"Cavit swept onto the radar of American wine lovers in the 1970s as a pioneer of a then little-known white wine called Pinot Grigio. Prized for its crisp, elegant character, fruit flavors and delicate floral aroma, Pinot Grigio is a demanding grape to cultivate, but has flourished in northern Italy for over a century."

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • The region Veneto produces the most wine in Italy.

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.

This wine is synonymous from the region it comes from and is know world over for the fun white that it is. Easy drinking white with notes of tropical fruit and citrus. Paris well with seafood or as an aperitif.

Grape • Loureiro, Trajadura, Pedernã, Alvarinho
Place • Vinho Verde, Portugal
FYI • Vinho Verde means "the green wine."

These days wines from the region that crosses over northern and southern Rhone, Cotes du Rhone, tend to be winners year after year. This offering from the Dupond family is no exception With notes of blackberry jam and licorice this will linger on the palate. Pair with duck breast.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • The Rhone Valley is about 150 miles long.

The wives of winemaker's Chris and Elijah were college roommates. So long before the "Ministry" became a winery, the two were decade-old friends who regularly drank wine over BBQ. Loaded with layers of blueberry, vanilla, and a hint of coffee. Try with skirt steak...or even chocolate!

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • North Coast, California
FYI • California accounts for 90% of US wine production.

Zolo was created in 2003 by of one of Argentina’s leading women in wine, Patricia Ortiz, when she established one of Argentina’s most forward-thinking wineries. Notes of blackberry and currant with some chocolate and bark character. A crowd pleaser to serve as is or with beef empanadas.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Zolo means alone or solo in Spanish.

Collemattoni is located on a hilltop on the south side of the municipal area of Montalcino, just a short distance from the village of Sant’Angelo in Colle. Intense ruby red color. Aromas of violet flowers, black cherry and wild black fruits. Pair with steak, pheasant, or strong cheeses.

Grape • Sangiovese
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • Named for the farmhouse that is its trademark.

Guido Martinelli and Frederico Grom are childhood friends who bought the land here in 2008. One of only a handful of wineries licensed to produce Barolo and Barbaresco outside the DOC area. Balanced and elegant with fruits of blueberry and dark cherry. Pairs well with roasted pigeon or duck.

Grape • Barbera
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Same founders as the famous GROM gelateria.

The Old Road is where it all began. It not only tells the story of a winery and its vineyards, but also of an extraordinary town and is the brainchild of Tim Hutchinson. With notes of white pear,quince and gooseberry, followed by aromaticalmond blossom this pairs nicely with pork medallions in cream sauce.

Grape • Chenin Blanc
Place • Western Cape, South Africa
FYI • The vines were planted in 1984.