The Loire valley is home to a diverse number of wines that stretch along the twisting 600 mile-long Loire River. The Lieubeau family works with chardonnay here, not usually found in Muscadet. Their attentiveness coaxes expressions of melon, spice and minerality from it. Pairs marvelously with shellfish.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Loire, France
FYI • This vineyard is composed mostly of granite.

Probably no other family is as synonymous with the great wines of the Rhone Valley than Perrin. A blend from several vineyards produces this faithful workhorse wine with notes of plum, dark cherry, and anise. Pair with rosemary chicken.

Grape • Grenache, Syrah
Place • Rhone Valley, France
FYI • The famous winds in the Rhone are called the Mistral.

While this part of Italy is most famous for the sparkling wine Prosecco, this fun, lively offering from Dal Maso will certainly put a smile on your face. Family owned for over 130 years, this wine has aromatics of Granny Smith apple and melon. Pairs well with fried chicken.

Grape • Chardonnay
Place • Veneto, Italy
FYI • Frizzante wines are called Perlant in French.

Mary Taylor has a number of wine projects that focus on promoting the best of a particular region or person - in this case Sophie Siadou. The lightness and elegance of this wine, with a hint of chalkiness, pairs well with Valencay, the famed pyramid shaped goat cheese, or with a roast chicken.

Grape • Gamay, Cot, Pinot Noir
Place • Loire Valley, France
FYI • This cuvee is known as Les Griottes or "the cherries."

Cazas Novas is run by a three-man team at the family estate of Carlos Coutinho. As the last outpost before entering red wine country, the vineyards are planted with Avesso, an obscure late ripening but vigorous varietal that adds creaminess and minerality. Pairs well with seafood.

Grape • Avesso
Place • Vinho Verde, Portugal
FYI • A much more full-bodied VV style because of its location.

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.

This malbec comes from high-altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Andes and is sourced from pre-Phylloxera vines. Aged in French oak this wine exudes a confidence of rich black fruit and minerality. An elegant wine that pairs well with bison and a red wine sauce.

Grape • Malbec
Place • Mendoza, Argentina
FYI • Only 1800 cases of this wine was produced.

"Ron Donati grew up in South San Francisco, the son of a first-generation Italian-American family. Today it is run by Matt Donati whose primary efforts are directed at sustainable farming, Aromas of cherry berry and red fruit with a hint of tootsie roll. " Pair with grilled steak.

Grape • Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Place • Paso Robles, California
FYI • Located within the fog-influenced area of Paicines.

As is typical in the region, the winery owns a small amount of land and works closely managing several other farms for their contracted rights to the grapes. Notes of citrus, grapefruit, lemon, white fruits, pear water, tropical, lychee and stone fruit, peach. Pairs well with grilled swordfish.

Grape • Albarino
Place • Rias Baixas, Spain
FYI • The vineyard is fertilized with clam and cockle shells.