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.

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.

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.