Legend has it that the scout of a wine-loving bishop was sent ahead to identify good wines in an area he was visiting with the word Est (it is). When the scout arrived in Montefiascone, he found the wine so good he marked it Est! Est!! Est!!! Crisp, light, and floral. Pair with chicken satay or oysters.

Grape • Trebbiano, Malvasia, Roscetto
Place • Lazio, Italy
FYI • The Cotarella brothers founded Falesco in 1979.

The softly undulating mountains here are known as "Het Zwarte Land" or The Black Land because of the color they take on after rain. The fertile soils are home to vast numbers of wheat fields and vineyards. This incredibly easy sipper is full of tropical fruit flavors and pairs nicely with salads.

Grape • Chenin Blanc
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • This area was settled by the Dutch in the 1600's.

Jam's Blend refers to the creators of Tortoise Creek, Janie and Mel Master. The touch of Viogner added to the wine helps round out it's white floral notes while the rest of the heavy lifting is left to Chardonnay. The creamy, refreshing nature of this white screams "pair me with cream-based pastas please!"

Grape • Chardonnay, Viogner
Place • Lodi, California
FYI • Robert Mondavi grew up in Lodi.

Far to the east of Seattle is a surprisingly hot, arid region in Washington state. It provides absolutely perfect growing conditions for the grapes found in this wine. Full of rich notes of black cherry, caramel and toast it pairs well with beef and red wine reduction.

Grape • Merlot, Syrah, Malbec
Place • Horse Heaven Hills, WA
FYI • HHH is a long range of hills crossing three counties.

Austria meets the northern boundary of Friuli. Like Austria, white varietals reign supreme in this NE region. Cool nights help keep the acidity vibrant. This crowd pleaser, with hints of peach and gooseberry, gets the job done every time. Excellently paired with sushi or seafood risotto.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Friuli, Italy
FYI • Friuli has one of Italy's most developed economies.

This comes from Chile's most important wine growing region. The founder was so inspired by his 1874 trip to Bordeaux that he wanted to make wines in the same style when he returned. With dense, rich flavors of cassis, licorice and subtle oak, this makes a fitting combination with roast lamb.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Maipo Valley, Chile
FYI • Maipo Valley is located south of the capital Santiago.

The true magic of Aglianico is revealed after some years in the bottle. One of the three "majestic" grapes of Italy, this full-bodied red can fool you at first. Plum and kitchen spice abound but instead of a protein, consider pairing with baked beans, black eyed peas, or roasted cauliflower and kale.

Grape • Aglianico
Place • Campania, Italy
FYI • San Salvatore has a photovoltaic plant on site.

This state-of-the-art operation includes everything from gravity-fed vinification to solar power to rainwater harvesting. Modern techniques and top notch south-facing slopes are behind this stellar wine. Full of rich, ripe berry fruit with a hint of tobacco leaf it is amazing with roast chicken.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Willamette Valley, Oregon
FYI • Willamette rhymes with Damn-It! (as they say)

Jean-Charles runs this domaine and is a believer in all things biodynamic. Whatever is takes to make his grapes happy in the pristine vineyard he is all about - including driving loud speakers through the vineyards playing Corsican polyphonic songs. With notes of tropical fruit and bright acid it pairs well with cheese.

Grape • Vermentino
Place • Ajaccio, Corsica
FYI • Napoleon Bonaparte was born here.