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:
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Facebook @winecoach
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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
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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 Abbey
• Why the Judgment of Paris changed American wine forever
• Kristy's journey from scientist to award-winning winemaker
• What makes Freemark Abbey's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon distinctive
• The history and significance of the iconic Bosché Vineyard
• Sustainability, innovation, and the future of Napa Valley winemaking
• Food pairings for Chardonnay, Napa Cabernet, and Bosché Vineyard Cabernet
• Common wine myths—including the truth about sulfites

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. 2023 Paterianakis Vidiano, Crete, P.G.I., Greece
2. 2023 Suavia Soave Classico Monte Carbonare DOC, Veneto, Italy
3. 2023 Masseria Setteporte Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy

Kim'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

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.

Is great wine created through science, artistry… or a little bit of both? On this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster sits down with two experts from Hartford Family Winery — veteran winemaker Jeff Stewart and Master Sommelier Nick Hetzel — for a lively conversation about what really makes a wine memorable.

Jeff shares how a life-changing glass of Burgundy inspired his 40+ year winemaking career, while Nick reveals how working with top chefs and restaurants led him to pursue the prestigious Master Sommelier diploma. Together, they break down why Sonoma’s Russian River Valley is one of the world’s top regions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and explain how vineyard, climate, and winemaking choices shape what ends up in your glass.

Laurie and her guests taste two standout wines from Hartford Family Winery — the Fog Dance Vineyard Chardonnay and Jennifer’s Vineyard Pinot Noir — while diving into restaurant wine tips, food pairing myths, vineyard farming practices, and why Chardonnay is officially having its comeback era.

Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or serious enthusiast, this episode will help you order, pair, and enjoy wine with more confidence (and less intimidation).

Wines Tasted

Hartford Family Fog Dance Chardonnay

Hartford Family Jennifer's Vineyard Pinot Noir

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:
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Facebook @winecoach
TikTok @LaurieForster

Discover the secrets behind tasting like a pro with Anthony Giglio—sommelier, longtime Food & Wine contributor, restaurant critic, cocktail expert, and creator of SUPERSALT. Anthony shares practical, no-snobbery tips for improving your palate, pairing wine with food, and making everyday eating and drinking more flavorful and fun. From mastering wine temperature to breaking out of your “usual wine rut,” this episode is packed with approachable advice you can use tonight. 

Key Takeaways:

•  Why wine temperature matters more than most people realize 
•  The “three sip” tasting method for understanding flavor like a pro 
•  Easy food and wine pairing strategies—including the “wine sandwich” concept 
•  How to identify your personal taste preferences and trust your palate 
•  Simple ways to discover new wines outside your comfort zone 
•  The story behind SUPERSALT and how it elevates flavor 
•  Quick wine chilling hacks using salt, water, and frozen grapes 

Check out Anthony's website for more on his books, events and Supersalt: https://www.anthonygiglio.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