Pizza, grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, casual pasta dishes, picnic fare

Mixed red and dark fruit, black cherry, soft spice, light florals, gentle earth, supple finish

Varietal:

Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Merlot, Grenache, Gamay, Muscat

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Auvergne, France

After a lifetime of experiences, Patrick Bouju settled in the Auvergne, releasing his first commercial vintage in 2002 and leaving his engineering job in 2008 to pursue winemaking full time.

Patrick's journey with wine began while he was a chemistry student in Clermont-Ferrand, where he discovered his aversion to classical wine due to his body's intolerance to sulfur. Inspired by low-intervention winemakers he met while in the military in Chalon-sur-Saône in 1994 and 1995, Patrick went on to study viticulture in Beaune.

After completing his studies, Patrick moved to the village of Glaine-Montaigut in the Auvergne, where he gradually started cultivating a small number of vines.

French Tartiflette, Bulgogi, Pizza

Blackberry, pomegranate, smoked cherry, mushroom and oak.

Varietal:

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Food Wine

Region: Rhône,

"Clovis Wines is the result of a partnership between T Edward and select top-tier small producers in France. Clovis CDR is crafted by Remi Pouizin, a biodynamic vintner based in Visan, the northernmost region of the Southern Rhône. This blend combines grapes from Pouizin's estate with those of three other organic producers, all situated within a 10km radius of the winery. These vineyard parcels span elevations between 200 and 350 meters." - T Edward

Grilled Spanish Chorizo, Bulgogi Beef with Kimchi Pancakes, Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Blackberry, plum, raspberry, and white pepper.

Varietal:

Mencía, Brancellao, Caiño, Marenzao

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Galicia, Spain

Pedro Rodríguez, the driving force behind Adegas Guímaro, embodies a deep-rooted passion for winemaking in the rugged Ribeira Sacra region. Continuing a family legacy, they cultivate their steep, terraced vineyards using age-old methods passed down from previous generations. Embracing their rebellious spirit, reflected in the name "Guímaro," meaning rebel in Gallego, they champion nearly-forgotten local grapes like Caiño and Brancellao. Beyond preserving history, their focus is on adapting to climate change, crafting wines that are not only delicious but also echo the distinct character of Ribeira Sacra. In the cellar, they adhere to traditional techniques, employing wild yeasts, foot treading, and minimal intervention.

Oysters, fried calamari, prosciutto, margherita pizza, roasted almonds

Lemon zest, red apple skin, sour cherry, pie crust, nectarine, flinty minerality, fine bubbles, crisp finish

Varietal:

Merlot

Vintage:

• NV

ABV:

• 12.4%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Vipava, Slovenia

"Located in the Planina-Vipava valley, between Mediterranean and Alpine climates, Zmago Petrič carries on the traditions of his family – a family with generations of history in wine making. A proud winery covering 12 hectares, they take the local environment seriously: certified organic and biodynamic through Demeter, they treat the land like their own kid and grow predominantly indigenous varietals: zelen, pinela, and rebula along with some international varietals. By keeping crops small they they ensure the best expression of the varietals and the earth they come from. - Savio Soares Selections"

Grilled sardines, roast chicken, herbed rice, salt cod dishes, hard sheep cheeses

Orange peel, pear skin, dried herbs, chamomile, stone dust, light tannin, saline finish

Varietal:

Vital, Rabo de Ovelha

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Serra de Montejunto, Portugal

COZs is the partnership of Portuguese natives Tiago Teles and António Marques da Cruz, founded in 2015 with a shared goal of reviving historic vineyards and native grapes in the Serra de Montejunto, just 15 km from the Atlantic Ocean in the Lisbon wine region.

Their story began with the purchase of a 60 year old Baga vineyard, followed by the limestone rich Vinha da Pena. In a region long shaped by conventional farming, COZs chose a different path, prioritizing organic agriculture and rethinking pruning and soil health. Today they work with six historic, high altitude sites planted mainly to Vital, with vines between 30 and 50 years old rooted in clay limestone soils.

Charcuterie, tomato salad, grilled vegetables, picnic fare, soft cheeses

Red currant, cranberry, citrus zest, light herbal notes, soft texture, bright acidity

Varietal:

Grolleau

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 8.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Loire, France

Vignobles Berthier is run by brothers Clément Berthier and Florian Berthier, fifth generation growers working in the heart of the central Loire. Their vineyards span Sancerre and Coteaux du Giennois, with additional fruit sourced from trusted friends in nearby appellations.

While Sauvignon Blanc makes up most of their plantings, the Berthier philosophy is not about varietal expression but about place. They focus on late harvesting and long lees aging to let soil and site take the lead over grape character. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2013, with certification achieved in 2022, reduced tillage, and a strong emphasis on soil health.