Are 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.

When 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 they explore fun, breezy topics like “When you're at the beach, but it’s a wine desert.” 🍇 Deep Dives – educational episodes focusing on specific grapes, regions, and traditions. 👩‍🎓 "When I Don't Know What I Don't Know" – navigating the awkward but relatable questions about wine. 👠 "When You're the Only Woman in the Room" and "Guy Talk" – conversations around gender, culture, and inclusivity in wine spaces. 🍽️ On-location episodes from restaurants and wineries – including how to order wine without feeling intimidated and how to make the most of a winery visit.

Other short episodes, include a fast-paced, two-minute segment called "What’s in Renée’s Glass?" — a fun speed round designed to help Renée prep for her next level of wine certification.

Whether you're a total beginner or a budding connoisseur, this podcast is your new favorite pairing.

A Light Flight into some common areas of intimidation in drinking wine.

In 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 Cellars

Small Batch Coquillage 2023

Join 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.

Do we have something special in store for you in season 2!

What does it really take to get your WSET Level 3. Find out in Season 2!

In 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 a bottle to a playoff game.

Forget the snobbery. Just sip, talk and learn with us. Hit play, grab a glass, and join the conversation.

Cheers to: Geoff Hartman, Begali 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico.

Pinot 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, Domaine Drouhin 2023 Rose Rock, 2023 Belle Glos Balade, Elk Cove, Archery Summit, Brooks Wine.

Dry 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.

Round 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.

Cheers 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.

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.

Zena 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!

Guests, guys and good times.

Our friend Klaus Wittauer returns with an Austrian red blend. Cherries and wildness and acid oh my! The three biggies of Austrian reds: a blend of 40% Blaufrankisch, 30% Sankt Laurent (St. Laurent), and 30% Zweigelt from Burgenland. A 2022 Steindorfer Blend.

Cheers to Klaus Wittauer again!

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!

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.

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.

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 out loud and go from there. You can talk yourself out of the truth.

Cheers to: Hawkes Wine, Chris, Jenn and Marquette, and Leslie and Smudge.

Cherry, 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 13th century and its borders were defined in 1716 by an edict issued by Gran duke Cosimo III de' Medici.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

What's coming up in Season 2?? Magic in a 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.

Back 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.

Episode 2 of What's in Renée's glass features talk of balsamic and acid and sun-kissed fruit.

On the road on home at Beauty, what were your favorite episodes?

Exciting times at Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique. We're launching Season 2 with champagne and a live podcast from the Westin, a VIP Road Trip to Slater Run Vineywards, Sip & Cinema back for another show, Halloween parties and the annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Tasting!

How do you find a good glass of wine when you’re dining at a corporate restaurant like Hard Rock Cafe? We’ll decode the wine list, help you spot hidden gems and suggest the perfect pairing for a burger, a glass of wine and a blast of rock and roll. You'll learn the biggest difference between a corporate wine list and a curated wine list, how price points can influence perceptions on quality, whether to order a glass or a bottle, and finally, what to pair with the Legendary Burger!

Cheers to Nick Materese, Siema Wines, Alex Becker and Danielle Perdue of Hard Rock Cafe DC, Hard Rock World Burger Tour.

This week, everything's coming up Rosés! Zena and Renée welcome Renée's long-time friend Marquette Rogers to discuss his favorite style of wine. We're "pretty in pink" in this week's episode. Join us and discover why rosé is a perfect year round versatile wine. Pair it with food, friends or any given Tuesday. #roséallday #pinkiesdown

Cheers to Marquette Rogers, Hillinger Secco, Old Westminster Rosé, Haywater Cove Rosé, Château Minuty, Rose et Or, Graham Beck Brut Rosé NV, Underwood Rosé Bubbles.

Join 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,

Zena 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 Klaus Wittauer, Paul D, Josef Bauer, Anton Bauer, Netzl, Steininger.

For 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 owner, vigneron and vintner, Jeff White, planted sauvignon blanc in 1995 and never looked back. We talk with winery manager and Certified Sommelier of the Master Court, Cassie Gonce and assistant vigneron and vintner, Nick Driscill, about how Glen Manor embodies Virginia's reputation of being rooted in tradition and defined by innovation, a bridge between old world and new world, and why family and a sense of place are the driving forces in the vineyard.

Cheers to: Cassie Gonce (and special guest, Alex), Nick Driscoll, Jeff and Kelly White and Denise (nap whisperer) and all at Glen Manor Vineyards.

"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 aging (earthy, nutty, leathery, forest floor), it’s a full-on aromatic journey.

Grape Varietals and Signature Notes We give hints on how to recognize classic grape varieties and their aromas — like Sauvignon Blanc’s grassy notes, Pinot Noir’s red fruit and forest floor and Syrah’s black pepper. These aren’t just poetic descriptions — they’re chemical compounds similar to those found in everyday foods and spices.

How to Train Your Nose We give you insight on how to build your sensory vocabulary by smelling fruits, herbs and spices and encourage you to slow down, swirl, sniff and sip with curiosity rather than be intimidated

Big Takeaway Wine is more than a drink — it’s an experience rooted in memory, chemistry and personal perception. Understanding the science behind the aromas not only makes you a more informed drinker, but it also deepens your appreciation for each glass!

Cheers to: Holly Feraci, chief sommelier and national sales director at Barboursville Vineyard.

Because, even RAMW's President has "just pour me a glass" moments...Our Season 2 finale! Can you believe it? And we're thrilled to be joined by the leader of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington - Shawn Townsend. From Charleston, SC to the utterly unique dining & wining scene that is the DMV. That's DC/Maryland/Virginia for those outside the Beltway. "There's no other metropolitan region with invisible lines like we have here." We enjoy a wide-ranging chat on all things good in hospitality and wine.

Cheers to: The Dabney, Husk Nashville, Single Barrel Carol, Bresca, El Cielo, José Andres, Together We Dine, Come Over October, Spring Wine Fling DC, Xiquet, Unreasonable Hospitality, Roses Restaurant Group, El Tamarindo, Anju, Perry's Restaurant, Cana, Code Red, Del Frisco's, Titus Green, Cork Wine Bar.

Cheers to the chefs and servers, to the bartenders and sommeliers, to the dishwashers and managers, to the owners who open their doors even on the hard days, and to every guest who pulls up a chair and makes a space feel like home. Here’s to the brighter days we create together. May every shared glass bring us a little closer, May every toast lift us a little higher, and may we never forget that even in the toughest moments. There is always something worth gathering for. Cheers to today, to tomorrow, and to all the beautiful conversations still waiting to be had.

Happy Holidays from our When You Just Want a Glass of Wine family to yours! See you back in January 2026 for Season 3!!

Today we're diving into the wine terms people nod along to while secretly googling: tannins, clones, lees, carbonic maceration, terroir...One of the guiding principles of When You Just Want a Glass of Wine is decoding the language of wine and making wine drinking more approachable. Another guiding principle is geeking out on wine! We got to do both on this episode. From structure to winemaking to aroma and flavor terms to farming philosophies and finally cellaring and service.

Cellaring/Service Temps: Ideal temperature for cellaring/storing wine long-term is 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees F) with 70% humidity. Service temperatures for wine: Sweet Wines (6-8 degrees C/43-46 F), Sparkling (6-10 degrees C/43-50 F), Light/Medium Body white wines (7-10 degrees C/45-50 F), Medium-Full body oaked whites (10-13 degrees C/50-55 F), Light body red (13 degrees C/55 F), Medium/Full body reds (15-18 degrees C/59-64 F).

Join us live at the Westin in Crystal City where we have the lovely Molly Finnegan of Laurent Perrier helping us raise a glass to Season 2! The Bellezza Wine Club from Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique invited some of their favorite people to celebrate the season 2 launch of When You Just Want a Glass of Wine. There may have been sabering....

#whenyoujustwantaglassofwine #thefrencharegonnafrench #sabered #playwithyourwine

Cheers to Molly Finnegan of Laurent Perrier, McCealaig O'Clisham, Sebastian, Tee, and Jorge of The Westin Crystal City, Bellezza Wine Club from Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique, Julia Coney and her Lays & Blanc de Blanc pairing.

Pigs in a Blanket - Champagne

Ranch Dip - Albariño, Screaming Betty Vermentino, Bedell Cellars Cocquillage, 61 Vineyards' Sparkling Albariño

Brisket - Gamay

Grape Jelly Meatballs - Rhône reds

Chinese Food - Glen Manor Sauvignon Blanc

Cashew Chicken - Sauvignon Blanc on the lees

Veggie Indian - Vouvray, Riesling, Albariño, dry Petit Mangseng

Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich - Gruener Veltliner

Regular Meatballs - Brunetti

Bouche de Noel - Lacrima

Santa's Cookies - Glen Manor Rapheus, Klaus Cuvée

What do you get with vanilla, pipe tobacco, dried herbs, leather, meat and red cherries and raspberries? You get the Tuscan Sun baby! A beautiful 2019 Brunello di Montalcino from Rodolfo Cosimi of Bramante Cosimi. Considered one of the greatest modern vintages for Brunellos, this 100% Sangiovese aged 24 months, had beautiful tannins and acid. It scored 95 points from James Suckling and 100 from Zena and Renée. After decanting for about an hour, and as we didn't have any cinghiale lying around we settled for pairing it with beef tenderloins.

A match made in heaven!

Zena and Renée hit Somm Sunday and take a tour of some amazing Cabernet Francs. Led by Slater Run's Sommelier, Sara Gann, this world tour features the "Mother" varietal, Cabernet Franc. Seriously, it's the mother of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carménère, and a Basque varietal, Hondarribi Beltza.

We started with a 2024 Bernard Baudry Chinon Rosé. Next up Slater Run's own 2021 Cabernet Franc. On to our first of two Cab Francs from Canada, a 2020 Chronos Cabernet Franc from Okanagan Valley in Penticton, British Columbia. Next up - perhaps a surprise if you're not already a lover of Cab Franc, a 2022 Duemani Cifra Costa Toscana, "Super Tuscan" 100% Cabernet Franc from Castellina, Marittima, Italy. Then we headed south to Tunuyán, Mendoza Argentina for the 2022 El Enemigo Cabernet Franc (with a touch of Malbec). Finally, we ended the tasting with a luxurious 2022 Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Ice Wine from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Canada. At $164/half-bottle, this wine was worth every penny. Pair it with chocolate? Sure. Pair it with a gorgonzola and you have magic!

Cheers to Sara Gann, and all those at Slater Run Vineyards who make it special every time we visit! Cheers to the Mother Grape - Cabernet Franc!

A spectacular 2021 Chassagne-Montrachet from the Côte de Beaune, that's what!

What's that you say? French elegance with New World fruit. Aromatics, honeysuckle and dried herbs? A rich, almost oily fuller bodied-white? What do you get when you take a classic blending grape of the Northern Rhône and make it a single varietal? Some golden magic in a glass.

A Michael Shaps Roussane from the Honah Lee Vineyard in Gordonsville, VA.

What a treat! The Odd Lot, Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot, aged in French, American and Hungarian, from Monterey County. Go out and find this "Petit Petit"....maybe at Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique!

A Sauvy B Bonus! Our sixth Sauvignon Blanc of the afternoon! It's research people! Renée might be a little tipsy in this one (and safely ensconced at home at her own dining room table)... Can she still guess the region? Turns out, yes. And that it's a blend with Semillon.

Popeye's Fried Chicken, Thai Green Curry, Chipotle's Carne Asada Burrito Bowl, and a Five Guys Burger....sounds like a perfect pairing for wine! Whether you call it the "High-Low", or you're craving deep fried meat or complex coconut curries, or you just want a glass of wine but don't want to cook, this episode of Guy Talk with Jimi hits all the right notes. Listen in as Michael Warner leads us through a magical land of wine and fast food. Check out DCanter on the Hill - and if you're around on November 8, 2025 stop in for their Bottled Art tasting!

Champagne Lancelot-Pienne Accord Majeur

2020 Bestheim Riesling des Chasseurs de Lune

2022 Viu Manent Reserva Carménère

2022 City Limits The Citizen

Cheers to Michael Warner of DCanter Wines!

Sauvignon Blanc baby! Five sauvignon blancs to be precise! Guessing the region this time. Or rather, failing to guess the region. But hey, a bad day guessing regions is still a good day of drinking Sauvignon Blancs! What a treat!

Join us as we sit down with PR pro and world traveler Wendy Gordon for a feel-good episode filled with wine, humor and unforgettable stories. Zena and Wendy swap memories of eating and drinking their way through incredible restaurants - complete with the world’s worst photo ever taken of Zena.

From discovering Wendy’s aha wine moment to choosing the perfect stadium drink, from converting her husband into a wine lover (pro tip: take him to France) to finally opening the incredible bottles they’ve aged together for 15 years..:this episode has it all. Grab a glass and sip along!

A toast to friendship, wine, travel, sports. All the best things in life!

What are we sipping this episode? A shout out to Wendy's travels in the Côte de Beaune...A spectacular 2021 Chassagne-Montrachet.