Shows
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R13-What's in Renée's Glass?Special Guest Klaus Wittauer - expert in Austrian Wine - brings a beautiful example Austria's leading varietal, the Queen of Austrian wine, Grüner Veltliner. High acid, stone fruit, floral and white pepper. What's in Renée's Glass? A new style Paul D Grüner Veltliner.Cheers to Klaus Wittauer and Austrian wines!2025-07-2611 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E15-Deep Dive on Maryland WinesJoin Zena and Renée on a hot day at the beautiful Loew Vineyards. 5th generation winemaker, Rachel Lipman, talks about her remarkable family history in winemaking from Mead in the Hapsburg Empire to a dry sparkling red in Mount Airy, MD. Discover how the diverse climates in Maryland express a sense of place and legacy at Loew Vineyards.Cheers to Rachel Lipman at Loew Vineyards,2025-07-2259 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R12-What's in Renée's Glass?Did you know there are 300 molecules that make up cherry aroma and taste? Cherry cola? Bing cherry? Red cherry? Black cherry? Fresh cherry? Cooked cherry? Maraschino cherry? Actually, it's a beautiful aromatic, 2023 Barboursville Merlot. Cheers to: The Amazing Holly Feraci at Barboursville Vineyard and John Peters of Winebow.2025-07-1911 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E14-Deep Dive on Austrian WinesZena and Renée welcome the man, the myth, the Austrian Wine Legend, Klaus Wittauer for a full on deep dive on Austrian wines! Accounting for about 1% of the world's wine production, but responsible for some of most magical wines on earth, where else can you stay in the historic city where Beethoven wrote his 9th Symphony, which is also its own designated wine region, and within one hour you can reach all the wine regions in the country? Trust us, you're not drinking enough Austrian wines!Cheers to K...2025-07-1544 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R11-What's in Renée's Glass?Light pale lemony, and Italian or is it? Ah, a 2023 Barboursville Pinot Grigio - a beautiful example of Virginia winemakers bridging the gap between Old World and New World. Wanna score cool points with Luca Paschina? Ask for a Pinot "Gree Joe".PRO TIP: Lessons learned - Heavy dishwashing soap can impact the aroma of your wine. Check before you pour - does your glass have a "nose" of its own?Cheers to: The amazing Holly Feraci of Barboursville Vineyards and John Peters at Winebow.2025-07-1215 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E13-Deep Dive on Virginia Wines at Glen ManorFor our first in a series on Virginia wines, Zena and Renée take a road trip to the astonishingly beautiful Glen Manor Winery in Front Royal, VA. Nestled beneath the epic views of Skyline Drive, and family owned for 4 generations, making it a Virginia certified "Century Farm", Glen Manor Winery is a true "glen". Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains (elevation ranging from 1400 and 3400 feet above sea level) on three sides, Glen Manor's vineyards boast elevation changes from 1000 to 1400 feet above sea level. All of this combines to create a unique and perfect microclimate for growing grapes. Farm o...2025-07-0846 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R10-What's in Renée's Glass?Zena finally gets into the hot seat! The best part of wine is bringing people together. Zena, Renée and their friends take on a blind vertical tasting of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Hawkes Wine Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Renée has been a wine club member of Hawkes Wine for over a decade, which, as it turns out, does not guarantee success! The group has the tasting notes courtesy of Hawkes. Can they match the vintage with the wine?Pro Tip: Don't think, meat. Pitch. In a blind tasting, don't over think it. Say what you think ou...2025-07-0537 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E12-Deep Dive: Aromas and Flavors of Wine"A Deep Dive into Flavors and Aromas aka is there bacon in my wine?" In this episode, we chat about the fascinating world of wine flavors and aromas — demystifying why your glass might smell like cherries, freshly cut grass, butter or cat’s pee.Where Do These Aromas Come From? We break down how wine’s scents aren't added, but come from a mix of grape variety, fermentation, aging methods and terroir. From primary aromas of the varietal (fruity, floral, spice) to secondary aromas courtesy of fermentation and winemaker decisions (yeasty, buttery), and tertiary aromas derived from bottle...2025-07-0149 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R9-What's In Renée's GlassCherry, tannins and a hint of balsamic. Oregano and thyme, and tomato leaf. A pink label with a black rooster. Special Guests Geoff and Jimi. Put them all together and you have a lovely 2023 Gellina Chianti Classico Reserva. Aged a minimum 24 months. Pair it with a Sunday Sauce, a pizza or just a smile. SPOILER ALERT: No fava beans were hurt in the making of this podcast. This week's What's in Renée's Glass features Geoff's first chianti and it was worth the wait. Geek Alert: This Tuscan region was named Chianti and recognized as a wine-region since the 13t...2025-06-2813 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E11-Guy Talk With JimiIn this episode of Guy Talk, we’re sipping bold Amarone and getting real about wine. What do guys love about it? What do guys hate? We break down the stereotypes around men and wine drinking—because wine isn’t just for swirling and sniffing, it’s for enjoying. From boxed wine to pricy favorites, we talk about how wine culture is shifting and share tips on making it less intimidating for guys who just want a glass of wine. Plus, we share easy tips to help guys feel more confident around wine, whether ordering at a restaurant or bringing...2025-06-2457 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R8-What's in Renée's Glass?We talk old and new. Fruit and forest floor. Volcanic and limestone. What's in Renée's Glass? The wonderful world of pinot noir! Spoiler Alert: Renée still hasn't found a wine from Mâconnais that she likes. Cheers to: Andrew, Holly, Côte de Nuits, (Côte-d’Or), Gevrey-Chambertin 2021 Vieilles Vignes, Belle Glos 2023 Balade, Domaine Drouhin 2023 Rose Rock, Mâconnais, Côte de Beaune, Sideways .2025-06-2125 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E10-Deep Dive: Pinot NoirPinot Noir is a diva in the vineyard but a rockstar in the glass. In this episode, we take a "deepish" dive into the history, mystery and sheer drama of this beloved grape. From its Burgundian roots to surprising New World hotspots, we explore why Pinot is both a winemaker’s heartbreak and a wine drinker’s joy. What are you looking for tonight? Old world? New world? Mushrooms and forest floor or strawberries and raspberries? "God made Cabernet Sauvignon, the devil made Pinot Noir". Cheers to: Drappier Brut Nature, 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, Doma...2025-06-1735 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R7-What's in Renée's Glass?Old world elegance....a classic Left Bank Bordeaux from Château Verdignan. Ever wondered how those wine experts know if it's a left bank or right bank Bordeaux? Do you taste more Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot? Left Bank Bordeauxes are Cab Sauvignon dominant and Right Banks feature Merlot more.Here's a tasting tip - when your red wine starts to get a slightly brown tinge on the edge or has some sediment, it's usually a pretty good indicator that it's an older wine. 2025-06-1408 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E9-Light Flight-Decoding a Wine LabelDry champagne or DRY champagne? Do you want a "brut" wine or a feminine wine? When does half sweet actually mean more sweet? Why are the French so brilliant and challenging! Join Zena and Renée along with the amazing Andrew Stover of Siema Wines for this light flight as we decode the language of wine, starting with wine labels and ending with winemaking techniques. Cheers to Siema Wines, Brimoncourt, Bedell Cellars, Ondarre, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, Drappier, Steininger, Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards, Pinino, Chateau Verdignan, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Chateau Beaucastel. 2025-06-1040 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R6-What's in Renée's Glass?What do you get when you blend Chenin blanc with Roussanne, Viognier, Semillon and ducks??? Well, you get the 2022 Avondale Jontys Ducks Pekin White from Paarl, South Africa. 2025-06-0711 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E8-Guy Talk with Jimi-Real Men Drink RoséRound 2 of Guy talk with Jimi features a "Taylor-Made" conversation with a raconteur with the AM radio voice, DC Brau's own, Steve Taylor! Join the guys (and Zena and Renée!) for a discussion of rosés for brunch, beer for breakfast and who's bringing Snoop's 19 Crimes to the BBQ.Cheers to our special guest Steve Taylor (and DC Brau's Dueling Grounds Lager, and The Citizen Belgian Pale Ale), 19 Crimes, Chevalier Famaey Malbec Rosé, Müller and Grossman Rosé of Zweigelt.2025-06-0345 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R5-What's in Renée's Glass?When you're dancing with a beautiful red wine, sometimes it's best to start with what it's not...This glass ended up being a fantastic Grenache from Yountville, CA. The 2020 T-Vine Winery Santa Rita Hills Hills Grenache. A big gorgeous wine at 14.9% abv.2025-05-3126 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E7-Light Flight-Myths and MisperceptionsCheers to: Nick Materese - Liquid Storyteller, Siema Wines, Lodali Dolcetto D'alba, Hillinger Secco, Cuvée Klaus, Lakewood Vineyards, Slater Run Vineyards, Glen Manor Vineyard, Loew Vineyards, Little Bosco, Lodali Moscato, SER, Lopez de Heredia, Two Wolves Wines, Clos Rougeard, Raptor Ridge, Domaine Drouhin Rose Rock, Elk Cove, Carlton Winemaker Studio, Castello di Bolgheri Superiore, Laurent Perrier, Cathy Corison, Chateau d'Yquem, Karen MacNeil, Mondavi, Phil Coturri, Tablas Creek, Matthiasson, Selva Capuzza, Jonty's Ducks, Salton Winery, Old Westminster, Plump Jack.2025-05-271h 08
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R4-What's In Renée's Glass?What do you get when your vineyard used to be covered in a glacier? You get an amazing high acid, beautiful pinot blanc from Michigan. Michigan? That's right, Michigan. A single acre punching above its weight class.The Left Foot Charley 2018 Island View Pinot Blanc.2025-05-2426 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E6-Light Flight: Is It a Rule or Recommendation?Stem or stemless? Can I have white wine with a steak? What if I use the wrong glass????IS there a wine jail? Join us as we decode the customs of wine with our episode, "Is It a Rule or Recommendation?"Cheers to Two Wolves Wines, Bedell Cellars, Clos Rougeard, Cathy Corison, Glen Manor Vineyards, Julia Coney and Michelle Williams, Just Getting Better, Hawkes Wine, Jo Jo Valenzuela, and Janie Brooks at Brooks Wine. 2025-05-2144 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R3-What's in Renée's GlassBack to the North Fork of Long Island for What's in Renée's Glass! The BOE 10th Anniversary Edition Merlot (with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon). Dark cherry on the nose and palate. Beautiful deep dark red to red-garnet color. What a treat! BOE is a blast from the past for Renée, who had their sparkling wine back in the day at the now defunct Twisted Vines. BOE is now part of Chronicle Wines. 2025-05-1709 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E5-Deep Dive: Long Island WinesZena takes a long drive for a deep dive into the wines of the North Fork of Long Island. Featuring special guest, Robin Epperson-McCarthy, the owner/winemaker of Saltbird Cellars, this episode covers why Long Island is such a magical wine place: from the terroir and micro/macro climates to the generosity of the wine growing community. Kick back with some oysters and a Saltbird Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy!2025-05-1337 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R2-What's In Renée's GlassEpisode 2 of What's in Renée's glass features talk of balsamic and acid and sun-kissed fruit.2025-05-1011 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E4-Guy Talk with Jimi-IntroductionsJoin us for our first episode of Guy Talk with Jimi - the companion to When You're the Only Woman in the Room - Conversations around gender, culture and inclusivity in wine spaces. In our first episode, join Jimi, along with special guest Ben Wright, in a free-ranging discussion being guys that drink wine.2025-05-0654 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 R1-What's in Renée's GlassIn this first installment of What's In Renée's Glass, Zena gives her quite a unique wine to taste, giving new insights into terroir and the effect of geography on your wine.Bedell CellarsSmall Batch Coquillage 20232025-05-0308 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E3-Deep Dive on ChardonnayAre you a cool climate stainless Chardonnay drinker? Or do you want a little buttered toast in your glass? Find out the ABCs of Chardonnay and why the "Anything But Chardonnay" crowd needs to give this amazingly versatile varietal another try.2025-04-2930 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E2-I Don't Know What I Don't KnowA Light Flight into some common areas of intimidation in drinking wine.2025-04-2242 min
When You Just Want A Glass Of WineS1 E1-Introducing When You Just Want A Glass of WineWhen You Just Want a Glass of Wine is a podcast dedicated to making wine drinking more approachable and inclusive. Hosts Zena Polin and Renée Gentry decode the language and unlock the customs of wine drinking with warmth, humor, and zero pretension. Hosted by Zena Polin, owner of Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique, and Renée Gentry, an attorney and WSET Level 2 wine aficionado-in-progress, the podcast launches on April 22, 2025, following Beauty's RAMMY nomination for Wine Program of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.Weekly episodes include a mix of styles: 🍷 Light Flights – where t...2025-04-1915 min