Sourced from three vineyard sites on the arid side of Washington state. This crowd pleaser is full of rich, ripe fruit, notably raspberries, cherries, and a touch of vanilla. Its silky finish helps it pair nicely with most things off the BBQ.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Columbia Valley, Washington
FYI • Columbia Valley contains 99% of WA's vineyards.

This easy sipper is intended to reflect the lighter side of cabernet sauvignon. Fermented in stainless steel this wine has notes of dark fruit that pairs perfectly with pizza or a roast beef sandwich.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Central Valley, California
FYI • Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape in CA.

A "fun" wine made by the farmer with a big personality - Boet Le Roux. He is still a champion of this old vine Colombard and tirelessly works with it in the intensely hot conditions of South Africa. Look for hints of apple blossom flowers. Pairs well with fresh salads - or on its own!

Grape • Colombard
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • Colombard was first used to make Cognac

Marc Plouzeau took over the family owned operation in 1999 and has put his undeniable seal of excellence on the wines ever since. Often overshadowed by its better known neighbors in Sancerre, this incredible find is full of zip and zing acidity. Pairs well with chevre and asparagus.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • Tourraine is named after the Celtic tribe Turones.

Now owned by Domaine Joseph Mellot, the key to this wine, like so many others is the soil. Planted on sand and gravel this delicately crafted wine is made from 35-40 year-old vines. A bright acidity with a note of lemon peel, this pairs well with oysters.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The Mellot dynasty was founded in 1513.

"Built in 1992, the winery lays on the sunniest slopes of Mount Talai Mendi, surrounded by 12 hectares of vineyards. Founder Bixente Eizagirre Aginaga is from a family with a long history of wine production and is responsible for securing the regions DO. Crisp and clean with a lemon-lime finish, pair with fresh seafood."

Grape • Hondarrabi Zuri
Place • Getariako Txakolina, Spain
FYI • Rainfall here is higher than Spain's national average.

Michael Polenske purchased the walnut grove in 2003 that would become Blackbird Vineyards. This is a luscious blend of Napa's three most important varietals, made in a modern Bordeaux style. It is immediately approachable with notes of plum, mocha, anise, and cola. Pair with a grilled t-bone steak.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • In French, the word for Merlot, patois, means blackbird.

The brother duo behind this wine is an incredibly small property with only 3,000 bottles produced annually. Meticulously looked after by the Chavreau's, this is one of only four chateaux in Sancerre center. Notes of citrus, minerality, and flint. Pairs well with trout and artichoke or sushi,

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The area was first cultivated by Romans around 1 A.D.

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.