Inside the Restaurant World: Drew Nieporent on Nobu, Tribeca Grill & 40 Years of Hospitality

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 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

On this episode, Laurie Forster welcomes Doreen Winkler from Orange Glou, a New York City store specializing in orange wine. They explore the history and rising popularity of orange wine, its unique characteristics, and the importance of education in the wine community. Doreen shares insights from her experience as a sommelier and discusses two distinct orange wines during a tasting session. Takeaways:Orange wine has a rich history dating back over 8,000 years.The production of orange wine is similar to red wine, using white grapes.Natural wines are gaining popularity and recognition in the wine community.Doreen emphasizes the importance of education about orange wine.Orange wine can have a wide range of flavors and styles.Pairing orange wine with food enhances the tasting experience.The Orange Wine Fair showcases a variety of orange wines and producers.Doreen's passion for orange wine drives her business and educational efforts.The terroir significantly influences the characteristics of orange wine.Orange Wine Club (Ships to 44 states, 3, 6 or 12)https://www.orangeglou.com/collections/o-g-wine-clubSupport 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 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 of The Sipping Point, I sit down with Carrie Gurule, Head Winemaker at Gruet Winery, to explore her journey from New Mexico native to global student of winemaking. Carrie has trained under French, Italian, New Zealand, and American winemakers, bringing an international perspective to Gruet’s traditional Champagne-style sparkling wines.We dive into what makes New Mexico a surprising powerhouse for bubbles, the precision behind méthode champenoise production, and the science of cellar management, quality control, and yeast development (yes — we talk about her love of “making new yeast babies”). Carrie also shares what it means to be the first female winemaker in Gruet’s history and advice for other women considering wine as a career.Wines TastedGruet Winery Brut NVSauvage Rose (no dosage added)Check out the Gruet Winery Website to learn more about their story and the wines they craft in New Mexico.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 all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including my wine comedy show Wine & Punchlines on 2/27 in Bridgeville, DE.In this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie sits down with Gus Kalaris—founder of Constantine Wines and the visionary behind Axios Napa Valley—to talk about what’s really happening in the wine world right now. From shifting wine trends to the myths that just won’t die, Gus brings decades of experience as an importer, distributor, and luxury wine brand founder to the table.We dive into the evolution of premium wine, what consumers are getting right (and very wrong), and how Axios became one of Napa’s most respected luxury labels. Plus, we explore Gus’s passion for crafting a Pomerol-style red blend from his Calistoga estate and how heritage, philanthropy, and long-term vision shape his approach to wine.If you love insider insights, myth-busting, and a great Napa story—this episode is for you. 🍷Wines TastedTruth Alexander Valley ChardonnayTruth Carneros Pinot NoirTruth Napa Valley Cabernet SauvignonCheck out https://www.axioswine.com/ to learn more about the winery or order any of the wines Gus & Laurie tasted!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 all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including Sip & Style in Oxford, MD on 2/26 and Wine & Punchlines on 2/27 in Bridgeville, DE.In this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster sits down with Mary Taylor, founder of Mary Taylor Wine, to explore how she built a groundbreaking import company centered on authentic, affordable European wines. Mary shares how her passion for travel and discovery led her to create a négociant-style model that spotlights small, independent growers and puts their names—rather than flashy brands—front and center.We dive into what terroir really means, why biodiversity in the vineyard matters more than ever, and how traditional winemaking practices across France, Spain, and Italy are shaping some of today’s best values. Mary also unpacks the realities of navigating the U.S. wine market, including how tariffs and global economics impact pricing—and how she continues to deliver exceptional quality without sacrificing integrity.From uncovering lesser-known grape varieties to championing family-owned wineries, Mary’s mission is clear: make honest, place-driven wines accessible to everyday drinkers. The conversation wraps with her personal wine favorites and the pure joy of exploring new regions, grapes, and flavors—because great wine should feel like a passport in a glass.Wines TastedMary Taylor Anjou BlancMary Taylor Castilla y LeonMary Taylor MachuelaSupport 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 all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including Sip & Style in Oxford, MD on 2/26 and Wine & Punchlines on 2/27 in Bridgeville, DE.In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Johnson of Spy Valley Wines for a thoughtful and refreshingly honest conversation about family, place, and the future of wine. Amanda shares the story behind her family’s winemaking journey, what makes Spy Valley’s wines so distinctive, and why sustainability isn’t a trend for them—it’s a responsibility. We dive into how thoughtful viticulture shows up in the glass, exploring the vibrant character of their Sauvignon Blanc and the elegance of their Pinot Noir, while also touching on the exciting shifts happening across the wine world right now. It’s a conversation rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and grounded in deep respect for the land.Check out the Spy Valley Winery website for more about the winery, wines & their sustainability efforts.WInes TastedSpy Valley Sauvignon BlancSpy Valley Pinot NoirLearn more about the Marlborough region at AppellationMarlborough.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

Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including a few spaces still left in her Tuscany tour this October!In this episode Laurie Forster sits down with Allister Ashmead of Elderton Wines for a conversation that may just change how you think about Australian wine. Allister shares the remarkable family history behind Elderton, from historic Barossa vineyards to a modern, sustainability-focused winery, while unpacking some of the biggest misconceptions that still surround Australian wines today. The discussion dives into what truly sets Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon apart, why old-vine vineyards matter, and the story behind Elderton’s iconic Command Shiraz. Along the way, Laurie and Allister talk candidly about family dynamics in a multi-generational wine business, personal wine preferences, and the result is an eye-opening, approachable look at the depth, diversity, and undeniable quality of Australian wine.Wines TastedElderton Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $33Elderton Command Shiraz 2018 $90Support 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

This episode of The Sipping Point dives into one of Maryland’s most iconic pairings—wine and oysters—through the lens of the new Sip & Shuck promotion launching February 1st. Joined by Matthew Scales of the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Regina McCarthy, General Manager of The Vineyards at Dodon, we explore how Maryland wine, beer, and spirits come together with local oysters to celebrate the state’s rich food and beverage culture. From why oysters and wine work so well together to how consumers can sip, shuck, and win prizes along the way, this conversation is a delicious look at eating and drinking local—Maryland style. Check out all the details on Maryland Sip& Shuck and download to app so you can start sipping and winning prizes: https://marylandsbest.maryland.gov/sipandshuck/Wines TastedDodon Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $36Dodon Chardonnay 2022 $34Use code OYSTER for discounted shipping rates when you purchase wine at https://www.dodonvineyards.com/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 all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including a few spaces still left in her Tuscany tour this October!In this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster sits down with Ken MacKenzie, founder of Fresh Victor, to talk tequila, mixers, and the power of great ingredients to bring people together. Ken shares how a move to Guadalajara sparked a deep appreciation for tequila culture and set him on a path from importing premium agave spirits to creating a premium line of all-natural, cold-pressed mixers designed to elevate every pour. They explore the evolution of tequila in the U.S., the challenges of maintaining freshness and quality at scale, and why real ingredients matter—whether you’re mixing cocktails, low-alcohol drinks, or going spirit-free. The conversation also dives into flavor versatility, the rise of non-alcoholic options, and Ken’s bigger vision of creating meaningful connections through thoughtfully made drinks, one glass at a time. Check out all the amazing cocktail mixers at FreshVictor.com and use code WINECOACH20 to get 20% off sitewide!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 all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including a few spaces still left in her Tuscany tour this October!In this episode, David Kong shares how he went from finance to founding Glasvin, the wine glass brand redefining how wine should actually taste. We dig into why glass construction matters more than most people realize, how the right shape can elevate the entire tasting experience, and what separates a great wine glass from the ones quietly sabotaging your favorite bottle. David also talks about expanding the Glasvin lineup, proper care and maintenance (yes, your dishwasher has opinions), and why the brand has become a go-to in top restaurants. Along the way, he introduces Somm.ai, his data-driven platform helping wineries and restaurants sell smarter. The conversation wraps with a relaxed, wine-nerd-fueled chat about favorite bottles—because no good wine talk should end without one. Check out the Glasvin line of glasses at Glas.vin and if you use code SIPPING you'll receive a 10% discount off your purchase.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