"The Il Bastardo winery is located in the Rufina area of Tuscany, just 20 kilometers outside of Florence in the Sieve River Valley. This area is considered the best area to grow grapes. Full of bright citrus and pear fruit flavors with just the right amount of body and structure. Perfect cocktail wine."

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Consulting winemaker is Paolo Masi.

Five generations of the Lange family have lives and worked their vineyards in Lodi, California. With a classic Mediterranean climate, this merlot is full of dark berry and plum notes, It pairs nicely with hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Lodi, California
FYI • Vineyards are certified green by Lodi Sustainable Rules.

This grape, native to Argentina, is a powerhouse of aromatics. A friendly white with unmistakable notes of tropical fruit like lychee as well as orange peel and apple blossom. Made with 100% sustainably produced fruit, this pairs well with shrimp pad thai.

Grape • Torrontes
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Named after the winemaker's daughter.

"This very fun wine is mostly Ciliegiolo with some Sangiovese from younger organic vines just south of Montefalco.This slightly bold Italian blend has enjoyable tannins with dry palette and tart acid. Nuances of dark fruit and vanilla pair perfect with beef, veal or poultry." Can serve slightly chilled.

Grape • Ciliegiolo & Sangiovese
Place • Umbria, Italy
FYI • This producer is also famous for their olive oil.

Founded in 1972 by Ferruccio Sartarelli who was known for his meticulous style. Starting this vineyard derailed his once-upon-a-time hopes of moving to Argentina. "Straw yellow in color with green hints, aromas are dominant with white peach, elder and hawthorn." Pair with goat cheese or fish.

Grape • Verdicchio
Place • Marche, Italy.
FYI • Ferruccio's daughter, Donatella, now runs the winery.

In 1952, brothers Natale, Nicola, Riccardo and Umberto Pasqua moved from Puglia to Veneto and established their company, Vigneti del Sole, in Verona. This refreshing style has notes of lemons, green apples and almonds. Pairs well with shrimp cocktail or as an aperitif.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The family returned to their southern roots in 2000.

This classic California cab is from third generation winemaker Matthew Bonanno. While fruit forward in nature it is not an over-the-top style and is as fun to drink as it is to share. Look for notes of blackberry, cedar, leather, and kitchen spice. Pair with a filet served with blackberry sauce.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • BonAnno means "good year" in Italian.

Climate change is allowing this part of England to produce top-notch grapes. Add in the same chalk soil found in Champagne, France and the result is this outstanding sparkling wine. This is Gusbourne's flagship offering with complex notes of brioche and toasted almonds. Pop the cork and enjoy it as is.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Kent, England
FYI • The first wines from this house were released in 2010.

There are a number of grapes that have done exceptionally well in South America that don't receive the "celebrity status" other varietals do. Tannat, offered here by Bolivian native Francisco Roig, is powerful yet restrained. A substantive wine that pairs well with big flavors such as lamb and rosemary.

Grape • Tannat
Place • Samaipata, Bolivia
FYI • 1750 represents the altitude the grapes are grown at.