"The Il Bastardo winery is located in the Rufina area of Tuscany, just 20 kilometers outside of Florence in the Sieve River Valley. This area is considered the best area to grow grapes. Full of bright citrus and pear fruit flavors with just the right amount of body and structure. Perfect cocktail wine."

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Consulting winemaker is Paolo Masi.

"Founded in 1879 by Don Antonio Guerra, Vinos Guerra is one of the most historic wineries in Spain and the oldest winery in the northwestern region of Bierzo. Ripe red and black fruit aromas with mineral and earthy accents." Try with roasted pork or a Reueben sandwich.

Grape • Mencia
Place • Bierzo, Spain
FYI • Bierzo is a mountainous area near the Portuguese border.

"Enjoy this fine medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from the Pays D'OC growing region in France. The wine has a deep ruby red color, and red fruit aromas. The mouth is filled with dark fruit like black cherry and plum, and a hint of spice on the finish. The tannins are well balanced." Pair with a black bean burger.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Pays d'Oc, France
FYI • This wine is Mevushal Kosher.

"El Recio" brings together the power of youth and the experience of age to express serenity, perseverance and strength, the inspiration of this behind the label. This is a corpulent wine also having a lot of finesse, with an intense nose having notes of chocolate, black fruit and vanilla. Pair with grilled meat."

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Toro, Spain
FYI • Matsu means "to wait" in Japanese.

According to legend, "God cried when he found a corner of Heaven stolen by Lucifer and where his tears fell, there grew the grapes that make Lacryma Christi." Grown on 100% volcanic soil this is a very food-friendly wine that pairs well with shrimp cocktail and seafood risotto.

Grape • Coda di Volpe
Place • Campania, Italy
FYI • Lacryma Christi translates as "tears of Christ."

Since 1920 the Lança family has been making wine in Vidiguera, the prime region within the DOC of Alentejo. It is now the third and fourth generations who are running the estate. Delicious notes of honeysuckle, apple blossom, and citrus. Pairs well with fish or on its own.

Grape • Roupeiro, Verdelho, Viosinho, Antao Vaz
Place • Alentejo, Portugal
FYI • Still use ancetstral 'Thal' method of wine in clay pots.

Planted on one of Napa's newest AVA's, Red Hills Lake County district, it is notable for the veins of Obsidian Rock, aka volcanic glass, that is found in the vineyard. A ripe, full-bodied red with notes of brambleberry, coffee, and dark chocolate this is delicious with a grilled steak.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • The vineyard elevation is at 2,640 feet.

"Bodegas La Caña was founded in 2008 and uses the traditional methods of elaborating Albariño, before the incorporation of stainless steel tanks, when the wines were fermented and aged in large chestnut wood barrels." This wine has a racy acidity that pairs very well with fish, especially saltwater fish.

Grape • Albarino
Place • Rias Baixas, Spain
FYI • Vineyards use stone columns to support the vines here.

Founded in 1875, Weingut Robert Weil is considered to be one of the Rheingau’s younger wine estates. This wine is a perfect specimen of its mineral-rich terroir, displaying distinctive character and complexity. A full-bodied, dry-style wine, it offers a provocative balance of fruit, spice and flintiness.

Grape • Riesling
Place • Rheingau, Germany
FYI • GG stands for Grosses Gewächs - “great growth”