Girl Meets Glass: Tanisha Townsend’s Paris Wine Journey

SummaryIn this episode, Laurie Forster sits down with Bartholomew Broadbent for a lively conversation about his remarkable path in the wine world. From his family’s legendary influence to his own trailblazing ventures, Bartholomew shares insights on how wine culture has evolved, the buzz around English sparkling wines, and the fast-growing demand for non-alcoholic options. He talks about his mission to create high-quality yet affordable California wines, clears up misconceptions about sulfites, and reflects on the personal relationships and guiding values that continue to shape his work in the industry. TakeawaysBartholomew Broadbent reflects on his family's wine legacy.English sparkling wines are gaining popularity and quality.Quality and affordability are key in Bartholomew's new California wines.Sulfites are not the cause of headaches from wine consumption.Additives in wine can lead to negative reactions for some drinkers.Chateau Musar is a prime example of natural winemaking.Bartholomew aims to make wine accessible to everyone.Personal connections and values are crucial in the wine business.Wines TastedGusbourne Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine Broadbent North Coast ChardonnayBroadbent North Coast Cabernet SauvignonCheck out the Broadbent Selections website for more about the wines he imports and his own line of wines!Support the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Want to go to Tuscany with Laurie in October of 2026? email [email protected] for a brochure and join us for an info session on 9/28 to find out more REGISTER HERE SummaryLaurie Forster, The Wine Coach, sits down with Angus Rittenburg, founder of Wynk, to explore the rise of THC-infused beverages. Angus shares how Wynk’s innovative technology creates crisp, zero-calorie drinks with unique flavors, while also unpacking the importance of dosing, consumer education, and navigating cannabis regulations. From flavor to function, this conversation reveals why THC drinks are becoming a refreshing alternative to alcohol—and what’s next for Wynk as it expands across the U.S. TakeawaysLow-dose THC beverages offer a refreshing alternative to alcohol.Every can of Wynk is zero-calorie and made with all-natural ingredients.Flavors are crafted to taste exactly as promised—no surprises.THC in beverages is absorbed more quickly than in traditional edibles.Beginners should start low and sip slow when trying THC drinks.Wynk comes in 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg options to fit different comfort levels.Wynks TastedMandarin Pomelo 5mgTangerine 2.5 or 5mgRaspberry Lemonade 10mgFind out more about Wynk drink at: https://drinkwynk.com/Support the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Want to go to Tuscany with Laurie in October of 2026? email [email protected] for a brochure and join us for an info session on 9/28 to find out more REGISTER HERE SummaryLaurie Forster sits down with Mark Davidson, one of the world’s leading experts on Australian wine, to bust common myths and dive into the country’s rich and evolving wine scene. Its not all Shiraz these days and Laurie introduces you to 2 of her favorite wines from down under. Mark reveals the diversity and complexity of Australia’s vineyards and the role of Wine Australia in shaping global perception. He shares his personal journey into the wine world, insights from his acclaimed book The Wines of Australia, and highlights the new generation of winemakers who are redefining what Australian wine means today. Takeaways• Mark Davidson’s love affair with wine started with one unforgettable sip: a 1971 Chambolle-Musigny. • Forget the stereotypes: Australian wine is not just “cheap and cheerful” or “big and bold.” • Aussie Riesling? Crisp, dry, and complex—not the sugar bomb people assume. • Chardonnay in Australia has leveled up, now delivering elegance, balance, and world-class complexity. • Southern Mediterranean grapes like Fiano and Vermentino are thriving down under and reshaping Australia’s wine identity. • Producers like Unico Zelo are breaking the mold with innovative wines crafted from Italian varietals.  • Want to go deeper? Resources like Mark’s book The Wines of Australia & Australian Wine Discovered make learning about Australian wine accessible and exciting.Wines TastedPewsey Vale Estate Riesling 2024Unico Zelo Truffle Hound Red 2022Support the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Want to go to Tuscany with Laurie in October of 2026? email [email protected] for a brochure and join us for an info session on 9/28 to find out more REGISTER HERE SummaryLaurie Forster, The Wine Coach, pulls up a glass with Natalie from Vintage 414 Wine Bar in Cambridge, MD to swap stories, spill secrets, and sip on a few affordable wines from South Africa—including the ones they’d pick for their “last meal” lineup. From underrated wine regions to the unstoppable rise of rosé, they cover it all with equal parts expertise and humor. You’ll hear insider tips on corkage etiquette, the ripple effect of tariffs, and why natural wines stir up so much buzz. Plus, Natalie dishes on the hidden gems pouring at Vintage 414, while both confess to their guilty-pleasure wines. It’s equal parts education and entertainment—like your favorite night at the Vintage 414 wine bar, only on demand. Takeaways – Your “death row wine” says a lot about the bottles that shaped your story. – Barolo holds a special place as a milestone wine for both Laurie and Natalie. – Italian whites like Fiano and Falanghina deserve way more love. – Knowing the corkage rules can make dining out smoother (and cheaper). – Natural wines bring wild yeast, no sugar, and plenty of personality. – Fun, relatable wine descriptions beat snobby jargon every time. – Guilty pleasure wines? Embrace them—no shame in the game. – A trusted wine retailer can be your secret weapon for better bottles. Wines TastedRiebeek Chenin Blanc $13Rustenberg Petit Verdot Rose $16Natte Valleij Nat Pinotage $18Check out Vintage 414 Wine Bar HERE or go visit Natalie in Cambridge, Maryland!Support the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Want to go to Tuscany with Laurie in October of 2026? email [email protected] for a brochure and join us for an info session on 9/28 to find out more REGISTER HERE SummaryGraham Nordin of Latitude Wines uncorks his inspiring path into the wine world, rooted in family traditions and a deep respect for education in the craft. He reveals how Latitude Wines is shaking up the industry with Frugalpac’s eco-friendly packaging—proof that sustainability and great taste can share the same bottle. Along the way, Graham pops a few persistent wine myths, reminding us that great wine doesn’t have to break the bank and is best enjoyed with good company. He wraps things up with his go-to summer sips—light, bright, and perfect for sunny days. TakeawaysGraham’s wine journey began early, planting the seeds of a lifelong passion.Latitude Wines in partnership with Frigalpac is rewriting the rules with sustainable, game-changing packaging.Eco-friendly wine packaging is no longer optional—it’s the future.Learning about wine pulls back the curtain, making the industry less intimidating.Summer calls for wines that are light, crisp, and unapologetically refreshing.Wines TastedCollective Good Sauvignon BlancCollective Good Pinot GrigioCollective Good Red BlendCollective Good CabernetRead more about Collective Goods wine debut and see if you can purchase at a Target near you HERESupport the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

SummaryOn 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.TakeawaysEpisode 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 TastedGruner VeltlinerSauvignon BlancJules RoseCheck out Jules' website and learn more about her inspiring story HERESupport the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

Register for Laurie's upcoming tasting Fall in Love with The Rhone on September 24th at 7PM ET!SummaryWhat 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 TastedSmith Story Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, CABrave Red 2024, Carbonic Grenache, Sonoma County, CASmith Story Filigreen Farm Pinot Noir , Anderson Valley, CACheck out the Domaine de Brave Gifts Boxes and SmithStoryWines.com Support the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysGarth'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 TastedDomaine Mea "Sig"Nature $69Domaine Mea Le Grillon $69Check out Garth on Instagram HERE and get all the detail on his wine club Champagne Happy Hour HERESupport the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

SummaryOn 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. TakeawaysTanisha’s journey from the U.S. to Paris and how she turned her passion for wine into a careerWine as a connector—and its powerful role in bringing people togetherCurrent wine trends in Paris, including natural wines and single-serving packagingThe importance of moderation and how French and American wine cultures differWines TastedArnaud Lambert Saumur Blanc Les ParcellesDomaine Benoit Gautier Argilex VouvrayVisit Tanisha's website: GirlMeetsGlass.com Check out Laurie's upcoming events: TheWineCoach.com/eventsSupport the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster

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 HERESummaryWhat 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 NoirOregogne Pinot NoirCheck 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 HERESupport the showSUPPORT 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 @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster