Considered one of the best value chardonnay based wines in the U.S. Made by Jean-Marc & Eliane Lafage in the south of France it is fermented mainly in stainless steel. This keeps this wine food friendly and one reason restaurants like to pour it by-the-glass. Pairs well with chicken.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Roussillon, France
FYI • Most of the wines in this region, 80%, are red.

As one of the top estates in the Languedoc (if not southern France) the owner, Gerard Bru, spares no expense. He transplanted a classical villa from Montpellier to the Languedoc stone by stone to create the perfect look on his estate. Elegant with aromas of blackberry and licorice this is great with duck.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah
Place • Coteaux du Languedoc, France
FYI • The Cot. du Langedoc is a remarkable 80 miles long.

Alberto Siegel was born in Santiago in 1946, the third generation in Chile of an Austrian family. This family operation, started in 1980, is known for their wide range of excellent wines. Enticing tropical fruit and citrus aromas, this beautifully balanced white pairs well with pasta and grilled fish.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Curico Valley, Chile
FYI • Alberto's grandfather designed famous Santiago buildings.

Located on the hills surrounding Siena, this area overlaps Tuscany's most famous wine names and is Chianti's most significant subzone. The elegant Burgundy-like style of this wine is immediately approachable with violets, plum, and cedar peaking through. Delicious on it's own or with pasta primavera.

Grape • Sangiovese, Caniolo
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • This estate was founded in 1922.

With a history dating back over 1,000 years this small pocket in Tuscany has had plenty of time to become well known but remains a relative secret. This region requires at least 10% of Cab Sauv go into their reds. With earthy aromas and a hint of cherry reduction this pairs well with grilled chicken.

Grape • Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Carmignano is the smallest DOCG in Italy.

"At the foot of the spectacular Simonsberg mountain in the Franschhoek Valley lies the historic French Huguenot farm Fredericksburg, established in 1690 and now home to Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons." With notes of plum and blackberry this pairs well with smoked meats and grilled portobello.

Grape • Cabarnet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • First ZA winery certified for their conservation work.

In an attempt to make a New Zealand sauvignon blanc like no other, the Giesen brothers experimented with oak treatment for a number of years. The result is this complex white that exudes layers of fennel, hay, yeast, and nectarine. Pair with grilled swordfish and caponata.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Marlborough, New Zealand
FYI • Named after their grandfather, August, a sommelier.

This wine is made in honor of the pioneers who settled in this region decades ago and is named after the oldest continuously operating grocery store in California founded in 1881. Sourced from several sites, this luscious full-bodied red has notes of kitchen spice, vanilla, and blackberry preserves.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • The Victorian house (grocery store) was built in 1874.

The grapes for this wine are sourced from the Haro zone in norther La Rioja. Muga's famed used of both American and French oak is seamlessly integrated into this release. Cherry, plum, black-truffle are the delicious notes that will cross your palate. Pairs well with ribeye steak or a host of casseroles.

Grape • Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuela, Graciano
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Haro hosts the annual wine festival.