Slovenia has a long history of wine making and most of their wines are consumed in-country. Fortunately, more and more of them are being exported such as this cheerful red with notes of blackberry and currants. Great with pizza, grilled portobello, steaks, or hard cheeses.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Goriska Brda, Slovenia
FYI • Half of all Slovenian vineyards are on steep slopes

There is probably no better "summertime wine" than this. A grape from southern France turns out to be one of the most refreshing ones around. The color is a superb pale yellow with bright hues. The nose is elegant, with aromas of fresh fruit and citrus fruit especially grapefruit. Enjoy all by itself.

Grape • Picpoul
Place • Languedoc-Roussillon, France
FYI • This winery is sustainable.

One of the fun elements of this wine is the rewarding touch of the oh-so-small amount of fizz that emanates when the bottle is opened. Delightfully cheerful this wine has loads of flavor with strawberry and orange zest at the head of the line. Enjoy pool-side or with fish and chips.

Grape • Loureiro, Trajadura, Borracal
Place • Vinho Verde, Portugal
FYI • Vinho Verde is Portugal's largest wine region.

This wine is in hot demand. Expressive minerality is courtesy of the soil for which this wine is named after. Look for citrus notes and a hint of salinity on the finish. Outstanding with shellfish.

Grape • Melon De Bourgogne
Place • Loire, France
FYI • Gneiss are rocks with a distinctive band.

This grape is indigenous to Sicily. It has a straw yellow color with greenish reflections. Intense and enveloping aroma of white berried fruits with herbaceous and mineral scents. Discreet freshness and flavor give this wine a good balance. It perfectly pairs with fresh fish dishes and shellfish.

Grape • Grillo
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • Grillo is used to make Marsala.

This part of Austria has just enough warmth to grow red grapes. That is why first generation winemaker Martin Nigl is able to work with Zweigelt here to produce a delicious rosé full of strawberry, cherry and a hint of white pepper. Try this with French onion soup or clam chowder, salmon, or with a cheese course.

Grape • Zweigelt
Place • Kremstal, Austria
FYI • Austria has the world’s strictest wine producing regs.

The Wine Advocate says it perfectly: "This is world-class Mosel Riesling with an almost endless finish. It is from one of the very best parcels in the Zeltinger Sonnenhur and this shows why. Great aging potential! Round, piquant and highly elegant on the palate." Pairs well with fish.

Grape • Riesling
Place • Mosel, Germany
FYI • Ur-Alte means extremely old.

Founded outside of Charlotesville, VA in 1976 this winery is considered one of the best in the Commonwealth. With Barbaresco serving as inspiration for the wine's style the result is a resounding success. Elegant and aromatic with layers of violet and dark berry. Try with grilled duck breast.

Grape • Nebbiolo
Place • Barboursville, VA
FYI • Govt. officials wanted tobacco planted here not vines.

Colosi is synonymous with outstanding wines from the island. This mighty variety of Sicily always shines through with it's generous layers of plumb, licorice, and a hint of smokiness. Pairs well with items off the grill, especially lamb kabobs or burgers.

Grape • Nero d'Avola
Place • Sicily, Italy
FYI • Sicily is the Mediterranean Sea's largest island.