The Sipping Point: Wine, Food & More!

Laurie Forster
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Food
  • Updated Weekly

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.comSend all questions to laurie@thewinecoach.com.

  1. 3d ago

    From Pizza Prodigy to Brooklyn Icon: Chef Al DiMeglio on Sourdough, Natural Wine & Italian Tradition

    Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027. What does it take to turn a family legacy into one of Brooklyn's most beloved Italian restaurants? This week, Laurie sits down with Chef Al DiMeglio, owner of Barano and Spirit Animal in Williamsburg, to explore the stories, techniques, and philosophy behind his acclaimed approach to Italian food. Named after his grandmother's hometown on the island of Ischia, Barano celebrates authentic Italian cooking with handmade pasta, naturally fermented sourdough pizza, and a deep respect for tradition. Al shares how his family shaped his culinary journey, why natural fermentation is worth the extra effort, and the surprising pizza trick—using ice cubes—that has everyone talking. You'll also hear why less is more when it comes to great pasta sauce, how to make better pizza at home (even without a wood-fired oven), what it's like judging chefs on Beat Bobby Flay, and why supporting neighborhood restaurants matters now more than ever. Whether you're a pizza fanatic, wine lover, home cook, or simply appreciate a great hospitality story, this episode is packed with practical tips and delicious inspiration. In This Episode  The story behind Barano and honoring his grandmother's hometown in Ischia  Why he opened Spirit Animal and his philosophy on natural wine  The science behind sourdough pizza and why fermentation matters  The surprising reason he puts ice cubes on pizza before baking  Simple techniques for making incredible pizza at home  The secrets to authentic Italian pasta sauce  Behind the scenes of judging on Beat Bobby Flay The must-order dishes at Barano—and the wines he'd pair with them Support the show Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more. Let's Stay Connected: Instagram @thewinecoach Facebook @winecoach TikTok @LaurieForster

    From Pizza Prodigy to Brooklyn Icon: Chef Al DiMeglio on Sourdough, Natural Wine & Italian Tradition

  2. Jul 8

    From NASA to Award-Winning Brewer: How Soul Mega Won Samuel Adams' Brewing the American Dream

    Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027. What happens when a NASA budget officer trades spreadsheets for beer? Elliott Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Soul Mega, shares how a homebrewing hobby evolved into one of the Mid-Atlantic's fastest-growing craft beer brands. In this episode, Elliott discusses leaving a successful government career to pursue entrepreneurship, building a brand that celebrates culture, creativity, and community, and what it meant for Soul Mega to win the prestigious 2026 Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Experienceship. Along the way, we taste Soul Mega's award-winning Worldwide American Pale Ale and Metropolis IPA, talk food pairings, bust common beer myths, and explore why craft beer is about so much more than what's in the glass. In This Episode  Elliott's journey from NASA budget officer to full-time craft beer entrepreneur  The story behind the name "Soul Mega" and its mission to blend beer, culture, and community How Soul Mega won the 2026 Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Experienceship How an independent brewery lands shelf space at retailers like Whole Foods and Total Wine  The biggest misconceptions about craft beer, including IPAs and proper serving temperature Beers Tasted Soul Mega Worldwide Pale Ale Soul Mega Metropolis IPA Support the show Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more. Let's Stay Connected: Instagram @thewinecoach Facebook @winecoach TikTok @LaurieForster

    From NASA to Award-Winning Brewer: How Soul Mega Won Samuel Adams' Brewing the American Dream

  3. Jul 1

    Freemark Abbey & the Judgment of Paris: Kristy Melton on the Winery That Changed American Wine

    Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her comedic wine tasting Something to Wine About at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes, DE on July 10th at 6PM. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris approaches, we're raising a glass to one of the wineries that helped put California wine on the world stage. In this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster sits down with Kristy Melton, acclaimed winemaker at Freemark Abbey, one of Napa Valley's most historic wineries. Together they explore the winery's remarkable legacy—from its founding in 1886 by trailblazing entrepreneur Josephine Tychson to its starring role in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Freemark Abbey was the only California winery represented with both a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Kristy also shares her fascinating journey from NIH research scientist to Napa Valley winemaker, how science and intuition work together in the cellar, and how she's guiding Freemark Abbey into its next chapter while honoring nearly 140 years of history. Wines Tasted Freemark Abbey Chardonnay $45 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon $75 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosche $225 In this episode: The remarkable story of Josephine Tychson and the founding of Freemark AbbeyWhy the Judgment of Paris changed American wine foreverKristy's journey from scientist to award-winning winemakerWhat makes Freemark Abbey's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon distinctiveThe history and significance of the iconic Bosché VineyardSustainability, innovation, and the future of Napa Valley winemakingFood pairings for Chardonnay, Napa Cabernet, and Bosché Vineyard CabernetCommon wine myths—including the truth about sulfitesSupport the show Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more. Let's Stay Connected: Instagram @thewinecoach Facebook @winecoach TikTok @LaurieForster

    Freemark Abbey & the Judgment of Paris: Kristy Melton on the Winery That Changed American Wine

  4. Jun 24

    Gigondas, Organic Farming & the Future of Wine with Louis Barruol of Château de Saint Cosme

    Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her comedic wine tasting Something to Wine About at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes, DE on July 10th at 6PM. What does it take to lead a family winery that's been making wine for more than 450 years? In this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster sits down with Louis Barruol, the 14th-generation owner of Château de Saint Cosme, one of the most respected estates in Gigondas and the Southern Rhône Valley.  Louis shares how his family's commitment to organic farming, native yeast fermentation, and minimal-intervention winemaking has helped establish Saint Cosme as a benchmark producer in the region. Along the way, we taste the Les Deux Albions Blanc, Côtes du Rhône Rouge, and Saint Cosme Gigondas while exploring the role of terroir, biodynamic farming, art, food pairing, and why patience is becoming a lost virtue in today's wine culture. Whether you're a Rhône enthusiast, a fan of organic wines, or simply curious about how great wines are made, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside one of France's most historic wine estates. Check out Louis Vintage Booklet for Vintage 2024 Wines Tasted Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albion Blanc Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Support the show Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more. Let's Stay Connected: Instagram @thewinecoach Facebook @winecoach TikTok @LaurieForster

    Gigondas, Organic Farming & the Future of Wine with Louis Barruol of Château de Saint Cosme

  5. Jun 17

    Wine by the Glass: Restaurant Wine Lists, Open That Bottle Night & Wine Wisdom with Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher

    Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her comedic wine tasting Something to Wine About at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes, DE on July 10th at 6PM. What makes a great restaurant wine list? Should you trust wines by the glass? And why are so many wine lovers saving their best bottles for "someday"? This week, legendary wine writers Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher join Laurie to discuss the state of restaurant wine programs, the joy of opening special bottles, and the lessons they've learned from a lifetime of tasting wine together. Best known for creating and writing The Wall Street Journal's beloved "Tastings" column from 1998 to 2010, Dorothy and John helped make wine approachable and accessible to everyday consumers. Today, they continue their work at Grape Collective and join Laurie to share their thoughts on restaurant wine lists, wine-by-the-glass programs, Open That Bottle Night, independent wine shops, wine myths, and why trusting your own palate is one of the best wine lessons of all. Connect with Dottie & John on Instagram and read their columns at the GrapeCollective.com Support the show Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more. Let's Stay Connected: Instagram @thewinecoach Facebook @winecoach TikTok @LaurieForster

    Wine by the Glass: Restaurant Wine Lists, Open That Bottle Night & Wine Wisdom with Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher

  6. Jun 10

    From Bad Company to Barbera: Paul Cullen on Italian Wine, Food Pairing & Reinvention

    Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her comedic wine tasting Something to Wine About at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes, DE on July 10th at 6PM. What happens when a rock star trades stadium tours for wine glasses? In this episode of The Sipping Point, I sit down with Paul Cullen, former bassist for the legendary rock band Bad Company, private chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Paul Cullen Wines. Paul shares how his passion for food and wine led him from the music industry to creating a portfolio of Italian wines that overdeliver on quality, value, and personality. We dive into the stories behind his wines, the inspiration for his guitar-themed labels, and why exploring lesser-known grape varieties can transform the way you buy and enjoy wine. Along the way, Paul shares memories from life on the road with Bad Company, his favorite food and wine pairings, and the wine myths he wishes more people would stop believing. Whether you're a wine lover, music fan, or someone considering your own second act, this conversation is packed with great stories, practical wine advice, and plenty of inspiration. In this episode you'll learn: • How Paul transitioned from professional musician to wine entrepreneur • The story behind Paul Cullen Wines and its Italian roots • Why Paul Cullen Rosé, Lambrusco, and Rosso deserve a place on your table • Food pairing ideas that make wine more approachable and enjoyable • Common misconceptions about decanting and wine aeration • Why wine tastings are one of the best ways to discover new favorites • Paul's go-to wines and advice for adventurous wine drinkers Plus, we chat about my upcoming Something to Wine About® wine comedy show at The Room at Cedar Grove on July 10. Support the show Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more. Let's Stay Connected: Instagram @thewinecoach Facebook @winecoach TikTok @LaurieForster

    From Bad Company to Barbera: Paul Cullen on Italian Wine, Food Pairing & Reinvention

  7. Jun 3

    Behind the Vines: A VIP Look at Maryland Crafted & Crow Vineyard

    Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her comedic wine tasting Something to Wine About at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes, DE on July 10th at 6PM. Maryland wine is having a moment, and this episode takes you right to the heart of it. Laurie sits down with Janna Howley of the Maryland Wineries Association to get a preview of Maryland Crafted, the premier celebration of Maryland wine, beer, and spirits taking place June 13 in Centreville, Maryland. Then she chats with Judy Crow and winemaker Michael Zollo of Crow Vineyard & Winery, to explore the growth of Maryland's wine industry and what makes it such an exciting destination for wine lovers.  You'll also get an inside look at Crow Vineyard's journey from family farm to award-winning winery. Along the way, the conversation covers wine tasting tips, food pairing advice, common wine myths, and why Maryland's unique climate and community are helping produce wines worth discovering. Wines Tasted Crow Vineyards Pinot Gris Crow Vineyards Barbera Reserve  To find out more about Maryland Crafted on June 13th and get your VIP tickets visit MarylandCrafted.com Support the show Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more. Let's Stay Connected: Instagram @thewinecoach Facebook @winecoach TikTok @LaurieForster

    Behind the Vines: A VIP Look at Maryland Crafted & Crow Vineyard

  8. May 27

    Inside the Wine World of Le Bernardin: Kim Akhtar on Wine Education, Volcanic Wines & AI in Wine

    Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her comedic wine tasting Something to Wine About at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes, DE on July 10th at 6PM. On this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie sits down with Kim Akhtar, senior sommelier at Le Bernardin, to explore wine through a completely different lens. From her fascinating journey through music, journalism, flamenco dancing in Spain, and Burgundy wine studies, Kim shares how storytelling, history, and technical knowledge shape the way she educates people about wine today. They also dive into volcanic wines, the future of AI in wine, and why understanding the science behind the glass can deepen your appreciation for every sip. Wines Tasted The Wine Coach Club Lava to Glass Wine Pack 2023 Paterianakis Vidiano, Crete, P.G.I., Greece2023 Suavia Soave Classico Monte Carbonare DOC, Veneto, Italy2023 Masseria Setteporte Etna Rosso, Sicily, ItalyKim's Selections Benanti Etna Bianco Benanti Etna Rosso Follow Kim on Instagram at @kimakhtar and on TikTok @kimthesomm Support the show Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more. Let's Stay Connected: Instagram @thewinecoach Facebook @winecoach TikTok @LaurieForster

    Inside the Wine World of Le Bernardin: Kim Akhtar on Wine Education, Volcanic Wines & AI in Wine
See All (394)

4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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.comSend all questions to laurie@thewinecoach.com.

Information

You Might Also Like