In the 1800's the town of Zamora where this wine comes from was known as Black's Station, named after J.J. Black the "baron" of the town. A charming red with hints of blueberry and cocoa powder, this pairs well with a Sunday pot roast.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Yolo County, California
FYI • Yolo, a Native American word, means abounding in rushes.

Drinking this will bring to mind toe-dipping along the beautiful Cote d'Azur while sipping on a delicate rose. A classic with notes of exotic fruits like guava and papaya, this versatile wine pairs well with... you guessed it, seafood!

Grape • Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cinsault
Place • Provence, France
FYI • Aix-en-Provence is the birthplace of painter Cezanne.

Spending four months in oak barrels gives this red the extra structure that makes it so delicious. These grapes are indigenous to Portugal and the backbone of their table wine production. Aromatic and well balanced with hints of blueberry and vanilla this pairs well with marinated flank steak.

Grape • Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez
Place • Alentejo, Portugal
FYI • Alentejo means "beyond the Tagus river."

The dramatic landscape sandwiched between the coastline and Appenine Mountains has an immense impact on this wine. The unique salinity of the wine along with it's minerality are hallmarks of this white. It's versatile at the table but pairs well with a variety of seafood dishes.

Grape • Passerina
Place • Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • Ferzo is a patch of fabric that creates a sail.

Created in 2005 in honor of Nicolas Lassagne's daughter Anais. The estate is relatively new, created in 1952 by his grandfather Paul Lassagne. With bright aromatics of elderberry and strawberry this pairs well with salads, chicken, and salmon.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Bordeeaux, France
FYI • Caprices d'Anais means "Anais' Whim."

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.

This sometimes overlooked region is home to one of Italy's most powerful varietals, Sagrantino. It often takes years to come into it's own and this offering from Colpetrone is their current release at nearly a decade old! Incredibly well structured with brambleberries, leather and spice it pairs well with goat dishes.

Grape • Sagrantino
Place • Montefalco, Italy
FYI • This region is known as "the belly of the belly" of Italy

Two brothers started this winery on a shoestring budget in 1995 and it is still in the family despite the tragic loss of Nicolas. The fossilized soil is part of the magic, known as Terres Blanches. Extremely complex. Look for layers of mandarin, red currant, and elderflower. Serve with halibut and beurre blanc.

Grape • Pinot Noir
Place • Loire, France
FYI • The Loire is the longest river in France.

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.