For a wine enthusiast, stumbling upon a wine made by a grape you never had before is like finding a treasure in a treasure hunt. It’s the “hook” that catches, and delights, wine explorers, from wine loving consumers to wine professionals.

Branch out from the same old same old: get onto the unbeaten path and experience the thrill of trying a wine grape you never had. Plus we’re here to tell you the rich, and real, stories behind them. Start your treasure hunt with this article.

What wine did the Roman Emperor bring to Cleopatra to win her over?

What wine epitomizes the dolce vita, literally?

What wine would almost everyone like at your next party or family gathering?

It’s Brachetto, also known as the red Moscato. Learn about this wine known as happiness in a glass in this latest article.

Moscato has become quite the trending wine in the US over the past 10 years. Many people are drawn to it because they like sweet wine. Moscato is an aromatic grape, giving Moscato wine more facets to appreciate, yet, the popularity of the wine has made it a victim of its own success, with a plethora of just average (or below average) picks which are neither balanced or expressive.

But, did you know that there are tricks to make a really good Moscato wine? Whether it’s the traditional Moscato d’Asti or an orange wine made from moscato grapes, many Moscato wines should not be shunned or looked down upon. It’s like finding a pearl in the rough. And we make it easier for you. Beware: your opinion of Moscato wine is about to change.

Hear the story of the Ukrainian woman turned winemaker in the Modena province of Italy who was on a mission to make a monovarietal wine from a rare grape that thrives only in high altitudes. She made several attempts and then Sgarbato was born. This Pet Nat sparkling wine made from 100% Uva Tosca,  an ancient grape whose wine was described as "really healthy" by a 17th century Italian agronomist, is like drinking cranberry juice as a sparkling wine. Uva Tosca was abandoned after phylloxera, and thanks to Irene of Frignano, it is making a comeback in Italy's Emilia Romagna region. Read on to learn about this "underdog grape" and to explore the rich cultural heritage in the land where this grape was born.

Dolcetto, a grape native to Italy's Piedmont region, ripens early and produces fresh, lively red wines. Unlike the area's famed Barolos, Dolcetto shines young, making it a beloved everyday red. We'll explore Dolcetto's journey, from sun-soaked vineyards in Italy to California, where a passion for Italian wines inspires a new chapter for this unique grape.

Saint Laurent is not just in the fashion world: do you know that it is a wine grape too?

Learn fun facts about this grape which could become your next go-to red wine, like:

• Saint Laurent is the number one most planted red wine grape variety in the Czech Republic;

• its closest relative is one of the most famous red wine grapes in the world.

Plus, as a bonus in this article, we have a recipe for Beef Bourguignon, or Beef Burgundy, with a twist. What is it? Find out inside!

What is the common denominator of some of the best Italian red wine?

Hint: think Brunello and Chianti red wine…. it’s Sangiovese!

It’s an old world wine grape that is often shrouded behind the name of a wine name or appellation, which changes depending on where it is planted and the conditions it undergoes… And despite what Wikipedia says, you find it in many wine regions beyond Tuscany. In fact, it is a grape that has been, and still is, the source of many debates, in Italy and around the world. Learn about this key, behind the scenes player in some of the Italian red wine best.

Embark on a journey through the hills of the historic part of the Valdobbiadene wine region, where the enchanting and rare Boschera grape vineyards are hidden amidst an area where the Prosecco grape, glera, takes center stage. In the heart of Italian white wine growing, a story unfolds; one of tradition, sustainability, and the effervescent charm of Pet Nat natural wine. Join us on this odyssey, where craftsmanship and tradition intertwine, giving birth to an Italian sparkling Pet Nat that captivates the senses. Explore the nuances of the rare Boschera grape which makes a wine that not only tantalizes the palate but also reflects a commitment to the land and the timeless beauty of Valdobbiadene.

Did you know that winegrowers have their preferences when it comes to grapes? But it’s not based necessarily on the sensation when tasting the wine. Instead it’s based on the work and attention involved to cultivate the grape and make a good wine out of it. Barbera is one of those grapes. Think of it as the grape that’s a difficult child: needing extra rearing and care as it ‘grows up and becomes a wine.’ But, boy, can that extra effort yield great results!

And there is another silver lining: it weathers climate change quite well.

Find out more in this article.

Looking for a new italian white wine to sip this summer? Try Trebbiano Abruzzese, what the New York Times calls one of the “10 Grapes Worth Knowing Better”. Learn about why this trebbiano wine from Abruzzo Italy is unique and special. Get to know the young newcomer to the Abruzzo wine scene, after Emidio Pepe started the trend of making high-quality trebbiano. Explore this up and coming white grape variety in this article.

Discover a new, yet old, Italian white wine grape, Albana. It was the first white wine to get the highest quality designation in Italy, DOCG, yet many people have yet to hear of this Italian white wine. We’ve uncovered the history, tradition, taste, and versatility of the Albana grape from Romagna, including perspectives from a local winery owner, in this article.

Learn about the wild and multi-faceted sauvignon blanc grape and sauvignon blanc best wines from winemakers across Europe. For example,. how does sauvignon blanc taste and what impacts its aromas and flavors? There are more than just grassy, green sauvignon blancs out there. Find out more in this article.

It was forbidden to grow the Schioppettino grape only until recently.

Then Hilde Petrussa, 2nd generation owner of estate winery Vigna Petrussa, in Friuli, northeastern Italy, stepped in.

And thank goodness for that. With wine critics, like Ian d’Agata, calling Schioppettino “one of Italy’s most noble grapes” making “ unforgettable wines.” What are you waiting for?

Learn about this up-and-coming grape in this article.

Taking inspiration from her chef-daughter working and living in Piedmont, Italy, Patti Mitchell and her family set forth to export a Dolcetto vine from Italy to create a Dolcetto vineyard in upper Ojai, California. Then was ’born’ Ojai Pacific View Vineyard and Winery.

Lambrusco is a historic, underrated sparkling red wine, with 17 grape varieties and many ways it’s wide, from dry to sweet, from charmat to champenois method. There is so much to know… and learn to enjoy! Read more to find out why you should be sipping on Lambrusco today.

Nearly extinct, the white grape Famoso was rediscovered and is now having a renaissance thanks to local Romagna winemakers. Let’s delve into this rare grape and its unique story about resurgence and new found popularity!

Organic grower-winery Tomisa is situated in the hills around Bologna which, besides being know for food, also has some delicious wines. The go-to wine for the Bolognese is Pignoletto frizzante, or sem-sparkling, made with 100% Grechetto Gentile white wine grape, like Tomisa’s Ciparisso semi-sparkling wine. Join us in this blog as we explore the origins of this complex and unique grape.