The temperatures in this region are kept cool by the influence of the ocean. Keeping the region cool is key to growing the temperature sensitive pinot noir. This lively wine is full of bright cherry and violet flavors and pairs well with paella.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Casablanca Valley, Chile
FYI • Casablanca means "white house."

Without question one Italy's most important red grapes, and 100% Sicily's most important one. An intense bouquet of pomegranate and black currant with notes of forest fruit black pepper. A great food wine, pair with pork ribs.

Grape • Nero D'Avola
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • Known as "The Black Grape of Avola."

The Central Coast AVA extends about 250 miles along the state's coastline. Some of the best value in California comes from this region. With a velvety texture this red has pleasing notes of herbs, cherries, and plums. Great with pasta carbonara or chunks of parmesan cheese.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Central Coast, California
FYI • Castle Rock is a fictional fort in "Lord of the Flies."

Produced by Les Grands Chais near the village Pont Saint Esprit in the Gard district. The hillside exposure and loamy soil are perfect for producing this classic style. Raspberry and plum with a touch of violet make this a refreshing red that is versatile with a variety of dishes at the dinner table.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Mareselan
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • The winery was founded in 2010.

"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.

Located in Controguerra (Teramo), a special wine-producing area between the Gran Sasso mountains and the Adriatic Sea., the Illuminati family has grown their estate to 130 hectares. This single vineyard produces a wine with earthy notes and a hint of licorice. Pairs well with braised meat or aged cheeses.

Grape • Montepulciano
Place • Montepulciano d' Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • This winery adheres to sustainable farming practices.

Archery Summit lays claim as the first winery in the New World to plant pinot gris - and we thank them for it! Aromatic with beautiful notes of honeydew and cantaloupe, this delightful wine pairs well with soft cheeses and oysters.

Grape • Pinot Gris
Place • Willamette Valley, Oregon
FYI • Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape.

Julie Bott was born in the Northern Rhône Valley and Graeme Bott is from New Zealand. They met while working for Stephane Ogier. Hand picked grapes from a densely planted parcel. Notes of black fruit and spicy black pepper. Delicious with smoked and grilled meats and savory couscous dishes.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • First three vintages were made in their garage.

The Zeni family has made wine for over 150 years. This full-bodied red offers notes of raisin, licorice and a hint of dark bitter chocolate. Recommended with red meat, braised meat, game and fermented cheese.

Grape • Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • A special drying method is used before pressing.