Consistently recognized as a stand-out in French wine competitions, this workhorse white from the south-west of France delights from the first sip. Refreshing notes of citrus and fresh herbs are there from the first to last drop. Pairs extremely well with goat cheese and herbs.

Grape • Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng
Place • Cotes de Gascogne, France
FYI • Ugni Blanc is also distilled to make cognac.

Now in it's third generation of owners, the Botter family produces environmentally friendly wines. The horse on the label is a nod to the fairs famous in the region the family comes from. This ruby-red sipper has notes of blueberry and violets. Pair with Arrosticini.

Grape • Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Place • Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • Arrosticini, mutton skewers, are Abruzzo's famed dish.

Vinho Verde can also come as a rose such as this delight. A blend of varietals from the famous DO of light and slight bubbly: Vinho Verde. Notes of strawberry. Great pool sipper.

Grape • Espadeiro, Borracal
Place • Vinho Verde, Portugal
FYI • Faisao means pheasant.

Alanera translates to "black wing" which is an homage to the region's famed indigenous varietal Corvina. The unique process of drying 50% of the harvest for up to two months and then combining it with the rest of the wine produces this flavorful wine with notes of coffee and prunes. Pair with medium-aged cheeses.

Grape • Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, Merlot
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The Zenato family founded this winery in 1960.

The chain of the Alps closest to the vineyard in Friuli Grave, acts as a barrier and prevents the fierce winds from the north barreling through the region. Fermented in stainless still this bright, refreshing wine has notes of green apple, quince, and minerality. Pairs well with mountain cheeses.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • Friuli Grave DOC is named for the gravely soils.

A project started between three winemaking friends is now owned outright by Jean-Claude Chanudet. He and his wife follow bio-dynamic practices and the result is this delicious red with notes of blueberry and a touch of gaminess. A great wine to pair with guinea hen, pheasant, pigeon, or a heritage turkey.

Grape • Gamay
Place • Beaujolais, France
FYI • This parcel of land is just outside Grand Cru status.

Gianni Zonin founded this winery in 1976 amidst pressure to use the land for tobacco production. He didn't listen and is today one of the state's most celebrated wineries. Planted for the first time in 2015 this grape, native to central Italy, is full of honeysuckle and dried lemon peel notes. Pair with gazpacho.

Grape • Fiano
Place • Barboursville, Virginia
FYI • B'ville is nearby to vino loving Thomas Jefferson's home.

This small family operation makes some of the most texturally compelling wines in Austria. This is certainly attributed to Ludwig's unique approach to winemaking: spontaneous fermentations, without temperature control, enzymes or even sulphur. Elegant minerality allows this to pair well with trout.

Grape • Gruner Veltliner
Place • Kamptal , Austria
FYI • Loess is a wind blown mineral deposit.

This red comes from several small vineyard parcels within Columbia Valley, namely key sites on prestigious Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, and the Royal Slope. Look for notes of dark berries, bramble, cola, and sandalwood. Pair with a filet mignon.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Place • Columbia Valley, Washington
FYI • This area is on the same latitude as Bordeaux.