A blend between Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent this is the "go-to" red varietal for Austria. Wonderful aromatics of blueberry that are bottled in a 1L format, this is perfect for your next picnic. Goes with any picnic fare!

Grape • Zweigelt
Place • Niederösterreich, Austria
FYI • This comes from an area next the Czech border.

A group of small family-owned wineries combined their efforts in the early 70's to create this winery with a focus on quality. This is a classic style of Montepulciano that is bright on the palate with notes of blueberry, rosemary, and peppercorn. Pairs well with eggplant and marinara.

Grape • Montepulciano
Place • Abruzzo, Italy
FYI • The cooling wind here is known as "brezza di terra."

The 11th generation of Guntrums is currently running this classic German family winery. Riesling gets a bad wrap in the U.S. but it is a remarkably versatile wine. Look for a hint of sweetness with notes of tropical fruit. This is fantastic served with holiday meals, spicy cuisine, or simply as a party wine.

Grape • Riesling
Place • Rheinhessen, Germany
FYI • U.S. General Patton occupied the winery in 1945.

The Altes have slowly grown their vineyards from 14 to 60 hectares over the past decade. Today they are considered among the best winemakers in the region deftly working with the soil known as Panal. Notes of bramble and blackberry shine through. Pairs well with game meats.

Grape • Garnacha
Place • Catalonia, Spain
FYI • The capital of Catalonia is Barcelona.

"Rockwerk is a portmanteau of the words Rock and Werk. Winegrowing in Austria means working with the rocks, and in many vineyards, very little topsoil exists. Vines often grow in direct contact with the rocks below. Making the grower's work "rock work." Notes of green apple. Pair with grilled asparagus.

Grape • Gruner Veltliner
Place • Niederosterreich, Austria
FYI • This wine is certified vegan.

The charming Jolivet's produce this refreshing red on vineyards that sprawl along hillsides that are at the highest point of the Gironde. Well-structured and giving this wine has notes of plum. This wine pairs surprisingly well with pulled-pork and Asian style pork chops!

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • Bordeaux is the 9th largest city in France.

The limestone soil here is perfect for this varietal. With ideal conditions and the tireless effort of owner Tom Beckmen combined, they have garnered such praise that some consider this the greatest syrah value in the US. Full-bodied with notes of espresso, smoke, and blackberry reduction. Great with steak.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Santa Ynez Valley ,California
FYI • Tom founded music pioneering company Roland Corp.

Bordeaux always has something beautiful to offer. It's smart to look for it outside of the usual suspects. This estate produces remarkable wine year after year. A bullet of fruit-driven deliciousness - cassis, anise, plum preserves. Honestly? This is heavenly when paired with braised lamb.

Grape • Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Place • Bordeaux, France
FYI • This estate produces but one wine - and this is it.

The winemakers believe this wine has a true sense of place and an Italian soul. A person who embodied stylish originality and eternal hipness, an artist referred to as the "Genius of Modern Music" - Thelonious Monk

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon
Place • Tuscany, Italy
FYI • The label is taken from "Thelonius Monk In Italy."