Cultivating wine in these ancient lands goes back to the 3rd century. Today Marques makes memorable wines in a modern fashion. This expressive red is aged 6 months in American oak. Look for notes of strawberry, spice, and cocoa. Pairs well with grilled foods.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Valdepenas, Spain
FYI • Locally Tempranillo is known as Cencibel.

This family run winery, located in northeastern Austria, produces wines that are very approachable from the day they are released. A perfect case in point is this rosé made from the countries most important red varietal, zweigelt. With delicate strawberry and floral notes, this pairs well with lighter fare.

Grape • Zweigelt
Place • Poysdor, Austria
FYI • Austria has the strictest wine making regs in europe.

Grace Town Red Blend is a harmonious fusion of three grape types: Zinfandel, Merlot & Petite Sirah. Hints of clove and vanilla on the nose combine with a background hint of cinnamon, and the fruity flavors remind you of Christmas. Smooth and fruit-forward.

Grape • Zinfandel, Merlot, Petit Sirah
Place • Lodi, California
FYI • Lodi is also famous for raisins.

Mary Taylor does it again finding this beauty made by Filipe Ferreira in the central valley of Portugal's famous vineyard region. The grapes are hand-harvested from steep terraces and produce this approachable, aromatic red. With notes of brambleberry this pairs well with your favorite stew.

Grape • Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz
Place • Douro Valley, Portugal
FYI • Tinta Roriz is also known as Tempranillo.

Founded in 1970 this is one of the younger estates in the region. The supple and immediately quaffable Crianza from El Coto is well known. Spending over a year in American oak barrels before release it has notes of raspberry and vanilla. Pairs well with meats and cheeses.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • Rioja, Spain
FYI • El Coto is the largest land owner in Rioja.

Chrysalis winery is considered the best in working with the native varietal Norton. The majority of grapes grown in the US are originally from Europe. Classic fruit-forward character of Norton with notes of dark cherry, plum, raspberry, dark chocolate. Pair with your favorite cheese board.

Grape • Norton
Place • Middleburg, Virginia
FYI • Cocoon is another word for chrysalis

"Founded in 1966 by Paolo Bosoni this delightful red has fragrant notes of red fruits, predominantly cherry, spices and Mediterranean bush. Soft and fruity on the palate, elegant and smooth with naturally low-acidity. Very versatile, Ciliegiolo is a perfect match with cold cuts, pizza, and poultry."

Grape • Ciliegiolo
Place • Liguria, Italy
FYI • Ciliegiolo is named after the Italian word for cherry.

"When Marty Taucher asked Chris Peterson to review his draft winery business plan in 2009, it fortuitously coincided with Peterson’s desire to start a new chapter in his winemaking career. The rest is history. Notes of blueberry preserves, candied licorice, minerals, and seared bacon fat." Pair with big proteins.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Columbia Valley, Washington
FYI • Boushy refers to the shape of the vine.

The innovative winery is considered one of the best wineries in South Tyrol and Italy. St. Michael Eppan Winery, with its 355 members, 350 hectares of vineyard and 2.5 million bottles sold every year, has become renowned worldwide. Notes of pear and melon, goes well with fish soups.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Alto Adige, Italy
FYI • Fallwind = evening downdrafts of the Mendola Massif.