There is vinho verde and then there is THIS vinho verde. A cut above the rest and it should come as no surprise since three centuries of the same family has made this wine. Lively flavors of, notably lime, beg for a hot summer day. Will keep you smiling all summer long...or until the bottle is empty.

Grape • Arinto, Loureiro, Trajadura, Azal
Place • Vinho Verde, Portugal
FYI • Praia means "beach" in Portugese.

This viticultural area is important and the marl and sandstone hillside these grapes come from is one of the reasons. A second is the very even continental climate that babies the grapes. Look for flavors of anise, black pepper and plum. Pairs well with pintxos or the local cheese Idiazabal.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Navarra, Spain
FYI • Grapes have grown in this region for 700 years.

"Pleasant complexity of black and fruit aromas. Dark violet color with reddish tones. Generous with ripe sweet fruit flavors. Enjoy with pasta dishes, stews, white meats and grilled fish."

Grape • Merlot
Place • Central Valley, Chile
FYI • The Chilean flag is modeled after that of the USA.

"The family-owned estate of Le Velette lies high on some of the most coveted land in the heart of the zone of Orvieto Classico. Owned by brother and sister duo this is an excellent example of Orvieto. Notes of fresh flowers and citrus, this pairs well with fish, vegetables, or fresh cheeses."

Grape • Trebbiano, Grechetto, Malvasia
Place • Umbria, Italy
FYI • Wines name is a tribute to three families of workers.

Made from 25-30 years old vines, the grapes come from the first crest of hills in the Trifolera zone - famous for the prized white truffle. Vinified to keep the aromas, the gorgeous bouquet on this wine will leave you smiling. Notes of cherry and cocoa powder. Pairs well with a light red sauce or grilled chicken.

Grape • Dolcetto
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • Dolcetto is one of the grapes used for "everyday" wines.

An elegant French Pinot Noir & Gamay blend that is good to drink on its own as an aperitif or with a wide range of light fare. The nose is stone fruit with some meaty notes and dark fruits. It's smooth with a good amount of acid. A medium length and long finished also a great pairing with matured cheeses.

Grape • Gamay, Pinot Noir
Place • Burgundy, France
FYI • This style is also called passetougrain.

This winery, Boekenhoutskloof, is the name given by the Dutch to the famed Cape Beech tree. Mark Kent is the owner/winemaker behind this syrah heavy blend. A full-bodied red brooding with notes of black cherry, cherry tobacco, and, yes, chocolate. Pairs well with roast beef.

Grape • Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • The Dutch settled in South Africa in 1652.

Located near Monts Damnes, the most iconic vineyard in Sancerre, the grapes for this wine are grown mostly on chalk, one of the three key soil types in the Loire. Lots of personality with various fruity notes competing for attention: "blood orange, peach, pear, and banana." Pairs well with fish.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Loire, France
FYI • Le Roi des Pierres means "the king of stones."

Michel Rolland, the famed international winemaker started this project with his wife Dany who is also a winemaker. This rich, oppulent style is made entirely from Malbec grown in the Uco Valley. Notes of nutmeg, violets, plum, and chocolate. Pair with a grilled t-bone.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • The grapes for this vineyard were planted in 1999.