A "fun" wine made by the farmer with a big personality - Boet Le Roux. He is still a champion of this old vine Colombard and tirelessly works with it in the intensely hot conditions of South Africa. Look for hints of apple blossom flowers. Pairs well with fresh salads - or on its own!

Grape • Colombard
Place • Swartland, South Africa
FYI • Colombard was first used to make Cognac

"Founded in 1879 by Don Antonio Guerra, Vinos Guerra is one of the most historic wineries in Spain and the oldest winery in the northwestern region of Bierzo. Ripe red and black fruit aromas with mineral and earthy accents." Try with roasted pork or a Reueben sandwich.

Grape • Mencia
Place • Bierzo, Spain
FYI • Bierzo is a mountainous area near the Portuguese border.

Australia is still a great place to find affordable, well-made wines. This classic cabernet sauvignon with notes of plum and kitchen spice pairs perfectly with burgers off the grill.

Grape • Cabernety Sauvignon
Place • South Australia, Australia
FYI • Named for the coastal "water highway" whales use.

South African wines are gaining in popularity all the time. It’s in no small part due to wines like this one from Cederberg. Notes of blackberry, vanilla and spice only scratch the surface. Pairs well with game, aged cheddars and gruyere cheeses as well as with dark chocolate.

Grape • Syrah
Place • Cederberg, South Africa
FYI • Stunning rock formations and cedars abound in this area.

Sourced from the best grapes in "Finca Los Juncares," this single vineyard was planted in 1957. With an intense flavor profile of leather, tobacco, and anise, this wine pairs best with food such as game birds, mushrooms, and grilled meats.

Grape • Tempranillo
Place • La Mancha, Spain
FYI • Volver means "return" in Spanish.

A second life breathed into an ancient grape that was historically known only for producing bulk wines. The TLC now given to this grape by the D'Agostinos produces a delightful red with notes of cherry, sage and tobacco. This magically pairs with lamb, charcuterie, and parmesan.

Grape • Uva di Troia
Place • Puglia, Italy
FYI • Puglia is the "heel of the boot" of Italy.

With fragmented soil types spread out over his 2300 hectares, Nicolas Grosbois must be on top of his game. Expertly adapting to these conditions explains his elegant style full of notes of red fruits and violets. Pairs well with squab and partridge dishes.

Grape • Cabernet Franc
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • Specifically, the grape for this wine is known as Breton.

Umani is widely considered the best producer in Le Marche and is now owned by the Bernetti family who aspire to make their wines via this motto: Great Wines, Not Big Wines! Named after an ancient hill in the region this excellent wine has notes of black currant, morello cherry, and tobacco. Pair with Vincisgrassi.

Grape • Montepulciano
Place • Marche, Italy
FYI • Umani Ronchi was founded in 1957/

The company makes wine only from autochthonous grapes from their own vineyards. This "baby Amarone" is markedly different from other styles of ripasso. Bright notes of violets, oregano and cigar box. Pair risotto dishes or game birds like pigeon.

Grape • Corvina
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • Ripasso means "to pass over."