Why Verdicchio Is Italy's Next Great White Wine: Ethica Wines, Villa Bucci & the Rise of Indigenous Grapes

Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her Zoom Info Session on 9/23 at 6 PM ET to learn more about her Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.In 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

What if the future of wine is less about teaching people everything they need to know and more about giving them a reason to open a bottle?Laurie sits down with Eric V. Orange, founder of LocalWineEvents.com, to talk about how wine events and wine consumers have changed over the past 26 years and why experiences, travel and connection may be increasingly important to the future of wine.Eric shares the unlikely story behind LocalWineEvents.com, sparked by a Champagne dinner where only six people showed up, and how the site grew into a resource connecting wine lovers with tastings, dinners, festivals, classes and wine travel.They also dig into new consumer research from Come Over October and LocalWineEvents.com, including the finding that 41% of respondents essentially said: give us a reason to get together. Laurie and Eric discuss why wine has a unique ability to make gatherings feel warmer and more special, whether the industry has made wine education too complicated, and why simpler, more approachable experiences may be the way forward.Plus, they talk affordability, food and wine pairing, the changing appetite for large wine festivals, AI versus authentic event recommendations, and Laurie's upcoming Wine Down Wednesday: Wines of Washington State partnership with LocalWineEvents.com.In this episode:• The surprising event that inspired Eric to create LocalWineEvents.com• What 26 years of wine events have taught him about consumers• Why interest may be shifting from formal wine education toward experiences• What the Come Over October consumer research revealed• Wine tourism and the growing desire for experiences• Why smaller, more intimate wine events may have an advantageSupport 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

What do Olympic sailing, aerospace engineering, and world-class Brunello have in common? More than you might think.This week on The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster sits down with Alessandra Angelini of Altesino, one of Montalcino's historic Brunello producers.Before returning to Tuscany and her family's wine business, Alessandra trained with the Italian National Team in Olympic-class sailing and earned a degree in aerospace engineering. She went on to work in the United States designing aircraft engines before bringing that combination of discipline, science, and problem-solving back to the family wineries.Alessandra shares how Altesino has maintained its signature elegant style of Sangiovese even as tastes in wine have changed—and why a style that once seemed almost out of step with the times now feels remarkably modern.Laurie and Alessandra also explore the differences between Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino, why Rosso deserves to be taken seriously as its own wine, and how dramatically Sangiovese can express the different soils, elevations, exposures, and microclimates within Montalcino.Then they dive into Montosoli, Altesino's legendary single-vineyard Brunello and one of the wines that helped pioneer the concept of vineyard-designated Brunello in Montalcino.In This EpisodeHow Olympic sailing prepared Alessandra for the unpredictable world of wineWhat aerospace engineering taught her about research, efficiency, and winemakingWhy Rosso di Montalcino isn't simply "Baby Brunello"Why Alessandra calls Sangiovese a "religion" in TuscanyHow northern and southern Montalcino differHow long you can age a great Brunello—and why there isn't one perfect drinking windowAnd perhaps the most important takeaway: great wine doesn't have to be intimidating. As Alessandra puts it, "Brunello is always interesting."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 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.Bordeaux may be one of the world’s most famous wine regions—but is our perception of it stuck in the past? Laurie Forster sits down with Bordeaux-based wine educator, writer and yoga teacher Wendy Narby to explore a region that has become more welcoming, innovative and diverse than many wine drinkers realize.Wendy shares what has changed in Bordeaux over the past 20 years, from sustainability and climate adaptation to gentler winemaking techniques and a new generation of more fruit-forward, approachable wines. She also takes us beyond Bordeaux’s famous reds to the region’s whites, Crémant, rosé, sweet wines and experimental new styles.Then the conversation turns from what we drink to how we drink it. Drawing from her book The Drinking Woman’s Diet, Wendy shares her practical approach to enjoying wine while supporting a healthy lifestyle. She and Laurie talk about moderation, eating with wine, pour size, hydration and why there’s absolutely nothing wrong with leaving wine in your glass.Wendy also explains why she has shifted the conversation from “wine and wellness” to “wine and wellbeing,” how yoga and mindfulness fit into her philosophy, and why wine is best viewed not as a health food—but as a delicious, social pleasure to be enjoyed intentionally.In This Episode:Why the people of Bordeaux may be the region’s greatest assetHow Bordeaux has become more accessible over the past 20 yearsHow research and technical expertise spread innovation across BordeauxThe growing importance of sustainability and climate-conscious farmingWhat inspired Wendy to write The Drinking Woman’s DietWendy’s philosophy of drinking less—but drinking something deliciousThe surprising connection between yoga, mindfulness and wineCheck out Wendy's video course The Drinking Women's Diet and use code winecoach to get a 20 euro discount! Click HereSupport 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 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.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 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.One grape. Three world-class wine regions. One legendary winemaker.What happens when the same winemaker crafts Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, McLaren Vale (Australia), and Walla Walla (Washington)? Chris Carpenter joins Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®, to explore how terroir, climate, and farming practices shape the personality of each wine.Known for his work with Lokoya, Cardinale, Mt. Brave, La Jota Vineyard Co., and Hickinbotham, Chris shares why great wine begins in the vineyard, how regenerative farming is changing the future of Cabernet, and what every wine lover should notice when tasting these iconic regions side by side.Whether you're a Cabernet enthusiast or simply curious about why wines from different places taste so different, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of winemaking.In this episode: Why the same Cabernet Sauvignon tastes dramatically different in Napa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Walla Walla  The role of soil, elevation, and climate in shaping a wine's personality  Why Chris believes great wine is made "80% in the vineyard and 20% in the winery"  How harvest timing affects freshness, balance, and alcohol levels  What regenerative and organic farming really look like—from sheep and goats to ladybugs and snakes  How wine regions are adapting to climate change through smarter vineyard practices  What's next for one of the world's most respected Cabernet winemakersWines Tasted2022 Hickinbotham Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon2022 Skysill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon2022 Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet SauvignonSupport 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 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.Michigan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of world-class wine—but that may be about to change.In this episode of The Sipping Point Podcast, Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®, sits down with acclaimed wine writer and former Wine Enthusiast Editor-in-Chief Susan Kostrzewa to explore why Traverse City has become one of America's most exciting cool-climate wine destinations.Susan shares her journey from growing up in northern Michigan to becoming one of the wine industry's most respected voices. Together, they discuss the grapes putting Michigan on the map, why climate change is reshaping wine regions around the world, and how authentic storytelling helps consumers connect with the people behind every bottle.Whether you're planning a trip to the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival or simply looking for your next favorite Riesling or sparkling wine, this episode will inspire you to discover one of America's hidden wine gems.In This Episode You'll Learn: Susan Kostrzewa's journey from Traverse City to leading Wine Enthusiast to starting her company Resplendent Ink Why Michigan has become one of America's premier cool-climate wine regions  The Michigan wines and grape varieties you should be drinking now  Why Traverse City's sparkling wines deserve national attention  How climate change is creating both opportunities and challenges for winemakers  What to expect at the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, August 19-23, 2026Featured Wines & Wineries Mawby Grace Brut Rosé  Left Foot Charley Blaufränkisch 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 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.Is Verdicchio Italy's best-kept wine secret?In this episode of The Sipping Point Podcast, Laurie Forster sits down with Damiano Sorato, Vice President of Sales at Ethica Wines, Federico Veronesi, CEO of Signorvino and Oniwines, and the winemaker from Villa Bucci to explore why Italian indigenous white wines are capturing the attention of wine lovers around the world.As Ethica Wines celebrates its 10th anniversary, the conversation looks at how the importer has helped introduce authentic, family-owned Italian wineries to the U.S. market while championing lesser-known grape varieties with incredible quality and value.Together, they dive into the remarkable story of Verdicchio—a grape once overlooked but now recognized as one of Italy's greatest white wines thanks to its freshness, complexity, food-friendliness, and extraordinary aging potential.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 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.What does it take to turn a family legacy into one of Brooklyn's most beloved Italian restaurants? This week, Laurie sits down with Chef Al DiMeglio, owner of Barano and Spirit Animal in Williamsburg, to explore the stories, techniques, and philosophy behind his acclaimed approach to Italian food.Named after his grandmother's hometown on the island of Ischia, Barano celebrates authentic Italian cooking with handmade pasta, naturally fermented sourdough pizza, and a deep respect for tradition. Al shares how his family shaped his culinary journey, why natural fermentation is worth the extra effort, and the surprising pizza trick—using ice cubes—that has everyone talking.You'll also hear why less is more when it comes to great pasta sauce, how to make better pizza at home (even without a wood-fired oven), what it's like judging chefs on Beat Bobby Flay, and why supporting neighborhood restaurants matters now more than ever.Whether you're a pizza fanatic, wine lover, home cook, or simply appreciate a great hospitality story, this episode is packed with practical tips and delicious inspiration.In This Episode The story behind Barano and honoring his grandmother's hometown in Ischia  Why he opened Spirit Animal and his philosophy on natural wine  The science behind sourdough pizza and why fermentation matters  The surprising reason he puts ice cubes on pizza before baking  Simple techniques for making incredible pizza at home  The secrets to authentic Italian pasta sauce  Behind the scenes of judging on Beat Bobby Flay The must-order dishes at Barano—and the wines he'd pair with them 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 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her newly announced Treasures of Tuscany Tour in May 2027.What happens when a NASA budget officer trades spreadsheets for beer? Elliott Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Soul Mega, shares how a homebrewing hobby evolved into one of the Mid-Atlantic's fastest-growing craft beer brands.In this episode, Elliott discusses leaving a successful government career to pursue entrepreneurship, building a brand that celebrates culture, creativity, and community, and what it meant for Soul Mega to win the prestigious 2026 Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Experienceship. Along the way, we taste Soul Mega's award-winning Worldwide American Pale Ale and Metropolis IPA, talk food pairings, bust common beer myths, and explore why craft beer is about so much more than what's in the glass.In This Episode Elliott's journey from NASA budget officer to full-time craft beer entrepreneur  The story behind the name "Soul Mega" and its mission to blend beer, culture, and community How Soul Mega won the 2026 Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Experienceship How an independent brewery lands shelf space at retailers like Whole Foods and Total Wine  The biggest misconceptions about craft beer, including IPAs and proper serving temperature Beers TastedSoul Mega Worldwide Pale AleSoul Mega Metropolis IPASupport 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