It’s March, and that means Women History Month! As a woman in wine myself, I love supporting other women in the industry, and this month have three amazing wines to share, all made by women! Bonus: they are all affordalicious, clocking in at about $15 each. And you know what – you can see it all on WGN’s ” Daytime Chicago” where I did a segment today! See the clip here.

I think there’s a reason that women make such outstanding wines: it’s scientifically proven that women have more taste buds and more sharply attuned senses all-around. Women are able to create wines that are balanced and delicious and that pair with all sorts of foods. (Trust me, I know some men winemakers who made big alcohol bombs that overpower even the boldest foods.)

KRIS Pinot Grigio KRIS is an 8th generation, family-owned winery in Alto Adige, Italy. It’s led by CEO Maria Luisa Manna, who has been the heart of the winery for 30 years now. This wine reminds me why Pinot Grigio is worth drinking. A bright gush of apples and limes pops right out of the glass – so fresh and brisk – makes me think of spring! It’s easy-drinking and super versatile. You can pair it with classic Italian fare like a white bean salad, pastas with light sauces and everyday salads, any type of chicken or fish dish, roasted vegetables.

The label is designed by artist Riccardo Schweizer, who was a contemporary of Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. The hand symbolizes that the wine is hand-crafted, the lips symbolize Maria Luisa’s personal passion for the wine and the sun embodies the life force that bring the grapes to life high in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy. Cool! Find it in Chicago at Mariano’s, Benny’s, Sunset Foods, Fresh Market and World Market, for about $15.

“The Ned” Sauvignon Blanc This wine comes from Marisco Vineyards, a 3rd generation family-owned winery in Marlborough New Zealand. Emma Marris heads up winemaking, and this wine is named after a local mountain in the Wither Hills of the Waihopai Valley, where Emma’s dad used to play as a boy. The wine was inspired by the carefree, young-at-heart sense of adventure that The Ned evokes, and when I met Emma and her dad Brent at lunch recently, we had huge fun talking and tasting through all of The Ned wines and more that Emma oversees.

Emma did winemaking internships at Bordeaux and The Loire Valley in France – two major Sauvignon Blanc regions – and returned to New Zealand to grow grapes and make wine at her family’s winery. The wine is punchy and bright with with lots of lemon and lime zest ,some juicy grapefruit popping through and a nice pop of herbaceousness, like fresh jalapeño. Find it in Chicago at Binny’s and Epic Wine & Spirits in Lakeview – for about $15.

Dogajolo Tuscan Red First, let’s learn how to pronounce it: Doeg-aye-ohlo, which is Italian for staves – the oak slats that are used to construct wine barrels. This wine is made by Carpineto Winery in Tuscany (specifically, Greve in Chianti), where Caterina Sacchet serves as head winemaker and 3rd generation owner. One of the things I love about this winery is their commitment to sustainability. From the farming to the winemaking, care is taken to minimize the impact on the environment.

The wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s a crowdpleaser! You’re gonna get a rush of red and black fruit – think stewed strawberries and plums with a hint of dried tobacco and old leather. On the palate, it’s medium bodied with well-integrated tannins. It smells and tastes expensive – but it’s not! Find it at Binny’s, Fresh Market, World Market and Mariano’s for about $16! You can pair this with charcuterie, steaks, a burger, and of course – with lasagna, pasta Bolognese, pizza and more!

For a segment on WGN’s “Daytime Chicago,” I paired these wines with bites from Convito Café and Market in Wilmette – which was started by the amazing Nancy Brussat 45 years ago, and is now run by her daughter Candace. If you’re anywhere near Wilmette, head to Convito for lunch or dinner, or shop their market for imported pastas, meats, cheeses and amazing prepared foods, from take-home pasta sauces and soups to the best luscious lasagna you ever tasted.

Let’s raise a glass to all the women who make wine and the food that goes with it! With scientific proof that women have more taste buds than men, it’s no wonder that some of the best wines are made by women.