Is it February that just brings out the crazy need to feel somewhat romantic with your spouse? Maybe it’s just the time of year. Christmas was two months ago, and we all spent way too much and regretted it. All through January, most of us hibernated because it was just too dark outside to get out after work. But here is February. The depths of what should be winter, and we realize that actually spending time with people again is a good thing.

This Thanksgiving, as we gather around the table, Chilean wines offer a taste of history and a touch of adventure—beginning with País, the very first grape variety planted in Chile, brought over by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. Long before French varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot arrived, País was the foundational grape, thriving in Chile's unique, isolated landscapes. Known in Europe as Listán Prieto, this grape traveled across the ocean on the ships of Spanish explorers, becoming one of the oldest surviving varietals in the New World.

As the crispness of fall begins to settle in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in wines that complement richer, heartier dishes. This transitional season brings a delightful shift in flavors and offers the opportunity to explore wines that match the changing palate. Cooler weather invites a deeper appreciation of complexity and depth in wines, making fall the ideal backdrop for discovering those that can stand up to autumn’s rich, comforting meals.

There are grapes in the world that are planted in a wide range of environments. This is an absolute understatement. Of this vastness is a small number of varieties that have easily traveled from their homelands and have been planted around the world. Why? Because they are proven grapes that can produce high-quality wines and are not too fussy about where they are planted.