Over 100 varieties of grapes are used by winemakers all over the world. The type of grape used to make a wine is what gives the wine its most unique characteristic. Here is a list of the most common wines that you will encounter.

Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine known for its depth of flavor and aroma. Some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Bordeaux, France,

Chardonnay - Chardonnay is a white wine which has a fresh crisp balance of fruit, and acidity. Chardonnay goes well with everything from fish and poultry to cheeses, spicy foods and nut sauces.

Gewurztraminer - Gewurztraminer is a white wine that is full of flavor with a spicy aroma. This wine can compliment Asian cuisines and pork-based sausages.

Merlot- Merlot is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon but it is softer in taste. It’s flavors and aromas include blackberry, baked cherries, plums, chocolate, and mocha.

Pinot Blanc - Pinot Blanc is a fruity dry white wine that is high in acidity and often compared to Chardonnays.

Pinot Grigio - Pinot Grigio is a crisp white wine with low acidity and rich in spice flavors.

Pinot Noir - Pinot Noir is a red wine of light to medium body that is popular in the Burgundy region of France. It is lighter than a cabernet sauvignon or a merlot.

Riesling - Rieslings are white wines known for their floral perfume. Riesling's can be sweet, crisp, and spicy, all dependant on their region of growth. The flavor is often of peaches, apricots, honey, and apples and goes well with pork, duck, and roast vegetables.

Shiraz - Shiraz is a red wine with strong tannins and complex combinations of flavors.

Zinfandel – Zinfandel is light blush wine that can have a full body and berry-like or spicy flavors. The Zinfandel grape is also widely used in the popular off-dry blush wine known as White Zinfandel. The Red Zinfandel goes well with casseroles and spicy meat dishes.