Blackleaf Vodka Founders on Building an Organic, Sustainable Spirits Brand + Holiday Cocktail Ideas

Looking for last minute gift ideas? Visit TheWineCoachClub.com for Laurie's Wine Picks & Packs. Use Code FORSTERCOACH for free shipping.Don't forget that experiences last longer than things...check out Laurie's Event Calendar for some great upcoming events in February, March and beyond!In this episode, Laurie sits down with Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, co-founders of Blackleaf Vodka, to talk about what it really takes to build an organic vodka brand in a crowded spirits market. From the story behind the Blackleaf name to their mission-driven focus on sustainability, Kevin and Monté share how quality, values, and accessibility can coexist in a premium spirit—no snobbery required.The conversation dives into the realities of launching and growing a vodka brand, navigating the alcohol industry, and why thoughtful sourcing and eco-conscious practices matter more than ever to today’s consumers. Plus, just in time for entertaining season, the duo shares festive cocktail ideas and hosting inspiration designed to help you create memorable moments with friends and family—because great drinks are really about great experiences.Cocktail Recipes:Blackleaf Pineapple Mule2 oz Blackleaf Organic Vodka2 oz Pineapple juice, chilled0.5 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice3 oz Chilled ginger beer (Fever-Tree or Barritt's are recommended)Ice cubesGarnish: Pineapple wedge or slice, lime wheel, and/or a sprig of fresh mintInstructionsFill a copper mug or cocktail glass generously with ice.Pour in the vodka, pineapple juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice.Top the mixture with chilled ginger beer.Stir gently to combine the ingredients.Garnish with a pineapple wedge, a lime wheel, and a sprig of fresh mint. Smacking the mint between your palms before adding helps release its aroma. Blackleaf Expresso Martini2 oz Blackleaf Vodka 1 oz Freshly brewed Espresso (chilled) or Cold Brew Concentrate0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur (Mr. Black, Kahlúa, or Borghetti)0.5 oz Simple Syrup (optional, for sweetness)IceInstructionsChill Glass: Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer.Combine: Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, simple syrup (if using), and ice to a cocktail shaker.Shake Vigorously: Shake hard for 15-20 seconds to create froth.Strain: Fine-strain into your chilled glass.Garnish: Add garnish (e.g., three coffee beans). Support the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Looking for a great holiday gift for the wine lover on your list? Check out the Bubbly Pack or the Rhone Valley Pack that Laurie chose for $80 with FREE shipping if you use code FORSTERCOACH Order your Wine Packs at TheWineCoachClub.comLaurie Forster sits down with culinary tastemaker Chadwick Boyd for a festive chat about holiday entertaining that’s joyful, budget-friendly, and blissfully simple. Chadwick shares his journey from farm kid to celebrated food influencer, then walks listeners through standout recipes from his holiday guide—think holiday jam and cheese windows, Gruyère date–prosciutto bites, and his irresistible chocolate biscuit bark. Laurie adds wine pairings and gift ideas to round out the celebration, making this episode your go-to guide for cooking, sipping, and savoring the season with the people you love. Takeaways • Chadwick’s culinary roots began in a family that celebrated life through food • Great cooking comes from simple moments and quality ingredients • Holiday entertaining can be easy, fun, and accessible • Wine and non-alcoholic options both elevate the celebration • Thoughtful food-centric gifts make the season special • Memorable, unfussy dishes delight guests • Sharing food with your community enriches the experience Chadwick's Holiday Guide with Recipes: CLICK HERETo get the Effie's Biscuits the recipes call for go to EffiesHomemade.com. Use code FreeShipCB to get free shipping. Chadwick's Gifts for the Food Lovers in Your Life: CLICK HEREWines TastedDr Loosen Dry RieslingGeorges Duboeuf Beaujolais NouveauBanfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d'AcquiSupport the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Join Laurie on 12/10 for Bubbly Bash 2025 where she will feature 3 of her favorite bubblies for the holidays and beyond! Register today and invite your friends over for a Sparkling evening. Click HERE for details & TicketsIn this episode, Laurie sits down with Jimmy Stovall, the CEO of Corky’s Barbecue, whose rise from drive-thru kid to the leader of a Memphis legend is the stuff of smoky, slow-cooked dreams. Jimmy dishes on Memphis barbecue, why tradition still matters at the holiday table, and how a perfectly paired wine can take those iconic flavors to the next level. He also pulls back the curtain on his two decades as a QVC favorite and shares how passion, hospitality, and a whole lot of heart shaped his journey. Tune in hungry—this one brings the heat.TakeawaysJimmy Stovall's journey from drive-through to CEO of Corky's BBQ is inspiring.Corky's holiday meal on QVC.com offering ships on 12/15 and can be ordered Click HEREWine pairings can enhance the holiday meal experience.Traditional dishes are the focus in the Corky's holiday meal offerings on QVC.Corky's success is rooted in a love for Memphis BBQ. You can visit Corky's at one of 8 locations check them out at CorkysBBQ.comWines TastedElk Cove Pinot Gris, OregonOne Stone Pinot Noir, CaliforniaLaurie's Bubbly Bash Pack has arrived! Check out the 3 bubblies she chose for $80 with FREE shipping if you use code FORSTERCOACH Order your Bubbly Pack at TheWineCoachClub.comSupport the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

In this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster shares her top wine picks for Thanksgiving, including a white wine, a sparkling wine, and a red wine. Laurie Forster also interviews Nikki Lamberti, a former Disney employee turned wine educator and entrepreneur. They discuss Nikki's journey from the East Coast to Napa Valley, her passion for wine, and the creation of her own winery, Sollevato Wines. The conversation also delves into the tasting of Nikki's Sangiovese, the branding of her wine, and her podcast, Sip with Nikki, which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode highlights the joy of wine, the importance of community, and the excitement of pursuing one's passion.TakeawaysNikki transitioned from a successful career at Disney to pursue her passion for wine.Her love for wine was cultivated during her travels with Disney Cruise Line.The name 'Sollevato' translates to 'joyful' in Italian, reflecting her journey.Nikki's first vintage was produced in 2019, marking the start of her winery.She emphasizes the importance of education in winemaking, attending UC Davis for a certificate.Nikki's Sangiovese is sourced from a specific vineyard known for its quality.Her podcast, Sip with Nikki, started as a way to engage with customers during COVID.Nikki's journey reflects the joy and community found in the world of wine.Wines Tasted 2021 Sollevato Sangiovese, Sonoma CountyUse code PodListener for 10% off any purchase at Sollevato WinesSupport the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Laurie's Bubbly Bash Pack has arrived! Check out the 3 bubblies she chose for $80 with FREE shipping if you use code FORSTERCOACH Order your Bubbly Pack at TheWineCoachClub.comJoin Laurie Forster as she sits down with Andrea Feugueur for a journey that starts in New York’s wine world and lands in the heart of Paris with the legendary Duboeuf family. Andrea opens up about her path into the French wine industry, the heritage behind Georges Duboeuf’s iconic bottles, and what makes Macon Villages and Saint-Amour so beloved. With Beaujolais Nouveau Day arriving tomorrow, you'll also get the inside scoop on the celebration that turns the wine world into one big party. A perfect listen for anyone who loves French wine, great stories, and a little holiday-in-a-glass excitement. Takeaways Andrea Feugueur shares her journey from New York’s wine scene to working with the iconic Duboeuf family in Paris. Georges Duboeuf’s legacy continues to shape how the world discovers and enjoys French wine. Macon Villages stands out for its fresh, vibrant Chardonnay with a distinctly Burgundian soul. Saint-Amour offers one of Beaujolais’ most expressive and romantic Gamays. Beaujolais Nouveau Day (tomorrow!) remains one of France’s most festive wine traditions — and a global celebration of the new vintage. The Duboeuf family helped elevate Beaujolais Nouveau into an international cultural moment. Wines TastedMâcon-Villages Blanc Domaine Les ChenevieresSaint-Amour Château De Saint AmourGet out there and celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau and let me know what you think of the 2025 vintage!Support the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Laurie's Bubbly Bash Pack has arrived! Check out the 3 bubblies she chose for $80 with FREE shipping if you use code FORSTERCOACH Order your Bubbly Pack at TheWineCoachClub.comIn this Thanksgiving special, Laurie and Chef Michael Forster tackle the turkey myths that trip up even seasoned home cooks. From those sneaky pop-up timers you shouldn’t trust to the real magic number for juicy perfection (hint: it’s 155°F), they dish out the truth behind a flawless bird. Plus, Laurie pours her top wine picks for the holiday table and the duo answers listener questions that’ll make your feast the best yet. Thanksgiving Recipes & Videos: https://thewinecoach.com/index.php/thanksgiving/Takeaways: Those pop-up timers? Cute, but not trustworthy.Check the temp near the thickest part of the rear leg for the real story.Pull that bird at 155°F carryover cooking will do the rest, taking it right to 165°F safely.Carving the bird is not what you might think. Check out Chef's video tutorial on how to carve like a pro here: https://youtu.be/cGTGzPw15A4With the right prep, holiday cooking can actually be fun.Wines Tasted:Dr Frank Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, NYOne Stone Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo, CASupport the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

SummaryIn this episode, certified sommelier and cultural tastemaker Cha McCoy uncorks a fresh perspective on the world of wine. As founder of The Communion dinner series and author of the newly released book Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond (released yesterday), Cha challenges long-held wine stereotypes and invites us to reimagine how wine fits into our everyday lives. She shares how cultural connection, inclusivity, and curiosity can make wine more meaningful—one glass and one story at a time. Takeaways • Wine isn’t just about regions and ratings—it’s about people, culture, and connection. • Cha McCoy is rewriting the rules of wine by making it inclusive, approachable, and rooted in community. • Pairing wine with global cuisines opens new doors to flavor and understanding. • Breaking stereotypes in the wine world means making space for every palate and perspective. • Her new book Wine Pairing for the People (out November 4th) is both a celebration and a call to action for a more diverse wine culture. Check out Cha's book Wine Pairing for the People and consider expanding your wine pairing journey to include cuisines from Africa, Asia, Caribbean and more!Support the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Laurie's Bubbly Bash Wine Pack has been released! Order yours for her upcoming tasting or to enjoy with friends and family at the holidays and beyond: www.thewinecoachclub.com SummaryIn this episode, Alessandra Casini Bindi Sergardi shares her family's rich legacy in winemaking, rooted in Tuscany since 1349. She discusses the unique characteristics of Chianti Classico wines, including the importance of Sangiovese grapes, and the significance of food pairing in Italian culture. The conversation also delves into the distinctions between Chianti Classico, Riserva, and Gran Selezione wines, highlighting their aging processes and flavor profiles. Alessandra emphasizes the role of women in her family's history and the importance of sustainability in winemaking, while also touching on the heritage of Nobile di Montepulciano wines.TakeawaysAlessandra's family has been producing wine since 1349.Chianti Classico is the first defined wine territory in the world.Sangiovese grapes express the land's characteristics.Wine is an integral part of Italian meals and culture.Riserva wines must age at least 24 months before release.Gran Selezione represents the highest quality in Chianti Classico.The black rooster emblem signifies membership in the Chianti Classico consortium.Women have played a crucial role in the family's winemaking legacy.Wines TastedBindi Sergardi La Ghirlanda Chianti Classico DOCGBindi Sergardi I Colli Chianti Classico Riserva DOCGBindi Sergardi Mocenni 89 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCGCheck out the Bindi Sergardi website for more about the winery, Alessandra and her family& more!Support the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Check out Laurie's upcoming events: 11/5 Uncork The Holidays Tasting (Easton, MD)12/10 Bubbly Bash 2025 Tasting (Virtual)October 2026: Treasures of Tuscany Wine Tour - 3 spots left!SummaryIn this episode of The Sipping Point, I sit down with Napa legend Tor Kenward, whose name is practically woven into the vines of California wine history. Tor shares stories from his incredible journey in the wine world—from his early days in Napa to creating his own acclaimed label. We talk about his deep love for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, the unpredictable hand of Mother Nature, and why great wine is as much about relationships as it is about terroir.Tor also opens up about the newly released second edition of his book, Reflections of a Vintner: Stories and Seasonal Wisdom from a Lifetime in Napa Valley, out this month. It’s a beautiful look at the heart and soul of Napa—told through his eyes and decades of experience. We also chat myths, balance, and the art of pairing wine without pretension—plus a few stories that could only come from a lifetime spent alongside the icons of Napa Valley.TakeawaysGreat wine is built on great relationships. Chardonnay got a bad rap thanks to overproduction—but the good ones still shine.Natural winemaking is really just knowing when not to meddle. Mother Nature always has the final say on a vintage.When it comes to food and wine pairings, flexibility is the real secret sauce & a little salt can make your wine sing.Resilience is as essential as good soil.Wines TastedTor Cuvee Susan Hyde Vineyard ChardonnayTor Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard Cabernet SauvignonTor Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet SauvignonCheck out the 2nd edition of Tor's book on Amazon or wherever you buy your books!Support the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

SummaryIn this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster sits down with Kimberly Noelle Charles, a marketing visionary and co-founder of Come Together – A Community for Wine, to uncork the story behind her remarkable career and the inspiration for the Come Over October movement. Together, they explore how wine can break down barriers, spark connection, and turn simple gatherings into unforgettable experiences. From pairing insights to myth-busting moments, Laurie and Kimberly celebrate a more inclusive, joyful approach to wine—one that reminds us it’s not about perfection, it’s about coming together, glass in hand. TakeawaysKimberly’s wine journey began as a college sommelier, blending curiosity with hospitality.Wine connects effortlessly to history, science, and culture—making every pour a lesson in life.The Come Over October campaign inspires people to open bottles and open conversations. Wine’s true magic lies in how it brings people and memories together. Sparkling wine deserves a seat at every table—not just the celebration one. You don’t need credentials to appreciate wine—just curiosity and good company.Wines TastedGruet Brut Sparkling WineFox Run Unoaked ChardonnayCheck out Laurie's upcoming Wine Events & Tours:11/5 - Uncork the Holidays at The Ivy Cafe in Easton, MD12/10 - Bubbly Bash 2025 Virtual Tasting10/12-17, 2026 Treasures of Tuscany Wine TourSupport the showFollow 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster