A family-owned winery that started in 1870, Borie-Manoux is long associated with quality wines made along the banks of Bordeaux two tributary rivers to the Gironde. Like a bright spring day, this is reminiscent of fresh new grass sprouting in April. Pairs well with shrimp cocktail.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Beau-Rivage means "beautiful shore."

The varied microclimates in this part of Washington state help foster great cabernet and the result is this standout red with notes of leather, chocolate, and sweet vanilla. Pairs well with burgers, pizza, or blackened chicken.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Columbia Valley, Washington
FYI • The winery was established in 1984.

A number of styles emerge from the Duoro each year and the climate is to thank. As the locals say, "nine months of winter and three months of hell." The style here is a smooth-bodied red offering notes of blackberry cobbler, dried cherries, and cocoa. Pairs well with good home cooking. (Pot Roast!)

Grape • Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
Place • Douro, Portugal
FYI • Among the first quintas to bottle/export it's own wine.

Most of the vineyards that belong to the husband and wife duo are in an arid, windswept place in the highlands of the Mediterranean. An unquestionable delight year after year, this wine is full blueberry with the tarry black notes courtesy of the Carignan. Terrific with cured meats or sauteed mushrooms.

Grape • Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
Place • Minervois, France
FYI • The "chateau" is an old auto service station.

The long hot summers of this region are exactly what's needed to allow the grapes within to shine. Different fermentation and maceration times for each varietal has helped to create a stunning wine. Dark cherry with a nod of violet, this pairs well with duck or other game.

Grape • Syrah, Grenache
Place • Rhone, France
FYI • This vineyard is Irish owned.

With most of the fruit coming from their Meursault vineyards, this is chardonnay "done right." Certainly there are more expensive Burgundies but this one punches way above it's class. Vibrant minerality and a hint of honeysuckle, this is perfectly served as an aperitif or with white meat.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • Certified organic vineyards since 2015.

Bright, fruit driven, and rewarding from a place that has the know-how on making a full-bodied red. Regularly a favorite in Australia this french-oaked red is full of dark fruit, black pepper, and cassis. Pairs nicely with a quality steak...try it with a peppercorn sauce too!

Grape • Syrah
Place • Victoria, Australia
FYI • Established in 1858 by an English immigrant.

This wine is predominantly carricante, a grape that loves the rainy conditions and volcanic soil of Mt. Etna. Acidity and a pronounced salinity to the wine are hallmarks of this grape. With a slight herbal quality to it as well, this pairs nicely with swordfish topped with olives.

Grape • Carricante, Catarratto
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • Mt. Etna is an active volcano.

Named after a Merchant Marine from Wisconsin who served during WWII, this full throttle Napa Cab is a complex wine with notes of vanilla, cocoa powder, kitchen spice and licorice. Pair with a grilled t-bone steak.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Napa Valley, California
FYI • The Sailor's Grave was a common tattoo among sailors.