Tour in 2026 by emailing me at laurie@thewinecoach.com.

Summary

In this engaging episode, Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine Carneros, shares her unique journey from studying molecular biology to leading a prestigious winery. She discusses her passion for sparkling wine, the importance of sustainability in winemaking, and the growing popularity of sparkling...

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