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."

"Toza is a classic example of the Monastrell variety from the Mediterranean region. Clean, bright cherry red color. It is bold with intense fresh red fruits and varietal aromas on the nose. Aged in oak barrels, this Spanish red is rich, toasty, round and velvety. Pair with pasta and rice dishes."

Grape • Monastrell
Place • Jumilla, Spain
FYI • This region is also famous for it's dairy goats.

Made primarily with the indigenous white grape of southern Italy, Malvasia is named after Monemvasia which was a trading center and fortress in the early 1200s. With notes of beeswax, honeysuckle and apple this pairs well with fish tacos.

Grape • Malvasia, Chardonnay
Place • Puglia, Italy
FYI • Puglia is Italy's "heel of the boot."

Benito Santos started his wine career working in his grandparents’ Albariño vineyards in the coastal region of Galicia in Spain. This wine is of course red, and the grapes are grown on slate soil which helps keep the bright fruit notes of red currant. Put a chill on it and serve with seafood!

Grape • Mencia
Place • Montterrei. Spain
FYI • All of Benito's vineyards are sustainably farmed.

Patagonia is well to the south of its famous wine-producing neighbor Mendoza. Specifically from the Rio Negro province in Patagonia, this cooler region helps bump the freshness in this cab. With notes of kitchen spice and cassis this pairs well with dishes like roast lamb.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Patagonia, Argentina
FYI • Rio Negro means Black River in Spanish.

Every wine at Muga spends time in oak...but that doesn't mean this wine is influenced with heavy oak flavors! In fact time in oak helps evolve the wine and shape the color but this intoxicating (in the best way!) wine has aromas of jasmine and orange peel. Pair with Manchego, seafood paella, or simply enjoy as is.

Grape • Viura, Garnacha blanca and Malvasía de Rioja
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • Muga makes all of their own barrels onsite.

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.

"te Pā winery is located on the Wairau Bar in Marlborough, which is New Zealand's earliest known settlement. Before the MacDonald family started te Pā in 2003 their family history has been deeply rooted in the Wairau Bar for over 800 years. Notes of ripe melon. Pair with a papaya salad.

Grape • Pinot Gris
Place • Marlborough, New Zealand
FYI • The skin of this grape is not green but a medium blue.

The innovative winery is considered one of the best wineries in South Tyrol and Italy. St. Michael Eppan Winery, with its 355 members, 350 hectares of vineyard and 2.5 million bottles sold every year, has become renowned worldwide. Notes of pear and melon, goes well with fish soups.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Alto Adige, Italy
FYI • Fallwind = evening downdrafts of the Mendola Massif.