Mole enchiladas, burgers with caramelized onions & blue cheese, or a pastrami sandwich with dijon mustard & pickles

Crushed blackberries, violets, wild thyme, and a hint of wet stone. Fruit-forward with firm, well-integrated tannins that add structure, and a present acidity that gives our palates a lift. A long and spicy finish, with notes of dark chocolate, cracked pepper, and a touch of vanilla

Varietal:

Malbec, Tannat

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 14%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Cuyo, Argentina

"Jelu Estate was founded in 2002 and is located in San Juan, which is approximately 100 miles North of Mendoza. Duncan Killiner, the co-founder also makes the wine and speaks often of the distinctive climate of the Zonda Valley." - T Edward

Grilled beef, roasted lamb, braised meats, grilled sausages, aged cheeses

Blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, dried plum, earth, tobacco, herbs, pepper, mineral notes, mature tannins, long finish

Varietal:

Zinfandel

Vintage:

• 2018

ABV:

• 13.8%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Dalmatia, Croatia

Kairos Vina is a small family winery in Plano, near Trogir in Dalmatia. The estate focuses on indigenous Croatian varieties, particularly Crljenak, and works to express the rocky, Mediterranean character of the region. Their vineyards are organically farmed, with a focus on low-intervention winemaking and native grapes.

Mushroom risotto, roast chicken, empanadas, cherry-glazed duck.

Black cherry, baking spice, soft earthy undertones, medium-bodied with gentle tannins.

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Maule Valley, Chile

Vina Laurent isn't your average winery. These folks are obsessed with delicious wine, and they let Mother Nature work her magic. Every year is a surprise, a brand new bottle bursting with personality! Imagine sunshine in a glass, capturing the essence of the harvest. Vina Laurent just wants to share their passion with people who love good wine, the kind that tastes like the earth it came from. It's simple, really, but oh man, is it ever tasty!

Soft cheeses, roasted chicken, light Asian dishes.

Ripe peach, honey, light florals, crisp slate acidity with earthy undertones and a gently tannic finish.

Varietal:

Riesling

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 11.5%

Funky Scale:

Funky

Region: Elgin, South Africa

Pieter Kruger and Kosie Van Der Merwe own a negociant winery with operations in both Elgin, South Africa, and Mosel, Germany. This unique setup allows them to source grapes and produce wines in two distinct wine regions, each renowned for its own varietals and terroir. In Elgin, known for its cool climate, they have access to a diverse range of grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Meanwhile, in Mosel, famous for its Riesling, they can take advantage of the region's steep slopes and slate soils to create high-quality wines with a distinctive character. By owning and operating in both regions, Kruger and Van Der Merwe can explore different winemaking techniques and styles while showcasing the best of each region's unique characteristics.

Grilled fish, seafood pasta, fried calamari, caponata, fresh cheeses

Citrus, ripe orchard fruit, saline minerality, fresh herbs, subtle lees character, bright acidity, dry finish

Varietal:

Catarratto

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Sicily, Italy

Luca Bambara, a Québécois with Sicilian roots, returned to Sicily to craft wines that express the island’s indigenous grapes and diverse terroirs. He works with small-scale growers across Sicily, sourcing organically farmed, hand-harvested grapes.

His wines are made with indigenous yeasts and minimal sulfites, focusing on purity, freshness, and an authentic expression of Sicily. The Bambara da Casa range pays homage to Sicily’s traditional vino da casa, with approachable, vibrant wines made for sharing.