20 Aug Vintage 414 Uncorked: South African Sips, Guilty Pleasures & Corkage Etiquette
Want to go to Tuscany with Laurie in October of 2026? email laurie@thewinecoach.com for a brochure and join us for an info session on 9/28 to find out more REGISTER HERE
Summary
Laurie 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 Tasted
Rustenberg Petit Verdot Rose $16
Natte Valleij Nat Pinotage $18
Check out Vintage 414 Wine Bar HERE or go visit Natalie in Cambridge, Maryland!