Tucked away behind the range of mountains that separates Spain and France sits this lovely region. Know in part for the other tradition here, "the running of the bulls" it is also delicious wine country. Cool nights promotes acidity and the result is a robust rose that is joyously paired with virtually any tapas.

Grape • Garnacha
Place • Navarra, Spain
FYI • Garnacha is to Spain, as Grenache is to France.

The 11th generation of Guntrums is currently running this classic German family winery. Riesling gets a bad wrap in the U.S. but it is a remarkably versatile wine. Look for a hint of sweetness with notes of tropical fruit. This is fantastic served with holiday meals, spicy cuisine, or simply as a party wine.

Grape • Riesling
Place • Rheinhessen, Germany
FYI • U.S. General Patton occupied the winery in 1945.

"Rubus Private Selection comes from the town of La Seca in the heart of the Rueda region in Northern Spain. Pale yellow color with green highlights, the wine offers clean and crisp aromas of citrus fruits, a refreshing and well-balanced palate of zesty flavors. Pair with fish, chicken and salads."

Grape • Verdejo
Place • Castilla y León, Spain
FYI • The Rubus project started in 1997.

"Located in the sourhtern Rhoney Valley, Lirac wines have been produced in the Southern Rhone Valley since before Roman times, when they were favorites of the kings and popes of Avignon. Notes of black raspberry, white pepper and spice flavors and a good concentration of acidity. Pair with Bistro fare."

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Lirac is the oldest recorded wine of the Cotes-du-Rhone.

The steep-sloped hills of this region make hand-picking these grapes a hard task but the reward is well worth it. With notes of blueberry, and dark cherry this unfined, unfiltered wine pairs well with roast chicken.

Grape • Blaufrankisch
Place • Haloze Hills, Slovenia
FYI • Most Slovenian wines are consumed within the country.

Most of the vineyards that belong to the husband and wife duo are in an arid, windswept place in the highlands of the Mediterranean. An unquestionable delight year after year, this wine is full blueberry with the tarry black notes courtesy of the Carignan. Terrific with cured meats or sauteed mushrooms.

Grape • Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
Place • Minervois, France
FYI • The "chateau" is an old auto service station.

The Côte’s prestigious and steeper slopes and schist soils, as well as a splash of Viognier, help promote the high-toned notes in this elegant red. Look for notes of smoke, black olive, succulent black cherries, and spices. Pair with cassoulet, beef brisket, & venison.

Grape • Syrah, Viognier
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • The vineyard was planted in 1993.

Located in southern Rhone on a 12th century medieval site, the name comes from "Rugius" a Roman who first owned the vineyard. Indigenous yeast is used to ferment this single block with big notes of dried violets, anise and pepper. Pairs well with venison in tomato sauce.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • The vines for this wine are over 60 years old!

Jules Taylor focuses on ultra-premium Marlbrough fruit sourced from select prize winning vineyards. Using such sought after fruit means that the "proof is in the pudding" and this red speaks for itself. Expressive with notes of plum and dark chocolate this pairs well with venison and caramelized onion.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Marlborough, New Zealand
FYI • Marlborough is in the northern part of the south island.