The Sipping Point: Wine, Food & More!

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 whe...

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.  Takeawa...

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...

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, a...

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 ep...

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 legen...

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...

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 less...

Summary 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 Chic...

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 mak...

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....

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...

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, sustain...

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 connectio...

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 cell...

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...

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 Sauvign...

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 grow...

Summary In this episode of The Sipping Point, host Laurie Forster discusses Maryland Wine Month with guests Kristin Hanna of Maryland's Best and Tim Seppi of Love Point Vineyards. They explore the significance of Maryland's wine industry, the various events taking place during the month, and the unique offerings of Love Point Winery. Tim shares his journey into winemaking, the importance...

Join me on March 26th for my next virtual tasting Springtime in Italy where I will feature some of my favorite Italian wines for Spring! REGISTER HERE Summary In this episode, Laurie Forster and Karen MacNeil discuss the importance of wine and food in fostering connections among people. They introduce the Share and Pair Sundays campaign that begins March 23rd, emphasizing the joy of sharing simple...

Join me on March 26th for my next virtual tasting Springtime in Italy where I will feature some of my favorite Italian wines for Spring! REGISTER HERE Summary In this episode, Kim Stare Wallace shares her journey to President of Dry Creek Vineyard, a family-owned winery with a rich history. She discusses her family's legacy in winemaking, the innovative branding that sets their wines apart, a...

Summary In this episode, Laurie Forster welcomes Meaghan Frank from Dr. Frank Winery in the Finger Lakes. They discuss the rich history of the winery, the legacy of Dr. Konstantin Frank, and Meaghan's journey as the fourth generation in the family business. The conversation highlights the significance of sparkling wine production, the versatility of Riesling, and the unique grapes like Rkatsi...

Summary In this episode, Laurie Forster and Enzo Schiano delve into the world of Italian wine, exploring its rich cultural heritage, the complexities of winemaking, and the importance of making wine accessible and enjoyable. They discuss unique Italian wines, the significance of wine pairings, and the Italian wine classification system. They discuss the value of lesser-known Italian varietals and...

Summary In this episode, Laurie Forster speaks with Matthew Scales of Maryland's Best, Bryan Brushmiller of Burley Oak, and Dan Worrell of Fallen Pine about the innovative Shuck and Stout promotion in Maryland, which combines local oysters and craft beer. They discuss the importance of local seafood, the collaboration between oyster farmers and breweries, the science behind brewing with oyste...

Summary In this episode, Laurie Forster and Will Ferguson explore the world of wine, focusing on demystifying wine education, promoting inclusivity within the industry, and debunking common misconceptions about wine types and preferences. They emphasize the importance of personal taste and the need for a more approachable wine culture that welcomes everyone, regardless of background or experience....