While many wines in Sicily come from the volcanic soil of Mt. Etna, this wine is produced in the Valle del Belice about 300 meters above sea level. Still heavily influenced by the Mediterranean climate, look for notes of green apple and lemon zest. Serve with green olives and Parmesan.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • A famous breed of sheep also comes from this region.

Thank goodness for Monterey which provides among the best value to quality ratio in California. Lots of bang for the buck in this wine with tropical notes of pineapple and banana. Goes great with tuna and mango salsa!

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Monterey, California
FYI • Monterey was named after the viceroy of New Spain.

This wine celebrates the democratization of South Africa and was established in 1996. A portion of the brand's sales support early childhood education for vineyard worker's children. This Bordeaux-inspired blend has notes of dark fruit and chocolate and is perfectly paired with beef stew.

Grape • Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • Indaba is Zulu word for meeting of the minds.

The family owned Chakana winery sits at over 3000 feet in the foothills of the Andes. It represents the new generation of winemaking in Argentina. A perfect example is this certified biodynamic red with no sulphur added. Lively with notes of cassis and blackberry. Pairs well with empenadas!

Grape • Bonarda
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Chakana is the name for the Southern Cross constellation.

"In 1986, brothers Christophe and Fabrice Delorme, along with their father Francis bought land in Tavel. Ideally located at the crossroads of Provence and Languedoc, Mordorée produces some of the finest wines in the Rhone Valley." Notes of red berry this pairs well with Asian dishes, pizza, and fish.

Grape • Grenache
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Mordoree is a nickname used locally for woodcock.

No stranger to the Oregon wine scene, Sarah Cabot coaxes from the cool-climate of Willamette delightful flavors. Exhibit A is this P.G. with ripe honeydew, stone fruit, and jasmine peaking around every sip. A clear winner served with cuisine with a bit of heat. Tired of cerveza with those spicy chicken tacos? Try this!

Grape • Pinot Gris
Place • Willamette Valley, Oregon
FYI • This grape gets its name from it's grayish-blue skin.

"This is the flagship red blend from Tablas Creek, chosen from the best lots of four estate-grown varietals propagated from budwood cuttings from the famed Château de Beaucastel estate. With notes of spiced plum, sarsaparilla, loamy earth, and new leather. Pair with lamb stew or a beef stir fry."

Grape • Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, Counoise
Place • Paso Robles, California
FYI • This wine is biodynamic.

The coastal waters greatly affect the vineyards located in Massa-Carrara and Bolgheri. Extended time on the lees provides for deep complexity. Label art is by Margot Bertonati, an artist and friend of the winemaker. Look for notes of minerality and salinity. Delicious as an aperitif.

Grape • Vermentino
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Bolgheri is the birthplace of the Super Tuscan.

Founded in 2004 and named after their important vineyard, Ambassador looks to become Washington States top producing winery. This is rich and velvety. Look for a jammy nose and luscious notes of vanilla, blueberry reduction, and cedar. Enjoy by a fire or with big protein.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache
Place • Red Mountain, Washington
FYI • The state's finest wines come from the Red Mountain AVA.