Grilled bell pepper tacos with cilantro and lime, tomato & basil bruschetta, and crispy tofu with soy and ginger

Ripe red berries lead alongside notes of small flowers, fresh herbs, and crushed black pepper. Mouthwateringly vibrant, refreshing, and light!

Varietal:

grolleau, gamay, cabernet franc

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Loire Valley, France

Winemakers Jennifer Bariou and Thibaut Bodet bring a wealth of experience from working in wineries across the globe before settling in Azay-le-Rideau, a dynamic appellation in the central Loire Valley. Their passion for natural winemaking and deep respect for the land have driven them to cultivate 9 hectares of organic vineyards, expanding from their initial 2.5 hectares in 2015.

Their vineyards, spread across diverse terroirs with clay, flint, and quartz soils, are farmed using biodynamic principles. They embrace biodiversity, grazing sheep among the vines and planting fruit trees—peaches, pears, almonds, and cherries—throughout the estate. In the cellar, they work with native yeasts and minimal intervention, allowing their wines to authentically express the land.

Gourmet onion ring burgers, carne asada fries, and rich barbecue sauces

Bright plum, dried sage, and rose petals. Firm tannins provide an overall structure to ripe fruit and intriguing herb flavors

Varietal:

grenache, syrah, carignan

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Rhône,

Mas Mellet is a vibrant, soulful winery bringing the sun-soaked spirit of the south of France straight to your glass. Nestled in the heart of the Costières de Nîmes, this domaine is all about wild, untamed energy—organic vineyards, old-vine magic, and a winemaking approach that lets nature lead the way.

Winemaker Laurence Manya Krief pours passion into every bottle, crafting wines that are fresh, juicy, and packed with personality. Think: Mediterranean breezes, gnarled vines, and a whole lot of love. These wines aren’t just about terroir—they’re about feeling. They're wines for friends, for moments, for kicking back and enjoying life.

Organic, biodynamic, and unapologetically expressive—Mas Mellet is where French winemaking meets a laid-back, free-spirited attitude.

Octopus, Smoked Meat, Sausage

Flavors of dark berries (blackberries, plums), cherry, earthy notes, smokiness, and mineral undertones, with aromas of fresh dark fruit, floral nuances, and earthy hints, while a subtle spiciness of black pepper, clove, and dried herbs lingers on the finish.

Varietal:

Baga, Touriga Nacional

Vintage:

• NV

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Bairrada, Portugal

The Duckman wines epitomize the essence of Bairrada's indigenous grape varieties and its distinctive maritime influence. Deliberately eschewing any indication of the region on their labels, Maria Pato, daughter of Luis Pato, spearheaded this project to showcase the region's terroir and varietal authenticity with minimal cellar intervention. Fueled by a deep love for Bairrada and its native grapes, Maria and Luis reject the notion of Bairrada wines being defined by imported varietals, affirming that true Bairrada wine must stem from indigenous grapes. Working primarily with two vineyards, Amoreira da Gândara with sandy soils and Óis do Bairro with chalky-clay soils, they cultivate an array of red and white varietals, including Baga, Bical, Cercial.

Grilled halloumi and watermelon, fruit tray

Watermelons, cherries, raspberries, and rose water!

Varietal:

Merlot, Pinot noir, Portugieser, Dornfelder

Vintage:

• NV

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Rheinhessen, Germany

Bianka and Daniel are rockstar winemakers carrying on the family tradition at Weingut Schmitt! They're all about natural vibes in their vineyards, using special methods to keep the soil healthy and happy. This translates to super strong vines and ultimately, delicious wines! They even age their wines in cool clay amphorae alongside classic oak barrels. Their passion goes beyond the bottle too – they're all about supporting biodiversity and creating a haven for local wildlife.

Fresh seafood, goat cheese, light salads

Citrus, green apple, and slight mineral notes. Refreshing with crisp acidity and clean finish.

Varietal:

Arinto de Bucelas, Azal Branco

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 12.9%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal

Some wines are good. Some wines are great. And some? They’re Sem Igual—literally “without equal.” This isn’t just another Vinho Verde producer. It’s a love story, a passion project, and a bold reimagining of what Portuguese wine can be.

It all started with João Camizão, an ex-telecom engineer who ditched the corporate grind to revive his family’s winemaking roots (which date back to 1780, no big deal). After a life-changing stint in India, João came back home with one mission: to make wines that truly matter—wines that tell a story, break a few rules, and bring people together.

Appetizers, Grilled Chicken, Cheese Plate

Rich on the palate with orange, juicy peach, almond, and a touch of salt.

Varietal:

Grecanico

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: , Italy

Angelo Paternò's journey from winemaker to vineyard owner reflects a profound dedication to Sicilian viticulture. With 25 years of experience at esteemed Sicilian wineries, he recognized the potential of a 60-hectare hill in southeastern Sicily, near Pachino, as an exceptional viticultural site. Entrusting the operation to his daughters, Marilina and Federica, Angelo instilled his passion for organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking practices. Inspired by local natural winemaking guru Frank Cornelissen, they prioritize biodiversity, dedicating nearly half of the land to polyculture. Across the remaining hectares, an array of grape varieties including Nero d’Avola, Grecanico, Muscat Blanc, and Chardonnay flourish. In the cellar.