The dramatic landscape, with windmills dotting the plains, has lots of room for vineyards. The long days offer plenty of sunshine for the grapes to grow in this expansive region. This approachable wine has flavors of plum and berry with a hint of mint. Easy drinking all on its own.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • La Mancha, Spain
FYI • La Mancha is the setting of the novel "Don Quixote."

This wine switches between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot each vintage depending on which provides the greatest ability to provide the bright, refreshing strawberry-like quality it is known for. Bright acidity, a light salmon color and aromas of raspberry and strawberry make this a quafable winner year after year.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Bordeaux is considered the wine capital of the world.

Light and breezy is the personality of this wine that has aromatic notes of lemon peel and tangerine. Like a dip into a pool on a hot summer's day, this white is brisk and refreshing. Makes for a great aperitif or take on your next picnic.

Grape • Pinot Grigio
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • Veneto was part of the Roman Empire until the 5th Century

Since 1909 the Gasperini family has worked the vineyards of this land. The wines here were once the most favored of the ancient Romans. Today this clean, bright, and refreshing wine with mouthwatering minerality is perfect as an aperitif.

Grape • Malvasia, Trebiano
Place • Lazio, Italy
FYI • Lazio is only 25km outside of Rome.

The majority of wines from Paul Achs are red, not the norm in white-wine centric Austria. His time working in Napa has brought these wines their own style of elegance. With hints of black pepper and a touch of bing cherry and herbs this screams for a well-appointed cheeseboard!

Grape • Zweigelt, St. Laurent, Blaufrankisch
Place • Burgenland, Austria
FYI • These varietals are seldom seen outside Austria.

The high elevation Demeter certified vineyards of Chakana Nuna produce outstanding fruit. While Argentina is synonymous with Malbec, it is here that Syrah shines. With notes of black pepper, plum, and cassis, this is 100% certified as delicious! Goes well with grilled meats and pasta with red sauce.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Nuna means "soul" in Spanish.

Named for the French word "baker" as it is believed Napoleon's bakers used the vineyard as their camp when his armies were in the region. Pears, apple blossoms with a hint of nuttiness abound in this white that pairs well with the classic Piemontese dish Vitello Tonnato - cold slices of veal topped with a creamy tuna sauce.

Grape • Arneis
Place • Piedmont, Italy
FYI • First vintage from the Langhe vineyards was 1985.

From one of the highest vineyards in the America's comes this profoundly expressive wine. Incredibly low yields pays off in the intensity and ripeness of the fruit. With notes of rosemary, hibiscus, and cassis this pairs well with lamb tagine with prunes.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • The Tupungato volcano last erupted in 1987.

Carlos Falcó is considered the father of Spanish wine and has always pushed the boundaries of wine making. This blend is from just south of Madrid where the granite soil contributes to its elegance. Made exclusively for the U.S. market, look for hints of ripe plum and violet. Pairs well with pork tenderloin.

Grape • Syrah, Garnacha
Place • Aldea del Freso, Spain
FYI • This winery is one of the most advanced in the world.