A rather young winery by Spanish standards, Borsao was founded in 1958 and works primarily with the region’s important varietal, garnacha. This spirited red is one of the best values on the market. Full of black raspberry, plum, and black cherry this wine pairs nicely with most things off the grill and even paella.

Grape • Garnacha, Tempranillo
Place • Campo d Borja, Spain
FYI • Garnacha originated in Aragon, an area in northern Spain.

The Lodi Appellation has a classic Mediterranean climate, featuring warm days and cool evenings. Situated 100 miles directly east of the San Francisco Bay. With notes of prunes, cherries, vanilla this goes well with burgers and bbq.

Grape • Petit Sirah
Place • Lodi, California
FYI • Petite Sirah is also known as Durif.

Named Los Dos because it is always made from two varietals. This rosé has youthful characteristics of raspberry and white flowers. While there are many rich foods in Campo de Borja including lamb, blood pudding, and garlic soup, this wine is better suited with lighter fare such as grilled chicken or fish tacos.

Grape • Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Campo de Borja, Spain
FYI • Some towns here didn't see cars until the late 20th cent.

Owned by the same family for 600 years, today headed up by Jean de Boigne, the 26th generation of his family at the estate. A classic Catillon style with notes of cassis, plum, and bramble. Pairs well with lentil and sausage.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • This region is on the right bank of the Dordogne.

Mombaruzzo is home to the two brothers who make this wine. They started the winery in the late 90's naming it after an 18th-century farmhouse. Bright, aromatic, and full of notes of violet and cherry this wine is incredibly versatile. Try pairing it with anything from fish to mushrooms to cheese to Indian curry.

Grape • Barbera
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Barbera originated in the foothills of Monferrato.

Cavalchina "created" this wine in 1962 by marketing these three blended grapes under the name Custoza. It helped it stand out and became a huge hit in the cities of Rome and Milan. A hint of orange and Bosc pear, this cheerful wine pairs well with crab dip.

Grape • Fernanda, Trebbiano, Garganega
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The history of this winery dates to 1848.

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.

By Italian standards this is a relatively young winery, founded in 1971. As a result, their winery is a very modern affair using the most state-of-the-art tools available. Notable for its highly perfumed nose, look for elements of pineapple, nectarine, and freesia. Lovely as an aperitif.

Grape • Greccheto
Place • Umbria, Italy
FYI • During the Renaissance this grape was simply: Greco.

Eric - a popular figure having previously served as a Paris fireman - and his wife Sophie Ughetto started this winery in 1990 along the foothills of the Dentelles de Montimirail. This is everything you want from this region - controlled power with layers of anise and garrigue. Pairs well with cassoulet.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • Eric is currently the Mayor of Gigondas.