Giving Thanks

The Merayo family has deep roots in the Bierzo appellation, with a long legacy of viticulture as both grape growers and wine producers. In 1989, Pedro Merayo shifted his focus solely to nurturing his family's vineyards, revitalizing the region's old vines that had been neglected during the Franco era. Relaunching the Merayo winery in 2010, he is now joined by his son Juan. Today, Merayo is dedicated to crafting site-specific wines from their head-trained vines, many nearly a century old, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices.

Founded by Stanko Polanič, Marof seeks to showcase the untapped potential of Slovenia’s Prekmurje region. Winemaker Uroš Valcl brings his passion for honest, terroir-driven wines, shaped by his upbringing in his family’s vineyard. Situated on a historic aristocratic estate, Marof employs minimal intervention winemaking, focusing on blends with native and international varieties. Their wines, known for structure and ageability are only released after years of careful maturation.

Founded in 1988 by Tony Kooyumjian, Augusta Winery aims to revive Missouri's rich winemaking heritage, echoing the region's 19th-century glory. Recognized as one of the state’s most influential winemakers, Kooyumjian expanded his vision by acquiring Montelle Winery in 1998. Today, under the guidance of Colin Pennington, Augusta showcases the exceptional potential of hybrid grape varieties, including the award-winning Norton, Chambourcin, and Chardonel.

With nearly two centuries of winemaking heritage, the Poiron-Dabin family has deep roots in the Loire Valley, dating back to at least 1858. The modern winery began with the marriage of Jean Poiron and Thérèse Dabin in 1962, culminating in the acquisition of Domaine de Chantegrolle in 1990. Their sons, Jean-Michel and Laurent, took over as the next generation. Situated in the Château-Thébaud subzone of the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation, Poiron-Dabin produces rich Muscadet and has successfully revived the rare Berligou.

Château de Tiregand, nestled in the Pécharmant appellation in South West France, boasts a rich history that stretches back to the 16th century. Originally celebrated for its white varieties cultivated from the vine material of Château d’Yquem, a devastating frost in 1956 prompted François de Saint-Exupéry—relative of renowned World War II pilot and author of The Little Prince—to introduce red varietals. In 2022, Christophe Piat acquired the estate and, alongside his family, embarked on a journey to convert it to organic farming.