"The warm climate and rich weathered shale soil, contributes to a Merlot wine with expressive fruit character and soft, supple tannins. The style is elegant with well-integrated fruit and subtle oak." Pairs well with grilled fare like hamburgers.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • Riebeek was established in 1941.

“This is a fresh, palate-friendly wine with notable tannins (read: pucker-power), boasting colors of garnet and scents of ripe cherry. This is a full-bodied Cab offering flavors of cherry, chewy blackberry, hints of vanilla and consistent oak.” Pair with a veggie burger or grilled smoke sausage.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Central Valley, Chile
FYI • The Central Valley is the largest wine region in Chile.

The grape Sangiovese is a workhorse throughout this region. In neighboring Tuscany it is their darling grape. Put this red in the fridge 20-30 minutes beforehand to add an extra layer of refreshingness to an already jolly wine. Great as a cocktail red or with cured meats.

Grape • Sangiovese
Place • Umbria, Italy
FYI • Perugia is the capital of central Italy's Umbria region.

The sustainably certified vineyards of the Scheid Family located in Monterey, CA use 100% renewable energy in the form of wind turbines. Silky notes of cherries, blackberries, plums and mocha. Pairs well with grilled chicken, club sandwich, or cheddar quiche.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Monterey, California
FYI • Tassajara is a nearby spring used by indigenous people.

This grape is found mainly in South Africa and is sometimes called Bouquet Blanc. It is a powerhouse white that offers an explosion of aromas and flavor with predominant notes of stone fruit and jasmine. It pairs extremely well with Thai food and curries or anything that has a touch of spice to it.

Grape • Bukettraube
Place • Cederberg, South Africa
FYI • This winery is grandfathered into a national preserve.

Founded in 1856 and still family owned. The encroachment of the capital Santiago forced the family to find vineyards further south in the Maipo Valley. All of their wines com from two estates there. While distinctly Chilean there is a heavy influence from Bordeaux oenology. Delicious with eggplant lasagna or ratatouille.

Grape • Merlot
Place • Maipo Valley, Chile
FYI • The vineyard for this wine was planted in 1997.

"Vitis Apiana" was the Latin name, given for the grape’s sweetness that bees love so much. The same vine finds expression in regions like Avellino and Puglia—each known for producing wines of exceptional quality. Aromatic and crowd pleaser. Tropical fruit and hazelnut notes. Pair with grilled fish or risotto.

Grape • Fiano
Place • Campania, Italy
FYI • This family winery stared in 1997.

From the heart of Tuscany is this complex and immediately enjoyable chianti. The years it spends in Slovenian oak helps coax these classic elements of crushed rose petal, sage, and clove. Pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta dish or even bisteca.

Grape • Sangiovese
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • The famed straw bottle from chianti is called a fiasco.

This wine comes from a small parcel next to 'Les Damnes' the Grand Cru of Chavignol. Already being called a legendary vintage by many, this exudes brilliant aromatics and quintessential minerality. Outstanding wine with many fish dishes.

Grape • Sauvignon Blanc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • Outcrop of chalk in Sancerre is the same as in Dover, UK.