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 Zealand, and how the region’s wine scene is evolving. From wine pairings to smashing outdated wine “rules,” Jules brings humor, insight, and refreshing honesty to the glass.

Takeaways

Episode Takeaways:

•  Marlborough may be young in wine years, but its Sauvignon Blanc put it on the global map.
•  Gruner Veltliner is Jules’ passion project—proof Marlborough isn’t a one-grape wonder.
•  Sauvignon Blanc styles have matured, now showing more ripeness and depth.
•  Rosé is no longer an afterthought—it’s become a go-to for all kinds of occasions.
• Screw caps are the unsung heroes of wine quality and freshness.
•  Taste is personal: drink what you love, not what the label tells you to.
•  Winemaking is a wild ride—full of highs, lows, and lessons in every bottle. 

Wines Tasted

Gruner Veltliner

Sauvignon Blanc

Jules Rose

Check out Jules' website and learn more about her inspiring story HERE

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SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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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 Blanc, Pinot Noir, and a whole lot of heart. They dive into the meaning behind her Brave wine, the grit it takes to build a family-run winery, and how wine can be more than a drink—it can be a movement. 

Takeaways

•  Ali and her husband took a leap of faith into winemaking, backed by encouragement from industry insiders.
•  Their winery was born not just from grapes, but a successful Kickstarter campaign and a whole lot of hustle.
•  Smith Story’s Sauvignon Blanc is a boutique beauty—crafted in small batches with serious attention to detail.
•  Ali’s Brave wine was inspired by her personal story of resilience and recovery.
•  They’re committed to organic and biodynamic farming, proving that great wine starts in the soil.

Wines Tasted

Smith Story Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, CA

Brave Red 2024, Carbonic Grenache, Sonoma County, CA

Smith Story Filigreen Farm Pinot Noir , Anderson Valley, CA

Check out the Domaine de Brave Gifts Boxes and SmithStoryWines.com 

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

Follow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode!

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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, encouraging listeners to move beyond traditional wine norms. Plus, we discuss the Champagne Happy Hour Club, his effort to bring distinctive and exciting bottles to wine lovers across the country.

Takeaways

• Garth's journey into wine began in college while working in restaurants.
• Champagne can be enjoyed in various ways, including unconventional glasses.
• Domaine Mea is a small champagne producer with a rich history.
• Champagne's aging process on lees adds complexity and flavor.
• Temperature affects the tasting experience of champagne significantly.
• Champagne pairs well with a wide range of foods, including fried and spicy dishes.
• The Champagne Happy Hour Club offers a way to explore unique champagnes monthly.

Wines Tasted

Domaine Mea "Sig"Nature $69

Domaine Mea Le Grillon $69

Check out Garth on Instagram HERE and get all the detail on his wine club Champagne Happy Hour HERE

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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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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. to Paris and how she turned her passion for wine into a career
• Wine as a connector—and its powerful role in bringing people together
• Current wine trends in Paris, including natural wines and single-serving packaging
• The importance of moderation and how French and American wine cultures differ

Wines Tasted

Arnaud Lambert Saumur Blanc Les Parcelles

Domaine Benoit Gautier Argilex Vouvray

Visit Tanisha's website: GirlMeetsGlass.com 

Check out Laurie's upcoming events: TheWineCoach.com/events

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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.

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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 Noir. He gets real about making wine fun, trusting your own taste, and why accessibility should be at the heart of the wine world. Plus, we dive into the creative inspiration behind his eye-catching labels, his hit Bon Appétit series World of Wine, and the myths he’s busting one bottle at a time. 

Wines Tasted 

O.P.P. Pinot Noir

Oregogne Pinot Noir

Check out Andre's website or watch his show World of Wine on YouTube!

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

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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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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 permanent spot at the table. Tune in for a bubbly chat about reinvention, resilience, and the bright future of California fizz. 

Takeaways
– Courtney’s wine journey began in St. Helena, Napa Valley, where curiosity trumped convention.
– She champions learning from wine, not judging it—letting the glass be your teacher.
– Her sommelier days sparked a deep love for Champagne, but she’s carving out a California identity.
– Inspired by Crémant de Loire, Courtney created Delphinium: a California Crémant with its own voice.
– Crafted with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, Delphinium is rooted in organic farming and native fermentation.
– For Courtney, storytelling is as essential as terroir in every bottle.
– She’s an advocate for more producers diving into quality sparkling wine.
– The future of California bubbles? Collaborative, creative, and uniquely homegrown. 

Wine Tasted

2023 Delphinium California Crémant 

Find out more about Courtney's wine journey and her sparkling wine HERE

Join Laurie on July 31st at 6PM in Easton, MD for La Dolce Vita" Sip & Savor the Tastes of Italy. Get Details & Tickets CLICK HERE

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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.

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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 inspired the world to taste more, travel deeper, and question everything. Pour a glass, raise it high, and join us in honoring the legacy of a legend.

Takeaways

• The importance of celebrating craftsmanship in food and drink.
• Old school methods of production are becoming rare.
• Culinary exploration can lead to unexpected adventures.
• Stories behind food and drink create deeper connections.
• Supporting artisans helps preserve traditional methods.
• Exploring new flavors can enhance life experiences.

There’s still time to order The Wine Coach Club Summer Sipper Wine Pack with 4 wines perfect for your summer grilling for $80 with free shipping. Check it out & Order yours HERE

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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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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 most approachable experts in the biz. 

In this episode, Aldo shares how his culinary beginnings led him to the world of wine, where he found not just a career, but a calling. We talk about the power of wine to bring people together, the lessons Mother Nature dishes out to winemakers, and why staying humble is the secret ingredient to success in this business.

We also sip through his personal passion project, Sohm & Kracher Wines, and geek out (in the best way) over Gruner Veltliner & Gelber Muskateller. Aldo busts a few wine myths (yes, Riesling and Chardonnay deserve better PR), gives his take on Gen Z’s wine vibes, and reminds us that great wine is about context, curiosity, and connection.

Wines Tasted

Sohm & Kracher 2017 Grüner Veltliner “Lion”

Weingut Tement SAND & SCHIEFER Gelber Muskateller

Visit Aldo at Le Bernardin or the Aldo Sohm Wine Bar in NYC & Check out his book Wine Simple!

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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.

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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 of Sales & Marketing at Château d’Esclans, joins us to uncork the story behind one of the world’s most iconic pink wines. We dive into his unexpected path into the wine world, how rosé rose to stardom, and why Whispering Angel stands out in a sea of pink. Paul shares insights on making wine more inclusive, pushing boundaries with winemaking techniques, and why rosé is no longer just a summer fling. We also chat perfect pairings and the magic of connecting generations, one glass at a time.

Wines Tasted

Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 

Château d’Esclans Garrus Rose

Takeaways

• Paul Chevalier's journey into winemaking began in France at a young age.
• Whispering Angel has grown to be a leading rosé brand globally.
• The name 'Whispering Angel' was inspired by cherubs in a chapel.
• Rosé has evolved from a sweet reputation to a sophisticated choice.
• Inclusivity is key to attracting younger generations to wine.
• Whispering Angel pairs well with a variety of cuisines.
• The Garrus represents a new, innovative style of rosé that is bolder and age-worthy

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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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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 more love. She also gets candid about bringing younger generations into the wine fold and shares straight-up wisdom for women ready to make their mark in the world of winemaking. Cheers to bold moves and better blends! 

Takeaways

• Sally swapped corporate life for the vineyard, building Château Georges 7 from scratch
• The winery’s name reflects a blend of tradition, innovation, and a lucky number
• Located in Fronsac, the château is known for elegant, Merlot-driven wines
• Her white blends—Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon—deliver unexpected freshness
• The tasting room experience is tailored to each visitor, not one-size-fits-all
• Autonomy and purpose are the driving forces behind her second-act success
• Her advice to women: it’s never too late to follow your passion—especially if it involves wine

Check out Chateau George 7's Website HERE and find out more about Sally and her book Midlife Move HERE

Support the show

SUPPORT the show by sending a small donation to help us offset the costs of production...you'll get a shout out on the show and get special subscriber only benefits. Subscribe Today!

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