Laurie Forster After a successful career in software sales, Laurie decided she was ready for a life change. Through working with a life coach, Laurie began to realize that her biggest passions—wine and people—could be parlayed into a new career. In 2002, she began her wine career in Manhattan where she studied with the American Sommelier Association to earn her certificate in Viticulture and Vinification. Laurie also trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and later became a member of the Society of Wine Educators. Recently she took her first step towards achieving the Master Sommelier title in New York and passed at the top of her class. Concurrently, she trained as a life coach with Coach U, the leading global provider of coach training programs and is presently a member of the International Coaching Federation. Laurie is also dedicated to furthering her learning about wine by going to its source. Her extensive travels include visiting wineries and vineyards in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, California, Maryland, Virginia and Oregon. As The Wine Coach®, Laurie creates unique corporate team building events, group tasting seminars and culinary tours. She is dedicated to demystifying wine—one glass at a time, helping build successful teams as well as ensuring that everyone has an inspiring time at her events. Her seminars introduce would be oenophiles to the enchanting world of wine, while inspiring them to explore their own personal development goals, passions and purpose. She’s a sparkling presenter, highly skilled at engaging every wine lover—from beginners to wine enthusiasts. Laurie is a regular contributor to What’s Up Annapolis magazine, Eastern Home and Travel Magazine and other fine publications. She is a sought after speaker and guest expert on radio stations across the country. Her weekly radio show Something to Wine About® can be heard on WCEI 96.7 FM and WBAL 1090AM. Laurie is also serving as national media spokesperson for the Pour on The Joy campaign sponsored by Lindemans® Wines where she is helping people increase their happiness by making the wine-joy connection. She recently published her first book, The Sipping Point: A Crash Course in Wine. Julia Flynn Siler, author of the New York Times Bestseller, The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty, sums up her book best—“For anyone who has ever felt intimidated by a long wine list or spooked by a sommelier, The Sipping Point offers welcome advice in a warm, engaging style. I wish I'd had Laurie Forster as a coach before venturing into the sometimes scary world of wine." For more information on Laurie, visit www.thewinecoach.com or www.thesippingpoint.com