My first stop was at the Cape Classics South Africa booth where I sampled four delicious wines. Beginning with 2010 Indaba Chenin Blanc. This wine is produced in Western Cape, South Africa. The blend was smooth, aromatic and fruity and sells for $ 10 in the U.S. Next up I chose a 2009 Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz that was surprisingly sweet for a red wine and very pleasant. This wine sells for $ 9 in the U.S. The uniqueness of this wine is nothing short of brilliant, and yes, it does have real jam in the recipe!

From there I moved to the Heritage Link Brands South Africa booth where I began my pallet pleasure with the 2010 Seven Sisters Odelia produced in Western Cape, Swartland South Africa, and I need to mention that this wine sells for $ 8 in Albertson's. Yes, you heard me right. The first response to this wine was mmmmmmm! Loved the taste and the smell. Up after that, was the Seven Sisters Dawn, produced in the same region as the Odelia. Now these Seven Sisters Wines are really named after Sisters. In this case three to be exact. Those of you that are more partial to dry wines would like this. Dry, red, smooth (like butta)! The Seven Sisters Twena, a strawberry wine, produced in the same region as the others before was not that aromatic, but was the perfect blend of velvety smooth sweet and tart. Sells for $ 10 in U.S. Last here was the 2008 M'hudi M'hudi which my companion for the day (I mean boss) Crystal Johnson, Editor and Chief of the Multi Cultural Cooking Network sampled. She was smiling and appeared to enjoy it, mentioning that it as well could be purchased at Albertson's for $ 12 U.S. The 2008 Koopmanskloof One World Shiraz is produced in Stellenbosch, South Africa and sells for $ 15 U.S. I believe she found this one just as delightful, if not better. Interestingly enough, this wine is also produced by farmers who are worker owners. Seven Sisters Wines are sold in 27 states in America.

Our journey continued from there on to Oreana Winera a California Winery based in Santa Barbara. The 2007 Mission Point Pinot Noir was nice, dry and uncomplicated, produced in California's Central Coast Region. The 2007 Oreana Zinfandel was nice with a slightly pungent taste produced in Santa Barbara. Both these wines are sold at Trader Joe's (yeah)!

Now for those of you who like your sweet wines (like me) you definitely want to visit the Quadry Winery, another California based winery. I actually could have spent ALL DAY here. However, again this is for the sweet wine lover. Each wine I tasted was better than the last. The 2009 Andrew Quady Essensia was sweet, lovely, floral, light and peach. It sells for $ 25 U.S. The 2009 Andrew Quady Elysium was a slightly effervescent dessert wine, also at $ 25. The 2009 Andrew Quady Electra was nothing short of electric! This wine had a beautiful floral scent that I fell in love with. I actually was not sure if I should drink it, or douse myself in it like perfume! Oh my, my. Sells for $ 14 U.S. Andrew Quady Starboard Batch 88 great with Chocolate and caramel, Oh la, la. Sells for $ 24. Lastly and certainly not least, Andrew Quady Deviation. What a perfect job they did naming that one. It was intriguing, interesting, unusual, fascinating and wow, and sells for only $ 28.

(Quadry Wines)

The 2009 Domaine Reverdy Ducroux "Beau Roy" Sancerre I sampled at the Loire Valley Wines (France) had a nice aroma and was a dry, white wine, which I would most certainly recommend to anyone who prefers their wines in the dry family.

The Esporao wines from Portugal have been in existence since 1267. The current family took it over in 1971 and has been producing wines since that time. The 2009 Esporao Monte Velho Red was a smooth, nice, dry red wine that sells for $ 10. The 2007 Esporao Reserva Red has been aged one year and uses both cherries and four different types of grapes to get this sophisticated taste and sells for $ 25 a bottle.

The Vin Divino booth (Italy) had a 2009 Lungarotti 100 % Pinot Grigio IGT, which with its mellow scent is the perfect accompaniment to cheese, salad, fruit or finger foods. The 2007 Lungarotti Rubesco DOC was a dry wine that goes down easy. These wines are all sold for $ 15.

Our last stop was the Dr. Loosen (Germany / USA) booth where the smooth, middle ground taste of the 2009 Dr. Loosen Red Slate Dry Riesling $ 15, and the crisp 2009 Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Kabinett Riesling $ 20, both produced in Mosel, Germany were the perfect note to end my day on.

Whether you are drinking wine for the first time, or are a seasoned veteran with experience and knowledge, you would be sure to find something to raise your glass and toast to at the 2011 Wine Riot event. Save the date, as Wine Riot soon visits your part of town.- Written by Syd Levy

Boston

Apr 22-23

Chicago

May 21

New York

Sep 23-24

DC

Oct 21-22