Founded in 1789 and still family owned after 7 generations this estate is located in the middle of Entre-Deux-Mers, the famed white wine producing area. Lively on the palate, look for notes of citrus and a hint of peach. Delicious with shrimp or as an aperitif.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Entre-Deux-Mers means between two seas.

As they say at the winery "happy wines start with happy vines." Complex soils, older vines, and a touch of aging in French oak adds to the succulent layers of plum, boysenberry, and anise. Easy to drink and easy to pair with...like a pulled pork sandwich.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • The WC's coasts border the Indian and Atlantic oceans.

Originally from Austria, the Siegel family made their way to Chile in the 1970's. We're so glad they did! This eye-catching deep ruby red is trumped only by a lip-smacking barrage of flavors ranging from cloves to black peppercorns to blackberry. Try with your favorite chili, with or without meat.

Grape • Syrah, Carmenere, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot
Place • Colchagua Valley, Chile
FYI • This valley is responsible for Chile's best red wines.

This well regarded producer has made some intriguing wines for years. He uses Marselan, a cross between cabernet and grenache and ferments the wine in concrete. The result is a freshness which highlights the dark fruit and black pepper in the wine. Pair with a beef or venison stew.

Grape • Caledoc, Marselan
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Saint Damien is the patron saint of doctors.

The sustainably certified vineyards of the Scheid Family located in Monterey, CA use 100% renewable energy in the form of wind turbines. Silky notes of cherries, blackberries, plums and mocha. Pairs well with grilled chicken, club sandwich, or cheddar quiche.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Monterey, California
FYI • Tassajara is a nearby spring used by indigenous people.

Marie Christine, the daughter of Henri Ducourt, purchased this prestigious left-bank property in 1979, which lies on the border of the Graves appellation. The vineyard was rapidly replanted and the château building, which dates from 1348, was restored. Aromas of white flowers and citrus. Pair with chicken salad.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Colombard is a grape used to make cognac.

The four high-elevation vineyards that are used to make this wine each provide their own unique marker. From black currant to black pepper to the aromatics and minerality, this is a well structured red with a long finish. Pair with steak or lamb.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Nicola Catena founded the winery in 1902.

"The Castellare property has become a refuge for wildlife. A beautiful property! This wine has aromas of cherries, red plums, and currants layered over notes of earth, rose petals, and leather. Pair this wine with grilled red meats, bordelaise sauces, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and butter-poached veal shank. "

Grape • Sangiovese
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • The labels feature birds found at the property.

"The sloping banks of the Loir, a tributary of the Loire, are home to the northernmost vineyards of the entire Loire Valley. This area produces fantastically unique Chenin Blanc that bears a unique aromatic signature. Exotically perfumed with hints of guava, musk, and clove, it finishes dry & quite flinty." Pair with fish.

Grape • Chenin Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The Loire River is the longest in France.