Having trouble deciding which wine to try next? Our wine staff has perused our selection of wines this month and chosen some of their favorites that you definitely need to check out. Next time you're in the store, look for our "Staff Pick" signs to help find one of this month's featured wines.
*Wines not available in all store locations.
Red Wines
White Wines
Dessert Wines
Sparkling Wines
Red Wines
Astoria Merlot – This wine is selected especially for The Fresh Market. Astoria is a great winery in Italy that produces quality, rated wines year in and year out. This wine is definitely one of my permanent wine list choices. Match this wine with a roasted pork loin, roasted lamp or eggplant parmesan. -Don
Caymus Cabernet Napa – This wine is an icon in its own right. It has become one of the most sought after Cabernets due to its rich fruit, soft tannins and smooth finish. A regular contender for the top wine in California, year after year.
Big House Red – A wine so good it’s almost criminal! This eclectic blend has lots of flavor without any pretention. A great party wine because of its low price and high quality.
Bogle Phantom – Get this wine while you can. Bogle produces limited quantities of this wine and when it's gone, it gone until next fall. Deep rich flavors, you will not be disappointed with this one. Serve with a thick steak, meat lasagna, Mexican cuisine or a nice rack of lamb. -Don
Catena Malbec – First tried this wine in New York City. Had a great meal and this wine was wonderful. A nice wine to serve along with "hot" stuff, such as shrimp quick-fried in olive oil with salt and cayenne. -Don
Chateau St Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon – This is one of my favorite Washington State Reds. It pairs well with beef, pork or pasta. A great wine to have on hand for when unexpected guests arrive. -Amanda
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon – I did a blind tasting with this wine against some very expensive Cabernets. The Grand Estates Cab won hands down. It is a regular on my wine list and I am not embarrassed to bring this wine to anyone's house for dinner. A good match with stuffed veal chops. -Don
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot – This is a wine that I tend to fall back on. This Merlot is a huge, wonderful piece of wine craftsmanship. This winery wins awards all the time. Quite good with grilled chicken, roast chicken, grilled or roasted lamb, Italian pasta dishes or even hamburgers. -Don
Coppola Presents Rosso – Layers of crushed wild berries, sweet spices, and a hint of dark chocolate make this wine comforting and delicious. Your favorite lasagna recipe is waiting to be served with this wine. -Amanda
Echeverria Carmenere Reserva –I first tasted this wine in 2007. I was absolutely blown away, and so were almost all the people I introduced it to. The Carmenere grape from Chile produces some of the fruitiest and flavorful wines in the world. Great with roast pork or a spicy pizza. -Don
Falesco Vitiano– Consistently voted as one of the best wine values in the world. This is one to buy by the case. For a reasonable cost, It competes with wines for twice the price.
Franciscan Cabernet – This is one of my go to wines for gifts for special occasions. With a wonderful aroma and a rich taste, you can't go wrong with this wine. This wine goes best with heavier meats—such as filet mignon, lamb and duck—or blue-veined cheeses. -Don
Gravelly Ford Cabernet California Elegant and refined, with soft velvety flavors of red and black berries and a long lingering finish. Perfect for grilled pork tenderl oin.
Layer Cake Primitivo – The deep and flavorful structure of this wine makes it the perfect wine to have with Osso Bucco. Gather the friends and family and have a great afternoon of food and fellowship. -Amanda
Layer Cake Shiraz – Take this one with you on your next weekend getaway. The perfect wine for a cold, snowy weekend you will be sharing with friends or family. We enjoy this wine while preparing and eating a hearty venison stew. -Amanda
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir – One of my favorite Pinot Noirs. Fragrant, soft and flavorful with aromas of ripe cherries, plums and gentle sweet fruit A perfect match with roast leg of lamb, salmon or grilled pork chops. -Don
Penfolds Koonunga Shiraz/Cabernet – Penfolds is consistent in producing great quality wines for a great price. This wine was a nice surprise. Great to keep on hand. Very enjoyable with a broiled New York Strip and a baked potato. -Don
Protocolo Red – I am so happy to introduce you to "my house wine." I serve this wine with all different foods and appetizers. It is so reasonably priced you will not resist buying it by the case, just like I do. -Amanda
Redtree Cabernet –This is a must try wine. I tasted this wine at a wine tasting and it stood head and shoulders above many others at double the price. It’s a wonderful wine for the price and is great for entertaining or just sipping at home by yourself. Plus, it’s fabulous with burgers and steaks. - Don
Ruffino Chianti – A perfect value for dinner at home or at an Italian restaurant dinner. Who doesn't think of Chianti at an Italian dinner? This is a great wine at a price you can afford. It’s great for a large gathering and goes well with veal, pasta with meat sauce, pizza, and roast beef. -Don
White Wines
Alamos Chardonnay – A tasty wine from Argentina, don't pass this one up. Let this Chardonnay sit out of the fridge for a few minutes and enjoy the flavor explosion. Excellent with grilled fish, chicken and pasta dishes. -Don
Cavit Pinot Grigio –Well chilled, this wine is perfect with appetizers while watching the sun set. We continue the evening with a fresh seafood dinner under the stars and another well chilled bottle of Cavit Pinot Grigio. -Amanda
Chateau St Michelle Johannisberg Riesling – Regardless if it is a quiet day at home or a busy, funfilled day at the beach, we always like to have this Rieslingon hand because it pairs so well with everything from a mild cheese andcrackers to a spicy main course. -Amanda 
Clos Du Bois Chardonnay – This is one of the most versatile Chardonnays ever. My wife’s favorite, it is a regular at our house. Wonderful by the glass at restaurants, but even better at home with good company. Serve with pasta with cream sauce, chicken, poultry; it wouldeven support milder dishes of pork. -Don
Echeverria Sauvignon Blanc –This is one of my everyday wines. I was introduced to this wine at a wine tasting in Raleigh, NC. Smooth and delicious. Serve with crab cakes atop a bed of broccoli stalk slaw and a chipotle mayonnaise. -Don
Hess Monterey Chardonnay –The light and crisp flavor of this wine is reminiscent to a spring day. We pack this wine for picnics in the park while we watch the children play. -Amanda
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc –I was introduced to this wine at a small eatery in New York's Little Italy. The pairing of this wine with Clam Linguini made the dish sing. -Amanda
Rex Goliath Chardonnay –I love, love love to introduce this wine to people. I get phone calls later telling me the various menus they have served with this wine - everything from ahi tuna to macaroni and cheese. -Amanda
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay –This affordable Chardonnay makes any everyday meal special. It is delicious with chicken, burgers or vegetarian meals. Enjoy. -Amanda
Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay –Dry and balanced, this Chardonnay hits the mark when I serve it with Grilled Salmon and Polenta Cakes. An affordable wine that is a terrific accent to a good meal. -Amanda
Dessert Wines
Revah Pomegranate Wine –A great tasting wine with great health benefits! Mix with Prosecco, put in a punch bowl and presto, you have a wonderful drink for any party. Goes well with Brie and water crackers. - Don
Sparkling Wines
Veuve Clicquot Brut –This is my "go to" celebration gift for new home owners, newly engaged couples or for that special anniversary. Everyone gets excited to see that recognizable yellow label. -Amanda |