Merlot is among the most versatile (not to mention tasty) of all red grape varieties. In California, it’s often used to craft 100% varietal wines — wines that are all about the variety. Often, however, vintners will embrace Merlot’s Bordeaux roots and blend it with one or more other varieties to create complex and delicious cuvees.

If you’re a fan of red wines, you owe it to yourself to explore the vinous wonders coming out of America’s Pacific Northwest. That gorgeous part of the country is known for its breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure opportunities and, more and more, its world-class wines.

It snowed in Chicago last week. That was a day after record rains had caused widespread flooding. Normally, flooding comes after snow, but it has been that kind of extended winter in Chi-town. Spring has definitely “sprung” in some parts of the country, but it’s holding out in others.

If you were to look up the acronym “ABC,” you would see that it stands for a lot of things, among them: American Broadcasting Company... Australian Broadcasting Company... America’s Breakfast Council... Almond Board of California... and on and on. But among some wine enthusiasts, “ABC” stands for something else: “Anything But Chardonnay.”

Great wine is being made all over the world these days, not just in California, Oregon and Washington, to name America’s three leading wine states. In addition to the “Old World” winemaking countries — France, Italy, Spain, Germany — we’re also seeing some amazing wines being crafted in South America. Argentina and Chile, in particular, have emerged as stars on the global wine scene.

An elegant selection of top varietals from the regions they are known to grow best. Includes Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Chardonnay, Monterey Pinot Noir and Lodi Zinfandel. It’s like a tour of California Wine Country in a box! Comes with tissue-wrapped bottles, gift enclosure, pairings, recipes and a special gift.

PromisQous or Monogamy? Now you don’t have to choose! Fun for a bachelorette party, Valentine’s Day or wedding shower, this gift includes one bottle each of PromisQous Red, PromisQous White, Monogamy Cabernet Sauvignon and Monogamy Chardonnay. Tissue-wrapped bottles, gift enclosure, pairings, recipes and a special gift.

Award-winning wines from out Wine Sisterhood portfolio. Wine Sisterhood Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Haute Red Pinot Noir and a White Haute Riesling. Wines come tissue-wrapped with gift enclosure, pairings and recipes and a special gift.

Our four top-selling Middle Sister wines: Rebel Red, Drama Queen Pinot Grigio, Goodie Two Shoes Pinot Noir and Sweet & Sassy Moscato. Wines are wrapped in tissue with gift enclosure, pairings, recipes and a special gift.

Taste the legend with the wines of Purple Cowboy. From the Paso Robles appellation on the coast of California come three robust red wines inspired by the cowboy/vintners of the region known as “Cowboy Wine Country”. Here’s your chance to gift or receive all three!

Great wine is being made all over the world these days, not just in California, Oregon and Washington, to name America’s three leading wine states. In addition to the “Old World” winemaking countries — France, Italy, Spain, Germany — we’re also seeing some amazing wines being crafted in South America. Argentina and Chile, in particular, have emerged as stars on the global wine scene.

Holidays equate with special occasions — like gatherings of far-flung family members, and get-togethers with friends. Special occasions call for special wines. You need a food-friendly wine, such as a Chardonnay, and an expressive sipping wine, such as this Cabernet Sauvignon.