Known as “The Originals” because the grapes are grown in the same soil and latitude as their original ancestry. If you could bottle the fun and irreverent attitude of the west coast, this would be the result. A touch of pepper, raspberry and eucalyptus, this wine pairs well with most foods.

Grape • Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Columbia Valley, Washington
FYI • The Columbia Valley grows 99% of the grapes in WA state.

"Cantina di Gambellara was founded in 1947 by a group of 26 associated vine growers, becoming the first cooperative winery in the Vicenza province. The taste is very fresh. There is an important presence of mineral salts due to the volcanic origin of the soil. Pair with seafood risotto."

Grape • Garganega
Place • Vento, Italy
FYI • There are now 365 members of the cooperative.

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.

"The Baron Ermengaud cuvée is named after the lord Ermengaud de Fouzilhon who provided land in the 12th century for a monastic barn to be built. Located in Faugeres, this refreshing white is lively and crisp, with medium-bodied notes of melon, citrus blossom and flowers. Pairs well with seafood."

Grape • Rousanne, Marsanne, Vermentino, Grenache Blanc
Place • Languedoc Roussillon, France
FYI • Faugeres became an AOC in 1982.

Chrysalis winery is considered the best in working with the native varietal Norton. The majority of grapes grown in the US are originally from Europe. Classic fruit-forward character of Norton with notes of dark cherry, plum, raspberry, dark chocolate. Pair with your favorite cheese board.

Grape • Norton
Place • Middleburg, Virginia
FYI • Cocoon is another word for chrysalis

The de Clock family owned winery is originally Dutch but located to Bordeaux in 1679. Becoming a French citizen not long after, they have owned this site since 1864. Bright and happy, this white has a little spritz and pairs well with seafood dishes.

Grape • Picpoul
Place • Langeudoc-Rousillon
FYI • The coat of arms includes two dinosaurs.

Arguably the finest sparkling wine producer in the United States, Schramsberg was founded by Jack and Jamie Davis in 1965 who restored the then dilapidated Schram winery. Made in the style of champagne, this wine pairs beautifully with halibut.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • Tthe grapes are grown in cooler sites north of Napa.

Giuseppe Caviola, know as Beppe to friends, owns a 33-acre estate in Langa, the best place to grow Dolcetto. The Barturot was among the first wines he produced and is near and dear to his heart. Old vines produce little fruit but certainly deliver on flavor with ripe berry in abundance this is delicious as is.

Grape • Dolcetto
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Ca'viola means little violet house.

"This historic property, which formerly belonged to the abbots of Margaux and is adjacent to Chateau Troplong-Mondot. With notes of blackberries, black currants, cherries, mushrooms and minerals. The palate is full bodied with silky tannins and a long plum finish." Perfect with roast duck.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • The chateau is under the direction of Michel Boutet.