The Mediterranean was the cradle of civilization, as well as the likely birthplace of the vine. historians believe humans first encountered wine grapes in modern day Lebanon and by 4100 BCE, domesticated them in modern day Armenia and Georgia. The Phoenicians, followed later by the Greeks and Romans, spread the vine on every side of the sea. Though celebrated in antiquity, many of the traditional wines of the Mediterranean exist in obscurity today regardless of their clear potential and historic importance. It is believed two-thirds of the vine varieties on earth are indigenous to the Mediterranean.

The top wine regions of continental Europe exist as a result of the church and its desire to expand. Starting in the middle ages, wine became an integral component of the sacrament and followed Catholicism through its expansion. Some of the most iconic wines of the world including Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace, and the Mosel have the catholic church to thank.

Historically, rose has been viewed as a simple wine. and though there are ``simple`` roses (just as there are also simple whites and reds), there are also roses as compelling, age worthy, and terroir driven as their friends of other colors. The Mediterranean is a hotbed for distinct styles of rose, spanning those which are salmon in color, to some that might be confused for a very light red.

The Mediterranean is the cradle of civilization, as well as the likely birthplace of the vine. historians believe humans first encountered wine grapes in modern day Lebanon and, by 4100 BCE, domesticated them in modern day Armenia and Georgia. the Phoenicians, followed later by the Greeks and Romans, spread the vine on every side of the sea. Though celebrated in antiquity, many of the traditional wines of the Mediterranean exist in obscurity today regardless of their clear potential and historic importance.

Before 1861, hundreds of city states comprised what we now refer to as Italy. Look no further than the cuisine and wines of these former city states to see that every region has a distinct cultural identity. Combined, over 475 grape varieties (many of which are planted nowhere else) span Italy's length, which is longer than Texas! Although latitude plays an important role in the styles of wines that are made in each region, equally impactful is a region's proximity to the coast. Below, we separate the coastal areas which share more in common with other Mediterranean regions (like Greece and southern France) from inland ones which share more in common with cooler continental regions (like burgundy and rioja).

Free from the shackles of appellation d'origine laws, the new world is a vignerons paradise. With both Mediterranean and continental climates, great winemakers take inspiration from their old-world counterparts and the true possibilities are endless. The following section celebrates the achievements of the new world, and many of these wines are made by our friends.