Riesling is the perfect "cool climate" grape requiring 100 days of ripening after bloom. The Rheinhessen gets about 1,800 hour of sunshine per year...just enough for this varietal. A complex wine with racy acidity it's flavors of white peach and Bosc pear make it a winner with pork roasts or roasted root veg.

Grape • Riesling
Place • Rheinhessen, Germany
FYI • Louis Guntrum winery was established in 1648.

Wines from this windy plain, or "meseta" in Spanish, come from the important agricultural area Castilla-La Mancha. Light and lively this wine reflects capturing the sun in each bottle with notes of pear, wild flower and grapefruit. Serve as a sipper at social events or pair with tacos.

Grape • Viura
Place • Castilla-La Mancha
FYI • Buenas is a casual greeting used at social gatherings.

Produced by Bodega Casa Primicia from the part of this region known as Alavese Rioja, The vines have it their stride at 35yo and deliver fruit that is perfect for making this red. With hints of caramel, blueberry compote and balsamic reduction, this is a perfect match-up with a cheeseburger.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Tempranillo is the most planted red grape In Spain.

Maysara winery is nestled in the foothills of the McMinnville AVA, in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The Momtazi family is dedicated to biodynamic farming practices and is Demeter certified. A fuller style with notes of pineapple, cantaloupe, and honeysuckle. Pairs well with herbed fish.

Grape • Pinot Blanc
Place • Willamette Valley, Oregon
FYI • Autees is the ancient Persian Goddess, protector of life.

Made by Isaac Fernández Montaña one of Spain’s most acclaimed winemakers. In 2011 he paired with visionary Aurelio Cabestrero who wanted to make wines for the US market. Here they offer up a red with concentrated notes of dark fruit, cola, and mocha. Pair with items off the grill - try with grilled eggplant.

Grape • Grenache
Place • Calatayud, Spain
FYI • Named after grape eating small brown birds in vineyard.

Xavier Buil created this wine as a delicate and elegant introduction to Priorat. Stylistically these wines can be massive in body and in price. In this un-oaked example, it lightly dances on the palate with notes of blackberry, black cherry, and black peppercorn. Pair with a nice piece of grilled beef.

Grape • Garnacha, Cariñena
Place • Priorat, Spain
FYI • It is extremely difficult to grow vines in this region.

Founded in 1980 by a father and son duo, SIegel wines has come a long way since they began in producing bulk wine. Today this exceptional showing from them is the culmination and utmost expression of their best vines. Notes of cassis, chocolate, violets, and kitchen spice. Pairs well with steak.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah
Place • Colchagua Valley
FYI • Colchagua is a "Transverse Valley" made by a river.

"Old" by Napa standards, this family-owned estate was founded in 1967 and continues to earn the respect of other produces and oenophiles alike. This Bordeaux-style blend is silky smooth with velvety hints of chocolate and kitchen spice. A crowd-pleaser all the way. Enjoy it contemplating life in front of the fireplace.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Place • Napa, California
FYI • "Cult winery" neighbors include Bryant and Colgin.

In the winemaker's own words "Beeslar Pinotage is one of the most profound interpretations of the often tricky Pinotage grape that you can imagine. It's the Grand Cru Burgundy of Pinotages: complex, elegant, ageworthy." Pairs well with most lamb dishes.

Grape • Pinotage
Place • Stellenbosch, South Africa
FYI • Winery was founded in 2011.