The Western Cape of South Africa provides dramatic views and intense waters where two oceans meet. Fruit-driven aromas compliment the delicious plum and raspberry flavors. Well-balanced tannins support the juicy acidity and lead into a rich, youthful finish. Pair with anything off the grill.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • The label is a nod to the coastal heritage.

The Lodi Appellation has a classic Mediterranean climate, featuring warm days and cool evenings. Situated 100 miles directly east of the San Francisco Bay. With notes of prunes, cherries, vanilla this goes well with burgers and bbq.

Grape • Petit Sirah
Place • Lodi, California
FYI • Petite Sirah is also known as Durif.

Sourced from grapes that are near Sancerre but just outside the classification zone means this wine is a lot of bang for the buck. Racy and vibrant bursting with notes or minerality and citrus. Pairs well with fish or served as an aperitif.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • The Loire River is the longest in France.

One of Tuscany's lesser-known DOCG's make this a perfect find for those looking for hidden gems. A blend of the Sangiovese and Bordeaux varietals, this complex wine has aromas of dried cherry, licorice, and herbs. Pairs well with game meats.

Grape • Sangiovese, Alicante, Merlot, Cabernet
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • The medieval village of Scansano is nearby.

Château Fontarèche, owned by the De Lamy family since 1957, is located in the Languedoc region, several kilometers far from Lézignan-Corbières. Warm days and cool nights help preserve the freshness of the fruit. Notes of strawberry and watermelon. Pairs well with fish tacos or shrimp cocktail.

Grape • Piquepoul Noir, Carignan, Grenache Noir
Place • Corbieres, France
FYI • One of the oldest producers in the Langeudoc.

Located near the Melesses villages in a mountainous region 650m above sea level. The winery is noted for pioneering organic farming on the island. This toothsome, delicious red has notes of cassis and chocolate. Pair with lamb skewers.

Grape • Kostifali, Mandilari
Place • Crete, Greece
FYI • The winery is run by a female winemaker.

In SE France, Jura wines are known for the layer of yeast that forms on top of the wine providing a uniqueness of character known only to that region. Alejandro Vigil takes the concept and applies it here. A refined thought provoking wine with notes of preserved lemon. Try with salted codfish and cream.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • El Enemigo translates as the enemy.

The Guicciardini family have farmed the lands here since the 1300's and have documents showing their earliest crops were olives. Today they are renowned for a collection of reds with this their most famous offering. Medium bodied with notes of plum and blackberry. Pair with a bistecca.

Grape • Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • This is in the Chianti Colli aka "the hills of Chianti"

The Cottagnoud's are traditionalists who push boundaries. Working with the schist and granite soils found in their small village, they produce a pinot noir that is not at all Burgundian but reflects the fresh, cool mountain climate they are found in. Notes of raspberry and casis with an expressive minerality.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Vetroz, Switzerland
FYI • Nearly all Swiss wine is consumed within Switzerland.