That's the approach he has taken with each wine he has crafted at Saxon Brown, from Semillon to Syrah, from Chardonnay to Zinfandel, and from Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Gaffner is a 25-year veteran of the wine industry. His career as a winemaker was launched in 1981 at Chateau St. Jean under the tutelage of renowned vintner Richard Arrowood...

But winemaking has been a Coppola family tradition for several generations.

Agostino Coppola, Francis Coppola's grandfather, used to make wine in the basement of his New York apartment building, using concrete vats that he constructed himself.

Over the next several decades, under the guidance of the legendary John Daniel, Inglenook built a reputation as the source of some of the finest wines ever made.

Few AVAs are known for more than a handful of grape varieties. That's because a specific variety requires a specific type of climate in which to thrive. All types of winegrapes have certain minimum requirements, but each does better in specific types of settings.

That's why in California's North Coast region, the Napa Valley is known primarily for Cabernet Sauvignon, the Russian River Valley for Pinot Noir, and the Dry Creek Valley for Zinfandel. Several other varieties are grown in all three regions, but each region has its own "star" variety...

First, the wine almost immediately sells out. Second, the price goes up for the next vintage.

It's too early to know whether that will happen with the three-variety blend known as "Vireo," crafted by Goose Ridge Vineyards and Estate Winery in Richland, Wash. The 2006 bottling of "Vireo" - consisting of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah and 29% Merlot - claimed the No. 41 spot on the Spectator's list for 2010...

In California, for instance, Kenwood Vineyards produces an "Artist Series" Cabernet Sauvignon each vintage, with the label featuring either an existing or commissioned painting by an important artist.

For its 2000 and 2002 vintages, French Champagne maker Dom Perignon is releasing a series of six bottles saluting the pop art of Andy Warhol...

The Altamuras are Napa natives who take a hands-on approach to every step of the growing and winemaking process. Thus, a natural production limit is established and the wines reflect the couple's deep commitment to reflecting the terroir of their Wooden Valley Ranch.

Wooden Valley is a small, almost round valley, approximately two miles wide at its widest point. It's located nine miles northeast of the town of Napa, and is reached by a winding mountain road that originally was carved into what was called Napa Mountain by Chinese laborers in the 1800s. The valley is bordered by the Vaca Range to the east and "Napa Mountain" to the west.

Hess is known primarily for his Hess Collection Winery in California's Napa Valley. It's home not only to world-renowned wines, but also to a world-class art collection. The Hess Collection is one of a handful of must-see Napa destinations...

So wrote Master of Wine Clive Coates in his book, "Cote d'Or: A Celebration of the Great Wines of Burgundy."

The estate about which he was writing: Domaine Faiveley...

In 1978, Kenwood defined the marriage of fine wine and art when it released its first Artist Series Cabernet. While it wasn't a typical combination at the time, after 32 vintages, the series still masterfully brings them together on the wine's label...