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:
Instagram @thewinecoach
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

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, emphasizing the joy of sharing simple meals and wines with friends and family. The discussion highlights how wine serves as a connector, breaking down barriers and creating community. They also explore the psychological benefits of social gatherings and a call to celebrate community through shared experiences around wine. Share & Pair Sundays kicked off on May 3rd and runs till June 28th.

Takeaways

• Wine and food create connections among people.
• Share and Pair Sundays encourages informal gatherings.
• Wine serves as a great connector in social settings.
• Mood should guide wine choices more than food pairings.
• Wine has a long history of communal significance.
• Celebrating togetherness is essential for happiness.

Check out all things Share & Pair Sundays on their website and connect with them on Instagram @shareandpairsundays. Karen MacNeil's book The Wine Bible is available on Amazon.com or wherever you buy your books.

Laurie's Wine

Bodegas Ego Goru Verde Jumilla Red $13.99

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 Treasures of Tuscany Wine Tour this October.

Join us for a conversation with Katie Santora, head winemaker at Chehalem Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Katie shares her journey from Utah to wine country, how she blends science with intuition in the cellar, and her approach to crafting balanced, food-friendly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Along the way, we explore Oregon’s unique terroir, the evolution of winemaking techniques, and what’s next for the industry.

In this episode:

•  Katie’s unexpected path into wine and what sparked her passion 
•  Why real-world experience often trumps textbook winemaking
•  The story behind Chehalem and its role in shaping Oregon wine
•  How Willamette Valley soils influence Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
•  Crafting expressive, single-vineyard wines and finding the right balance with oak
•  Rethinking Oregon Pinot Noir—structure, versatility, and common misconceptions

Wines Tasted:

Chehalem Estate Chardonnay

Chehalem Pinot Noir Rose 

Chehalem Estate 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:
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 the Wine Meets its Match tasting at The Ivy Cafe in Easton, MD on April 22nd.

Cocktails without the stress? Yes, please. In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Incropera of Craftmix to talk about how a simple idea—making great cocktails easier—turned into a fast-growing beverage brand. We get into the real story behind the product, from early trial-and-error to what it takes to stand out in a crowded drinks market.

We also dig into what today’s drinkers actually want (hint: it’s not complicated), the rise of low-calorie and mocktail options, and how Craftmix is building a loyal community along the way.

If you’ve ever wished you could make a great cocktail anywhere—without dragging half your bar with you—this one’s for you.

Key Topics

From Kitchen Experiment to Cocktail Disruptor
How Craftmix went from DIY mixes at home to a brand shaking up the drinks space.

What Makes It Different
Natural ingredients, low sugar, and cocktails that travel better than your suitcase.

Flavors That Actually Make You Curious
From Passion Fruit Paloma to seasonal drops like Apple Cider—what’s working and what surprised them.

Cocktails at 30,000 Feet
Partnerships with airlines and the bigger push toward sustainability and smart packaging.

Building a Brand People Actually Care About
Why community, personality, and vibe matter just as much as what’s in the packet.

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 the Wine Meets its Match tasting at The Ivy Cafe in Easton, MD on April 22nd.

What happens when a casual group chat turns into a canned cocktail brand?

In this episode, Treena Clampitt shares how My5 Vibes went from a fun idea among friends to a fast-growing Maryland-based beverage company. From navigating the maze of alcohol regulations to creating fresh, low-sugar vodka cocktails inspired by nostalgic flavors (yes, Maryland egg custard snowballs included), Treena pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to launch—and grow—a beverage brand while still working a full-time job.

We dive into the wins, the roadblocks, and the behind-the-scenes hustle of building something from scratch, plus how community, creativity, and a little fearless experimentation helped bring My5 Vibes to life.

If you’ve ever had a “what if we actually did this?” idea… this episode might be your sign.

Key Takeaways

• How a group text sparked the idea for My5 Vibes 
• The Maryland snowball flavor that started it all 
•  Creating natural, low-sugar vodka RTD cocktails 
•  What no one tells you about alcohol licensing and regulations 
•  Navigating the three-tier system without losing your mind 
•  The unexpected joy—and chaos—of building a business from scratch

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 the Wine Meets its Match tasting at The Ivy Cafe in Easton, MD on April 22nd.

Think all California wine tastes the same? Not even close.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristina Shideler, head winemaker at Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, to break down what really sets mountain-grown wines apart—and why Sonoma is full of surprises.

Kristina takes us from her science-driven start to crafting wines at high elevations, where vineyard site, climate, and timing aren’t just details—they’re everything. We get into what mountain fruit actually tastes like, why “bigger isn’t always better,” and how thoughtful winemaking lets the vineyard lead.

We also talk about pushing boundaries (hello Assyrtiko), the truth about price vs. quality, and how to actually pair these wines without overthinking it.

If you’ve ever wondered what you’re really tasting in the glass… this one’s for you.

In this episode we cover:

•  Kristina’s journey from science and global travel into winemaking
•  How European wine culture shaped her perspective on terroir
•  What makes mountain vineyards so different—soil, elevation, and microclimates
•  How Stonestreet’s extreme vineyard diversity shows up in the glass
•  Why planting grapes like Assyrtiko could be the future of California wine
•  How native yeast, harvest timing, and restraint let the vineyard shine
•  The real difference between everyday wine and age-worthy bottles
•  Easy food pairings for Chardonnay and white blends (no stress required)
•  How long you can age Stonestreet Cabernet—and why it’s worth the wait
•  The biggest myth about California wine—and why it needs to go 

Wines Tasted

Stonestreet White Blend 2025

Stonestreet Chardonnay 2021

Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

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 the Wine Meets its Match tasting at The Ivy Cafe in Easton, MD on April 22nd.

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, and the significance of their signature Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. Kim emphasizes the importance of family ownership in maintaining quality and authenticity in winemaking, and she invites listeners to experience the welcoming atmosphere of Dry Creek Vineyard.

Takeaways

• Dry Creek Vineyard has a rich family legacy, with roots tracing back to Kim's father.
• The nautical theme of the winery's branding reflects a family love for sailing.
• Sauvignon Blanc is a signature wine for Dry Creek Vineyard, with a unique style.
• Family ownership is crucial for maintaining quality in winemaking.
• The term 'old vines' is often misused in the wine industry.
• The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences and events.
• Claudine, a vintage French delivery truck, serves as a mobile wine bar at the winery.

Wines Tasted

Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel 2022

Visit DryCreekVineyard.com for more about the winery, to order wines and get info about upcoming events.

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 the Wine Meets its Match tasting at The Ivy Cafe in Easton, MD on April 22nd.

Step into the stories behind some of the world’s most fascinating wines with Ray Isle, author of The World in a Wineglass and longtime Executive Wine Editor at Food & Wine. In this episode, Ray shares how he first fell in love with wine, what inspired his new book, and the unforgettable people and places that have shaped his journey through the wine world.

Along the way, we unpack what terms like sustainability, organic, and biodynamic really mean in the vineyard—and why they matter to the wines in your glass. Ray also shares practical tips to help you taste wine more thoughtfully and discover bottles that truly tell a story.

Check out Ray's book The World in a Wine Glass at your local bookstore or at Amazon.com

Topics Covered

• Ray Isle’s personal journey from Texas to wine expert
• The inspiration behind The World in a Wine Glass
• Clarifying sustainability, organic, and biodynamic wine practices
• The impact of terroir and regional wine profiles
• Dispelling common wine myths, including sulfites and wine headaches
• The role of transparency and labeling in wine production
• The differences between natural and conventional wines

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 the Wine Meets its Match tasting at The Ivy Cafe in Easton, MD on April 22nd.

Step behind the scenes of the restaurant world with legendary New York restaurateur Drew Nieporent, the visionary behind iconic dining destinations like Nobu and Tribeca Grill. In this episode, Drew shares stories from more than four decades in hospitality—building groundbreaking restaurants, working with celebrities, and helping shape the modern dining scene.

From unforgettable guest encounters to the art of great hospitality, Drew reveals what really happens behind the dining room doors and how the restaurant industry has evolved over the years. Along the way, we talk about legendary wine moments, restaurant trends, and the delicate balance between giving guests what they want… even when they start with, “I’m not trying to be difficult, but…”

Whether you’re a wine lover, food enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a great restaurant story, this episode is packed with insider tales, humor, and a few lessons from one of the industry’s true pioneers. 

Check out Drew's book I'm not Trying to Be Difficult: Restaurant Stories from the Trenches for more great restaurant stories!

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