"Located in the heart of Portugal: DOC Do Tejo occupies almost the same large area as VR Tejo, on either side of the River Tagus as it flows gently along in a south-westerly direction towards its estuary at Lisbon." Bright notes of cherry try with Bacalhau.

Grape • Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Touriga Nacional
Place • Dao, Portugal
FYI • The river Tagus (Spanish) is known as Tejo in Portugal.

Still family owned and operated after 100 years this winery in an often over-looked region delivers every time. Look for fresh floral, herbal and apple notes. This pairs well with fish kabobs or a salmon burger with dill sauce.

Grape • Verdejo, Godello
Place • Castilla y Leon, Spain
FYI • These two provinces merged in 1983.

The conditions in northern Italy are just right for this thin-skinned grape that prefers cool over the intense heat found in central and southern Italy. Fresh and light this is full of bright cherry flavors that pairs nicely with a variety of casual food.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Trevenezie, Italy
FYI • This region encompasses Veneto, Friuli, and Alto Adige.

Recognizing they had something truly special the estate stopped selling it's fruit to other producers in the 1990s. Using a modern approach with indigenous varietals has truly put this house on the map. Balanced tanins with pronounced blackberry, coffee, and black olive notes. Pairs nicely with rosemary and lamb.

Grape • Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Place • Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • The house motto is: Villa Medoro is the soul of wine.

This grape is indigenous to the island and rarely sold abroad. A stones throw from Polermo on the western side, this grape has a golden yellow color. Notes of banana and tropical fruit this pairs well with grilled fish and mango salad.

Grape • Cataratto
Place • Sicilly, Italy
FYI • This wine is biodynamically grown.

In a region famous for its whites there are also, in fact, a few standout reds. Marco Felluga produces this aromatically expressive merlot from two villages near the sea. In its unoaked state this wine shows off the beautifully fragrant qualities of plum, cherry and tobacco.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • Perfectly paired with the famed San Daniele prosciutto.

Sourced from vineyards in four counties, the eclectic mix of grapes that goes into making this wine is a fan favorite every vintage. This is Rhone Valley meets Cali Zin. A medium-bodied delight that is luscious yet balanced with loads of rich, ripe dark fruit, chocolate and coffee. Enjoy by a fire or with a rich stew.

Grape • Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and more...
Place • Sonoma, California
FYI • This wine is made from nine different varietals.

The dramatic temperature swings on the south-facing slopes of Mt. Etna play a key role in the development of these grapes. The family-owned estate, Terra Costantino, produces this large red with notes of tobacco and dark fruit. Pair with the classic Sicilian meat roll.

Grape • Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • The grapes in this wine are indigenous to the region.

Up until the ‘80s some Chardonnay grapevines could only be found in Pinot Bianco vineyards. In 1982 that all changed with this winery. Enormously delicious with a long finish, look for notes of ripe apple, melon and banana. It goes well with starters such as porcini carpaccio, light cuisine and "pasta fredda."

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Alto Adige, Italy
FYI • Region has dramatic diurnal temperature changes.