Hot Seat & Happy Pours: Industry Night × When You Just Want a Glass of Wine

It’s hard when the mic turns on me—I’m wired to ask the questions. But today I’m in the hot seat for a special crossover: Industry Night × When You Just Want a Glass of Wine with Zena Polin & Renee Gentry. We’re recording on Historic 23rd Street at Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique, presented by the National Landing BID (cheers to a neighborhood that spans Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard and keeps raising the dining bar —> think Water Park vibes, new hits like Bar Colline, Bar Chinois on Crystal Drive, NiHao, Taqueria Xochi, Surreal, plus stalwarts like Beauty).We’re toasting with Barboursville—a Fiano and a Nebbiolo—and swapping wine “a-ha” moments, DMV dining stories, and a few confessions. I learn more about Zena & Renee’s journeys, they pry out mine. Glasses up & let’s go.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:44 - "Live Episode from National Landing"09:58 - Growing Up Around Bars15:47 - "Wine: Bringing People Together"20:27 - Versatile Dining Preferences26:25 - "Discovering Willamette's Chardonnay Delight"28:20 - "Wine Trip & Family Memories"33:21 - Engaged Wine Conversation Dynamics38:47 - "From Cooking Classes to Online List"46:43 - "Unexpected Wine Encounters"48:28 - Customer Service and Flexibility53:41 - Dining Conversations58:52 - "Wine Club with Stories"01:05:18 - "Drag Brunch and Chefs Event"01:09:19 - "Protect and Support Our Communities"01:16:56 - "Start with a Glass"01:23:37 - Podcast Highlights & Event Info01:24:32 - OutroQuotes:“Making a living from your passion is the dream—every day you wake up knowing you’re exactly where you belong.”- Nycci Nellis“Wine shouldn’t be intimidating—it’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and welcoming everyone into the club.”- Zena Polin“Wine is the thread through our celebrations, stories, and connections—it brings us together wherever we are and whatever’s in our glass.”- Renee Gentry“There’s an energy when a community transforms and grows—whether you’re exploring something new or rediscovering a familiar place, inspiration awaits right here.”- Madeline LongKey TakeawaysCollaboration is EverythingNational Landing is on the RiseWine Is for EveryoneStories Make Sips SpecialSay Yes to Adventure—Michelin Stars and Hidden GemsHospitality is HumanAdvocate—and Celebrate!—EqualityCheers to Everyday JoyKnow What You Love—But Stay CuriousZena PolinInstagramFacebookWebsiteRenee GentryInstagramFacebookWebsiteChampagne & Sugar BoutiqueInstagramWebsiteNational Landing BIDInstagramFacebookWebsiteFeaturing Nycci NellisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/Produced by Heartcast Mediahttp://www.heartcastmedia.com