We found this winery listed on an Italian website of places you don't need a reservation for a…read moretasting. We went dutifully during their open hours, but were turned away. The man who talked to us said "we do tastings for people to buy only, and our wines are very high-end." He then listed all the prices of his wines starting at 14 euros, going up to about 60. Expensive maybe for Friuli, but comparable to American prices, and not out of our budget. He didn't even really give us a chance to taste, just took one look at our clothes and car and decided his wines were too expensive for us. So we wasted a lot of time and effort finding this place. Being turned away without a chance, after having come across an ocean to be here? Hmm, won't be back.

I have an opinion that Friuli is he best producer of Italian whites. It's funny that I say that now…read morebecause a handful of years ago, I had no idea I even liked white wine. After a game changing Meursault, I've been seeking out more and more whites and this whole door of education about the wine world has opened for me. Another one of these chance encounters would be the Scarbolo 2009 Friuli Grave. An extremely easy drinking wine with an interesting mix of acidic tropical fruit and almond-like nuttiness. At under $20 it's well worth the cost as a regular drinker either alone or with light food.

From the owner: Scarbolo is a vine grower and winemaking House in Friuli, Italy. The estate is located in the Grave…read moreappellation and its focus is on Pinot Grigio, vinified in four different styles.