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. 1d ago

    One Grape, Three Great Regions: Chris Carpenter on Cabernet, Place & Sustainability

    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. One grape. Three world-class wine regions. One legendary winemaker. What happens when the same winemaker crafts Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, McLaren Vale (Australia), and Walla Walla (Washington)? Chris Carpenter joins Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®, to explore how terroir, climate, and farming practices shape the personality of each wine. Known for his work with Lokoya, Cardinale, Mt. Brave, La Jota Vineyard Co., and Hickinbotham, Chris shares why great wine begins in the vineyard, how regenerative farming is changing the future of Cabernet, and what every wine lover should notice when tasting these iconic regions side by side. Whether you're a Cabernet enthusiast or simply curious about why wines from different places taste so different, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of winemaking. In this episode:  Why the same Cabernet Sauvignon tastes dramatically different in Napa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Walla Walla  The role of soil, elevation, and climate in shaping a wine's personality  Why Chris believes great wine is made "80% in the vineyard and 20% in the winery"  How harvest timing affects freshness, balance, and alcohol levels  What regenerative and organic farming really look like—from sheep and goats to ladybugs and snakes  How wine regions are adapting to climate change through smarter vineyard practices  What's next for one of the world's most respected Cabernet winemakersWines Tasted 2022 Hickinbotham Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Skysill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 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

    One Grape, Three Great Regions: Chris Carpenter on Cabernet, Place & Sustainability

  2. Jul 29

    Michigan Wine: Why Traverse City Is America's Next Great Wine Destination

    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. Michigan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of world-class wine—but that may be about to change. In this episode of The Sipping Point Podcast, Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®, sits down with acclaimed wine writer and former Wine Enthusiast Editor-in-Chief Susan Kostrzewa to explore why Traverse City has become one of America's most exciting cool-climate wine destinations. Susan shares her journey from growing up in northern Michigan to becoming one of the wine industry's most respected voices. Together, they discuss the grapes putting Michigan on the map, why climate change is reshaping wine regions around the world, and how authentic storytelling helps consumers connect with the people behind every bottle. Whether you're planning a trip to the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival or simply looking for your next favorite Riesling or sparkling wine, this episode will inspire you to discover one of America's hidden wine gems. In This Episode You'll Learn:  Susan Kostrzewa's journey from Traverse City to leading Wine Enthusiast to starting her company Resplendent Ink Why Michigan has become one of America's premier cool-climate wine regions  The Michigan wines and grape varieties you should be drinking now  Why Traverse City's sparkling wines deserve national attention  How climate change is creating both opportunities and challenges for winemakers  What to expect at the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, August 19-23, 2026Featured Wines & Wineries  Mawby Grace Brut Rosé  Left Foot Charley Blaufränkisch 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

    Michigan Wine: Why Traverse City Is America's Next Great Wine Destination

  3. Jul 22

    Why Verdicchio Is Italy's Next Great White Wine: Ethica Wines, Villa Bucci & the Rise of Indigenous Grapes

    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. Is Verdicchio Italy's best-kept wine secret? In this episode of The Sipping Point Podcast, Laurie Forster sits down with Damiano Sorato, Vice President of Sales at Ethica Wines, Federico Veronesi, CEO of Signorvino and Oniwines, and the winemaker from Villa Bucci to explore why Italian indigenous white wines are capturing the attention of wine lovers around the world. As Ethica Wines celebrates its 10th anniversary, the conversation looks at how the importer has helped introduce authentic, family-owned Italian wineries to the U.S. market while championing lesser-known grape varieties with incredible quality and value. Together, they dive into the remarkable story of Verdicchio—a grape once overlooked but now recognized as one of Italy's greatest white wines thanks to its freshness, complexity, food-friendliness, and extraordinary aging potential. 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

    Why Verdicchio Is Italy's Next Great White Wine: Ethica Wines, Villa Bucci & the Rise of Indigenous Grapes

  4. Jul 15

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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.

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