When You Just Want A Glass Of Wine

A little age, a little leg, some jewel tones, a perfect blend of acid and whiskey, This woman is ready for a night out! The 2020 One Woman Cabernet Franc from the North Fork of Long Island!

Five wines. Four Vintages. Three Countries. Two Continents. One grape. Behold the "voluptuous beast" that is Cabernet Franc. Join us as we linger over a 2022 Catherine et Pierre Breton Les Beaux Monts Chinon, a 2012 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg, a 2022 Two Wolves Estate Vineyard Cabernet Franc, a 2023 Glen Manor Vineyards Cabernet Franc, and a 2020 Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso. Whether you're pairing with an aged gouda, pepper salami or a good therapy session, you're gonna love this grape!Postscript: Wow, did those wines evolve in the glass! We kept tasting after the mics were turned off, and they were all amazing and different an hour later. Cheers to our friends Leslie and Jenn for tasting with us, and to Jimi for being our chef on the night! To Cassie Gonce at Glen Manor for the tasting notes, Ray Isle for the Breton recommendation, and vicariously for the Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso recommendation, to Alecia Moore and the Two Wolves Tribe for the Charly Foucault and Clos Rougeard story.

Four varietals you say? Acid you say? A little zing in the glass? A classic Austrian Gemischter Satz from Paul D! A field blend of Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Zweigelt and Müller-Thurgau.

Violet, lavender, dark fruit, herbs, a little white pepper? Usually in the shadow of the stars, but this backup singer is stepping to the front! Join podcast friend, Nick Materese as we explore six PVs from all over the world!Cheers to Nick Materese.

A spectacular and unexpected Petit Manning (a little Viognier!). A gorgeous Uruguayan Petit Manseng, Viognier blend from En Cerro Chapeu.

At Beauty, we sat down with Todd DeVincenzi and Alexandra Calla to talk about Inglenook, not just as a winery, but as a living legacy. From its roots as one of Napa’s earliest estates to its restoration over the past 50 years by Francis Ford Coppola and his late wife, Eleanor, this is a story shaped by vision, care and a deep connection to place.We explore what “old Napa” really means, why Rutherford Bench matters, and how Inglenook continues to champion balance, structure, and age-worthy wines in a region often defined by excess. It’s a conversation about history, stewardship, and what it takes to carry something forward, while staying true to what made it special in the first place.What’s in our glasses? These five beauties!

Why, it's a Dolcetto from Piemonte!

Today we’re pairing wine with Greek ice cream at Yala Greek Ice Cream. Because sometimes wine smells like cherries, and sometimes… you just want the cherries. Preferably swirled into Greek ice cream. 😊 We’re here today with our friend and the founder, Chrys Kefalas at this Georgetown icon pairing authentic Greek‑style scoops to Greek Wine! We're pairing Domaine Karanika Brut Rosé, Macedonia with Papou’s Promise, Domaine Glinavos “Paleokerisio,” Zitsa, Epirus with Kataifi, Monemvasia “Anthosmias” Rosé, Peloponnese with Yia Mas (Wild Cherry), and Monemvasia “Jackal” Limniona, Peloponnese with Black Cherry OPA!Cheers to Yala Greek Ice Cream, Chrys Kefalas, and Papou!

Today we’re pairing wine with Greek ice cream at Yala Greek Ice Cream. Because sometimes wine smells like cherries, and sometimes… you just want the cherries. Preferably swirled into Greek ice cream. 😊 We’re here today with our friend and the founder, Chrys Kefalas at this Georgetown icon pairing authentic Rhodes‑style scoops to Greek Wine! We're pairing Domaine Karanika Brut Rosé, Macedonia with Papou’s Promise, Domaine Glinavos “Paleokerisio,” Zitsa, Epirus with Kataifi, Monemvasia “Anthosmias” Rosé, Peloponnese with Yia Mas (Wild Cherry), and Monemvasia “Jackal” Limniona, Peloponnese with Black Cherry OPA! Cheers to Yala Greek Ice Cream, Chrys Kefalas, and Papou!

Reminds me of outside the Big Hunt in the 90s! Cloves and super ripe fruit! It’s a Barbera! 2019 Barbera Make sure you always swirl before you chat!

In this special podcast, we're supporting an amazing organization. Founded by the children of Mrs. Edith Purter Wright, who courageously battled breast cancer until her passing at the young age of 39, The Edith P. Wright Breast Cancer Foundation is a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, supporting families, and funding initiatives that make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. We discovered this amazing organization when Bellezza Wine Club Member, Stanley Wright, brought his sisters Miriam Wright and Wendy Wright Johnson to Beauty as a stop on one of their Pink Stars outings! We're pouring the Hillinger Secco Rosé which supports breast cancer research in Austria and talking to people about who they're supporting. We were thrilled to sponsor this amazing organization!Cheers to The Edith P. Wright Breast Cancer Foundation!

Radicchio? Nah, it's a Verdicchio! AKA the 2022 MARIA ZENA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO!

Join us for a special episode featuring Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique's Grape School! A deep dive on a single varietal. Austrian wine legend, and podcast friend, Klaus Wittauer, leads us through a discussion of 5 Grüner Veltliners by a single producer, Weingut Steininger that demonstrate an extraordinary range of winemaking. And a couple bonus wines! The PaulD Zweigelt Rosé, and the Steininger Kittsmansberg Grüner Veltliner Reserve.Cheers to Klaus Wittauer!

A little dusky on the nose...Old World. A 2021 Modero 8 Gocce Rosso from Piemonte. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa, Bonarda, and Albarossa. Blends are always fun - and always a challenge. Particularly in Italy where they do marvelous blends of native and international varietals. It's all delicious! But they can be difficult to research so at the end of the day - trust your taste!

Zena and Renée along with friends Andrew Stover and Chris Rivera, take on five wines, three continents, and two "worlds" (and states!), and one remarkable grape. Europe, Africa and North America. Two French, one South African, One Texan and a Virginian...Glorious all!Cheers to Andrew Stover, Chris Rivera, the 2023 Vouvray Vigneau Selection, the 2020 Domaine du Petit Métris Savennières Close de la Marche, the 2024 Kumusha Wines, Chenin Blanc Breedekloof, McPherson Cellars 2024 Chenin Blanc Dry Vasquez Vineyard, and the 2023 Greenhill Winery Chenin Blanc.

Got that deep ripe red fruit, baking spices, subtle oak, vibe...it's a Calistoga 2022 Fairy Ring Zinfandel!Cheers to Judy Morse for the fabulous bottle!NOTE: Turns out it's known for being an "old vine" offering!

Oak, smoke and jokes. What happens when you put serious whiskey drinkers at a table with some great red wine? Guy Talk with Jimi, of course! Along with Zena and Jimi's very dear friends Dianne and David Lane.Cheers to Dianne, David, the 2020 Hawkes Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Rocks Edge Zinfandel from Bella Vineyards, Eagle Rare 10 Years, Pearse Irish Whiskey 7 Year Blended Irish Whiskey.

Chenin Blanc all day long baby! 5 Chenins. Two "worlds". Three continents and two states. Listen along and see if Renée nails it!

From bungee jumping with New Zealand winemakers, to a near helicopter crash in Virginia wine country with Chef José Andres, to an ear on the ground listening to the vineyard at a biodynamic winery in Austria, to the birthplace of wine in ancient Georgia: Food and Wine Executive Wine Editor, and author of the beautiful book, The World in a Wine Glass, Ray Isle has seen and done a lot in his 26 years as a wine writer. And he's just as curious today as he's ever been. He's also a really cool guy! Join us with this amazing storyteller as we traverse years and vineyards to learn the Stories in a Glass.Cheers to Robin Epperson-McCarthy of Saltbird Cellars for the Saltbird Migratus, Jeff White and Cassie Gonce of Glen Manor Vineyards for the 2023 Cabernet Franc, and to Jenn Rogers for being videographer extraordinaire!

Rose petals, blood orange, sour cherry, tannin for days and smooth acid? Sangiovese baby aka The Sandy Giovese Vino Rosso aka the best box wine you've had! 100% organically farmed! The perfect chillable red for your summer!

Here's to the wines we loved a little too long, the ones we swore we were done with, and the ones that surprise us in the best way. To toxic exes, better choices and women who know exactly what they're pouring and why! Joining us is the amazing best-selling author Renee Ventrice to discuss her book "Pour Relationship Choices-Every Sip Tells a Story Beyond the Glass".Cheers to Holly Rocco Feraci, Renee Ventrice, Barboursville

Kryptonite! Or rather Trousseau - that sneaky little Bastardo! The 2023 Rootdown Trousseau from St. Amant Vineyard.

"To every woman, every story, every shared glass."HER 2025 Rosé, HER Sauvignon BlancAslina Wines-nDuds White, nDuds RedPuriri Hills 2020 Estate ClevedonThanks to all the women winemakers out there! Cheers! Fun Fact, women have better senses of smell and taste than men, so as Gray said, "the world is suffering because there are more male winemakers than women."Cheers to Praisy Dlamini, General Manager and Winemaker at HER Wine (and her all black women team!), Ntsiki Biyela, the first black woman winemaker on the continent of Africa, of Aslina Wines (named after her beloved grandmother!), and Judy Fowler founder of Puriri Hills, yet another badass. Shout out to Andrew Stover and Gray Mosby for the pours!

A 2021 P.S. Santa Barbara County Piedrasassi Syrah! Bacon, smoke and pepper on the nose, Syrah in the glass!

Today we are truly honored to be joined by the amazing Austrian Ambassador to the US, Petra Schneebauer. Teacher, lawyer, linguist, diplomat. Promotor of all things Austria! Ambassador Schneebauer joined us along with the amazing Finja Draxler, Director/Counselor of the Press and Information Service of the Embassy to discuss Austria's extraordinary wine heritage - and pour some amazing Austrian Wines!

Red fruit and baking spice, bacon and peppercorn, whole cluster, cool climate, acid and tannin, New World....If you ever get the chance to be ambushed into a blind tasting, make sure it's a 2023 Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Syrah from the Louise Vineyard in the Willamette Valley! Only 400 vines on 1/3 of an acre...and they only make this baby when everything is just right. Big shout out to our friend Holly Feraci for sharing this beautiful wine from her personal wine cellar. And who's that special guest that popped in????

We're excited to welcome Latoya S. Jordan and Brianna Shelko of Atlanta-based Marble Wines-a Female founded label that is intentional about partnering with artists and winemakers who are aligned with their desire to bring beauty and belonging to the world of wine. A philosophy that's right up our alley!Join us as we discuss their philosophy, the amazing creatives they work with and how they are creating sonic branding with mnemonic wine tasting experiences. We're obsessed! Wine is emotion and the women at Marble Wines are capturing that!Cheers to: Marble Wines, Latoya S. Jordan, Brianna Shelko, Level Up Music Productions, Chris Christensen, Perryn Ryan Ford, and as always, Two Wolves Wines.

Our good friend Holly Rocco Feraci, CSW, DipWSET, Sommelier, National Sales Director & Chief Sommelier at Barboursville Vineyards joins us for a sneak peek at this year's Governor's Cup! We’re pouring Barboursville 2024 Vermentino and the iconic Octagon 2019, both Governor’s Cup Gold winners, and talking about the wines we’re excited to taste at the Governor’s Cup Gala on March 16.

Muscadet!! One of my favorite regions in France, Loire! Melon de Borgogne...An unusual but delicious example of this fantastic food friendly wine. Shout out to one of favorites, Andrew Stover, who dropped in to blind Renée (personally, Renée thinks he takes a little too much pleasure in trying to stump her...), with this lovely La Briaudière, Vielles Vignes Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Sur lie.

What's the community/economic development leadership equivalent of terroir? This week's guest! Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President & CEO of National Landing BID joins us for a joyful conversation about creating community and a sense of place...kinda like terroir. She's an innovative urbanist and planner focused on helping communities shape and implement plans for neighborhood and downtown vibrancy, inclusive economic development, capital investment, and programming. And she's in our neighborhood! And she likes a good orange/amber wine. We're sipping the 2023 RocketFish from Slater Run, 100% Viognier, a Governor's Cup submission, and one of VinePair's best 25 orange wines of 2025.Cheers to Slater Run Vineyard. VinePair, National Landing BID. Photo: Washington Business Journal

Her favorite varietal that's what! Cabernet Franc for the win! Slater Run's lovely 2022 Cab Franc was throwing lovely dark fruit and violets...or as Renée said, "hello darkness, my old friend...." See, she doesn't just quote P!nk lyrics!

Guy Talk at with Jimi brings wine into the snowboard world - no rules, no pressure. Joined by fellow snowboard instructors, Henry Gallo & Fisher Boeckmann who are at different stages of their wine journeys, Jimi and Zena talk earned drinks, confidence, dating menus, favorite bottles and how wine connects to memory. From Barboursville Merlot to Willamette Valley Chardonnay to Elijah Craig Bourbon to après-snowboard truths, this episode is about drinking what you like and riding your own line. Do you remember your first snowboard?

There's nothing like sitting in a beautiful tasting room, with a brilliant creative vigneron and vintner, doing a side-by-side tasting of his French and Virginia chardonnays. The delightful Michael Shaps of Michael Shaps Winery and Maison Shaps joins us for an old world/new world discussion that's a lively as his wines! 2022 Michael Shaps Wild Meadow Vineyard Chardonnay and the 2023 Maison Shaps Les Chazots, Bourgone Côte-D'Or Chardonnay. Cheers to: Lycée Viticole de Beaune, Maison Chartron et Trebuchet, #puncheon #newfrenchoak #garagiste

Gamay! In this episode of What’s in Renée’s Glass, we’re pouring 2024 Château Cambon 100% Gamay from Beaujolais, France—a bright, joyful red that reminds us why Gamay deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. Fresh red berries, a hint of violet, soft tannins, and mouthwatering acidity make this wine effortlessly drinkable.We also explore the story behind Château Cambon and the thoughtful philosophy that keeps this wine true to place. It’s Beaujolais at its most honest. It’s approachable and exactly the kind of bottle you open when you just want a glass of wine.

What's in? Breaking Rules! What's out? Judgment!

Adroît 2021 Whole Cluster Siletto Estate Trousseau (San Benito County)...Welcome to the What's In Renée's Glass, Carol Lassen, the rock star sommelier from Husk Nashville. The Trousseau grape (aka "Bastardo"). Made by Chris Miller, a Master Sommelier who also runs Seabold Cellars and BOLD Wine Co. Adroît is his experimental label focusing on unique California regions and grapes like the French Trousseau. It comes from the French region of Jura or the Portuguese region of Duoro where it's known as Bastardo.

We're thrilled to have Carol Lassen aka SingleBarrelCarol, the amazing sommelier at Husk Nashville. Carol shared an amazing Central Coast Adroît 2021 Whole Cluster Siletto Estate Trousseau from Sebold Cellar's winemaker/master sommelier, Chris Miller. for his fun Adroît project. A fascinating conversation about her journey in wine, what it's like to design a wine menu in a chef-driven, farm-to-table, restaurant focused on sustainability. Finally, and most importantly, what pairs with Johnny Cash and other famous Nashvillians? Join us and find out!Cheers to: FamilleHugel Gewürztraminer Blend, "Gentile" France, 2023, Château de Beaucastel, Lampyres Syrah Muscat, "Soleil le Vent" Roussillon 2023, Château Musar Obaideh Merwah, 2010, Danger 380 Volts pet-nat, R. López de Heredia, Viña Tondonia, and of course, Two Wolves Wine.

We launch the Season 3 of When You Just Want A Glass Of Wine in Nashville at the amazing restaurant, Husk Nashville, with their rock star sommelier, Carol Lassen aka SingleBarrelCarol. We'll be asking the important questions like how do you create a wine list for a chef-driven farm-to-table restaurant and what wine would you pair with a Johnny Cash song? Then, we're back in Virginia to have an "Old World/New World" conversation with Michael Shaps of Michael Shaps Winery. If you've not been there - go now! We're going to Sip and Sarap with Zena's dear friend Jo Jo Valenzuela, pairing Filipino flavors and wine. Continuing our focus on women in wine, we'll be back home in National Landing in March for Women's History Month! We're going to do more deep dives into varietals coinciding with the new First Mondays Grape School at Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique. That's just the beginning! We're going to explore amazing wine regions and amazing wine people and telling the stories of wine. Join us!

From our saber-tastic Season 2 launch hosted by McCealaig O'Clisham of the Westin Crystal City in National Landing with Molly from Laurent Perrier to our finale with the Charleston made and DC raised, Shawn Townsend, President & CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and all the amazing friends, new and old, in our spectacular Season 2!

What are we drinking? Drappier Brut Nature Rosé, Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle. If you're not into bubbles these wines are still celebration-worthy - Check your cellar first! Go for a Brunello, or go local American unique regions.

Zena's tips: Sip, Sparkle and Shop! Sip Champagne, dress in something sparkly and shop at Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique!Renée's tips: Hydrate, surround yourself with amazing people and drink the good champagne first!

Pigs in a Blanket - ChampagneRanch Dip - Albariño, Screaming Betty Vermentino, Bedell Cellars Cocquillage, 61 Vineyards' Sparkling AlbariñoBrisket - GamayGrape Jelly Meatballs - Rhône redsChinese Food - Glen Manor Sauvignon BlancCashew Chicken - Sauvignon Blanc on the leesVeggie Indian - Vouvray, Riesling, Albariño, dry Petit MangsengBreaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich - Gruener VeltlinerRegular Meatballs - BrunettiBouche de Noel - LacrimaSanta's Cookies - Glen Manor Rapheus, Klaus Cuvée

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, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nor

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).

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!

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.

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.

This episode is all about adventure! Wine adventures, travel adventures, dinner adventures and adventurous souls! Join Zena and Renée as we welcome Jeri Buchholz for Hosting Uncorked: Parties, Places and Camper Named Lemon Twist (it goes with the Subaru named Olive)! From a Midwest Minnesota upbringing, to the Show Girl Life to an exotic life in Italy at the UN Mission to the United Nations Agencies in Rome), to the DMV as Chief Human Capital Officer at NASA to legendary parties in Newport RI, to the quiet country life in Orange, VA where she strategically ensconced herself near the legendary Barboursville Vineyards. Jeri joins us to talk about her legendary hosting ethos before starting her biggest adventure yet. At 65 she's sold nearly everything she owns, including her house: She kept the dog and her wine key!Tonight we sip to solo tables, open hatches and the friends we haven't met yet. Raise a glass to Jeri, to journeys and to saying yes! Cheers!What we're sipping this episode: The 2022 Michael Shaps Roussanne - a James Suckling 91 point wine!Shout out to Jeri Buchholz aka CampingSolo60, Happier Camper.