Like discovering less trodden places? Molise is for you. Squeezed between Abruzzo and Puglia, it has a dynamic landscape along the Adriatic Sea. This youthful red with hints of violet and currant is ideal for the cuisine of this historically poor region. Diets are heavy on pasta, veggies and generous amounts of olive oil.

Grape • Sangiovese
Place • Molise, Italy
FYI • The comfort food dish of this area is p’lenta d’iragn.

Vina Bujanda is owned by a brother and sister duo whose family has been in the wine business since the late 1800's. Today their modern operation is producing a refreshing style of wine such as this ruby-colored red with notes of red currant and cherry. Perfect with seafood paella.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Rioja is made up of three different regions.

Balanced and easy drinking, this is a textbook example of a South African cab with notes of blackberry, cherry, and herbs. With a medium weight on the palate this pairs well with bbq chicken.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • The port city of this region is Cape Town.

Scarpetta refers to a small piece of bread used to soak up the last bits of sauces on a plate. Soaking up life is the inspiration behind this wine. With grapes planted on gravely soils the result is a bright wine with lots of minerality. Pair with seared scallops.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • Friuli is famous for producing Italian white wines.

This grape is indigenous to the island and rarely sold abroad. A stones throw from Polermo on the western side, this grape has a golden yellow color. Notes of banana and tropical fruit this pairs well with grilled fish and mango salad.

Grape • Cataratto
Place • Sicilly, Italy
FYI • This wine is biodynamically grown.

"Boccadigabbia was once one of the “one hundred poderi,” or individual farms, that made up the Amministrazione Bonaparte of Civitanova, a vast agricultural estate. This red offers classic varietal spice, along with lovely scents of vanilla, chocolate, and wild red berries. Pairs well with Central Italian cuisine."

Grape • Montepulciano, Sangiovese
Place • Marche, Italy
FYI • Until 1960 most grapes at the vineyard were French.

The structure of cabernet sauvignon and the floral notes of sangiovese come together in this, the flagship wine from Avignonesi. Produced only in the best vintages this full-bodied red has notes of plum, black cherry, and dark chocolate. Pairs well with pappardelle al cinghiale.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Grifi means griffon in Italian.

Named after a Merchant Marine from Wisconsin who served during WWII, this full throttle Napa Cab is a complex wine with notes of vanilla, cocoa powder, kitchen spice and licorice. Pair with a grilled t-bone steak.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • The Sailor's Grave was a common tattoo among sailors.

This winery is nestled in the ancient, historic town square of Gattinara. The cooler climate in this northeastern part of Italy is particularly good for growing Nebbiolo. A very approachable wine, look for notes of plum and violet. Considering sipping on its own or pairing with aged cheese.

Grape • Nebbiolo
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Piedmont is also famous for it's hazelnuts.