Located in the Languedoc-Roussillon, Maison Nicolas, along with other winemakers in the region, offers a range of products that place the surrounding terroir at the center stage. Notes of blackberry on the plate this is a perfect wine to pair with grilled kabobs or beef szechuan.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Languedoc-Rousillon, France
FYI • This French region first replanted after Phyloxera.

Sourced from multiple vineyards just north of Santa Barbara, this white is made by friend of the family Will Bucklin. Notes of refreshing melon with a hint of red delicious apple come through with every sip making this is a crowd pleaser. Pairs well sitting poolside and soaking in the rays.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Central Coast, California
FYI • Sean Minor is originally from Kansas.

This single vineyard wine comes from the rolling hills of the Awatere Valley from New Zealand's famed Marlborough region. The label depicts the journey the grapes go through to become wine. This classic style from the region is full of tropical fruit notes and citrus. Pairs well with seafood.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Marlborough, New Zealand
FYI • Wine is named after the Maori word for Great Treasure.

Chasing rain indeed. With less than 6 inches of annual rainfall this region is often seeking water! But that stress drives roots deeper into the soil providing for a more complex wine. With notes of plum and blackberry this pairs well with a charcuterie board.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Red Mountain, Washington
FYI • Red Mnt. gets the name from springtime "cheatgrass."

This small plot situated deep within Rioja Alavesa is named after an aunt who was hard of hearing in her latter ears. Remarkable finesse for a Rioja, this elegant wine has delicate flavors of cherry, raspberry, kitchen spice and a touch of leather. Match this Burgundy-like wine with squab or monkfish.

Grape • Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • La Sorda means "the deaf woman."

Word has it this grape was favored by Livia, Augustus Caesar's second wife. Philip Dallas put it best, "Refosco is a wine that compels one to action - either combative or amorous." Notes of bramble and wild blackberry shine in the glass. This pairs well with gamey flavors like venison or wild fowl.

Grape • Refosco
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • This grape is native to Friuli.

This house in under new ownership as of 2003. The Mignon's made a decision to take this historic poperty in a more modern direction. The reviews are in and what a success! Look for notes of dried apricot and cherry. Salmon in color and delicious with salmon too!

Grape • Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
Place • Champagne, France
FYI • Champagne plans to expand it's borders soon.

In the words of the winery: It grows ever more gracious and complex as the vineyard ages; the old radishy-minty briskness is still present but now aligned to a new juiciness and starchy jasmine-rice flavors. Clear, intense, precise, aromatic. Pairs well with pan-seared trout.

Grape • Gruner Veltliner
Place • Kamptal, Austria
FYI • Aged in Manhartsberg Austrian oak barrels.

Trione Winery was established in 2005 by Mark and Vic Trione. They have blended four different clones for this cuvee. This beautifully expressive red has notes of dark cherry, chocolate, and jasmine. Pair with turkey dishes, dried fruits, hard cheeses, or drink on its own!

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Sonoma County, California
FYI • The winery is now in its 3rd generation of family owners.