Download Laurie’s new APP for your iPhone/iPad or Android!!

Sips of the Week

1. Konteki Pearls of Simplicity (Junmai Daigingo)

A bouquet of bright floral aromas is the perfect beginning for this crisp Junmai Daiginjo. Clean flavors of honeydew and lemon dominate but a subtle hint of licorice sneaks up once you get to the long and elegant finish. This is a great sipping sake but also a wonderful companion to a scallops, pork and other light meats. Retails: $18.99 (350 ml)

1. Tozai Voices in the Mist (Nigori, Ginjo)

Citrus and banana aromas practically jump out of the glass reminiscent of a tropical paradise. On the palate, it has solid weight and flavors of banana, fresh white rice, a pastis-like licorice flavor, and a clean finish not often found in nigori sake. Makes you want to come back for another sip. Retails: $12.99 (350 ml)

All “The Sips of the Week” are of course available at Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore check them out at www.WellsWine.com

Featured Interview

Ed Lehrman, co-founder of Vine Connections one the country’s leading importers of quality Sake and wine. Ed shared a wealth of knowledge on the various grades of Sake as well as tips oon serving and enjoying Sake. Check out all the great Sake Education Vine Connections on their website!

Wine Sandwich

Rick Smith, owner of Sakaya in NYC joined us to talk about how to perfectly pair Sake with food and not just Sushi! Sakaya is one of only a handful of store in the US dedicated to quality Sake and education. Learn more about Rick and Sakaya here: http://www.sakayanyc.com/

Not to Miss Events

Feb 26th, 3-6PM Wine Expo at Harford Community CollegeThe Annual Wine Expo, hosted by the HCC Alumni & Friends Association and Wine World Beer & Spirits, is an afternoon of wine, hors d’oeuvres, delectable desserts and a chocolate fountain from Bomboy’s Home Made Candy. The best part is the opportunity to sample over 200 fine wines from around the world from 35 vendors! It’s also a wonderful opportunity to network with Harford County businesses and members of the community. This crowd-pleasing event sells out to a crowd of more than 500 people. Consider a sponsorship and showcase your business at this prestigious annual event.

Feb 26 6-9 PM Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild presents Rye’s Up Against Cystic Fibrosis@ B&O American Brasserie…Enjoy samples of Bulleit Rye elixirs handcrafted by BBG members as well as beer, wine and small bites from local restaurants including B&O American Brasserie, Woodberry Kitchen, and Ten Ten. Listen to live music and bid on fabulous silent auction items.

March 8th 6:30-9:30PM Romancing the Riviera Wine Dinner at Westin in Annapolis…Travel the Riviera course by course with Exec Chef James Barrett and Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach. Only $65pp all inclusive and you’ll learn more about the upcoming cruise Laurie is hosting in July.

Wine and Dine with Laurie & Michael:

In partnership with Crystal Cruises and French Wine Explorers, Michael and I will be hosting a group during the Romancing the Riviera Cruise July 25-August 6, 2012 on board the breathtaking Crystal Serenity. We’ll sail our way from Lisbon to Rome with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona Palomos, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome. Along the way we’ll have exclusive activities for our group that center on our shared love of food and wine. Crystal Cruises is now an all inclusive cruise ship which means your fare includes everything–food, wine, cabin and YES, wine and alcohol are included!! Learn more by clicking here

Tune in next week:

Next week we’ll talk to Gus Kalaris from Axios Wines and Karen Page & Andrew Dorenenburg authors of the Food Lover’s Guide to Wine … and so much more!

Special thanks to Wells Discount Liquors, Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Crystal Cruises, The Cavit Collection, J Brown Jewelers and Santa Rita Winery.

Download Laurie’s new APP for your iPhone/iPad or Android!!

Sips of the Week

Stephen Johnston, General Manager of the Fairfax at Embassy Row joined me to taste the Sips of the Week each from a winery that will be hosting a wine dinner at his 2100Prime Restuarant during the Capital Wine Festival that takes place until March 28, 2012. Looking for a great idea for Valentine’s Day check out the special menu at 2100Prime.

1.      2008 Argyle Nuthouse Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon $29.99

Winemaker’s Notes: Our good friends in Burgundy are always excited when they can get the elusive aroma and flavor of toasted hazelnuts in their Chardonnays. In this example of the Nuthouse Chardonnay we have captured just that. Those hazelnuts are complimented by a toasted marshmallow, ripe cantaloupe, and Bosc pear on the nose. Look for the ripe white peach, melon and a generous splash of fresh nutmeg and clove oak spice. The wine finishes with a long cut pear and mineral thread that is so indicative of the cool climate in which it was grown.

1.      2009 B.R. Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast $19.99

Winemaker’s Notes: The 2009 Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon reflects a blending of grapes grown from select North Coast vineyards. This combination offers full, rich flavors of berry, cassis and black cherry with hints of vanilla in the background. Aging with French oak adds complexity and depth, resulting in a high quality Cabernet Sauvignon with great value. I hope you enjoy this wine as much as my family and I do.

All “The Sips of the Week” are of course available at Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore check them out at www.WellsWine.com

Featured Interview

Doni Belau Founder of Girls Guide to Paris talked to us about the Wine Bar Trends in Paris. She shared that many are focusing on natural wines, lesser known regions and offer delicious menus that may change every day. These are some of the wine bars she mentioned:

Saturne http://girlsguidetoparis.com/archives/saturne/

Le Verre Vole http://girlsguidetoparis.com/archives/le-verre-vole-2/

Spring http://www.barbraaustin.com/tag/spring-boutique/

Frenchie http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/07/frenchie-wine-bar-paris-france/

Vivant http://girlsguidetoparis.com/archives/vivant/

Les Papilles http://www.lespapillesparis.fr/

Wine Sandwich

Chef Daniel Bruce, Founder of the Capital Wine festival joined us to talk about how he plans the wine dinner menus for the Capital Wine Festival along with tips for perfect pairings at home. Chef Daniel is Executive Chef at the Boston Harbor Hotel a five star diamond hotel at Rowes Wharf in Boston, MA.

Not to Miss Events

Feb 26th, 3-6PM Wine Expo at Harford Community CollegeThe Annual Wine Expo, hosted by the HCC Alumni & Friends Association and Wine World Beer & Spirits, is an afternoon of wine, hors d’oeuvres, delectable desserts and a chocolate fountain from Bomboy’s Home Made Candy. The best part is the opportunity to sample over 200 fine wines from around the world from 35 vendors! It’s also a wonderful opportunity to network with Harford County businesses and members of the community. This crowd-pleasing event sells out to a crowd of more than 500 people. Consider a sponsorship and showcase your business at this prestigious annual event.

Feb 26 6-9 PM Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild presents Rye’s Up Against Cystic Fibrosis@ B&O American Brasserie…Enjoy samples of Bulleit Rye elixirs handcrafted by BBG members as well as beer, wine and small bites from local restaurants including B&O American Brasserie, Woodberry Kitchen, and Ten Ten. Listen to live music and bid on fabulous silent auction items.

March 8th 6:30-9:30PM Romancing the Riviera Wine Dinnerat Westin in Annapolis…Travel the Riviera course by course with Exec Chef James Barrett and Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach. Only $65pp all inclusive and you’ll learn more about the upcoming cruise Laurie is hosting in July.

Wine and Dine with Laurie & Michael:

In partnership with Crystal Cruises and French Wine Explorers, Michael and I will be hosting a group during the Romancing the Riviera Cruise July 25-August 6, 2012 on board the breathtaking Crystal Serenity. We’ll sail our way from Lisbon to Rome with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona Palomos, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome. Along the way we’ll have exclusive activities for our group that center on our shared love of food and wine. Crystal Cruises is now an all inclusive cruise ship which means your fare includes everything–food, wine, cabin and YES, wine and alcohol are included!! Learn more by clicking here

Tune in next week:

Next week we’ll talk to Gus Kalaris from Axios Wines and Karen Page & Andrew Dorenenburg authors of the Food Lover’s Guide to Wine … and so much more!

Special thanks to Wells Discount Liquors, Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Crystal Cruises, The Cavit Collection, J Brown Jewelers and Santa Rita Winery.

 Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes: Click here

Sips of the Week:

Banfi Rose Regale Brachetto d’Acqui 2010, Acqui Terme, Piedmont, Italy

Winemaker’s Notes: Festive cranberry in color with a haunting, aromatic bouquet with hints of raspberries, strawberries and hints of rose petals. A fresh raspberry taste, with crisp acidity, enticing the palate with an initial softness, graduating to a round and luscious. A unique and festive sparkling wine and a seductive aperitif. Pairs well with seafood, cheeses, spicy fare and chocolate. Serve chilled. Retails $19.99

Kaesler Stonehorse SGM 2008. Barossa Valley, Australia

Winemaker’s Notes: The ‘Stonehorse’ wines (in this case, a blend of Shiraz, Grenache & Mourvedre) are vinified to make styles that emphasize fruit characteristics with complimentary barrel maturation. The oak is designed to support and add structure to the palate without compromising the drinkability of the wine.

The finished wine spent 12 months in predominantly older oak and has been bottled without fining or filtration. The Grenache contributes soft aromatics and flavors, Shiraz some palate spine and a bit of spice and the Mourvedre lends breadth and depth. Retails $20.99

These wines and more are available at Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore or at a retailer near you.

Featured Guest:

We talked to Paul Girouard, Regional Director of Crystal Cruises about things to consider when choosing a cruise line. He shared the important questions traveller’s should ask when considering a cruise and how to compare various options.

Wine Sandwich (aka Food Pairing):

We talked to Susannah Siger, Owner of Ma Petite Shoe about the trends in chocolate for 2012. Check out her Chocolate Happy Hours every Friday or attend her VIP Chocolate Event on 2/8…call 410.235.3442 for more information.

Next Week:

Tune in next week for Laurie’s Sips of the Week, we’ll find out all about the Capital Wine Fest and talk to Doni Belau of the Girl’s Guide to Paris about all the hot trends at wine bars in Paris…and so much more!

Wine & Dine with Laurie and Michael:

In partnership with Crystal Cruises and French Wine Explorers, Michael and I will be hosting a group during the Romancing the Riviera Cruise July 25-August 6, 2012 on board the breathtaking Crystal Serenity. We’ll sail our way from Lisbon to Rome with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona Palomos, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome. Along the way we’ll have exclusive activities for our group that center on our shared love of food and wine. Crystal Cruises is now an all inclusive cruise ship which means your fare includes everything–food, wine, cabin and YES, wine and alcohol are included!! Learn more by clicking here

Check Out These Great Upcoming Events:

Wine Expo at Harford Community College – Feb 26th 3-6 PM

Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild presents Rye’s Up Against Cystic Fibrosis – Feb 26 6-9 PM

@ B&O American Brasserie…Enjoy samples of Bulleit Rye elixirs handcrafted by BBG members as well as beer, wine and small bites from local restaurants including B&O American Brasserie, Woodberry Kitchen, and Ten Ten. Listen to live music and bid on fabulous silent auction items. www.bmorebarguild.com

Wine Dinner at Westin in Annapolis – March 8th …Travel the Riviera course by course with Exec Chef James Barrett and me. Only $65pp all inclusive and you’ll learn more about the upcoming cruise I am leading in July.

Special thanks to Wells Discount Liquors, Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Crystal Cruises, The Cavit Collection, J Brown Jewelers and Santa Rita Winery.

Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes: Click here

Sips of the Week

Quivira Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $18

Winemaker’s Notes:

Named for the 130-year-old fig tree that stands majestically among the vines, the Quivira (pronounced key-VEER-ah) Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc block lies at the confluence of Dry Creek and Wine Creek. Here, gravelly soils and a unique microclimate give the grapes a lovely grassy character and minerality uncommon in the Dry Creek Valley, where Sauvignon Blanc usually leans toward intense tropical tones. Biodynamic farming techniques enhance the expression of terroir, as we encourage the vines to soak up the character of the site. Judicious leaf thinning exposes the clusters to just the right amount of sunlight, intensifying the Sauvignon Blanc’s fresh citrus characteristics.

The nose of this vintage is strikingly similar to the wines of the Loire, with a notable, yet mild, grassiness reminiscent of “fresh hay”. A small percentage of the Musque clone adds lifted floral notes with subtle citrus and tropical fruit tones. On the palate, dried fig and a lovely lemon zest quality emerge, and the assertive acidity is nicely balanced by a textured mid-palate. The bracing acidity of this wine makes it a good match for slightly richer foods. Try it with a goat cheese tart or richer seafood dishes. This wine will stand up to a year or two of bottle age.

Quivira Vineyards Zinfandel 2009 $20

Winemaker’s Notes:

Ruggedly enigmatic and powerfully built, Zinfandel is the reigning celebrity of Dry Creek Valley. And, like any star, Zin has a challenging, quirky side that demands attention: it ripens very unevenly on the vine and its thin skins can break if overcropped or over-irrigated. It’s typical to find slightly under-ripe, perfectly ripe, and raisin-like berries all within the same cluster. 2009, however, was beautifully balanced and even – an exceptional vintage that allowed the Zinfandel clusters to ripen much more uniformly than usual throughout the valley.

Aromas center on brambly fresh blackberry and deep, dark boysenberry. There is an uncommon brightness and vibrancy to the fruit flavors here: dark-fleshed plum and blackberry expand on a plump, round mid-palate accented by just a pinch of black pepper. Full-bodied and bold, the clean, lingering finish exemplifies the quality of the vintage. Enjoyable upon release, this Zinfandel will age nicely through 2016.

All “The Sips of the Week” are of course available at Wells Discount Liquors check them out at www.WellsWine.com

Wine and Dine with Laurie & Michael:

In partnership with Crystal Cruises and French Wine Explorers, Michael and I will be hosting a group during the Romancing the Riviera Cruise July 25-August 6, 2012 on board the breathtaking Crystal Serenity. We’ll sail our way from Lisbon to Rome with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona Palomos, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome. Along the way we’ll have exclusive activities for our group that center on our shared love of food and wine. Crystal Cruises is now an all inclusive cruise ship which means your fare includes everything–food, wine, cabin and YES, wine and alcohol are included!! Learn more by clicking here

Tune in next week:

Next week we’ll talk to Paul Girouard from Crystal Cruise Lines, talk great Valentine’s gift ideas from Susannah Siger of Ma Petite Shoe…and so much more!

Special thanks to Wells Discount Liquors, Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Crystal Cruises, The Cavit Collection, J Brown Jewelers and Santa Rita Winery.

Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes: Click here

Sips of the Week

Sloop Betty Vodka, Maryland

SLOOP BETTY is a hand crafted wheat vodka made in Maryland. Smooth, with a crisp undertone, the pure, natural ingredients of a small batch vodka come through as you savor every delicious drop. Designed with both vodka connoisseurs and those new to the pleasure of the cocktail hour, Sloop Betty can be enjoyed alone or mixed in a drink. Blackwater Distilling is working with the Maryland Organic Certification Program to obtain recognition from the state as an official organic handler, so you can be sure of Betty’s purity—plus, she’s certified kosher

Try a Betty Cucumber Martini - The recipe is 2 oz of Sloop Betty, .25 oz of Dolin Dry Vermouth (or to taste)  a cucumber slice I use a cocktail shaker with ice to chill the vodka and the vermouth and strain it into a glass with the cucumber.  Easy!

All the details on the sips of the week are available at Wells Discount Liquors check them out at www.WellsWine.com

These wines and more are available at Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore or at a retailer near you.

Featured Guests

Chris and Jon Cook, brothers and co-owners of Blackwater Distilling, grew up in and around Maryland. Right now, they live on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay, and are committed to producing a full line of fine spirits, including Sloop Betty, using Maryland-grown ingredients. For the past five years we have been learning everything we can about craft distilling, the history of local spirits production and ways to introduce this product in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. For more visit www.SloopBetty.com

Wine Sandwich of the Week (aka Food Pairing)

Kevan Vetter, Corporate Executive Chef at McCormick and Company and manager of the Culinary Product Development department shared the 2012 Flavor Forecast. Want to see what flavor combinatuions are hot this year check out their report and the many recipes online for you to try!

Listener Question

Neoma Rohnman of Easton, MD asked: How do you make vinegar out of leftover wine?

One of the  most important things you’ll need to get is a vinegar starter or “mother” that has the specific bacteria that creates vinegar from wine. You’ll also need a container or vessel to make the vinegar in and you can choose glass or small oak containers. Then you need to add wine to the starter and at regular intervals keep adding wine. When you purchase the mother there will be instructions on how to do this. You can purchase the starters and containers at a local home brew store or online.

Here are a few sites to check out:

Local Harvest.org http://www.localharvest.org/o-b-s-homemade-mother-of-vinegar-from-meads-C10217

Oak Barrels Ltd. http://www.oakbarrelsltd.com/vinegar-barrels.html

Wine and Dine with Laurie & Michael:

In partnership with Crystal Cruises and French Wine Explorers, Michael and I will be hosting a group during the Romancing the Riviera Cruise July 25-August 6, 2012 on board the breathtaking Crystal Serenity. We’ll sail our way from Lisbon to Rome with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona Palomos, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome. Along the way we’ll have exclusive activities for our group that center on our shared love of food and wine. Crystal Cruises is now an all inclusive cruise ship which means your fare includes everything–food, wine, cabin and YES, wine and alcohol are included!! Learn more by clicking here

Tune in next week:

Next week Hugh Chappelle from Quivira Vineyards will talk about his wines and explain biodynamic wine making. We’ll also talk to Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia Restaurant in Chicago about his role as Chef de Cuisine of the Naples Winter Wine Festival… and so much more!

Special thanks to Wells Discount Liquors, Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Crystal Cruises, The Cavit Collection, J Brown Jewelers and Santa Rita Winery.

Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes: Click here

Sips of the Week

1.  Eroica Riesling 2009, Columbia Valley, WA, $21.99

Winemaker’s Notes: “This Riesling exudes mandarin orange and sweet lime aromas and flavors with subtle mineral notes. The mouth-watering acidity is beautifully balanced by flavorful Washington Riesling fruit. After a decade we have truly found our ‘Eroica style,’ striving for beautiful bright fruit with crisp acidity and enhanced minerality.” Bob Bertheau, Winemaker

2.  Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah 2009, Washington State, $18.99

Winemaker’s Notes: “Everything you want from a Washington Syrah….bright, fresh & smooth…super dense dark purple with meaty dark fruit, Asian spice & sweet tobacco. Intense yet plush texture…this wine will BLOW YOUR MIND!” -Charles Smith, Winemaker

All the details on the sips of the week are available at Wells Discount Liquors check them out at www.WellsWine.com

These wines and more are available at Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore or at a retailer near you.

Featured Guests

Two of my favorite women of wine The Saucy Sisters, Barbara Nowak and Beverly Wicham, authors of The Saucy Sisters Guide to Wine: What Every Girl Should Know Before She Unscrews! joined us to talk about their new world record for the most women unscrewing wine bottles at the same time. Thay also shed some light on food and wine pairings including the right wines for weddings, new babies and even divorce! You can pick their book up at www.saucysisters.com

Wine Sandwich of the Week (aka Food Pairing)

Food writer extraordinaire Amanda Hesser co-author of Food52: 140 Winning Recipes from Exceptional At-Home Cooks talked to us about the concept for her new book and the www.Food52.com community. We talked about some of the great recipes in her book that were developed by and for at home cooks. Amanda and I also gave you a great idea for a pot luck party that rocks! Pick up her book at Amazon or at a book store near  you.

Tune in next week:

We’ll have the owners of MD’s first distillery, Sloop Betty with us to talk and taste Vodka and Kevan Vetter, Executive Chef at  McCormick & Company will share their 2012 Flavor Forecast with us and so much more!

Wine and Dine with Laurie:

In partnership with Crystal Cruises and French Wine Explorers, Michael and I will be hosting a group during the Romancing the Riviera Cruise July 25-August 6, 2012 on board the breathtaking Crystal Serenity. We’ll sail our way from Lisbon to Rome with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona Palomos, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome. Along the way we’ll have exclusive activities for our group that center on our shared love of food and wine. Crystal Cruises is now an all inclusive cruise ship which means your fare includes everything–food, wine, cabin and YES, wine and alcohol are included!!  Learn more by clicking here

Special thanks to Wells Discount Liquors, Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis, Crystal Cruises, Cavit and Santa Rita Winery.

Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes: Click here

Sips of the Week