Arizona Wine Country Tour Maps | Urban | Willcox | Sonoita-Elgin | Verde Valley & Beyond
LIFESTYLE Arizona Viticulture
Geography And Strong Wines
Food & Wine Pairings
For Your Favorite Comfort Foods
Corks vs Screw Caps How The Bottles Are Being Sealed
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The Wine Buzz
New AWGA President Rod Keeling march
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$3.95
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March - June 2015 DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 2015
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“Extraordinary”
Awarded Best Gallery in Sedona and Arizona Voted Best Jewelry Store in Sedona Named One of the 25 Best Galleries in America 800-526-7668
ExposuresFineArt.com
928-282-1125
Sales@ExposuresFineArt.com
561 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86336 Located 1/4 mile south of 89A
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Tour the Gallery!
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“Beyond Words”
Voted Best Jewelry Store in Sedona
As the flagship gallery for 100 artists, Exposures International invites you to explore an abundance of new creations.
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View 20,000-square-feet of art display and discover why Exposures International was recently named one of the “25 Best Galleries in America!”
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800-526-7668 • 928-282-1125 • ExposuresFineArt.com • Sales@ExposuresFineArt.com march
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Awarded Best Gallery in Sedona and Arizona
561 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86336 • Located 1/4 mile south of 89A ©2015 Exposures International LLC AZWINE lifestyle . com
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ive Events and W Exclus s s ine ce s c A Ask About
the Archive Club
At Arizona Stronghold, our aim is to make delicious wines that are authentic to place. Every vineyard, fermentation and barrel of wine tells its own story. Our role is to be the narrator of that story. That’s why we produce wines with as little manipulation as possible. We know we’ve done our job when the fruit shines. When you tip back your glass, we want you to taste Arizona. We live by the rule that good wine should be shared. Whether you’re just discovering wine or have amassed a world-class collection, we invite you to join us in our Old Town Cottonwood Tasting Room or pick up a bottle at your favorite wine shop, grocer or restaurant around the state. Explore the taste of Arizona.
Fierce Terrain. Fine Wines. Authentic Arizona. Learn more about our story, at AZStronghold.com
Our Old Town Cottonwood Tasting Room Features: Archive Wines • Outdoor Patio • Local Art • Apparel and Gifts Games • Live Music Nights and Special Events
928.639. 2789 | AZSTRONGHOLD.COM
Visit Stronghold Online and Unearth Sunsational Deals! Available at Markets and Wine Shops Nationwide. Farmed and Produced in Arizona
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1023 N. Main Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Open Sunday-Thursday 12-7pm, Friday-Saturday 12-9pm
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Notes
from the Publisher
LIFESTYLE
PUBLISHED BY Johnson Media Concepts LLC
I
can’t believe spring is upon us. It seems like we just had our family from Wisconsin visit us in Arizona for the holidays. This brings up a topic I just have to let everyone know about . . . TASTING ROOMS! Left to right: AZWINE Lifestyle owners and publishers John and Michelle If you haven’t been Johnson tasting wines at Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery in Page to a tasting room in Springs, along with Marissa Ranallo and Kay Christensen visiting from Wisconsin. JavelinaLeapWinery.com Arizona, you must go. The experience is educational, enlightening, relaxing, fun, and most of all, a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. When visiting these tasting rooms, open up your heart and mind to the smells and tastes of the incredible talents of the winemakers. They truly have a gift. Pair their wines with rustic to modern interiors, comfy couches and chairs, tables filled with board games, unique wine bars, food and live music, and you will feel right at home in any tasting room. Ahhh, I can hear the acoustic guitar and piano playing right now as I sip outstanding Arizona wines. Go out and explore Arizona wine country and create your own AZWINE lifestyle. We’ll see you on the wine trails. Cheers! John and Michelle Johnson ABOUT THE COVER - Photo by Josh Gray, CEO of SpinWidgets.com
Dragoon Mountain Vineyard, Willcox, AZ
“I wholeheartedly champion Arizona wines and believe there are many exquisite secrets yet to be revealed. Dragoon Mountain Vineyard is committed to the practice of sustainable viticulture. Our vineyard philosophy is based on two core beliefs, minimal intrusion to the native environment and respecting the balance of the unique eco-systems that are located within.” - Vigneron John McLoughlin
Visit Dragoon Mountain Vineyard’s Tasting Room
Cellar 433, 240 Hull Avenue, Jerome, AZ 86331 928.634.7033, Cellar433.com
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AZWINE Lifestyle Magazine uses “Interactive Print Technology” Follow the LAYAR instructions for an augmented reality experience.
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PUBLISHERS John & Michelle Johnson DESIGN & PRODUCTION Tom Johnson
Sunflower Studio, Arizona & California
Trevor Roberson Trailhead Studio
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Monica Garland CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kirstin Havice Thomas Ale Johnson Mark Beres Teresa Propek Rod Keeling Hoyt C. Johnson Kate Morin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michell Jonas Tom Johnson Thomas Ale Johnson Mark Beres Swift Family Photography Josh Gray SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Subscriptions are available on a one-year and two-year basis. For complete information, visit AZWINElifestyle.com.
AZWINE Lifestyle is published three times per year. © Copyright 2015 AZWine Lifestyle Johnson Media Concepts LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction of material in AZWINE Lifestyle in whole or part without permission is prohibited. The trade name AZWINE Lifestyle and the trademark AZWINE are registered. Johnson Media Concepts LLC PO Box 21568, Sedona, Arizona 86341 (928) 300-9626 publisher@azwinelifestyle.com
Advertising information sales@azwinelifestyle.com
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This Issue
AZWINE lifestyle – june / 2015 volume 1 number 2
march
Features
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Wine To Pair With Comfort Foods
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Arizona Viticulture
Good news - it doesn’t have to be that stressful
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Aridus Wine Company
Repurposing History and Making Some Of Its Own
Geography and Strong Wines
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The Grape Train Escape
Pop the cork! A scenic sunset rail journey
Departments 6
Notes from the Publisher
12 The Wine Buzz AWGA President Rod Keeling
16 Trending @AZWINE Lifestyle Statewide Vineyard Survey Unveiled
20 Wine Country Living Morris Fine Homebuilding
24 Innovations Corks vs Screw Caps 48 Cheers! The Grape Arizona Wine Event
108 Cheers! AZWINE Rides The Rails
112
Point of Brew Iron John’s Brewing Company
Maps & Guide 36
#1 Guide To Arizona Wine CountryTM
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URBAN WINE TRAILS
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WILLCOX WINE COUNTRY
64
SONOITA-ELGIN WINE COUNTRY
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VERDE VALLEY WINE TRAIL & BEYOND
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Morris Fine Homebuilding photo by Tom Johnson march
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TIME
WINNER
National Retailer of the Year Award
Arizona’s Largest Selection of Wine, Spirits and Beer Under One Roof – at the Lowest Prices! 2014 Retailer of the Year
Total Wine & More . The selection is incredible. ®
Total Wine & More is like no other wine store you have ever visited. Each of our stores carries over 8,000 different wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers. With over 110 superstores, we have the buying power to bring you the best wines at the lowest prices. Our wine team is the best trained in the industry.
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Get Social with Us Tota To talW Winne.co com
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DESERT RIDGE | GILBERT | GLENDALE GOODYEAR | PHOENIX | SCOTTSDALE TEMPE – EMERALD CENTER TEMPE – TEMPE MARKETPLACE TUCSON – ORACLE & WETMORE TUCSON – PARK PLACE MALL
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They are committed and dedicated to bringing you the Total Wine Experience.™
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My Associates
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The Wine Buzz
Arizona Wine Growers Association New President Rod Keeling
Story by Rod Keeling
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Visitors to KeelingSchaefer Vineyards will experience estate grown and bottled Rhone-style wine from the 21 acres of vineyards located along Rock Creek on the western slope of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona
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y grandfather, M.H. “Monty” Montgomery, was a lifelong Arizona farmer. He grew cotton, alfalfa and grapes west of Casa Grande for more than 50 years. Monty was very active in the community, serving on the local school board and the Casa Grande City Council. Born in 1885, his lifelong passions were his family and his farm. Today, my brother Doug Keeling farms 4,000 acres with his family. The core of this Keeling farm is the 160-acre Montgomery “Home Place.” Doug has been fortunate to own and build Montgomery Farms for the last 38 years. One evening about 19 years ago, our good friend and partner Roger Egan took me over to the new PF Chang’s on Mill Avenue in Tempe. It seems strange now, but there were no wine bars to speak of in Phoenix back then, and PF Chang’s, with only two restaurants, was one of only a handful of places that had an extensive wine-bythe-glass selection. Roger has a long history of successful restaurants in California, Arizona and Idaho, and he was very involved in the emerging wine industry in northern California 30-40 years ago. Roger ordered a glass of Grgich Hills Zinfiandel, and my whole perspective on wine, and what it can taste like, was changed forever.
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Jan and I retired from our longtime jobs in Tempe and sold our house in 2007. We moved down to the vineyard in July of that year and lived in the winery tasting room for the next 18 months. After two years of hard work, we moved in to our new house on the vineyard on the day before Christmas, 2008. The best part is, the vineyard is productive, the wine is good and people like it! After all our hard work and investment, we are living the vineyard life in the foothills of the most beautiful “sky island” in America. Keeling Schaefer Vineyards 154 N. Railroad Avenue, Willcox, AZ 85643 KeelingSchaeferVineyards.com
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At 5,000 feet above sea level, the summer climate of warm, sunny days and cool, high desert nights combines with the unique rhyolite volcanic soils and hands-on winemaking to create some of Arizona’s finest wines
AZWINE
Photos courtesy of Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards
Needless to say, some people who have a wine epiphany start to collect wines and build a cellar. Not me; I wanted to start making my own wine at home. After a few less-than-satisfying tries with hobby kits, I decided I needed real grapes to work with. I struck up a friendship with Al Buhl and his partner Sam Pillsbury at Dos Cabezas near Willcox. My harvest day consisted of a three-hour drive down to Willcox to get grapes from Al, a mad dash home to Tempe and then a late night with the neighbors crushing wine. On a weekend trip to the Chiricahua Mountains in 2000, my wife Jan and I spotted a small ranch for sale on Rock Creek, 12 miles south of the National Monument. It was all grass, with oak and ash trees along the creek in the back. Could this be a vineyard estate for us? Maybe…. We purchased the property and began the journey that has led us to our new home in wine country. We drilled our well in 2002, did all of our permit work and built the winery building in 2003. Along the way we had to explain to the county and our neighbors what we were doing, prove out the easement for electricity, and suffer through the application process and the public hearings for our winery licensing. The Home Place vineyard was planted in 2004 and we harvested our first fruit in 2005. It was a small harvest from the young vines, but we made wine and after 18 months in the cellar, we began sales operations in 2007. Jan and I were still working in Tempe and we would dash down to the vineyard every Friday night to work on the vines all weekend. Early on Monday, we would get dressed for work and drive 3 hours back to Tempe for Jan’s 8 a.m. staff meetings. The first two years, we did everything and we trained every vine and made all the wine ourselves.
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T H E N AT I O N ’ S P R E M I E R C U S TO M C L O T H I E R
AMERICAN EXPRESS
T H E G U R U O F C U S TO M C L O T H I N G
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www.LDVWineGallery.com 6951 E. 1ST STREET • SCOTTSDALE, AZ HOURS: WED. 12-7; THURS. 12-9; FRI.-SAT. 12-8; SUNDAY 1-5 100% Arizona Estate Grown Grapes & Produced Wines in the Chiricahua Mountains, Cochise County
Wine Tasting
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We put the epic in epicurean. Dine in style at the Valley’s culinary jewel on the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort. With world-class entrées and wines, live entertainment and unparalleled views of the McDowell Mountains, your TSR night will be like no other.
Online reservations now available. Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
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INSIDE TALKING STICK RESORT 101 & INDIAN BEND | SCOTTSDALE 480.850.8606 | TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM
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Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2014
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Trending @AZWINE Lifestyle The Arizona Wine Industry Statewide Vineyard Survey Unveiled Story, Photos and Graphic courtesy of Arizona Wine Growers Association
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ecently, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service published the first-ever comprehensive statistics on Arizona’s wine industry. The report, which was sponsored by the Arizona Wine Growers Association, consisted of a full census of all known Arizona vineyards, which included 96 potential operations statewide. Of these, 64 reported vines in the ground, 26 had no vines, and four did not participate (a 94 percent response rate). The USDA’s report gives us the premier look at the size, scope and production metrics of Arizona’s wine industry. Here are some of the interesting parts we took from the document. In Arizona, Willcox is the king of grape production:
Arizona’s total harvest is 1,370 tons of grapes annually. According to the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s wine statistics summary, this volume of fruit produced about 61,000 cases of wine in 2013. The USDA puts the average bulk value of Arizonagrown fruit at $1,625 per ton ($0.81 per pound). Thus, the value of Arizona’s bulk harvest is about $2.3 million per year. According to the USDA, Arizona’s total vineyard acreage (planted) is 950 acres. Of this, the most widely planted grape varietal is Cabernet Sauvignon (108 acres), followed by Syrah/Shiraz (92 acres).
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Willcox contains nearly 68 perecent (two thirds) of the state’s planted vineyard acreage. The Sonoita/Elgin AVA contains 21 percent, and northern Arizona’s Verde Valley makes up nearly 8 percent. No matter how you slice it, southern Arizona, and Willcox in particular, is the undisputed king of wine grape production in the Grand Canyon state. According to the USDA, Arizona’s total vineyard acreage (planted) is 950 acres. Of this, the most widely planted grape varietal is Cabernet Sauvignon (108 acres), followed by Syrah/Shiraz (92 acres). Statewide, in terms of new vines going in the ground, the most common vines being planted are Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.
In fact, the following varietals make up nearly half of all the new vines going into the ground in Arizona: Cabernet Sauvignon (10.6 percent), Malbec (9.4 percent), Sauvignon Blanc (9.4 percent), Tempranillo (9.4 percent) or Sangiovese (7.7 perecent). In terms of future growth, nearly half of all the new vineyard acreage planned for development is in the Willcox region of southeastern Arizona. More new acreage is planned for the Willcox area than for the rest of the state combined. By far, the most common wine produced in Arizona is Syrah/ Shiraz (13.8 percent). Other common wines made here are Grenache Noir (13.1 percent), Cabernet Sauvignon (7.7 percent), Mourvedre (7.6 percent) and Sangiovese (7.6 percent), followed by Zinfandel and Tempranillo (5.8 percent), Merlot (5.3 percent), Petit Sirah (4.8 percent) and Viognier (4.4 percent).
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c e l e b r at e arizona wine Visit Arizona’s wine country and sample our award-winning wines or experience one of many year-round special events.
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2014
ARIZONA STATE WINE AWARDS WINNERS
showcase their finest wines at Arizona’s largest annual wine event. Celebrate
AZCENTRAL.com or ARIZONAWINE.org
Festival at the Farm, Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Farm at South
Mountain in Phoenix. Follow us on Facebook.com/ArizonaWine or Twitter@azwineries AZWINE lIfEstylE lifestyle . com
Visit Arizonawine.org
Visit ArizonaWine.org for more information about AWGA march
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Shake hands and drink wine with Arizona’s top wine growers as they
to learn more about the winners, go to:
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www.laboccapizzeria.com 480-967-5244 699 S. Mill Avenue Downtown Tempe
www.handlebaraz.com 480.474.4888 680 S. Mill Avenue Downtown Tempe
DOWNTOWN OCOTILLO 2475 W Queen Creek Rd Chandler, AZ
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480.855.2848
AZWINE
LivingRoomWineBar.com
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Wine Country Living
Phil Morris Captures the Love and Spirit of Homebuilding Story by Hoyt C. Johnson
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“Home owners not only want custom cellars for storage of their wine collections, but also a special place to taste wine, relax and socialize with guests.”
Signature works by Phil Morris include this luxurious customhome, below, in the Seven Canyons golf community.
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hil Morris is the definition of a “local.” Born in Jerome as a descendent of an Arizona pioneer family he “knows the territory,” which is a distinct advantage for his clients. Phil’s heritage accounts for his propensity for building personal residences that reflect the history and beauty of the Verde Valley where he grew up. Currently, while he modestly celebrates 47 years of success as a well-known veteran of Arizona’s construction industry, it is obvious that Phil has established a reputation as the most respected and well-established homebuilder in the entire Sedona area. Actually, to explicitly declare “in the entire state of Arizona” would not be an absurd exaggeration, though during recent years, Phil’s primary interest has been focused on building exceptional homes – everything from the most spectacular mountaintop retreats to relatively simple, eco-friendly hideaways – in beautiful Red Rock Country and northern Arizona. Today, the trust and total confidence displayed by clients in the Sedona, Scottsdale and Flagstaff areas are a testament to the professionalism and exceptional reputation of The Morris Company. Signature works by Phil and his wife, Pamela, who has an eye for interior design, include luxurious custom-homes in the Seven
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Canyons golf community and impressive remodels in a dramatic setting overlooking historic, Oak Creek wine country. “We specialize in custom homes and remodels, but especially important are the unique aspects of these projects such as wine cellars, kitchens, outdoor living areas, barns, orchards and vineyards.” says Phil, a knowledgeable wine connoisseur and gourmet. “Enthusiasm for Arizona’s wine industry has reached a level of popularity that home owners not only want custom cellars for storage of their wine collections, but also a special place to taste wine, relax and socialize with guests.” In areas like spectacular Sedona, which is surrounded by National Forest, vacant land for new, custom homes has become harder to find and remodeling quaint, modest homes in original neighborhoods has become stylish. Phil’s familiarity with this area, and early construction methods, makes him an expert to complete a remodel project that reflects the past with the conveniences of modern technology. “From initial site consultation through selection and coordination with architects to the craftsmanship of finishing touches, we will build you the finest home possible.” That’s the simple promise that Phil makes to every client! It is not a surprise that the charm, character and comfort of homes constructed by Phil immediately capture the love and spirit of all who view them. And just as important is the trust and long-time friendship of clients from around the world . . . a testament to the professionalism and unparalleled reputation of The Morris Company. “Especially important are unique aspects such as barns, orchards and vineyards.”
Impressive remodels are a specialty of The Morris Company . . . this one in a dramatic setting overlooking historic, Oak Creek wine country.
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Photos by Tom Johnson
The Morris Company LLC 2880 Southwest Drive, Sedona, AZ 86336 philmorrisco.com
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Screw Screw Caps Caps Story by Mark Beres Story by Mark Beres courtesy of Flying LeapLeap Vineyards Photos courtesy of Flying Vineyards Photos by Swift Family Photography
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about visiting henhen outout andand about visiting Arizona’s wineries, we see Arizona’s wineries, we see a vast array of wonderful a vast array of wonderful wines styles, wines andand styles, butbut havehave scrutinized youyou everever scrutinized howhow the the are really two groups bottles sealed? ThereThere are really two groups of of bottles are are sealed?
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– those natural and those wineswines – those sealedsealed with with natural cork cork and those sealedsealed alternatives, as screw Which with with cork cork alternatives, such such as screw caps.caps. Which is is better? The answer cutdried…. and dried…. better? The answer is notissonot cutsoand all, sealing is important because the seal First First of all,ofsealing wine wine is important because the seal separates the wine theand air,of and of course separates the wine fromfrom the air, course keepskeeps the wine fromfrom leaking. Air contains oxygen, whichwhich can can the wine leaking. Air contains oxygen, causecause the most common of allof wine faultsfaults – oxidation. the most common all wine – oxidation. WhenWhen wine wine oxidizes, it loses its vibrant colorcolor and sparkle; oxidizes, it loses its vibrant and sparkle; develops unpleasant earthy aromas; and its bright, fruit fruit develops unpleasant earthy aromas; and its bright, can become flatlifeless. and lifeless. In a filled flavorflavor can become flat and In a filled bottlebottle of of is a small amount of head between wine,wine, therethere is a small amount of head spacespace between the the andseal, the where seal, where oxygen canonactthe onwine the wine wine wine and the oxygen can act eventually dissolving into it. Researchers believe itself,itself, eventually dissolving into it. Researchers believe that some dissolved oxygen in wine makes for very that some dissolved oxygen in wine makes for very pleasant the concentration of oxygen pleasant flavor,flavor, but asbut theasconcentration of oxygen rises,rises, the flaws develop and strengthen, eventually ruining the flaws develop and strengthen, eventually ruining the the altogether and making it undrinkable. wine wine altogether and making it undrinkable. Thus,Thus, the the is critical inathat a good seal protects the wine seal isseal critical in that good seal protects the wine fromfrom excessive oxidation, butallows also allows for some breathing excessive oxidation, but also for some breathing to to sothe thatwine the wine canand agemature and mature properly. occuroccur so that can age properly.
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Flying Leap Vineyards 342 Elgin Road, Elgin, AZ 85611 FlyingLeapVineyards.com
AZWINE lIfEstylE AZWINE lifestyle
Traditionally, natural cork has been the preferred seal in use since the early 1400s. Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is indigenous to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Seventy percent of the world’s cork comes from forests in Portugal, Spain and France. Cork trees cannot be harvested until they are 25 years old, and the trees produce good cork for about 300 years. Their bark is stripped every nine years. High-quality cork is very expensive, so it is typically reserved for higher-valued wines. Though considered to be impermeable, natural cork does pass oxygen through its fiber, but it does so at such a slow rate that it is considered to be ideal for the proper aging of fine wine. Therefore, the primary benefits of natural cork are: its ability to properly age wine through slow oxygen transmission, and it is a natural, renewable resource. Screw tops have been in use since 1964, and were developed primarily due to the rising cost of natural cork. These seals became even more popular in the 1980s, during a period when poor-quality cork was being produced and giving rise to incidents of TCA (also known as “cork taint,” the chemical contaminent 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole that can destroy wine). Today, screw tops are very popular because of their low cost (oftentimes a third of the price of natural cork for a comparable seal) and the protection they offer against cork taint. Though advances in seal permeability have improved the screw top’s ability to age wine in a way comparable to cork, the seal still suffers from its image as a “cheap” seal. This is changing, however, as many producers are sealing high-end wines using screw tops, and their image will likely continue to change as customers become more familiar with them. So which seal is better? The correct answer is that they both are good seals, with unique pros and cons. Corks are more traditional, preferred for pricier wines and are widely considered to be an ideal seal for aging fine wines. Screw tops have improved significantly, are much more cost effective than natural cork and do not introduce TCA into the wine. We’ll let you be the judge. Cheers!
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WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Doors open
Free
midnight
the Kids
4pm ‘til
Winemaker
Dinner
Series
Activities for
Wine Garden featuring local Northern
Arizona wineries
Benefitting Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, Prescott Creeks and Verde Valley Humane Society
RIVERFRONT PARK, COTTONWOOD, AZ AZWINE
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WITH EVENT SHUTTLING THROUGHOUT THE VERDE VALLEY
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ORDER TICKETS NOW! 928.639.3004
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4TH ANNUAL VERDE VALLEY WINE SYMPOSIUM a fundraiser for
SATURDAY, MAY 30TH 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Yavapai College, Verde Valley Campus 601 Black Hills Dr, Clarkdale, AZ 86324 Industry Speakers Raffle Arizona Wineries Grand Tasting Local Food Vendors lifestyle
• • • •
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AZWINE
Early bird tickets go on sale March 15th For more information and to purchase tickets Please visit www.verdevalleywine.org Or email us at info@verdevalleywine.org march
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The Right Wine to Pair with Your Favorite Comfort Foods AZWINE AZWINE lIfEstylE lifestyle
Story by Kate Morin and Fix.com
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W
hether simply looking for a glass to complement a takeout pizza or a bottle to impress guests
alongside homemade beef bourguignon, choosing the right wine can be a daunting task. Good news – it doesn’t have to be that stressful. Picking the right bottle is more intuitive than you may think. The key to matching food with the right wine is to achieve balance. The wine and the meal should be equal in terms of weight or richness, without either one overwhelming the other. For example, a heavy dish such as pot roast needs a heavier red wine, while a light salad would be overwhelmed by the same red wine; it instead matches better with a lighter-body white wine. But it’s not always black and white. All 16 comfort foods we address below are on the rich, heavy side (they are all comfort foods, after all) but not all of them pair with the same types of wine. Instead, we have to consider the other elements of each dish. Sure, they may all be rich, but some are earthy – think beef and mushrooms – while others are creamy like mac and cheese or a creambased casserole. Each necessitates a different wine. 1. Chili
Chili
• Recipe: Texas Beef Chili • How to make the best: Instead of ground beef, choose boneless beef chuck cut into ½-inch cubes. If possible, make this a day ahead and let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator to help the flavors develop. 2. Fried Chicken
Fried Chicken
Simple and classic, this salty, juicy, crispy chicken calls for a wine that’s equally as simple, with a good balance of acidity and sweetness. The acidity and effervescence of champagne cuts through the richness of the fried coating. If you’re not in the mood for bubbles, a nice chenin blanc, dry riesling, or full-bodied viognier works well, too. • Recipe: The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken • How to make the best: The trick to perfect fried chicken is to keep it simple. There’s no extra sauce or brining, just a three-step dredge – seasoned flour, egg, seasoned flour, then fry. AZWINE lIfEstylE AZWINE lifestyle
Meaty, spicy dishes such as chili need a bold and fruity wine to stand up to a strong flavor profile. A red wine with flavors of dark fruit such as cherries and plums, a bit of spice,
and hints of chocolate pairs perfectly. Try to avoid anything high in alcohol or tannins, both of which can clash with the peppers in the chili. Malbec is always a safe bet, as is a rioja or tempranillo. A lower alcohol GSM blend (grenache, syrah, and mourvedre) or pinot noir will work too. The fruity notes in these wines match well with chilis, while the subtle tannins help to break up the meatiness and fat in the recipe.
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The Right Wine to Pair with Your Favorite Comfort Foods 3. Beef Stew
the work. Don’t skimp on the glaze – that’s the key to achieving a dark, tasty crust.
Beef Stew
5. Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese
With bacon, beef, mushrooms, and potatoes, beef stews need an equally earthy and powerful wine. Pick a deep red – something heavy, peppery, and punchy such as a syrah, cabernet sauvignon, French bordeaux, or Côtes du Rhône. The astringent character of tannins in red wine pair especially well with rich meaty dishes because they help balance strong flavors. • Recipe: Beouf Bourguignon with Roasted Potatoes • How to make the best: For the best beef stew, wine goes in the dish as well as with it. While cooking wines are easy to spot on grocery store shelves, it’s best not to cook with a wine you wouldn’t drink. Pick a bottle you like and buy two.
This rich and creamy classic needs a more acidic, slightly sweet wine to complement it as well as to cut through the richness to cleanse the palate between bites. A chenin blanc from the Loire region of France or from South Africa works well thanks to its acidity and honey notes, as does a pinot gris. Chardonnay, with its slight acidity and creaminess from aging in oak barrels, also matches well with the cheesy dish. If red is on the brain, try a cru Beaujolais, which is made from gamay grapes that have a bit of acidity and a light to medium body. • Recipe: Mac and Cheese • How to make the best: For an updated, adult take on this classic favorite start it on the stovetop with a creamy homemade cheese sauce before topping with fresh, juicy tomatoes and crunchy breadcrumbs.
4. Meatloaf
Meatloaf
6. Grilled Cheese
Grilled Cheese
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With a healthy dose of ketchup in this classic blue plate special, turn to a robust red wine with subtle tannins. A bold and fruity wine complements the salty-sweet notes of classic meatloaf without fading behind the strong flavors. We suggest a robust zinfandel.
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• Recipe: Good Eats Meatloaf • How to make the best: Make the process a whole lot easier by eliminating all of the chopping. Instead, let the food processor do
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Such a simple sandwich deserves a special drink. Sparkling wines are perfect with salty, crispy, and buttery foods such as grilled cheese thanks to their faint sweetness. Go for a cava or Champagne, or a rosé (still or sparkling). A note
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on rosé: Regardless of the type of cheese used in the sandwich, rosé will work well thanks to its mix of red- and white- wine characteristics – fruitiness and acidity, respectively. • Recipe: The Perfect Grilled Cheese • How to make the best: Using a high-quality butter makes all the difference. To avoid the burnt bread and not-yet-melted cheese dilemma, use shredded cheese and once you have the perfect color on both sides of the sandwich, finish melting it in the oven.
A meaty tomato-based sauce like this classic Italian six-hour-simmer Bolognese needs a strong Italian wine. Choose a bottle with juicy fruit flavors and slight acidity with soft tannins. It can be hard to find a suitable mate for tomatoes, but the sweetness in this slow-simmered sauce makes it a bit easier. Nero d’Avola complements the tomatoes well while also cutting through the fat and meatiness. (Plus, it’s affordable.) Barbera d’Asti also works well, thanks to its juicy acidity, supple tannins, and notes of blackberry and sage.
7. Roasted Chicken
Roasted Chicken
• Recipe: Marcella Hazan’s Ragú Bolognese • How to make the best: The secret to this recipe is time. Don’t rush it. Take the whole six hours to allow the flavors to concentrate and achieve the right flavor. 9. Tuna Casserole
• Recipe: Simple Roast Chicken; Herb Roasted Whole Chicken • How to make the best: Simplicity is key. Don’t overthink the seasoning, and don’t fuss with it while it’s in the oven. 8. Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese
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Tuna Casserole
Dishes containing canned ingredients can be tricky to pair with wine. If the wine is too tannic, the whole meal will begin to taste metallic. The creaminess of a tuna casserole calls for a wine with slight acidity and light, fruity notes, such as a rosé from the Côtes du Rhône region of France. If pink isn’t a favorite, the subtle acid notes of an unoaked chardonnay would work perfectly, too. • Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole • How to make the best: Creamy is key. Instead of opting for the classic canned condensed mushroom soup, whip up a homemade cream sauce to bind everything together, and add fresh mushrooms for an earthy note.
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Few meals are more satisfying than a simple roast chicken. Select a wine that is equally as simple to avoid overwhelming the food. Chicken always works well with white wine, while the rustic roasted flavors pair well with a light red wine. When in the mood for red, try a pinot noir or fruity cru Beaujolais. For white, opt for a Rhônestyle. If the roasted chicken recipe is heavy on the fresh herbs, try a grunter veltliner; the citrus and clove flavors pair well with herbaceous notes.
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The Right Wine to Pair with Your Favorite Comfort Foods 10. Lasagna
12. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Pot Pie
Lasagna
An Italian classic such as lasagna deserves a classic Italian wine to go with it. Pick something medium bodied, such as a Chianti or other Sangiovese-based Italian red. Both are heavy enough to match up to the meat and tomatobased sauce without overpowering the dish. • Recipe: The Best Traditional Lasagna • How to make the best: Don’t cut corners and substitute only beef when making the filling. The ¾ pound of pork sausage in the recipe makes a noticeable difference in the flavor of the sauce.
With rich, tender crust and thick, creamy filling, chicken pot pie begs for a refreshing white wine. Try a full-bodied, floral viognier, which tends to have a sweet nose but tastes quite dry. This recipe is lightened up with the addition of fennel bulb and cubed ham, which also go well with slightly acidic and dry white wines. • Recipe: Chicken Potpies with Ham • How to make the best: If time doesn’t permit making all ingredients from scratch, use store-bought rotisserie chicken and pie dough to get full flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
11. Shepherd’s Pie 13. Pot Roast
Shepherd’s Pie
Pot Roast
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A bold wine with a good dose of tannins and peppery flavor can stand up to hearty dishes while helping to cut through some of the richness of the dish. Cabernet sauvignon – with flavor notes of dark fruit, black pepper, and a bit of earthiness – is the perfect pair for a hearty, buttery, meaty dish such as Shepherd’s Pie.
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• Recipe: Cheddar-Topped Shepherd’s Pie • How to make the best: Don’t overcomplicate this dish. It’s just as delightfully simple as it seems, and doesn’t need anything else to make it better.
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A humble dish like pot roast needs a humble, country wine. Try a Côtes du Rhône, made from a blend of red grapes from southern France, or a cabernet sauvignon, which has some body (and tannins) but works well with juicy meats. • Recipe: Beef Pot Roast • How to make the best: Searing the beef before slow cooking with the rest of the ingredients is key to developing flavor when making pot roast. Don’t skip that step.
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14. Pizza
Pizza
• How to make the best: Creaming the butter and sugar together is extremely important to achieve the correct cookie texture. Without that step, very little air gets added into the dough, making the cookies tough. 16. Apple Pie
Apple Pie Whether working with a tomato- or pesto-based pizza, a light-bodied red wine with plenty of depth accompanies just about any pie perfectly. Pinot Noir is the perfect pick when it comes to earthy flavors such as tomatoes, herbs, roasted chicken, and mushrooms. Of course, an Italian classic such as Chianti would also work well. • Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Mushroom Pesto Pizza • How to make the best: Don’t forget to pre-bake the crust. This step is essential to achieve a crispy base without burning the toppings. 15. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
The secret to pairing wine with dessert is to choose a wine that is a touch lighter in body and at least as sweet as the food. For classic apple pie, there are many good options: Moscato d’Asti – with its light fizz and apricot notes – will emphasize the fruit flavors in the pie. Late-harvest wines such as Gewürztraminer or Riesling (which are made from grapes left on the vine for longer than normal, allowing their sweetness and flavor to concentrate as they get riper) also work well with baked fruit desserts like this classic pie. Craving bubbles? A fruity, sweet, and slightly creamy extra dry, sec, demisec, or doux sparkling wine would work well. • Recipe: Classic Double-Crust Apple Pie • How to make the best: Pre-cook the apples to eliminate a gap between the top crust and the filling, to make a denser, more structurally sound pie.
For the classic chocolate chip cookie, plain old wine just won’t do. Instead, opt for a tawny Port. Inexpensive bottles are easy to find, and the rich, high-alcohol drink brings out the caramel and chocolate flavors in the cookies.
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• Recipe: Original Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies ; Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
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WINE COUNTR
Arizona
#1 Guide To
Arizona Wine Country
TM
URBAN WINE TRAILS
WILLCOX WINE COUNTRY
SONOITA-ELGIN WINE COUNTRY
VERDE VALLEY WINE TRAIL & BEYOND Wine Country Tour Maps
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Arizona Vineyards, Wineries & Tasting Rooms
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Wine, Dine
and Win! Located in the heart of Verde Valley Wine Country and just 20 minutes south of Sedona you’ll find the number one casino in Arizona for over a decade. Bring your family and experience all we have to offer.
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• Hundreds of the newest most popular slots with Vegas caliber Blackjack and Poker • The New Mountain Springs Buffet • Award winning Storytellers Steakhouse • Kids Quest, Bowling, Arcade and Johnny Rockets • Play and Stay hotel packages
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The Perfect Place to Play. cliffcastlecasinohotel.com
800.381.SLOT | I-17, Exit 289 • Just an hour north of Phoenix Please call for reservations. Cliff Castle Casino Hotel reserves the right to modify, suspend and/or cancel this special at any time, without notice with approval of the Yavapai-Apache Gaming Commission. ©2013 Cliff Castle Casino Hotel
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WINE COUNTR
Arizona Grand Canyon National Park 89
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Verde Valley Wine Trail & Beyond... Granite Creek Vineyards Caduceus Cellars Passion Cellars Echo Canyon Winery Four Eight Wineworks Burning Tree Cellars Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Pillsbury Wine Company NORTH Fire Mountain Wines Alcantara Vineyard & Winery Page Springs Cellars Cellar 433 Oak Creek Vineyards Javelina Leap Vineyard Grand Canyon Winery
Cottonwood Jerome
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Phoenix Metro Wine Tasting...
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Sonoita / Elgin Wine Country & Beyond... Charron Vineyards Dos Cabezas WineWorks AZ Hops and Vines Wilhelm Family Vineyards Marana Rancho Rossa Vineyards Callaghan Vineyards Flying Leap Vineyards Kief-Joshua Vineyards The Village of Elgin/Four Monkey Sonoita Vineyards Sonoita/Elgin Lightning Ridge Cellars Tombstone Wine Works Willcox Wine Country & Beyond... Silver Strike Winery Hannah’s Hill Vineyard Sand-Reckoner Vineyards Rune Wines Flying Leap Vineyards Aridus Wine Company Keeling Schaefer Vineyards Fort Bowie Vineyards Bodega Pierce and Saeculum Cellars Golden Rule Vineyards Carlson Creek Vineyards Passion Cellars at Salvatore Vineyard Coronado Vineyards Zarpara Vineyard Pillsbury Vineyard and Winery Lawrence Dunham Vineyards
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Winery 101 / Gallifant Cellars Lawrence Dunham Vineyards Su Vino Winery Aridus Wine Company
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Flying Leap Vineyards Sierra Bonita Vineyards
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Bisbee Douglas
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3 Su Vino Winery 7035 E. Main Street, Ste. 110 - Scottsdale (480) 994-8466 suvinowineryaz.com Tue-Wed: 12-8 Thurs-Sat: 12-10 Sun: 1-5
5 Flying Leap Vineyards 4330 N. Campbell Ave., Ste. 48 - Tucson (520) 299-VINE (8463) flyingleapvineyards.com Tue & Fri: 12-6 Sat: 9-7 Sun: 9-4
6 Sierra Bonita Vineyards 6720 E. Camino Principal - Tucson Suite 101 (520) 296-0674 sierrabonitavineyards.com Thurs-Fri: 4-8 Sat-Sun: 12-6
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4 Aridus Wine Company 7173 E. Main St. - Scottsdale (520) 954-2676 ariduswineco.com Mon-Sat: 12-8 Sun: 12-5
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2 Lawrence Dunham Vineyards 6951 E. 1st Street - Scottsdale (480) 664-4822 lawrencedunhamvineyards.com Wed: 12-7 Thurs: 12-9 Fri-Sat: 12-8 Sun: 1-5
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N. Sabino Canyon Rd.
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1 Winery 101 / Gallifant Cellars 9299 W. Olive Ave., Ste. 101 - Peoria (520) 477-9463 winery101.com Mon-Thurs: 9-5 Fri-Sat: 2-8 Sun: 2-6
N. Alvernon Way
E. Fort Lowell Rd.
E. River Rd.
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1 Mile 1 Km
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Goldwater
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Create a world class Arizona Cabernet
WINERY DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS PLANNING REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Rob ert
PERSONNEL TRAINING
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520.940.4961
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5152 E. PIMA STREET, TUCSON • BOBW@RWWEBB.COM
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WINE COUNTR
Willcox
The Willcox wine region boasts many of Arizona’s most fruitful vineyards, which produce almost
75% of the grapes grown in the state. A Willcox wine tasting experience includes visiting tasting rooms in historic downtown Willcox and sipping wine with owners and wine makers at their vineyard. These vineyards offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, which overlook miles and miles of grape vines. The Willcox climate is ideal year-round and perfectly paired with wonderful Arizona wines of the region.
Willcox owes its initial existence to the Southern Pacific Railroad which first chugged through the area in 1880. The renovated historic Southern Pacific Depot is just one of the attractions in the revitalized downtown area of Willcox. The Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum and the Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame pay tribute to the city’s most famous son, Rex Allen, and the ranching influence in Willcox. The Chiricahua Regional Museum houses many artifacts and exhibits of the area, as well as the Chiricahua Apache Indians, their great Chief, Cochise, and renegade Geronimo. The Marty Robbins Museum honors the music of Marty Robbins.
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Willcox blends rough-and-tumble country with friendly small-town attitude. From the solitude of hiking or riding a bike where wildlife roams freely, to enjoying a friendly local restaurant, art galleries, shopping, or relaxing at the town park, Willcox has a sense of community that is proud of its past and mindful of the future.
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Photo of Flying Leap Vineyards by Thomas Ale Johnson, Owner of TRUST Art & Design and Wines of Willcox march
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WillcoxWineCountry.org
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Wine Tasting Rooms & Vineyards YEAR-ROUND SPECIAL EVENTS Arizona’s Largest Grape Growing Region Festivals 3rd weekend in May & October
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deep sky vineyard
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The Universe in a Glass of Wine
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‘‘C
Story and Photos by Thomas Ale Johnson
ome explore our wines with us.”
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This phrase can be found on the back of each bottle of Deep Sky Vineyard wine. The name, “Deep Sky”, comes from the sense of wonder that one feels when staring into the starry night sky or contemplating the universe that exists in a glass of wine. These natural phenomena can be appreciated for their beauty alone or be examined and scrutinized with seemingly limitless potential to explore ‘the unknown’. Philip and Kimberly Asmundson began their personal exploration of the world of wine as many do discovering and drinking fine wines from around the world and then building a private collection. As the Asmundsons’ wine collection grew, a new passion started to emerge — a desire to grow grapes and be involved in the winemaking process. The journey into producing wine began in April 2009 with the purchase of a small vineyard in the Uco Valley just south of Mendoza, Argentina. Although they visit the vineyard (planted with Malbec) on occasion for wine blending and approval of farming techniques, it is more of a “turnkey operation”. The property was developed by an organization called The Vines of Mendoza which also provides the vineyard management services. The adventure migrated closer to home when they were struck by the similarities between certain areas in Arizona and the Mendoza region in Argentina. Further research led the Asmundsons to buy land on the Willcox Bench in December 2009 and plant grape vines in April 2011. This southeastern Arizona vineyard is close enough to their home in Marana for it to receive year-round personal attention from the Asmundsons and Kim now spends much of her time in the vineyard tending to their 15,000 vines. Though separated by a distance of 5,200 miles, the two vineyards are connected in many ways. Both are at high elevations: Willcox is 4,200 feet and Uco Valley is 3,500 feet. With similar overall temperatures, rainfall, access to large underground aquifers, similar solar indexes, almost no ocean influence and almost identical sandy loam soils, there can be no question that these vineyards belong together despite their geographical orientation. Add to this the fact that the Arizona vineyard lies at approximately 33 degrees north latitude and the Argentinian vineyard 33 degrees south and we see a harmonious pattern emerging - a perpetual dance between the two vineyards where the new growth of spring in one location signals harvest in the other. Naturally, the first grape variety the Asmundsons decided to plant in the Arizona vineyard was Malbec. They are not surprised that this grape has thrived here, because the suspicion that Malbec would do well in Arizona was what led them down this particular path of discovery.
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The Deep Sky philosophy is “Fruit First” based on their belief that 80% of the wine comes from the field. Of course, any expedition stands a better chance of success when the explorers are accompanied by reliable guides. The Asmundsons mention several who have aided them along the way, including Jim Minniger who helped them establish a healthy vineyard, Don Sobey who came in as vineyard consultant in 2014 to realize the full potential of their fruit, and Andrew Wolf who joined as the day-to-day vineyard manager. All of their current Arizona wines were made by winemaker Rob Hammelman at the state-of-the-art Aridus Custom Crush facility in Willcox. On a personal note, I am writing this article from the perspective of another who has been invited along on this journey. My role has been in the area of consulting and collaborating with the Asmundsons to develop a brandable identity and to design the wine labels. I was intrigued by the idea of the two mirrored vineyards on opposite sides of the planet. The final logo indicates the symmetry and harmony between
adventure migrated closer ‘‘The to home when they were struck
by the similarities between certain areas in Arizona and the Mendoza region in Argentina.
‘‘
AZWINE lifestyle lIfEstylE
the two vineyards with an “A” for Arizona and an “A” for Argentina. The “A” also stands for Asmundson. The 23-degree tilt of the logo matches the axis of the earth itself and the equatorial line in the logo also hints at a planar view of a galactic spiral, bringing us back to the infinite possibilities in the deep sky or in the wine universe. The individual labels are abstract representations of each wine’s celestial namesake and the sensory experience released when the bottle is opened and enjoyed. A particularly fascinating part of the Deep Sky tasting experience is trying the Malbec grown and produced in Argentina side-by-side with the Malbec grown and produced in Arizona. Until you get your own chance to taste them, Kim & Phil have a few notes to share: “Both are very big wines in terms of structure and tannins. They’re both loaded with dark fruits such as plums, prunes and blackberries. What’s really different is the impact of the terroir. The Arizona wines tend to be a bit more earthy in their finish while the Argentina wines have more of a silky finish. Both are great and it’s fun to taste them side-by-side.” Currently available are their Argentinian Malbec-based “LaKaWa” wines (2011 and 2012), which take their name from the initials of the Asmundsons’ three children, Lauren, Katie and William. The 2013 LaKaWa and new 2014 Argentinian Torrontés called “Yendola” will be arriving in a few months. At the time of this writing, the only available
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Philip and Kimberly Asmundson began their personal exploration of the world of wine as many do – discovering and drinking fine wines from around the world and then building a private collection.
Deep Sky Vineyard wine from Arizona is the Aurora Viognier. This delicious white wine from their Willcox vineyard was a double gold medal winner at the 2014 Arizona Republic wine competition. Three Arizona red wines and a rosé will be released soon: Big Bang – a 100% Malbec; Gravity – a 75% Syrah and 25% Petite Sirah blend; and Orbit – a 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache blend. The 2014 Nebula Rosé was crafted from early harvest Grenache fruit.
The overall mission of Deep Sky Vineyard is a lofty one. “Bottom line, wine when done well is not just a product - it’s art. It needs to express the characteristics of the region and the grape varietal to create a truly unique experience. It should take advantage of the characteristics of different varietals to create new experiences even for seasoned wine connoisseurs. It should excite, challenge and wow with every sip. These are the bars we set every year and as long as we see progress towards excellence every year we know we are staying true to our philosophy.” The next chapter of the Deep Sky story will take place in the Sonoita/Elgin area in southern Arizona. This will be the future home of a tasting room plus a new vineyard to be planted in 2016. Until the tasting room opens, we can watch their progress in producing great wine (on both sides of the equator) as we look up into the sky or down into a glass and contemplate everything that comes next.
Their Arizona Malbec was named “Big Bang” because, “the Big Bang started this strange place we call our world and, for us, Malbec was the start of our entry into the world of the wine business.”
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Thomas Ale Johnson owns and operates TRUST Art & Design and Wines of Willcox. See TrustArtAndDesign.com and WillcoxWines.com for more information. Deep Sky Vineyard DeepSkyVineyard.com
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Currently available are their Argentinian Malbec-based “LaKaWa” wines (2011 and 2012), which take their name from the initials of the Asmundsons’ three children, Lauren, Katie and William.
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Cheers!
Photos by AZWINE Lifestyle
The Grape Arizona Wine Event AZWINE joined Arizona wineries for a celebration of wine and music. The event benefitted Phoenix Rotary 100 Club Charities and United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association Community Charities.
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The weather was perfect while wine aficionados mingled at the Irish Culutral Center in Phoenix. Silent and live auctions, plus great food, kept attendees busy all afternoon, topped off with a bagpipe serenade.
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Cheers!
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The Grape Arizona Wine Event
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WINE COUNTR
Willcox Aridus Wine Company
Aridus [air•i•dus] latin for dry or arid. Aridus Wine Company is the largest custom crush facility in Arizona. With state of the art equipment, Aridus Wine Company produces local award-winning wines for their clients, and for their own label - ARIDUS. Tasting Room is located at 145 N Railview Ave., Willcox, which is open 7 days a week, however their facility Portfolio Tasting Room is by appointment only. Aridus Tasting Room, (520) 766-9463. Aridus Portfolio Tasting Room (520) 766-2926. AridusWineCo.com
Bodega Pierce and Saeculum Cellars
Bodega Pierce highlights wines made exclusively from the 17 varieties of grapes grown at our family’s estate vineyard in Willcox, AZ. The wines are designed to express the high desert terroir of the Willcox Bench that we have found to be unsurpassed in producing spectacular world class wines. We aim to provide other Arizona wine drinkers with a consistent product that over-delivers on quality. Saeculum Cellars showcases our smaller winemaking projects. Allowing us to satisfy our own curiosity and explore the never-ending possibilities that exist in the world of wine making. Take a moment to savor the time, the place and the people around you when drinking our wines. Cheers and Salud! Bodega Pierce Tasting Room Open Thursday thru Sunday, 11AM to 5PM. or by appointment, 602-320-1722. BodegaPierce.com SaeculumCellars.com
Carlson Creek
In the shadow of the Chiricahua Mountains at 4,300 feet, lies the fertile Kansas Settlement farmland. Oregon Pinot Noir pioneer Dick Erath chose this unique site to plant his Cimarron Vineyard. Planting traditional grapes alongside unique varietals, Erath plans to create wines to please the most discerning palate while retaining Arizona’s unique terroir. His wines are available through the tasting room at Dos Cabezas WineWorks in Sonoita and select Arizona wine stores and restaurants.
Coronado Vineyards
In the early morning shadows of the Dos Cabezas Mountains Mark and Jacque Cook planted the first vines at their El Pinito Vineyard in spring 2005. The vineyard is named for its lone, majestic pine tree, all that remains of what once was a golf course. The vines flourished and Coronado Vineyards is now proud to introduce you to their awardwinning wines. Each wine is drafted to be a unique experience. We have sweet table wines, exciting blends, including gold-medal sparkling wine Dolce Veritas, plus fine varietals including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. El Pinito vineyard and their Tapas Lounge, which offers the perfect setting to enjoy wine and appetizers with a few friends, or hold a large private event or wedding. Coronado Vineyards and their warm inviting staff can ensure that your special event will be one to remember. Come experience all that Coronado Vineyards has to offer. An adventure in wine tasting awaits you. CoronadoVineyards. com
Flying Leap Vineyards
Flying Leap Vineyards is Arizona’s newest domestic winery. With developed acreage in both the Sonoita AVA and Cochise County, Flying Leap offers a diverse portfolio of ultra premium, carefully crafted wines from tasting rooms at its estate vineyard on Elgin Road along the Sonoita Wine Trail, its tasting room in historic downtown Willcox and opening this fall is Bisbee. Flying Leap’s 2011 vintage was handcrafted by Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards, one of Arizona’s most experienced and respected winemakers. Come experience the scenic beauty of southern Arizona wine country – fun and informative vineyard tours shown by appointment—call (520) 954-2935 or visit the website FlyingLeapVineyards.com.
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Carlson Creek Vineyard is dedicated to the production of fine wine from Arizona. Carlson Creek is a family owned and operated vineyard. Although a young company, they are filled with a passion for the grapevine. The vineyard’s elevation provides a perfect climate for growing wine grapes. Visit Carlson Creek Vineyard and discover this great new vineyard and stop by their Willcox tasting room located near Historic Railroad Park. Learn more by checking out the website at CarlsonCreek.com.
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WINE COUNTR
Willcox Fort Bowie Vineyards
Wine, nuts, candy, gift items and more! From I-10 take exit 362 or 366 into the town of Bowie. Turn north (past the post office) on N. Jefferson Ave. Park at the corner of N. Jefferson Ave. and Kinchilla St.
Golden Rule Vineyards
Nestled near the northern tip of the Dragoon Mountains, Golden Rule Vineyards enjoys an exciting blend of quartz and limestone soils and excellent water resources in combination with a high-desert climate that provides excellent growing conditions for premium quality grapes . Owners Jim and Ruth Graham, are proud of their wines. “We believe our wines certainly represent the distinct arid terroir and our passion for excellence both in the growing of our fruit and the making of our wines.” Varietals currently in production include Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Come discover and experience the wonders of authentic Arizona premium wine and pistachios, and make genuine friendships and memories with us! Visit their tasting room, now open Thursday - Sunday 11AM - 5PM. GoldenRuleVineyards.com
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards
They are committed to creating hand-crafted wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Chiricahua Mountain foothills in southeastern Arizona. Their philosophy of winemaking is to select the perfect varietals and let nature do its magic with as little intervention as possible, letting the fruit speak for itself. Rhone varietals flourish in the volcanic soils of the 5,000-foot elevation estate. “Add clean air, pure water, mountain breezes and four seasons, and we have the key ingredients that create our outstanding terroir.” Visit this magical place and experience the exceptional wines of the Lawrence Dunham Vineyards. Go to LawrenceDunhamVineyards.com or call (602) 320-1485 to join the Chiricahua Circle or Sky Islander wine clubs, purchase their wines, arrange for a visit or attend an upcoming event. Wine tasting by appointment only. LawrenceDunhamVineyards.com
Passion Cellars at Salvatore Vineyards
“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it” - Buddha. Wine is our passion! We fell in love with the culture of wine during our extensive travels to various wine regions around the world. Upon returning to Arizona we fortunately stumbled across an issue of Arizona Vines & Wines Magazine. We were surprised to learn of the thriving wine industry growing in our own state. Motivated by our love of wine and excited to be a part of it, our family purchased land on the Willcox Bench with the dream of having our own vineyard. Visit our new tasting room in Willcox or our Jerome location. We are a small family business that seeks to pursue our love of wines and share it with you. PassionCellars.com
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Photo by John Johnson
At 5,000 feet above sea level, the summer climate of warm, sunny days and cool, high desert nights combine with the unique rhyolite volcanic soils to create wine with special characteristics. They produce estate grown and bottled wine on 21 acres of vineyards located on Rock Creek on the western slope of the Chiricahua Mountains in far southeastern Arizona. They live on the estate, a little wine ranch on the side of the mountain, a quiet place far from the city, where one’s life plays out along with the wine season. Visit their tasting room in Historic Downtown Willcox. They are open Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (520) 766-0600 or KeelingSchaeferVineyards.com.
Lawrence Dunham Vineyards
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WHERE TO STAY Willcox has some great B&Bs and guest ranches. If you enjoy meeting some great people and staying in a beautiful environment—you’ll love it! Sunglow Guest Ranch (520) 824-3334 SunglowRanch.com Cochise Stronghold B&B CochiseStrongholdBB.com Dos Cabezas Spirit & Nature Retreat B&B DosCabezasRetreat.com Down By The River Bed & Breakfast DownByTheRiverBandB.com (St. David) Dreamcatcher Bed & Breakfast DreamCatcherBandB.com Muleshoe Ranch @ Nature Conservancy (520) 212-4295 Strawbale Manor Bed & Breakfast BBOnline.com/AZ/Strawbale Triangle T Guest Ranch TriangleTGuestRanch.com
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Tapas & Wine Lounge (520) 384-2993
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at Coronado Vineyards—overlooking the vines Serving during Coronado’s Tasting Room hours
Sunglow Ranch Cafe (520) 824-3334 Delicious and healthy serving natural, organic and local foods. Reservations required
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Big Tex BBQ (520) 384-4423 Rix’ s Tavern (520) 384-3430 RixsTavern.com Some of the B&Bs also serve dinner if requested.
WHERE TO PLAY Apple Annie’s Orchards & Country Store AppleAnnies.com View local fine art at TRUST the gallery WillcoxTrust.com Visit Chiricahua National Monument NPS.gov/chir/ Kartchner Caverns State Park Amerind Foundation Museum
(520) 586-2283 Amerind.org
Hike Cochise Stronghold CochiseStronghold.com
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Tour the Rex Allen Museum RexAllenMuseum.org
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WINE COUNTR
Pillsbury Wine Company
Sam Pillsbury, noted filmmaker, first planted vines on the Willcox Bench in 2000 when he was a partner in Dos Cabezas with Al Buhl. Since then he started his personal dream project in 2006 with 100 acres of prime desert vineyard land near his original vineyard in Kansas Settlement. Sam’s dream was to celebrate the local terroir... an Arizona Chateauneuf, a sustainable Rhone vineyard producing premium quality hand-made 100 percent Arizona boutique wines. In the future, plans are to create an architecturally stunning wine village with 27 dwellings, a spa, and restaurant serving food organically grown on the land. What was once bare land is now a showpiece 100 percent Sonoita-soil vineyard. 2014 marked the opening of their on-site winery, and Pillsbury Wine Company SOUTH—their tasting room on their vineyard estate. Pillsbury wines have won stellar reviews and are in some of the best restaurants and resorts in the state. Pillsbury Wine Company NORTH is open in Old Town Cottonwood, a place where you can taste Sam’s wines, view stunning art and visit with other Arizona wine lovers. Learn more at PillsburyWine.com.
Sand-Reckoner
Located on the Willcox Bench at 4,300 feet in elevation, Rob and Sarah Hammelman tend to SandReckoner Vineyards. The vines, grown on rocky, sandy loam soil, contend with the elements to fully express Arizona’s rugged high desert. Rob’s winemaking endeavors have taken him to Australia and France, and his wines represent a synergy between New and Old World winemaking. Wines produced by this new venture include Malvasia Bianca, a rosé based on Nebbiolo, and reds from Sangiovese, Syrah and Zinfandel. Tastings are offered at their Willcox winery location by appointment. Sand-Reckoner.com.
Zarpara Vineyard
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Enjoy outstanding wine among the vines at Zarpara Vineyard. The vineyard, winery and tasting room are nestled beneath the Dos Cabezas Mountains on the Willcox Bench—a premier wine growing region, just a few minutes south of historic downtown Willcox. Bring along a tasty picnic to enjoy on the outdoor terrace and experience breathtaking views of the mountains while you sample exceptional, hand-crafted wines. Slow down, stroll through the vineyard, and savor the scenery of this broad valley and its sky islands. See the website at Zarpara.com for opening hours and directions.
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Photo of Sand-Reckoner by Michele Jonas march
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Willcox Fo r D o w n t o w n Wi l l cox Ta s t i n g R o o m s
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From I-10 take exit 340 Right on Rex Allen Drive Right on N. Haskell Ave. Left on E. Maley St. (Hwy 186)
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WINE COUNTRY
Willcox
3 3Keeling Schaefer Tasting Room 3 Keeling Keeling Schaefer Schaefer Tasting Tasting Room Room 154 N.N. Railroad Avenue 154 154 N.Railroad Railroad Avenue Avenue (520) 766-0600 (520) (520) 766-0600 766-0600 keelingschaefervineyards.com keelingschaefervineyards.com keelingschaefervineyards.com Wed–Sun: 11-5 Wed–Sun: Wed–Sun: 11-5 11-5 4 4Flying Leap Vineyards 4 Flying Flying Leap Leap Vineyards Vineyards 100 N. Railroad Avenue 100 100N.N.Railroad RailroadAvenue Avenue (520) 384-6030 (520) (520) 384-6030 384-6030 flyingleapvineyards.com flyingleapvineyards.com flyingleapvineyards.com Wed–Sun: 12-6 Wed–Sun: Wed–Sun: 12-6 12-6 5 5Aridus Wine Company 5 Aridus Aridus Wine Wine Company Company 145 N.N. Railview Avenue 145 145 N.Railview Railview Avenue Avenue (520) 766-9463 (520) (520) 766-9463 766-9463 ariduswineco.com ariduswineco.com ariduswineco.com Thurs-Sun: 12–5 Thurs-Sun: Thurs-Sun: 12–5 12–5 6 6Carlson Creek Tasting Room 6 Carlson Carlson Creek Creek Tasting Tasting Room Room 115 Railview Avenue 115 115 Railview Railview Avenue Avenue (520) 766-3000 (520) (520) 766-3000 766-3000 carlsoncreek.com carlsoncreek.com carlsoncreek.com Thurs-Sun: 11-5 Thurs-Sun: Thurs-Sun: 11-5 11-5 7 7Passion Cellars 7 Passion Passion Cellars Cellars atat Salvatore Vineyards atSalvatore Salvatore Vineyards Vineyards 3052 N.N. Fort Grant Road 3052 3052 N.Fort Fort Grant Grant Road Road (928) 649-9800 (928) (928) 649-9800 649-9800 passioncellars.com passioncellars.com passioncellars.com Sat-Sun and ByBy Appointment Sat-Sun Sat-Sun and and ByAppointment Appointment 8 8Golden Rule Vineyards 8 Golden Golden Rule Rule Vineyards Vineyards 3525 N.N. Golden Rule Rd., Cochise 3525 3525 N.Golden Golden Rule Rule Rd., Rd., Cochise Cochise (520) 507-3310 (520) (520) 507-3310 507-3310 goldenrulevineyards.com goldenrulevineyards.com goldenrulevineyards.com Thurs-Sun: 11-5 Thurs-Sun: Thurs-Sun: 11-5 11-5
1010 Pillsbury Vineyard and Winery 10 Pillsbury Pillsbury Vineyard Vineyard and and Winery Winery 6450 S. S. Bennett Place 6450 6450 S.Bennett Bennett Place Place (520) 384-3964 (520) (520) 384-3964 384-3964 pillsburywine.com pillsburywine.com pillsburywine.com Thurs-Sun: 11-5 Thurs-Sun: Thurs-Sun: 11-5 11-5 Mon-Wed: ByBy Appointment Mon-Wed: Mon-Wed: ByAppointment Appointment 1111 Zarpara Vineyard 11 Zarpara Zarpara Vineyard Vineyard 6777 S. Zarpara Lane 6777 6777S.S.Zarpara ZarparaLane Lane (602) 885-8903 (602) (602) 885-8903 885-8903 zarpara.com zarpara.com zarpara.com Fri-Sun: 11-5 Fri-Sun: Fri-Sun: 11-5 11-5 Mon-Thurs: ByBy Appointment Mon-Thurs: Mon-Thurs: ByAppointment Appointment 1212 Bodega Pierce 12 Bodega Bodega Pierce Pierce and Saeculum Cellars and and Saeculum Saeculum Cellars Cellars 4511 E. E. Robbs Road 4511 4511 E.Robbs Robbs Road Road (602) 320-1722 (602) (602) 320-1722 320-1722 bodegapierce.com bodegapierce.com bodegapierce.com Thurs-Sun: 11-5 Thurs-Sun: Thurs-Sun: 11-5 11-5 OrOr By Appointment OrByByAppointment Appointment 1313 Fort Bowie Vineyards 13 Fort Fort Bowie Bowie Vineyards Vineyards 156 N.N. Jefferson Avenue, Bowie 156 156 N.Jefferson Jefferson Avenue, Avenue, Bowie Bowie (520) 847-2593 (520) (520) 847-2593 847-2593 fortbowievineyards.com fortbowievineyards.com fortbowievineyards.com Daily: 8-4 Daily: Daily: 8-4 8-4 1414 Keeling Schaefer Vineyards 14 Keeling Keeling Schaefer Schaefer Vineyards Vineyards 10277 E. E. Rock Creek Lane 10277 10277 E.Rock Rock Creek Creek Lane Lane (520) 824-2500 (520) (520) 824-2500 824-2500 keelingschaefervineyards.com keelingschaefervineyards.com keelingschaefervineyards.com Wine Club Events Only Wine Wine Club Club Events Events Only Only 1515 Lawrence Dunham Vineyards 15 Lawrence Lawrence Dunham Dunham Vineyards Vineyards 13922 S. S. Kuykendall Cutoff Road 13922 13922 S.Kuykendall Kuykendall Cutoff Cutoff Road Road (602) 320-1485 (602) (602)320-1485 320-1485 lawrencedunhamvineyards.com lawrencedunhamvineyards.com lawrencedunhamvineyards.com ByBy Appointment Only ByAppointment Appointment Only Only
DETAILED DIRECTIONS DETAILED DETAILED DIRECTIONS DIRECTIONS Directions tototo Directions Directions Fort Bowie Vineyards Fort FortBowie Bowie Vineyards Vineyards
From I-10 take exitexit 362 or or 366 into From From I-10 I-10 take take exit 362 362 or366 366 into into thethe town of of Bowie. Turn north (past thetown town ofBowie. Bowie. Turn Turn north north (past (past thethe post office) onon N.onN. Jefferson Ave. thepost post office) office) N.Jefferson Jefferson Ave. Ave. Park at at the corner of of N.ofN. Jefferson Ave. Park Park atthe thecorner corner N.Jefferson Jefferson Ave. Ave. and Kinchilla St.St.St. and and Kinchilla Kinchilla
Directions toto vineyard Directions Directions tovineyard vineyard tasting rooms onon the tasting tasting rooms rooms on the the Willcox Bench Willcox Willcox Bench Bench Pillsbury Vineyard Pillsbury Pillsbury Vineyard Vineyard and Winery and and Winery Winery
From Historic Downtown Willcox. From From Historic Historic Downtown Downtown Willcox. Willcox. Take US-186E south over railroad Take Take US-186E US-186E south south over over railroad railroad tracks. Veer right onto Kansas tracks. tracks. Veer Veer right right onto onto Kansas Kansas Settlement Road. Turn leftleft on E.onE.E. Settlement Settlement Road. Road. Turn Turn lefton Robbs Road. Turn leftleft on S.on Bennett Robbs Robbs Road. Road. Turn Turn lefton S.S.Bennett Bennett Place. Just past thethe vineyards, turn Place. Place. Just Just past past thevineyards, vineyards, turn turn right. Follow lane to to vineyard tasting right. right. Follow Follow lane lane tovineyard vineyard tasting tasting room. room. room.
Sand-Reckoner Vineyards Sand-Reckoner Sand-Reckoner Vineyards Vineyards From Historic Downtown Willcox. From From Historic Historic Downtown Downtown Willcox. Willcox. Take US-186E south over railroad Take Take US-186E US-186E south south over over railroad railroad tracks. Veer right onto Kansas tracks. tracks. Veer Veer right right onto onto Kansas Kansas Settlement Road. Turn leftleft on E.onE.E. Settlement Settlement Road. Road. Turn Turn lefton Robbs Road. Turn leftleft into thethe Robbs Robbs Road. Road. Turn Turn leftinto into the driveway justjust west of of S.ofBennett driveway driveway just west west S.S.Bennett Bennett Place. Place. Place.
Bodega Pierce Bodega Bodega Pierce Pierce and Saeculum Cellars and and Saeculum Saeculum Cellars Cellars
From Historic Downtown Willcox. From From Historic Historic Downtown Downtown Willcox. Willcox. Take US-186E south over railroad Take Take US-186E US-186E south south over over railroad railroad tracks. Veer right onto Kansas tracks. tracks. Veer Veer right right onto onto Kansas Kansas Settlement Road. Turn leftleft on E.onE.E. Settlement Settlement Road. Road. Turn Turn lefton Robbs Road. Turn right into thethe Robbs Robbs Road. Road. Turn Turn right right into into the driveway past thethe small pecan driveway driveway past past thesmall small pecan pecan orchard. orchard. orchard.
Zarpara Vineyard Zarpara Zarpara Vineyard Vineyard
From Historic Downtown Willcox. From From Historic Historic Downtown Downtown Willcox. Willcox. Take US-186E south over railroad Take Take US-186E US-186E south south over over railroad railroad tracks. Veer right onto Kansas tracks. tracks. Veer Veer right right onto onto Kansas Kansas Settlement Road. Turn leftleft on E.onE.E. Settlement Settlement Road. Road. Turn Turn lefton Arzberger Road. Turn leftleft on S.on Lucky Arzberger Arzberger Road. Road. Turn Turn lefton S.S.Lucky Lucky Lane. Turn leftleft on Vineyard Drive. Lane. Lane. Turn Turn lefton onVineyard Vineyard Drive. Drive. Turn right onon S.on Zarpara Lane. Turn Turn Turn right right S.S.Zarpara Zarpara Lane. Lane. Turn Turn leftleft at gate and drive ahead to toto leftat atgate gate and and drive drive ahead ahead tasting room. tasting tasting room. room.
Days and hours subject to change. Please check websites for complete details. AZWINE lifestyle . com
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2 2Aridus Wine Company 2 Aridus Aridus Wine Wine Company Company Aridus Portfolio Tasting Room Aridus Aridus Portfolio Portfolio Tasting Tasting Room Room 1126 N.N. Haskell Avenue 1126 1126 N.Haskell Haskell Avenue Avenue (520) 766-2926 (520) (520) 766-2926 766-2926 ariduswineco.com ariduswineco.com ariduswineco.com ByBy Appointment Only ByAppointment Appointment Only Only
9 9Sand-Reckoner Vineyards 9 Sand-Reckoner Sand-Reckoner Vineyards Vineyards 4798 E. Robbs Road 4798 4798E.E.Robbs RobbsRoad Road 303.931.8472 303.931.8472 303.931.8472 ByBy Appointment Only ByAppointment Appointment Only Only
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1 1Coronado Vineyards 1 Coronado Coronado Vineyards Vineyards 2909 E. Country Club Drive 2909 2909E.E.Country CountryClub Club Drive Drive (520) 384-2993 (520) (520) 384-2993 384-2993 coronadovineyards.com coronadovineyards.com coronadovineyards.com Mon-Sat: 9:30-5:30 Mon-Sat: Mon-Sat: 9:30-5:30 9:30-5:30 Sun: 10-4 Sun: Sun: 10-4 10-4
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Z Repurposing History and Making Some of Its Own
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Story by Kirstin Havice Photos courtesy of Aridus Wine Company
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ARIDUS
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Walking into Aridus Wine Company in Willcox, Arizona, you’d assume from its massive size, stateof-the-art equipment and sleek design that owners Scott and Joan Dahmer must have planned it this way from the beginning. That couldn’t be further from the truth. They actually started at the other end of the spectrum.
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SYRAH CABERNET SAVIGNO ZINFANDEL MALVASIA BLANCA VIOGNIER “We didn’t wake up one morning and say, ‘let’s do this.’ This was not our business model. It’s been an evolution of how we got here,” explained Scott. This evolution began many years prior in Healdsburg, California., a quaint town located in Sonoma County that is a mecca for both wine lovers and wine culture. “It was just a really small town at the time. The whole culture back then revolved around harvest, vineyards and wineries. Our kids even got days off school because of harvest,” he said. When they moved there, though, they weren’t really into wine. White Zinfandel was the only type Scott would drink. “As we became immersed in the wine culture there, we began to see we were missing out on so many other wines, and I think that’s what started to open our eyes. But still, even though we drove by all of these wineries each day and talked with the owners and winemakers in shops around town, we didn’t realize what a big deal it really was. It was only when we moved away that we understood we were in the middle of greatness and really appreciated the opportunity we had,” said Scott. It wasn’t long after they moved to Arizona in 2001 that they learned about Arizona’s winemaking industry. They jumped at the opportunity to purchase land, but a custom crush facility was nowhere in the plans. “We fell in love with the Turkey Creek area, which is about 40 miles from here, and bought 40 acres with a plan to plant grapes, build a house and a winery, and retire there,” said Scott. Because they didn’t have a background in the industry, they hired a consultant from Napa Valley: Cary Gott, the father of winemaker Joel Gott. It wasn’t until they began working with him that the idea for a custom crush facility began to take shape. Since they were going to put a fair amount of money into their small winery anyway, why not put it towards a custom crush model instead? “Cary explained that we’d have more return on our investment while helping elevate the Arizona wine industry as a whole,” said Scott. “There were a lot of vineyards going in but not a lot of wineries. With a custom crush facility available, people wouldn’t have to put a winery on each vineyard.” The Dahmers were open to the idea, but they weren’t necessarily envisioning a 32,000-square-foot facility with state-of-theart equipment.
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“That was Cary’s suggestion. He said we’d outgrow the winery on our vineyard in five years; that most people do. If we were going to do this, we should double the size at the very least or we’d regret it. Eventually, we’d grow into it. Judging from my conversations with other winery owners, that seems to be the truth,” said Scott. It was around 2006 when they began looking at various properties. After seeing many wineries that would need renovation, they realized it would be most cost effective to purchase one where they could essentially start from scratch. Not long after they changed focus to a custom crush model, they found the building that houses Aridus today, just a few miles from downtown Willcox. “This used to be an apple warehouse. It was a shell; just an open, insulated warehouse. There were no dividing walls, very little light and a lot of dead birds. It looked kind of rough. I had my doubts at the beginning, but I really liked the idea of taking something existing and repurposing it, giving it a second life,” said Scott. It was 2009 when they started the process, pulling engineers and consultants from California and searching for a local architect who understood the needs and design of a winery. They went through several firms before partnering with Deutsch Architecture Group out of Phoenix due to their background in industrial complexes. “It took about a year to get the construction drawings done and secure permits, but once construction began, it was done before we knew it. They started in January 2012 and we were open in August,” said Scott. It seemed like a “win-win” all around. Not only was the structure easily transformed to fit their needs, but Deutsch was also awarded the 2014 Sustainability Award from the International Interior Design Association, Southwest Chapter. Because of Scott’s “former life” as a graphic designer, the honor was particularly rewarding. “I’m glad that even people outside of the wine industry appreciate what we’re doing,” said Scott. “With my design background, I really love presenting something old in a new way. We sourced all this wood for the doors from old barns and homes in Willcox; just heaps of weathered wood that was falling down. It’s like a piece of history, displayed in a different way.”
Aridus sits on 17 acres of land with the winery totaling 32,000 square feet. One of the most noticeable features in addition to
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its size is the seamless organization and flow of its setup. The grapes are unloaded and weighed on the covered crush pad, which is situated outside on the northernmost end
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Grapes are unloaded and weighed on the covered crush pad, which comprises about a third of the building’s total space. This is also where the grapes are sorted.
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of the building and comprises about a third of the total space. This is also where the grapes are sorted. “The table vibrates and the grapes jump in front of you so you can take out anything you don’t want: overripe, under-ripe, leaves, caterpillars,” Scott explained. While red varietals generally head to the Diemme Kappa de-stemmer first and then spend time in the fermentation tanks before pressing, white varietals go right into the Diemme bladder press. The “bladder” is constructed similarly to an airbag and is mounted down the center of the press. It slowly fills with air, rotates, and fills a little more to intensify the press. This cycle continues depending on how much juice the client wants, generally taking about two hours from start to finish. “The press can hold up to six tons. Depending on the style the client wants, we can program how much juice to get out of each lot. It’s important because the best quality juice comes out of the first press, what’s called a ‘first run.’ The more you press, the lower the quality. The less you press, the less juice you get. We can stop it and separate it if the client wants the first run put in one tank and the rest in a separate tank. There are all kinds of possibilities,” Scott explained. Heading inside, the fermentation room sits right next to the crush pad and is about equal in size. There are around 20 fermentation tanks of varying sizes, ranging from large tanks that hold three to five tons of grapes, medium tanks for two to three tons, and small tanks for one ton. “It’s hard to judge how many tons clients are going to bring in. In California or Washington, it’s AZWINE lifestyle . com lIfEstylE. com com AZWINE lIfEstylE
The GAI bottling line is the largest and fastest in the state and can bottle up to 220 cases in an hour, which is about five to eight per minute. “It’s an all-inclusive ride, from empty bottle to label,” explained owner Scott Dahmer (above).
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bottle that it doesn’t look like a cap. If corks are used, the foils are adhered without the use of chemicals or glue. “It’s made and manufactured in Italy. They build it there, put it together, run it, take it all apart, and ship it to the U.S. I bought it through Prospero Equipment in Windsor, California. I could probably own two Ferraris for the price of this machine. When you see it running, you think it’s going to be noisy with all the glass and machinery, but it’s just amazing how smoothly it runs. It’s a dance; it really is,” said Scott.
While the bottling machine may be a dance, running the custom crush facility from grape to bottle is an even larger dance; one that’s choreographed by Aridus’ wine-
maker, Mark Phillips, with the help of cellar hand, Dan Nicholson, who worked in custom crush for 13 years in Napa Valley. Mark is the winery’s newest addition, coming from Justin Winery in Paso Robles, California. When he first heard about the job, he had two free tickets to fly anywhere and thought, why not? He was skeptical about the Arizona wine industry to say the least, so it certainly was a “shot in the dark.” “I was really amazed by the facility. This is just a winemaker’s dream, to have a place this big with all of this state-of-the-art equipment. I started tasting the wines and thought, ‘these are really good! What is up with this? How did I not know that you had wines like this out in Arizona?’ ” recalled Mark. “When Scott offered me the job, I couldn’t resist. It was a great promotion for me, and I really felt I had the skill sets Scott was looking for.” One of the most desirable skill sets on par with winemaking is being able to communicate well with clients. “Since the beginning, my biggest priority has been open communication, figuring out what the client needs from us and what we can offer him. I want to make sure the clients have realistic expectations about what they’re going to get from the whole process,” explained Mark. Clients are offered two options. They can choose an all-inclusive contract that covers all consultation, winemaking, labs and bottling for a set price (excluding march
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common to have 10, but Arizona is still growing, so right now people bring around two to four tons with two tons being the average. We might need to invest in additional small tanks,” said Scott. While 200 tons is the most Aridus has processed in one harvest so far, the winery is set up for a total of 700 tons, with room to add additional tanks on the crush pad. “This is our total man cave,” Scott joked as we headed into the temperature controlled barrel room, the next and largest room of the winery. “As you see, we have a lot more room to expand.” It’s cavernous, echoing with the hissing of a humidifier that helps to reduce the natural evaporation of wine through the barrels, which is especially important in a dry climate like Arizona. Barrels sit on either side, red on one and white on the other, and are laid out in rows for each client. While Aridus supplies most of the equipment, clients are responsible for providing their own barrels. “It’s like a chef with her tools,” explained Scott. “There are all kinds of wood, cooperages, and areas, so it’s a very personal choice. It’s important for each client to pick their own. The same goes for the bottling supplies.” The far south end of the winery houses the GAI bottling line, the largest and fastest in the state. It can bottle up to 220 cases in an hour, which is about five to eight per minute. It’s an all-inclusive ride, from empty bottle to label. This machine can bottle using corks, screw caps and a second type of screw cap that marries so seamlessly with the
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barrels, barrel racks and bottle supplies, as mentioned barrels, barrel racks and bottle supplies, as mentioned before), or theyracks can opt a-la-carte services such as lab barrels, barrel barrel racks andfor bottle supplies, asor mentioned barrels, and bottle supplies, as mentioned before), they can opt for a-la-carte services such as lab work. Rather than having to send samples to California before), or they can opt for a-la-carte services such ashaving lab to send samples to California before), or they can opt for a-la-carte services lab work. Rathersuch thanas for a full analysis, complete the to process in work. Rather thanclients havingcan to send send samples to California work. Rather than having to samples California for a full analysis, clients can complete the process in Arizona Aridus’ lab can and OenoFoss machine. for aa full fullwith analysis, clients can complete complete the process in lab and OenoFoss machine. for analysis, clients the process in Arizona with Aridus’ Yet, even within these options are variances. Aridus recArizona with with Aridus’ Aridus’ lab lab and and OenoFoss OenoFoss machine. Arizona Yet, machine. even within these options are variances. Aridus recognizes thatwithin each client different needs, preferences and Yet,even even within thesehas options are variances. Aridus recYet, these options are variances. recognizes that Aridus each client has different needs, preferences and styles shethat may be after, is where clear preferences communicaognizes that each clientwhich hasdifferent different needs, preferences and ognizes each client has needs, and styles she may be after, which is where clear communication and between both parties is imperative. styles sheunderstanding maybe beafter, after,which which where clear communicastyles she may isiswhere communicationclear and understanding between both parties is imperative. “We want to make sure we’re distinguished between tionand andunderstanding understandingbetween betweenboth both“We parties imperative. tion parties imperative. wantisisto make sure we’re distinguished between clients. They make their own decisions about how the wine “Wewant wantto tomake make sure we’re distinguished between “We sure we’re distinguished between clients. They make their own decisions about how the wine isclients. made,They so even though the are all made here atwine this They make theirown ownwines decisions about how the wine clients. make their decisions about how the is made, so even though the wines are all made here at this facility, they’re going to taste different. I know it’s a challenge made,so soeven eventhough thoughthe thewines winesare are allmade made here atthis this isismade, all here at facility, they’re going to taste different. I know it’s a challenge for the winemaker, but client is treated individually, ” facility, they’regoing going toevery tastedifferent. different. know it’saachallenge challenge facility, they’re to taste know it’s forIIthe winemaker, but every client is treated individually,” explained Scott. for the winemaker, but every client is treated individually, for the winemaker, but every client isexplained treated individually, ”” Scott. Mark added, have one client explained Scott. “We’re very flexible. We explained Scott. Mark added, “We’re very flexible. We have one client who processes redsvery at her wineryWe buthave doesn’t have Mark added,her “We’re very flexible. We have oneher client Mark added, “We’re flexible. one client who processes reds at her winery but doesn’t have the tank space for the whites, so she brings them here. Anwho processes processes her her reds reds at at her her winery winery but doesn’t doesn’t have who have the but tank space for the whites, so she brings them here. Another client made his wine at another facility but brought While 200 tons is the most Aridus has processed in one harvest so far, the winery is the tank space for the whites, so she brings them here. Anthe tank space for the whites, so she brings them here. other client made hisAnwine at another facility but brought While is the most processed in one harv set up for a total of 700 tons, with room to200 addtons additional tanksAridus on thehas crush pad. itother hereclient to putmade in barrels for aat offacility monthsbut and then client made his wine wine atcouple another facility but brought other his another brought While 200 tonsis isthe thethen mostAridus Aridushas has processed inone one harvest sowith far,the the winery While tons most processed in so far, winery isis additional ta set up for a total ofharvest 700 tons, room to add it here to put in barrels for a couple of200 months and bottle. Each is unique. setup upfor foraatotal totalof of700 700tons, tons,with withroom roomto toadd addadditional additionaltanks tankson onthe thecrush crushpad. pad. it here here to to put putclient in barrels barrels for aa”couple couple of months months and then then it in for of and bottle. Each client is unique.” set In addition to making clients’ Aridus has its own label. When you When Aridus first opened, they processed 40 tons bottle. Each Each client client isis unique. unique. bottle. ”” wines, In addition to making clients’ wines, Aridus has its own label. When you When Aridus first opened, they pr askIn whatto he’s most proud it goes back to what motivated him toyou buy of fruit. InAridus 2013, first that opened, number jumped to 200 tons, and InScott addition to making clients’of, wines, Aridus has itsmost own label. When When you When Aridus opened, they theyof processed 40 tons tons addition making clients’ wines, Aridus has its own label. processed 40 ask Scott what he’s proud of, it goes back to whatWhen motivated himfirst to buy fruit. In 2013, that number jumpe his acres in Turkey Creek in of, the place. 2014 came in at 150 tons. Despite the dip, which heand ask40 Scott what he’s most most proud of,his goes back to what motivated him to buy of fruit. In 2013, that number jumped to 200 tons, andtons. Despite the ask Scott what he’s proud ititfirst goes back to what motivated him to buy of fruit. In 2013, that number jumped to 200 tons, 40 acres in Turkey Creek in the first place. 2014 came in at 150 know sounds cliché, I’m really happy with my wines. They’re exactattributes toin clients still having cases todip, sellwhich from he the his“I40 40 acresitin in Turkey Creekbut in the the first first place. 2014 came in at 150 tons. Despite the dip, which he his acres Turkey Creek in place. 2014 came at 150 tons. Despite the “I know it sounds cliché, but I’m really happy with my wines. They’re exactattributes to clients still having cases ly the style itIitwanted. previous Scott still is confident in theto “I know know sounds”cliché, cliché, but but I’m I’m really happy with my my wines. They’re They’re exactexactattributesyear, to clients clients still having cases cases topotential sellyear, fromfor the is confident in th “I sounds happy with attributes to having sell from the lyreally the style I wanted. ” wines. previous Scott Aridus introduced its first vintage in 2012 with a Chardonnay and Syrah. custom crush to grow exponentially. ly the style I wanted. ” previous year, Scott is confident in the potential forgrow exponentially. ly the style I wanted.” previous year,and Scott is confident incustom the potential for Aridus introduced its first vintage in 2012 with a Chardonnay Syrah. crush to They’ve since releasedits a 2013 Viognier, a2012 2013with Malvasia Bianca and soon “I think it’s in its infancy because people are still Aridus introduced its first vintage vintage in 2012 with Chardonnay andwill Syrah. custom crush towill grow exponentially. Aridus introduced first in aa Chardonnay and Syrah. custom crush to grow exponentially. They’ve since released a 2013 Viognier, a 2013 Malvasia Bianca and soon “I think it’s in its infancy because p add a 2013 Syrah, Malbec, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. They’re also learning how to plant, and it takes three to five years to They’ve since since released released aa 2013 2013 Viognier, Viognier, 2013Syrah, Malvasia Bianca and will willand soon “I think think it’s it’s in its its infancy infancy because because people are still still They’ve 2013 Malvasia Bianca and soon “I in people are add aaa2013 Malbec, Zinfandel Cabernet Sauvignon. They’re also learning how to plant, and it takes th planning for the release of a 2014 Grenache Rosé, one that Scott is particularly produce a crop. But they’re on the ground, ” he said. add aa 2013 2013 Syrah, Syrah, Malbec, Malbec, Zinfandel Zinfandel and Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon. They’re also Rosé, one learning howisto to plant, and and itit takes takesproduce three to toafive five years tothey’re on the gr add and Sauvignon. They’re also learning how plant, three years planning for the release of a 2014 Grenache that Scott particularly crop. Butto looking to bottling. Mark added, is a relatively young winemaking area. planningforward for the the release release of aa 2014 2014 Grenache Grenache Rosé, one one that Scott Scott isis particularly particularly produce crop.“This But they’re they’re on the the ground, ” he he said. said. planning for of Rosé, that produce aa crop. But on ground, looking forward to bottling. Mark ”added, “This is a relatively you “It’s wonderful. young. It only came in September but the looking forward to toIt’s bottling. Mark added,“This “Thisisisaarelatively relativelyyoung youngwinemaking winemakingarea. area. looking forward bottling. added, “It’s wonderful. It’s young. It only came in SeptemberMark but the color is beautiful and ityoung. tastesItItamazing, so in I think we’re going to “It’s wonderful. wonderful. It’s It’s young. only came in September but the “It’s only came September but the color is beautiful and it tastes amazing, so I think we’re going to bottle it.beautiful We’re really release it, ” hethink said. we’re color isis beautiful andexcited tastestoamazing, amazing, so think we’reexcited going to toto release it,” he said. color and itit tastes going bottleso it.IIWe’re really Aridus has three tasting rooms: one in downtown Willcox, one bottle it. We’re really excited to release it, ” he said. bottle it. We’re really excited to release it,” hehas said. Aridus three tasting rooms: one in downtown Willcox, one in Aridus Old Town (itsrooms: newestone location), and another at the Aridus hasScottsdale three tasting tasting rooms: inTown downtown Willcox, one location), and another at the has three in downtown Willcox, inone Old Scottsdale (its one newest custom crush facility used mostly for industry tastings. in Old Old Town Town Scottsdale Scottsdale (its (its newest newestcustom location), and another at the in location), and another at the crush facility used mostly for industry tastings. But even with theirused own mostly label and multiple tasting rooms, the custom crush facility used mostly forBut industry tastings. custom crush facility for industry tastings. even with their own label and multiple tasting rooms, the Dahmers’ focus still remains on providing Arizona with a stateBut even with their own label and multiple tasting rooms, theon providing Arizona with a stateBut even with their own label and multiplefocus tasting the Dahmers’ stillrooms, remains of-the-art custom crush facility. People haven’t been growing grapes for long, so there’s defiDahmers’ focus focus still still remains on providing providing Arizona with a stateDahmers’ remains on Arizona with a stateof-the-art custom crush facility. People haven’t been growing grapes for “Once my vineyard is up and running, that fruit is basically all I’m going to nitely ahaven’t learning curve, but I think so much momenof-the-art custom custom crush crush facility. facility. People haven’t been growing grapesthere’s forlong, long, sothere’s there’s defi-but I think ther of-the-art been growing for so defi“Once my vineyard is up and running, that fruit isPeople basically all I’m going to grapes nitely a learning curve, produce for my label. I just want to keep it small. My business model from the tum in the right direction. There are a lot of people buying “Once my my vineyard vineyard isis up up and and running, running, that fruitlabel. basically all I’m I’m goingitto tosmall. Mynitely nitely learning curve, but thinkthere’s there’s sothe much momen“Once isis basically all aalearning curve, so much momenproducethat for fruit my I just want to going keep business model frombut theIIthink tum in right direction. There are a l ground always going be custom I’mMy never going model to outgrow itthe up land in this area, planting the right kind varietals and produceup forismy my label. justtowant want to keepcrush. small. My business fromcrush. tum in the right direction. There areup lot ofof people buying produce for label. II just to keep ititup small. business from the tum in the right direction. are aalot of people ground is always going tomodel be custom I’m never going to outgrow it There land in this buying area, planting the right k or start refusing clients, ” said Scott. treating their vineyards better.the It’sright a work in of progress, but I ground up isis always always going to be be custom custom crush. I’m never going to outgrow it up land in this area, planting the right kind of varietals and ground up going to crush. I’m never going to outgrow it up land in this area, planting kind varietals and or start refusing clients,” said Scott. treating their vineyards better. It’s a wor think there is so much potential in Willcox and this area. ” or start start refusing refusing clients, clients,”” said said Scott. Scott. treatingtheir theirvineyards vineyardsbetter. better.It’s It’saawork work in progress, butII potential in Wil or treating progress, but thinkin there is so much It isthere this very that the facility isand supporting think there sopotential muchpotential potential inWillcox Willcox and thisarea. area. think isisso much in this ”” It is this very potential that the faci and helping to move along. While its name is Latin for thisvery verypotential potentialthat thatthe thefacility facility supporting ItItisisthis isissupporting and helping to move along. While its “dry, Aridusto has donealong. the opposite; has made the for inand”helping helping to move along. Whileits itsitname name Latin and move While isisLatin “dry, ” Aridus hasfor done the opposite; it dustry more lush. No longer do people have to drive two “dry,””Aridus Aridushas hasdone donethe theopposite; opposite; hasmore madelush. theinin“dry, itithas made the dustry No longer do peopl to three hours to reach the nearest custom crush facility dustrymore morelush. lush.No Nolonger longerdo dopeople people havehours todrive drive two the nearest cu dustry have to two to three to reach in Deming, N.M., nor do havecustom to sendcrush samples off to tothree threehours hours toreach reach thethey nearest custom crush facility to to the nearest facility in Deming, N.M., nor do they have to California analysis. And these areto examples inDeming, Deming,for N.M., nordo do they have toonly sendtwo samples offto to And these are in N.M., nor they have send samples off California for analysis. of Aridus’ impact. WhatAnd started out for thetwo Dahmers as a California foranalysis. analysis. And these are only two examples California for these are only examples of Aridus’ impact. What started out fo dream to own 40 acres, wine and retire has turned ofAridus’ Aridus’ impact. Whatmake started outdream forthe the Dahmers asaa make wine an of impact. What started out for as toDahmers own 40 acres, into a venture that is changing the face of Arizona wine. dream to own 40 acres, make wine and retire hasthat turned dream to own 40 acres, make wine into and aretire has turned venture is changing the fac “I alike the idea we’re making history here,”wine. said into aventure venture thatthat changing theface face of Arizona wine. into that isischanging the Arizona “Iof like the idea that we’re making h Scott. “We’re starting new, almosthere, like””pio“I like like the idea idea thatsomething we’re making making history here, said something new “I the that we’re history said Scott. “We’re starting neers. I find that very exciting. ” Scott. “We’re “We’re starting starting something something new, new, almost like pioScott. almost neers. I findlike thatpiovery exciting.” neers. II find find that that very very exciting. exciting.”” neers. Aridus Wine Company Aridus Wine Company 145 N Railview Ave. Aridus Wine Company Company Aridus Wine 145 N Railview Ave. 1126 Haskell Ave. 145 N NNRailview Railview Ave. 145 Ave. 1126 N Haskell Ave. Willcox, AZ 85643 In addition to making clients’ wines, Aridus has its own label and introduced its 1126 N Haskell Ave. 1126 N Haskell Ave. Willcox, AZ 85643 In addition to making clients’ wines, Aridus has its own label and introduced its AridusWineCo.com first vintage in 2012. Willcox, AZ AZ 85643 85643 Willcox, In addition addition to to making making clients’ clients’ wines, wines, Aridus hasin its2012. own label label and and introduced introduced its its AridusWineCo.com In Aridus has its own first vintage AridusWineCo.com AridusWineCo.com first vintage vintage in 2012. 2012. first in mArch – juNE / 2015 62 AZWINE lIfEstylE . com
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When you ask Scott what he’s most When youhe’s askmost Scott what When you ask Scott what proud of, it goes proud back toof,what it goes back to w proud of, ithim goestomotivated back to what motivated buy his 40him acres to buy his motivated him toin his 40 acres in Turkey Creek inbuy the first place. . .” the fir Turkey Creek in in Turkey Creek in the first place. . .”
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Photo of Willcox Historic Railroad Avenue Park by JJ Photo AZWINE lifestyle . com
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Photo of Rex Allen by JJPhoto
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Sonoita / Elgin Sonoita-Elgin is one of the most beautiful and
spectacular regions in southern Arizona. Located in Arizona’s wine country at a cool elevation of 5,000 feet, the Sonoita plain is surrounded by breathtaking 9,000-foot mountain peaks. Considered high desert grassland, Sonoita is breathtaking with rolling hills, lush grasslands, Arizona ash and oak trees, and colorful wildflowers. No cactus here! With summer temperatures in the high 80s and 20 inches of annual precipitation, visitors will be pleasantly surprised at the cool climate change as they climb out of the desert along scenic state State Route 83, just 45 minutes south of greater Tucson.
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Originally an area devoted primarily to mining and ranching, a change has taken place in more recent years. Although cowboys and miners continue to be a part of the western community, the Sonoita-Elgin Valley has seen a move from traditional ranching to some new avenues of development. The Sonoita-Elgin region now hosts numerous year-round visitors from around the world. From adventures in outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, camping and landscape photography, to the enjoyable indoor activities of shopping and wine tasting in friendly award-winning wineries, Sonoita-Elgin has something for everyone.
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Photo of Sonoita Vineyards courtesy of Lori Reynolds march
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Bachelorette Party.
Or just playing Hooky.
Romantic Get-away.
average NOT your winery.
April 11th- The Drag Races
The racing of the Drag Queens, in honor of the return of Drag Queen, our hops-infused, carbonated wine.
May 11th- 4th Annual Bacchanal Festival
Great wines, microbrewed beer, crafts and activities, a whole bunch of great food, and a great group of people to enjoy our patio, feed some goats, and drink some alcohol. Fun and debauchery for all!
June 20th- Summer Solstice Bonfire
Complete with live Latino music, salsa dancing, tapas, and the burning of the wishes in the wishing barrel.
July 11th- Cornhole Tournament
Teams of two. Trash-talk required. Kids, embarrass your parents. Wives, humiliate your husbands. Everybody drinks, so everybody wins!
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www.azhopsandvines.com AZWINE lifestyle . com
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Aug. 8th & 9th- Bad Decisions Campout
The completely insane, bacon, chocolate, and booze campout & meteor shower. Wine. Beer. S’mores. Live music. Camping. No regrets.
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WINE COUNTR
Sonoita / Elgin Arizona Hops and Vines
Arizona Hops and Vines, Sonoita’s most laid-back winery, is conveniently located right on Highway 82, just a mile east of the intersection of Highways 82 and 83. It’s a small family winery that is awesome. The vineyard is the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine while relaxing on the beautiful patio overlooking the vines. Sisters Shannon and Megan and their business partner Summer have worked hard to create a fun atmosphere for the whole family. Taste their passion in their craft wines, and ask about the hops. This is a must-see, find out what all the buzz is about! Find out more on Facebook or on their website at AZHopsAndVines.com.
Callaghan Vineyards
Located in the rolling oak-dotted hills of southeastern Arizona, at an elevation of 4,800 feet, Callaghan Vineyards produces rich, complex red and white wines from its 25acre vineyard. Mediterranean and Spanish varietals—Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Grenache—are the basic building blocks for their red blends, while Viognier and Riesling are blended for the estate wine. They soon will also include Marsanne, Roussane and Malvasia Bianca. From their first vintage in 1991, their wines have received many accolades from the most respected wine writers/publications in the world. Please visit them at CallaghanVineyards.com.
Charron Vineyards
Started by Arizona wine pioneer Al Buhl in 1995, Dos Cabezas WineWorks has been producing Arizona wines for almost 20 years. Now owned and operated by the Bostock family, Dos Cabezas farms the 15-acre Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita and the 37-acre Cimarron Vineyard in Willcox. The 2009 Dos Cabezas WineWorks “El Campo” was recognized as one of the top 100 wines tasted by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2012. Visit the winery and tasting room in Sonoita or learn more about the winery at DosCabezas.com.
Flying Leap Vineyards
Flying Leap Vineyards is Arizona’s newest domestic winery. With developed acreage in both the Sonoita AVA and Cochise County, Flying Leap offers a diverse portfolio of ultra premium, carefully crafted wines from tasting rooms at its estate vineyard on Elgin Road along the Sonoita Wine Trail and in historic downtown Willcox. Flying Leap’s 2011 vintage was handcrafted by Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards, one of Arizona’s most experienced and respected winemakers. Come experience the scenic beauty of southern Arizona wine country—fun and informative vineyard tours shown by appointment —call (520) 954-2935 or visit the website FlyingLeapVineyards.com.
Four Monkey Wines
Four Monkey Wines produces quality wines at reasonable prices; the four wines retail for under $11/bottle. The winery produced the Playful Monkey, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2007 Governor’s Choice Wine Competition Silver Medal Winner. The other three wines are the Sinful Monkey, the Naughty Monkey and the Cheeky Monkey—encompassing two reds and two whites, all representing individual personalities. For tastings visit the Village of Elgin Winery. Learn more at FourMonkeyWines.com.
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Charron Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery producing hand-crafted Arizona wines, located less than 30 minutes from downtown Tucson. Established in 1995 Charron Vineyards produces many distinctive wines including their award winning White Merlot. At 4,200 feet and surrounded by mountains, the grapes enjoy a cooler climate and fresh mountain air which helps make their awardwinning wines. Visit one of the oldest wineries in the state where you can sample an array of award-winning wines in the glass-enclosed tasting room or on the wine deck surrounded by mature vineyards and breathtaking mountain views. The tasting room is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs welcome. Please visit the website for more information. CharronVineyards.com
Dos Cabezas WineWorks
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KIEF-JOSHUA
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Represents Dinner in the Vines Magala, Spain to Line Rome, ItalyDieline DOES NOT PRINT SeaDream Yacht Cruise with 100% June 23 - September 5 Winemaker Kief Manning. Summer Wine Concert Series Contact Monika at Avenue every from 1-4 pm ofSaturday, the World Travel
VINEYARDS 2010 CHENIN BLANC
800.230.3322 or August 22, 11-5 pm Monika@AvenueoftheWorld.com Magdelena Bash Wine23 Harvest Festival 5 June - September Summer Wine Concert Series 3-RIGHT FIRST every Saturday, from 1-4 pm
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370 Elgin Road, Elgin, AZ 370 Elgin Road, Elgin, AZ85611 85611 AZWINE lifestyle . com
(520) 455-5582 (520) 455-5582
KJ-VINEYARDS.COM KJ-VINEYARDS.COM
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WINE COUNTR
Sonoita / Elgin Hannah’s Hill Vineyard & Winery
Hannah’s Hill has a philosophy of being local, sustainable, and participative. Their grapes are grown and produced in Arizona within a day’s drive of your dinner table. They are sold to you directly by the people who produced them. A philosophy of holistic management of the local environment and minimal input of organic or low toxicity herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers minimizes disruption to the local flora and fauna. Quail, owls, hawks, turkey vultures, rabbits, mice, and snakes inhabit the vineyard. Outside the fences, they have cattle, deer, antelope, and coyotes, just to name a few. Hannah’s Hill is a responsible member of the community in the broadest sense. Volunteers contribute significantly to the growth, operation and success of Hannah’s Hill. There is much to do and many more foundations to build. With continued participation (which really means hard work) from their family and friends, Hannah’s Hill Vineyard is growing every day. HannahsHill.com
Kief-Joshua Vineyards
Kief-Joshua Vineyards is a small family business with 20 acres in beautiful Elgin and 40 acres in Willcox Wine Country. Our Elgin tasting room is open daily and is situated in the middle of “winery row.” Winemaker, Kief Manning pursued viticulture studies in Australia, where he earned both a graduate and undergraduate degree in Viticulture and Enology. He practices traditional winemaking methods of minimal interference, open fermentation and barrel aging. Inspired by the dream to sustain our vineyard for hundreds of years, Kief is determined to grow vines that are virtually free of pesticides and herbicides. Our vineyard efforts focus a holistic farming approach developed in the 1920s by the Austrian scientist-philosopher Rudolf Steiner. While this philosophy encompasses many principles of organic farming, it goes further, requiring close attention to the varied forces of nature influencing the vine. It also emphasizes a closed, self-sustaining ecosystem. Kief-Joshua is a winery defined by family, passion and enthusiasm. Winemaking that will exceed your expectations. KJ-Vineyards.com.
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Lightning Ridge Cellars
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After their first trip to Tuscany, Ron and Ann Roncone decided the wine they’d make would be based on their Italian heritage. Lightning Ridge Cellars, a small family winery, was established in 2005. It represents years of personal endeavor from the ground up. The Old World style of wines they make are simply the wines they enjoy most. Their estate wines are proudly made from classic Italian varietals: Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Malvasia and Muscat Canelli. Located at 5,100-foot elevation, their vineyard enjoys long warm summers and cool nights to provide the perfect combination for rich, full-bodied wines. They welcome you to their Tuscan-themed winery and tasting room. LightningRidgeCellars.com march
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Rancho Rossa Vineyards
Rancho Rossa Vineyards is one of the largest familyowned wineries in the Sonoita area. They specialize in Ultra-Premium varietal bottlings from their 22 acres of estate plantings, using only 100 percent estate-grown fruit in their wines, the only winery in the area to do so. Their first vines were planted in 2002 and their second vineyard was planted in 2003. Rancho Rossa donates $0.10 to the American Cancer Society for every bottle of wine sold. Please visit the website at RanchoRossa.com to learn more.
Silver Strike Winery
“Our dream of having a vineyard and making wine started back in the 90s in Northern California. We thought what a joy it would be to have a vineyard and a winery! On a cheese tour in Northern California, we met a winemaker from the Russian River who encouraged us. After talking to him, our dream was confirmed. We were inspired to say the least!” After helping in California, Florida and Texas vineyards, Jann and Hank Bengel, found that their dream was becoming a reality. In 2006, they found the Cochise County area and knew that was the area for them. It took a while, five years. Now they are having the time of their lives making their own wines and having the pleasure of serving all those who visit their tasting room in historic Tombstone on Allen Street. SilverStrikeWinery.com
Sonoita Vineyards
Dr. Gordon Dutt, owner and founder of Sonoita Vineyards, is a retired soil scientist from the University of Arizona. As part of a research project back in 1973, he established an experimental vineyard on the red, acidic clay of the Babacomari Ranch in southern Arizona. The success of that vineyard and the quality of the wines from those grapes led to the planting of a commercial vineyard in 1979, the first in the Sonoita/Elgin area. Sonoita Vineyards’ winery opened in 1983 with a first-vintage production of 300 gallons. Today, Dr. Dutt’s granddaughter Lori is following in his footsteps and serves as the winemaker. They produce nearly 4,000 cases (9,500 gallons) per year from 10 different grape varieties including Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Over 90 percent of this production is sold through their beautiful and spacious tasting room. Enjoy their gift shop and special events facility with picturesque views of hillside vineyards, rolling grasslands and scenic mountain ranges. This facility is open daily (except major holidays) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit SonoitaVineyards.com for more info.
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Silver Strike Winery and Tasting Room is located on Allen Street in the heart of historic Tombstone, AZ, just steps from the famous OK Corral. We feature Arizona wines made from Arizona grown grapes from vineyards located 50 miles east and west of Tombstone. These vineyards grow many Mediterrean grape varietals, originating from Italy, France, Germany, Spain and Portugal. We take great pride in our wine making, following the “DO AS LITTLE AS NEEDED” principal! Our wines taste of the grape, not chemicals! Consequently, our wines are both flavorful and smooth, from our Sangiovese to our Columbard, from our dry to our sweet wines!
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Come visit us in Tombstone, enjoy this historic silver mining town and taste our wonderful wines!
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WINE COUNTR
Sonoita / Elgin Tombstone Wine Works
Tombstone Wine Works, traditional wine making in the Old West’s Most Famous Town! Wines are aged a minimum of five years before being released to bring balance and harmony to the palate. With 10 wines to choose from, five dry and five on the sweeter side, there will be something for everyone. Their wines are aged in both wood and stainless, helping to develop the unique character of each wine. Come experience pure Arizona in the Town Too Tough to Die! 15 North Fourth Street, right next to Schieffelin Hall off Freemont. Biker and kid friendly. TombstoneWineWorks.com
Village of Elgin Winery
Wilhelm Family Vineyards
In 2003, Kevin and Karyl Wilhelm bought 20 beautiful acres of rolling SonoitaElgin wine-growing land to begin their winemaking dream. Today Wilhelm Family Vineyards is planted with seven different varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Tempranillo and Albariño. Other Spanish and Rhone varietals are currently being explored. Along with their wines, the Wilhelm’s 6,000 sq. ft. winery is available for custom crush processing operations, barrel storage and small individual-lot winemaking. Karyl, their resident winemaker, has completed studies at U.C. Davis in the Winemaking Certification program. She prefers time-honored winemaking styles with patient guidance to nature’s best. Make sure you add Wilhelm Family Vineyards to your wine tour list. Come meet the family, sample their wines and perhaps even try your harvesting and winemaking skills at their facility. For the most current information about tasting hours, wine selection, and winery facility availability, visit WilhelmFamilyVineyards.com
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The Village of Elgin Winery emphasizes terroir. They stomp the grapes, use natural yeasts, hand craft and use only new wood casks. The winery accents small-lot red, white and rosé wines ranging from single varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese to traditional blended delights. Each wine is handcrafted by the winemakers/owners Gary and Kathy Reeves. The Village of Elgin Winery is home to the WORLD renowned Tombstone Red which has spawned three other wines including a seven-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon named Tombstone Gunslinger and two whites, Tombstone Rain and Tombstone Showdown. Their Dry Rosé was the Rosé category Best of Class at the Governor’s Choice. Please visit them at ElginWines.com.
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WHERE TO STAY When traveling to wine country it’s a great idea to make a weekend of it and have time to enjoy the area you are visiting. Here are some great places to stay while visiting your favorite wineries in the Sonoita/Elgin region.
Sonoita/Elgin La Hacienda de Sonoita (520)455-5308 HaciendaSonoita.com Sonoita Inn (520) 455-5935 SonoitaInn.com Canelo Stone Cottage (303) 384-0471 VRBO.com/90775 Casita Dole Che (520) 455-0416 CasitaDoleChe.com Crown C Ranch (520) 455-5739 CrownCRanch.com Open Cross Ranch (520) 443-4603 OpenCrossRanchAZ.com Whisper’s Ranch Bed & Breakfast (520) 455-9246 WhispersRanch.com Xanadu Ranch Getaway Guest Ranch (520) 455-0050 XanaduRanchGetaway.com
WHERE TO EAT You’ll find everything from pizza-to-go to fine dining. Here are a few choices. Keep in mind that only a few of the wineries serve food - so plan ahead, bring some sandwiches and have a picnic!
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Casita Frontera Guest Cottage (520) 604-6762 LaFronteraAZ.com/id60.html Circle Z Ranch (520) 394-2525 CircleZ.com
The Steakout Restaurant & Saloon (520) 455-5205
Dos Palmas Vacation Home (866) 394-0056 DosPalmasAZ.com
Cose Buone (520) 394-0010
The Duquesne House Bed & Breakfast (520) 394-2732 TheDuquesneHouse.com
Ranch House Restaurant (520) 455-5371
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Roadrunner Retreat (360) 455-0220 RoadrunnerRetreat.zoomshare.com Spirit Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast (866) 394-0121 SpiritTreeInn.com
Overland Trout (520) 455-9316
Gathering Grounds (520) 394-2009
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Red Mountain Guest House (520) 394-2514 RedMtnCottage.com
The Café (520) 455-5044
Stage Stop Inn (520) 394-2211 StageStopHotelPatagonia.com
Tia Nita’s Cantina (520) 308-2289
Santa Cruz County
Velvet Elvis Pizza (520) 394-2102
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa (520) 398-2211 TubacGolfResort.com
Wagon Wheel Restaurant & Saloon (520) 394-2433 Wild Horse (520) 394-2344
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A Room With A View (520) 397-9297 PatagoniaView.com Hacienda Corona (520) 287-6503 HaciendaCorona.com
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Premium wines from crisp & fruity to bold & complex Open daily from 10am to 4pm except major holidays Private tours, tastings, luncheons or special events in our Vintage Room may be arranged Mark your calendar for our 2015 festivals:
April 25 - 37th Annual Blessing of Sonoita Vineyards June 13 - Sonoita Sip-N’-Shop July 25 & 26 - HARVESTFEST 2015 November 14 - Sonoita AVA St. Martin’s New Release Festival
www.SonoitaVineyards.com
520.455.5893
3 Miles south of Elgin at 290 Elgin-Canelo Road, 85611
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A scenic & enjoyable 25 mile drive from Sierra Vista 55 miles from Tucson and Green Valley
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Sonoita AVA Wineries Detail What’s an AVA? AVA = American Viticulture Area An AVA is a designated wine grape growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the TTB.
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Currently Sonoita is Arizona’s only AVA, in the Sonoita basin surrounded by the Huachuca Mountains, the Santa Rita Mountains and the Whetstone Mountains.
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Sonoita / Elgin
9 The Village of Elgin/Four Monkey 471 Elgin Road – Elgin (520) 455-9309 elginwines.com Daily: 11-5 10 Sonoita Vineyards 290 Elgin Canelo Road - Elgin (520) 455-5893 sonoitavineyards.com Daily: 10-4
16 Flying Leap Vineyards 67 N Main Street – Bisbee (520)384-6030 flyingleapvineyards.com Thurs: 12-6 Fri-Sat: 12-8 Sun: 12-6
11 Lightning Ridge Cellars 2368 Hwy 83 - Elgin (520) 455-5383 lightningridgecellars.com Fri-Sun: 11-4
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Days and hours subject to change. Please check websites for complete details. AZWINE lifestyle . com
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5 Rancho Rossa Vineyards 32 Cattle Ranch Lane - Elgin (520) 455-0700 ranchorossa.com Fri–Sun: 10:30-3:30
15 Silver Strike Winery 334 E Allen Street – Tombstone (520) 678-8200 silverstrikewinery.com Daily: 12-6
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4 Wilhelm Family Vineyards 21 Mountain Ranch Drive - Elgin (520) 455-9291 wilhelmfamilyvineyards.com Oct–April: Daily 11-5 May–Sept: Fri – Sun 11-5 Mon-Thurs By Appointment
14 Tombstone Wine Works 15 N 4th Street – Tombstone (520) 261-1674 tombstonewinery.com Daily: 12-6
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8 Kief-Joshua Vineyards 370 Elgin Road - Elgin (520) 455-5582 kiefjoshuavineyards.com Daily: 11-5
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3 AZ Hops and Vines 3450 Hwy 82 - Sonoita (520) 955-4249 azhopsandvines.com Thurs: 11-4 Fri-Sun: 10-6
13 Rune Wines 3969 Hwy 82 - Sonoita (480) 570-5147 www.runewines.com By Appointment Only
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7 Flying Leap Vineyards 342 Elgin Road - Elgin (520) 455-5499 flyingleapvineyards.com Daily: 11-4
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2 Dos Cabezas WineWorks 3248 Hwy 82 - Sonoita (520) 455-5141 doscabezaswinery.com Thurs–Sun: 10:30-4:30
12 Hannah’s Hill Vineyard 3989 Hwy 82 – Sonoita (520) 456-9000 hannahshill.com Most Weekends & By Appointment (East of mile marker 40 on the south side of Hwy 82)
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6 Callaghan Vineyards 336 Elgin Road - Elgin (520) 455-5322 callaghanvineyards.com Thurs–Sun: 11-4
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1 Charron Vineyards 18585 South Sonoita Hwy - Vail (520) 762-8585 charronvineyards.com Fri–Sun: 10-6
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THE MOUNTAIN EMPIRE
SONOITA PATAGONIA ELGIN
Christine Sullivan, REALTOR®
SONOITA/PATAGONIA Independently Owned and Operated
Associate Broker HWY 82 & 83, #2 P.O. Box 331 Sonoita, AZ 85637
(520) 271-2372
CSullivan@LongRealty.com
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Morefun under the Sun
It pays to stay at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star and AAA Four Diamond rated Casino Del Sol Resort. Enjoy a winning combination of gaming and entertainment—whether you’re hitting one of 1,300 of the newest slot machines and 22 table games or a 300-yard drive at the new 18-hole championship Sewailo Golf Club. In the evening, head to PY Steakhouse for dinner and AVA Amphitheater for a concert. Both are a great payoff to an action-packed day.
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OF
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855.SOL.STAY CASINODELSOLRESORT.COM TUCSON, ARIZONA
TRIBE
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Geography and Strong Wines
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Story by Mark Beres Photos and Graphics Courtesy of Flying Leap Vineyards
rizona’s farm wineries are blessed with being situated at just above 32 degrees north latitude on the globe. Our geographical location gives Arizona
A
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grape farmers long growing seasons, full sun and bountiful fruit yields of grapes high in sugar and, in the case of red grapes, deeply colored skins. These grapes produce many exceptional wines of relatively high alcohol content and impressive body, color depth and structure. Additionally, our long growing season spreads out our harvest activities considerably, which gives farm wineries here great latitude in harvest timing and helps with the logistics of bringing in the fruit and processing the harvest into wine at the winery.
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Viticulture
Arizona Viticulture and Geography
The vast majority of the world’s wine-producing regions are found between the temperate latitudes of 30 degrees and 50 degrees in each hemisphere, as shown below. Within these global zones, the annual mean temperatures are between 50 degrees and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Arizona’s vineyards are planted at the southern extreme of this band, which means two specific things in terms of microclimate: (1) Arizona vineyards enjoy a long growing season, compared to vineyards planted at the other extreme of the latitude band (such as Chablis, which is located at 47 degrees north latitude); and (2) Arizona vineyards produce fruit that is fully ripe at sugar levels sufficient to produce strong wines (greater than 14 percent without chaptalization — in winemaking, the correction or improvement of grape must by the addition of sugar to increase alcohol strength).
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comparisonofofWillcox Willcoxand andChablis Chablisviticultural viticulturalenvironments. environments. AAcomparison
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At 32 degrees north latitude, Willcox, Ariz. lies at the southern extreme of the northern hemisphere viticultural zone. At 47 degrees north latitude, Chablis lies at its northern extreme. Grape viticulture generally is possible between 30 and 50 degrees latitude, and mean temperatures decrease the further a region lies from the equator. The bulk of Arizona’s wine grapes (76 percent) are grown in the state’s southeastern region near the town of Willcox, a small rural community most known for its territorial past as a whistlestop on the Southern Pacific Railroad line, and for many colorful western personalities including Warren Earp and country music stars Rex Allen and Tanya Tucker. Willcox is home to most of Arizona’s largest commercial grape vineyards, including Flying Leap’s Blocks 1 and 2, which are located in a rural, unincorporated area approximately 15 miles south of Willcox and referred to locally as “the Kansas Settlement,” or “the KS.” In general, grapevines thrive in temperate climates that grant the vines long, warm periods during the crucial flowering, fruit set and ripening periods. The physiological processes of a lot of grapevines begin when temperatures reach around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this temperature, the vines usually remain in a period of dormancy. The graphic above is useful for understanding the unique character of authentic Arizona wine (i.e., wine produced from
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grapes grown in Arizona), by drawing a comparison with the viticultural aspects of Chablis, which lies at the opposite extreme of the northern hemisphere’s wine-grape growing zone. There are three key things to note: First, Arizona’s growing season is 82 percent longer than Chablis (285 days versus 157 days). Grapevines in the Kansas Settlement bud out as early as late February or early March, but bud break in Chablis doesn’t happen until early May. Additionally, Arizona’s vineyards contain actively growing vines until as late as December in some years, whereas the vineyards in Chablis are dormant long before this (by the end of October). In Willcox, active vine growth occurs for nearly 80 percent of the year, whereas in Chablis, the growing season encompasses just 43 percent of the year. Interestingly, the lengthy growing season in Willcox results in extremely ripe fruit (and thus high sugar levels with low acidity), whereas in Chablis their short season results in often underripe fruit with low sugar levels and high acidity, requiring winemakers to add sugar to raise alcohol to sufficient levels. Accordingly, Willcox and Chablis wines are opposite in character. The second key difference to note is that Willcox’s harvest season is a whopping 500 percent longer than Chablis (120 days versus 20 days). At Flying Leap, we began harvesting in early August last year (2014), and our final harvest (Cabernet Sauvignon) took place on December 2. In contrast, the harvest in Chablis takes place at the end of September each year, and it lasts merely three weeks, with all activities complete in their fields by mid-October. The long harvest season in Willcox is a function of our geographic location. This extended harvest season is particularly helpful in terms of logistics in the winery. Fruit can be brought in over many months, which eases the physical space constraints in the winery itself and allows Arizona wineries to spread out a
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winter dormancy period requires Arizona grape farmers to complete their winter cane pruning in quick time. At Flying Leap’s vineyards, for example, we begin pruning in December, shortly after the leaves fall to the ground. Pruning is laborious and expensive, and its cost is exacerbated by the shortened pruning season each year. Arizona’s geographic location at the southern extreme of grape viticutlure in the northern hemisphere gives the state’s vineyards an extraordinarily long growing season, which allows Arizona-grown fruit to fully ripen, producing strong wines with deep color and concentrated, bold fruit flavor plus a rich mouthfeel. Truly, Arizona’s vineyards produce excellent fruit yields with optimum ripeness, color and flavor. This makes for very strong wines (more than 14 percent alcohol). The long growing period results in a drawn-out harvest season, which eases logistics at the crush pads of the state’s small farm wineries. However, the lengthy growing period results in a short period of winter dormancy, which forces Arizona’s grape farmers to prune with skill and great efficiency to prepare for the early spring in our desert each year.
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harvest’s production cost over many months, thus easing seasonal cash flow constraints. Arizona winery tasting rooms see large seasonal slumps in sales during the hot summer months, which put a harsh pinch on cash flow at the very time when it is most important: during the harvest. Ultimately, this extended harvest season allows Arizona winemakers to process fruit in a smaller space as compared to the winemakers in Chablis, who have to process all of their harvest into wine in a comparatively and significantly shorter time period. Lastly, however, this long Arizona growing season has a liability in that the winter dormancy period is much shorter than it is in other growing regions. This has the opposite effect of the extended harvest season. That is, a constricted
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WINE TRAI
Verde Valley & Beyond
Located in beautiful Northern Arizona, the Verde Valley Wine Trail invites wine enthusiasts to experience a destination rich in history, beauty, and the production of exquisite Arizona wines. The Verde Valley includes roughly 714 square miles located in the geographic center of Arizona, about 100 miles north of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Verde River runs through the valley from northwest to southeast and is augmented by flows from Sycamore Canyon, Oak Creek, Beaver Creek and West Clear Creek. The area is unsurpassed in its variety of physical beauty with the red rocks and Mogollon Rim to the north and east, and the Black Hills and Mingus Mountain dominating the western and southern portions of the valley.
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At 3,300 feet to 3,900 feet above sea level, the Verde Valley experiences a mild climate, and close proximity to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, Williams, Chino Valley, Prescott, Camp Verde and the historic mining communities of Clarkdale and Jerome.
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Homes starting in the mid $250s
Plan 3 - Spanish Style • 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths - 2,123 sq. ft. Highlights Include: One and two-story homes - luxurious open floor plans. Spanish, craftsman and prairie exterior architectural styles. Square footage ranges from 1,568 - 3,120. Energy Star rated homes with upgraded features. Low interest rates. Affordable mortgage financing available.
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Nestled between Jerome and Sedona (and just a few minutes drive from Old Town Cottonwood), we are in the charming, historic town of Clarkdale, Arizona. Mountain Gate o ers panoramic views of Mingus Mountain, Sycamore Canyon, the Tuzigoot National Monument, the Verde River and the opulent Sedona Red Rocks! You’ll enjoy living in this master planned neighborhood, with a relaxed, small town feel. Our gorgeous community o ers a rich outdoor life, complete with a myriad of activities including: world-class hiking, mountain biking, golf, gourmet restaurants, wineries, shing and river ra ing. Excellent schools and the close proximity to superb healthcare facilities add to the overall appeal. Sunhaven Real Estate, LLC Leslie R. Boulet, Designated Broker leslie@newgatehomes.com 917Main St., Clarkdale, AZ 86324 www.newgatehomes.com
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Backus Building Co. Inc. - ROC #203568 march
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WINE TRAI
Verde Valley & Beyond Alcantara Vineyards
Alcantara Vineyards is a dream venture created by owner Barbara Predmore. Barbara and her husband Bob started the vineyard to provide their family and partners the opportunity to work and develop a vineyard community, and to develop a winery that produces wines that are comparable to the best of California and Europe. Barbara spent four years of research and diligence using the best consultants from the University of Arizona and UC Davis, as well as support from her family at the noted Martin-Weyrich Vineyards in Central California. Alcantara Vineyards is perched on 87 acres of sloping terrain off the Verde River and Oak Creek. The Tuscan Farmhouse serves as the tasting room, where they host the many friends and guests that visit from around the globe. Check out their “green” winery building when you visit! Explore their website at AlcantaraVineyard.com.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Arizona Stronghold was formed based on the belief that the soils and climate of southeastern Arizona stand up to the finest in the world. Our goal is to bring Arizona wines to the national stage, promoting them as value and quality based. Great wine doesn’t have to be expensive; it doesn’t have to be pretentious; and it shouldn’t be hard to find. It just has to be great and made by people that care. Arizona Stronghold’s vineyard is located about 20 miles north of Willcox, at the foot of the Graham Mountains. The winery is located in Camp Verde and the tasting room is in Old-Town Cottonwood. The team at Arizona Stronghold tends vines planted as long ago as 1985 and as recently as 2011, in a broad mix of varietals. AZStronghold.com.
Burning Tree Cellars
Perched on the side of the South East facing slopes of Jerome, AZ, Caduceus Cellars is making high elevation wines out of predominantly Italian and Spanish varietals from 40 acres in NAZ and 80 acres in SAZ. Owners and Winemakers, Maynard & Jennifer Keenan, are producing roughly 6000 cases a year in their tiny underground cement facility known as The Bunker. Open topped 1/2 ton bin maceration, modified temp controlled carbonic maceration, and/or submerged cap fermentation for the Reds, and whole cluster pressed stainless steel cold fermentation for the Whites and Rose’s. The epitome of a boutique owner owned and operated winery. Tasting room open 365 days a year in Downtown Jerome. Twitter: @caduceuscellars, FB: www.facebook.com/caduceuscellars, Instagram: puscifer, Website: Caduceus.org.
Cellar 433
Arizona’s wine industry embodies ingenuity and innovation. Vigneron John McLoughlin doesn’t just own a winery. The Dragoon Mountain Vineyard near Willcox is meticulously attended to by John himself. Stark contrast between hot desert days and cool valley nights shape one of the world’s most unique growing regions in southeastern Arizona. With over three decades of experience from dirt to bottle, John McLoughlin’s creed has originated a family of wines ranging from approachable to esoteric. All are evocative of Arizona’s unique terroir and oblige the wine drinking pleasure of novice and connoisseur, alike. At the tasting room in beautiful, historic Jerome, savor Arizona wines while being mesmerized by breathtaking views of the Verde Valley and the glowing red rocks of Sedona. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting surrounded by fine art in a casual, but elegant space. Cellar 433 does book private and special events, too. Cellar433.com
Cellar Dwellers
Winemaker John Scarbrough is dedicated to making delicious and unique small batch wines. With enthusiasm and a love for the craft of winemaking, he has set out to create great Arizona wines that are interesting, taste great and are made with passion. His first label released in 2008 was the Tarantula Hawk Zin. Cellar Dwellers wines are now available in restaurants and wine tasting rooms in Arizona. You can sample these great boutique wines at Fire Mountain Wines Tasting Room located in Old Town Cottonwood. FireMountainWines.com/cellarDwellers.htm
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Burning Tree Cellars specializes in small batch, meticulously maintained, boutique wines utilizing the finest available fruit sources, quality oak and patience. “Our wines will never be pushed through chain supermarkets or over-marketed, but rather built through the power of suggestion and knowledge that we are all part of something special. These wines are, and always will be, for ourselves, our families and our friends.” These handcrafted wines are available at their tasting room in Old Town Cottonwood. Sit on the patio. Listen to live music every weekend. Check them out online at BurningTreeCellars.com.
Caduceus Cellars
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Page Springs Cellars is a family owned winery tucked into the volcanic landscape overlooking pristine Oak Creek. Visit our Tasting Room located just 15 minutes south of Sedona for a true taste of Arizona.
something for Everyone Wine Tastings • Wines by the Bottle or Glass • Artisanal Food Pairings • Live Music • Vineyard Massage • Weekly Vineyard Tours with Barrel Samples • Outdoor Games: Bocce, Horseshoes, Chess, Cornhole • Beautiful Vineyard Property Overlooking Oak Creek
TasTing Room HouRs
Mon-Wed: 11am-7pm • Thu-Sun: 11am-9pm • Open 365 Days A Year Join us in our TasTing Room for our fun Weekend specials!
1500 North Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ • 928 639-3004 • PageSpringsCellars.com AZWINE lifestyle . com
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Page Springs Cellars Winery & Vineyards
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For more information, current events or to check out our promotions - PageSpringsCellars.com Visit, tag and keep up with all of the latest from the PSC crew at:
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WINE TRAI
Verde Valley & Beyond Echo Canyon Winery
Arizona wine pioneer, Jon Marcus is back from a long hiatus. Jon had some personal and medical issues that forced him to let the vineyard go fallow. He is currently cloning the 700 vines that managed to survive including Cabernet, Cab Franc and Syrah on his Echo Canyon vineyard in Page Springs. Also planned for the site are lots of organic fruits and vegetables too. Taste his long cellared wines at his tasting room in Jerome, across from the House of Joy.
Fire Mountain Wines
Fire Mountain symbolizes the transition between day and night, light and dark, as the circle of life ends and begins again. This Sacred universal process is also expressed by the vine as it digs into the earth and reaches to the sky, creating fruit from our ancestral lands that eventually fills the bottle for you. Our wine blends are inspired by emotion and connectivity through our spiritual ties to place. Fire Mountain offers two brands of wine. Fire Mountain Wines include Earth, Wind & Fire and Cellar Dwellers offers Cicada, Tarantula Hawk and Canvas. Learn more by visiting FireMountainWines.com.
Four Eight Wineworks
Freitas Vineyard is hidden away on the outskirts of Cottonwood. A small vineyard, it’s the dream of Ray Freitas. She planted the three-and-a-half-acre vineyard, located near the Verde River, in 2000 and has been tending her vines since. Her mission is to produce fruit-forward wines, well-balanced in flavor, color and aroma in order to stimulate and enhance your wine tasting experience. Ray calls her Malvasia “sunlight in a bottle.” Freitas Vineyard produces only estate-grown wines, utilizing the European tradition. You can taste Ray’s wines at Old Town Cooperage in Cottonwood. For more information visit FreitasVineyard.com.
Granite Creek Vineyards
From a love of the land sprang a relationship with grapes that culminated in superb, award-winning, living wines with no added sulfites. Granite Creek Vineyards was founded in 1974 when owners Kit and Robin Hoult planted grapevines and began the 40-year legacy of Arizona’s first and only Certified Organic Vineyard. Granite Creek Vineyards is a scenic location to savor the ambiance of the vineyard’s rural roots. Relax with great food provided by Block Six Catering and enjoy live music seasonally on Saturdays. This historic 100-year-old Arizona farmstead has been nurtured to become sips of the enduring pleasures of fine wine. To learn more visit their website at GraniteCreekVineyards.com
Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery
Javelina Leap is a family operated, premium boutique winery with international award-winning wines. Our winery is in northern Arizona’s Verde Valley only minutes away from Sedona in the small historic valley of Page Springs. When you visit us, you will be sampling wines at a fully functional vineyard and winery. Our wines are all made from 100% Arizona grapes. Although we make some blends, most of our wines are pure varietals, a pure result of Arizona terroir. Tour the winery while sipping your wine or relax in the Arizona room and private garden where we serve artisan cheese platters, deli meats, artisan pizza and wines by the glass or bottle. Visit us on your vacation, day trip, or book a private event. Whether you’re with friends and family or on a romantic getaway for two, you’ll always be welcome at Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery. Wine is fun, come have some! JavelinaLeapWinery.com.
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Four Eight WINEWORKS: Wine Makers Co-Operative. Incubator. Passion Vortex. Metaphorical Leg Up. Ground Zero for the infinite possibilities and paths each of our individual tenants will manifest. Current tenants include: Joseph BechardChateau Tumbleweed, Tim White- The Kindred Project, Iniquus & Revelation Cellars, Michael Pierce- Saeculum Cellars, MJ Keenan- The Kindred Project & Merkin Vineyards. “When shared vision, knowledge, and perspective be our bones, no winter can take us.” Ronald P. Vincent. The Tasting Room is located in Historic downtown Clarkdale, AZ. Twitter: @four8wineworks, FB: www. facebook.com/four8wineworks, Instagram: four8wineworks, Website: Four8Wineworks.com.
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Verde Valley & Beyond Oak Creek Vineyards
Deb Wahl, owner of Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery, has heard many times that “good wine grows on gentle slopes with a river nearby,” which is why her vineyard is located near beautiful Sedona, across from Oak Creek. In the higher elevations of the property, they grow Syrah and Merlot; in the lower portion they produce Zinfandel and Chardonnay. They produce full-bodied flavorful reds and lean whites in small batches, giving individual attention to each barrel. Come in and taste them at the new bar and browse through the unique gifts on display. The outside seating is perfect to sip a glass of wine and enjoy food from a well-stocked deli case. They are open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. OakCreekVineyards.net
Page Springs Cellars
This year, Page Springs Cellars celebrates their 10th anniversary of creating award-winning wines that express the unique character of landscape. Family owned and established as a Rhone House, they have expanded beyond that definition by experimenting with new techniques both in the cellar and in the field – including ageing wines on toasted Arizona Oak. “Our mission is to craft amazing wines that pay respect to the land we farm and the community that supports our vision.” Tucked into the volcanic landscape just fifteen minutes south of Sedona, Page Springs Cellars sits on a breathtaking property along the banks of Oak Creek. With a calendar full of educational and entertaining events they also offer onsite amenities including bocce, horseshoes, vineyard massage, winery tours and picnic baskets with gourmet treats. Plus a wine club that offers members access to special events and benefits. Come explore high elevation terroir! PageSpringsCellars.com
Passion Cellars
Pillsbury Wine Company
Sam Pillsbury, noted filmmaker, first planted vines on the Willcox Bench in 2000 when he was a partner in Dos Cabezas with Al Buhl. Since then he started his personal dream project in 2006 with 100 acres of prime desert vineyard land near his original vineyard in Kansas Settlement. Sam’s dream was to celebrate the local terroir... an Arizona Chateauneuf, a sustainable Rhone vineyard producing premium quality hand-made 100 percent Arizona boutique wines. In the future, the plans are to create an architecturally stunning wine village with 27 dwellings, including a winery, spa and restaurant serving food organically grown on the land. What was once bare land is now a showpiece 100 percent Sonoita-soil vineyard. Now, you can visit them at the vineyard at Pillsbury Wine Company SOUTH. Their wines have won stellar reviews and are in some of the best restaurants and resorts in the state. Pillsbury Wine Company NORTH is open in Old Town Cottonwood, a place where you can taste Sam’s wines, view stunning art and visit with other Arizona wine lovers. Learn more at PillsburyWine.com.
The Grand Canyon Winery
The Grand Canyon Winery, proudly owned and operated by the Kennelly Family, sits in the heart of historic downtown Williams. The family has been in the hospitality industry in Northern Arizona for over twenty years. The Grand Canyon Winery is their newest project inspired by their love for Arizona and excitement over its emerging wine culture. Like most native Arizonans the Kennellys have great pride in their state and believe in supporting local communities. The AZ wine community shares the belief that if one succeeds they all succeed and the Kennellys are proud to be a part of this community. Travel Far. Drink Local. TheGrandCanyonWinery.com
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“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it” - Buddha. Wine is our passion! We fell in love with the culture of wine during our extensive travels to various wine regions around the world. Upon returning to Arizona we fortunately stumbled across an issue of Arizona Vines & Wines Magazine. We were surprised to learn of the thriving wine industry growing in our own state. Motivated by our love of wine and excited to be a part of it, our family purchased land on the Willcox Bench with the dream of having our own vineyard. We are excited to be the newest addition to the Jerome wine tasting experience. We are a small family business that seeks to pursue our love of wines and share it with you. PassionCellars.com
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Verde Valley & Beyond 15
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Verde Valley & Beyond 1 Granite Creek Vineyards 2515 Road 1 East - Chino Valley (928) 636-2003 granitecreekvineyards.com Thurs–Sun: 12-5 2 Caduceus Cellars 158 Main Street - Jerome (928) 639-WINE caduceus.org Sun-Thurs: 11–6 Fri-Sat: 11–8 3 Passion Cellars 417 Hull Avenue - Jerome (928) 649-9800 passioncellars.com Daily: 11-close
6 Burning Tree Cellars 1040 N Main Street - Cottonwood (928) 649-TREE (8733) burningtreecellars.com Sun-Thurs: 12-6 Fri-Sat: 12-9
11 Page Springs Cellars 1500 Page Springs Road - Cornville (928) 639-3004 pagespringscellars.com Mon-Wed: 11-7 Thurs-Sun: 11-9
7 Arizona Stronghold 1023 N Main Street - Cottonwood (928) 639-2789 azstronghold.com Sun-Thurs: 12-7 Fri-Sat: 12-9
12 Oak Creek Vineyards 1555 Page Springs Road - Cornville (928) 649-0290 oakcreekvineyards.net Daily: 10-6 13 Javelina Leap Vineyard 1565 Page Springs Road - Cornville (928) 649-2681 javelinaleapwinery.com Daily: 11-5
8 Pillsbury Wine Company NORTH 1012 N Main Street - Cottonwood (928) 639-0646 pillsburywine.com Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs: 11-6 Tues: 1-6 Fri-Sat: 11-8
4 Echo Canyon Winery 419 Hull Avenue - Jerome (928) 202-8506 Daily: 11-close
14 Grand Canyon Winery 238 W Route 66 – Williams (928) 635-9421 grandcanyoncellars.com Daily: 9-7
9 Fire Mountain Wines 1010 N Main Street – Cottonwood (928) 649-9135 firemountainwines.com Sun-Thurs: 12-7 Fri-Sat: 11-close
5 Four Eight Wineworks 907 Main Street - Clarkdale (928) 649-2007 www.four8wineworks.com Sun-Thurs: 12-7 Fri-Sat: 12-8
15 Cellar 433 240 Hull Avenue – Jerome (928) 634-7033 cellar433.com Mon-Wed: 11-5 Thurs-Sun: 11-6
10 Alcantara Vineyard & Winery 3445 S Grapevine Way - Cottonwood (928) 649-8463 alcantaravineyard.com Daily: 11-5
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PLUS
Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas
On Oak Creek . . . In the Heart of Uptown Sedona! Walk to Shops, Galleries, & Restaurants
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Standard hotel rooms offer fabulous red rock views. Town view rooms also available.
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400 N. State Route 89A ◆ Sedona, AZ 86336
March 31, 31,2015 2016 * Not available with any other offers. Subject to availability. Offer expires March Each Best Western© branded hotel is independently owned and operated. ©2014 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved. march
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Front Burner Media LLC www.frontburnermedia.com
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Public Relations | Marketing | Social Media
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FrontBurnerMedia.com
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AZWINE events.com
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visit AZWINEevents.com to post your event, or to find out more information about statewide wine-related events, festivals, dinners, happy hours, tastings and much more
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We sell ARIZONA wines! Our Full Service Store Features: OUR FULL SERVICE STORE FEATURES: Our Full Service Store Features:
Bakery | Fresh Meat & Seafood |• In-Store Health Mart Pharmacy | Flowers & Cards •• Deli Deli Bakery Liquor –– Large Wine & Deli& & & Bakery • Full Liquor Large Wine Features: & Microbrew Microbrew Selection Selection Our Service Store Full Service Store Features: Balloons & Party Supplies | Liquor | Largeserving Wine &Our Microbrew Section •• Fresh Meat & Seafood • Proudly Sedona/Verde Valley Fresh Meat & Seafood • Proudly serving Sedona/Verde Valley • Deli & Bakery • Wine Large Wine & Microbrew Deli &Mart Bakery Full Service Store Features: Liquor –orLarge Microbrew •• inIn-Store Health Pharmacy for over 30 Years In-Store Health Mart Pharmacy Full Service Store Features: Stop and•seeOur our fine selection of Arizona communities wines to•Ourtake home back toLiquor your&– room . . . Selecti communities for over 30 Years
• Liquor – Large Wine & Microbrew Selection • • Deli Fresh Meat & Seafood • Liquor – Large • Wine Proudly serving Sedona/Verde V & Bakery & Microbrew Selection Valley • Fresh Meat &serving Seafood • Proudly serving Sedona/Verde • Proudly Sedona/Verde Valley •30• Years In-Store Pharmacy and don’t forgetFind yourus favorite specialty cheese to Mart create perfect pairing! Fresh Meat &Health Seafood communities • a Proudly servingwine Sedona/Verde Valley for over 30 Years communities for over • In-Store Health Mart Pharmacy In-Store Martwebersiga.com Pharmacy communities for overover 30 Years 30 Years Distributor• communities for FindHealth us online online webersiga.com Vemma Brand
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Find online webersiga.com Find us onlineus webersiga.com Proud” Proud” “Hometown Proud” Find us online Oak webersiga.com “Hometown Proud” in in the Village of Oak Creek in the the Village Village of of Oak Creek Creek
Distributor Distributor “Hometown Proud” in the Vemma Brand “Hometown Proud” “Hometown “Hometown Distributor Village ofVillage OakofCreek in the Oak Creeksince 1985
Store Hours Open 7 Days a Week 928-284-1144 Phone Mon – Sun 6am – 9pm 928-284-0076 Fax
Store Hours Store Hours Open 7 Days a Week Open 7 Days a Week Mon – Sun 6am – 9pm Mon – Sun 6am – 9pm
100 Verde Valley School Rd Sedona, AZ 86351
928-284-1144 Phone 928-284-1144 Phone 928-284-0076 Fax 928-284-0076 Fax
Vemma Brand
Pharmacy Hours HoursMon – Fri 9am – 6pm 928-284-2202 Store RX Phone Week– 5pm 928-284-1144 Phone Sata 9am 928-284-3376 Open RX Fax7 Days Mon –Hours Sun 6am – 9pm 928-284-0076 Fax Store
Hours in the Village of OakPharmacy Creek
Hours “Hometown Proud” Pharmacy Pharmacy Hours P 100 Verde Valley School Rd Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm 928-284-2202 RX Phone 100 Open Verde7 Valley School Rd Mon – FriRd 9am 928-284-2202 – 6pm 928-284-2202 RX Verde PhoneValley School Days a86351 Week 928-284-1144 Phone 100 RX Phone M Sedona, AZ Sat 9am – 5pm 928-284-3376 RX Fax in the Village of Oak Creek Sedona, 86351 Sat86351 9am – 5pm928-284-3376 RX Fax Sa 928-284-3376 RX Sedona, Fax AZ Mon – SunAZ 6am – 9pm 928-284-0076 Fax
100 Verde Valley School Rd Sedona, AZ 86351
928-284-2202 RX Phone Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm Sat 9am – 5pm 928-284-3376 RX Fax
Pharmacy Ho 928-284-2202 RX Phone Mon – Fri 9am Sat 9am – 5p 928-284-3376 RX Fax
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Store Hours Open 7 Days a Week 928-284-1144 Phone Mon – Sun 6am – 9pm 928-284-0076 Fax
100 Verde Valley School Rd Sedona, AZ 86351
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690 Bell Rock Blvd, Sedona, AZ, 86351 T: 928-284-1010; 928-963-1600
WHERE TO STAY
-Casual Dinning in a Serene Setting -Happy Hour 5pm to Close Sun-Thur -Full Bar with Beautiful Patio -Great Wine Selections from All Over the World -Monthly Wine Event with Dinner Paring -Perfect Place for Weddings, Private Events and Group Functions
in Northern Arizona
Here's a select list of B&Bs, RV resorts, hotels and high-end resorts. Also check out CottonwoodChamberAZ.org, JeromeChamber.com, VisitSedona.com or AZWINElifestyle/places-to-stay for additional ideas.
Adobe Grand Villas Adobe Hacienda B&B Inn Adobe Village Graham Inn Amara Resort and Spa Baby Quail Inn Canyon Villa Inn of Sedona Casa Sedona B&B Inn Cottonwood Hotel Cozy Cactus B&B Enchantment Resort Flying Eagle Country B&B Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge
AZWINE lifestyle . com
(800) 524-6343 (888) 817-6788 (928) 776-0998 (928) 775-2232 (928) 639-1669 (928) 443-1429 (928) 282-4001 (928) 203-9405
AdobeGrandVillas.com Adobe-Hacienda.com AdobeVillageGrahamInn.com AmaraSedona.com BabyQuailInn.com CanyonVilla.com CasaSedona.com CottonwoodHotel.com CozyCactus.com EnchantmentResort.com FlyingEagleCountry.com GarlandsLodge.com
Camp Verde Jerome Prescott Prescott Old Town Cottonwood Just outside Prescott Sedona Sedona
CliffCastleCasino.net JeromeGrandHotel.com Marriott.com/prcsh Marriott.com/prcri TheTavernHotel.com WhisperingPinesBB-AZ.com BestWesternSedona.com ElPortalSedona.com
Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa Hyatt Piñon Pointe Resort The Inn on Oak Creek Junipine Resort L'Auberge de Sedona Las Posadas of Sedona Lo Lo Mai Springs Los Abrigados Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Red Agave Resort Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa Sycamore Springs Guest Houses
HiltonSedona.com HyattPinonPointe.Hyatt.com InnOnOakCreek.com Junipine.com LAuberge.com LasPosadasOfSedona.com LoLoMai.com DiamondResorts.com MiiAmo.com RedAgaveResort.com SedonaRouge.com SSGuestHouse.com
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Cliff Castle Casino Hotel Jerome Grand Hotel Prescott Spring Hill Suites Prescott Residence Inn The Tavern Hotel Whispering Pines B&B Best Western Arroyo Roble El Portal Sedona Hotel
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The
Grape Train
Story by Teresa Propeck Photography by Tom Johnson
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op the cork A scenic sunset rail journey, accompanied by a variety of specially chosen vintages, awaits passengers aboard Verde Canyon Railroad’s celebrated Grape Train Escape this summer. The romantic call of a train whistle echoes throughout the canyon as the setting sun drapes the towering red rock cliffs in dramatic shadows. Night blankets the high desert, sprinkling the sky with stars sparkling so radiantly that they almost seem touchable. The locomotive’s oscillating headlight cascades off of the rocks, adding a dash of rail romance to Mother Nature’s timeless artistry. This moonlit wilderness setting is second to none for leisurely sipping wine to the rhythm of the rails. On select Saturday evening Starlight Tours, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Verde Canyon Railroad will highlight different grape-growing regions from around the globe. This summer the spotlight will be on wines from Australia and New Zealand, South America, Washington State, and Italy. The premiere Grape Train Escape will feature Verde Canyon Railroad’s own private-label wines produced in California. During the evening, a tasting flight of five wines, accompanied by hors d’oeuvres to complement each selection, will be served throughout the rail journey.
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Mark your calendars! This year’s Starlight Tours on Verde Canyon Railroad are scheduled for May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29 and September 12, 2015.
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“On Verde Canyon Railroad’s Grape Train Escape, our goal is to respect nature, serve exceptional wine
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Passengers on Verde Canyon Railroad’s open-air viewing cars can’t help but raise their glasses to the wild scenery, big western sky and the cool caress of a canyon breeze.
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Wine photo courtesy VCRR
Since its inception in 2003, Verde Canyon Railroad’s popular Grape Train Escape has taken center stage on many of the summer’s Starlight Tours. Mark your calendars! This year’s Starlight Tours are scheduled for May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29 and September 12, 2015. The season kicks off on May 30 with Verde Canyon Railroad’s collection of private wines, bottled by California’s Weibel Vineyards. The labels all depict different facets of railroading with names like All Aboard Chardonnay, Locomotive 1512 Cabernet, Engine, Engine Merlot, Route Red Pinot Noir and Escape Sparkling Wine. While the train winds its way through the scenic Sedona-area landscape and rare riparian wilderness, cares fade along with the summer temperature as it dramatically drops in the dwindling daylight. As the sun wanes and the Canyon’s nocturnal life awakens, the magic of the route is further enhanced by a glass of wine in hand. Dave Durbano, owner of Verde Canyon Railroad, believes that life is about the journey. “The quality of life’s journey is dependent on the experiences we have along the way and the attitude we develop with each segment of the journey,” he explains. “Our well-crafted wines, like a well-crafted life, feature lovely structure and substance. On Verde Canyon Railroad’s Grape Train Escape, our goal is to respect nature, serve exceptional wine and enjoy life’s journey.” In addition to the wine-tasting events on Starlight Tour evenings, the Tequila Sunset Limited tequila-tasting excursion is another first-class upgrade available to passengers on select Saturdays throughout the summer. To celebrate this beloved Mexican spirit, a selection of three exceptionally smooth and complex flavors from Tequila Don Julio will be served, bearing witness to the fact that the agave-distilled liquor is well suited to any snifter. This tequilatasting event, paired with sophisticated Southwestern appetizers, will make an excellent accompaniment to the fantastic summer sunset scenery. Starlight Tours also offer standard coach- and first-class seating, and both have wine available for purchase during the four-hour rail adventure. In fact, wine may be enjoyed during any season and for any reason while aboard the train, year-round. Passengers can’t help but raise their glasses to the wild scenery, big western sky and the cool caress of a canyon breeze. Whether sipping a favorite libation in the surround of 360-degree views on an open-air viewing car, or raising a toast to family and friends in the comfort of a luxurious rail car, a starlight trip aboard Verde Canyon Railroad will surely echo the train’s motto about the ride, and perhaps about life itself: “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” In addition to being served on the train, Verde Canyon Railroad’s private-label libations may be purchased packaged to take home from the Whistle Stop at Milepost 38 shop located at the depot. What a grand way to celebrate Verde Canyon Railroad’s 25th anniversary! Verde Canyon Railrod | 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324 | verdecanyonrr.com AZWINE lifestyle . com
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adventures limited only by your imagination
Once-in-a-lifetime memories of Arizona’s most stunning destinations
Diverse Desert Landscape scottsdale, AZ
Spectacular Red Rocks Sedona, AZ
Majestic South Rim Grand Canyon, AZ
VISIT Pinkjeepoffers.com/AzWine for your exclusive offer!
800-873-3662
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unique ADVENTURE TOURS • INDUSTRY LEADING GUIDES • CUTTING EDGE VEHICLES march
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SEDONA, ARIZONA THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON EARTH, IN SO MANY WAYS.
VisitSedona.com
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AZWINE Lifestyle invited friends and family for a special day on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The group enjoyed first-class accommodations aboard the Santa Fe car and viewed spectacular scenery from the open-air viewing car. Beverages and snacks were served as the train wound along the Verde River, lifestyle
past Sycamore Canyon, through the pitch-black tunnel, and over spine-tingling
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bridges on the way to Perkinsville. Wildlife, cool temperatures, and the last rays
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AZWINE Rides The Rails Photography by Tom Johnson AZWINE lifestyle . com
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Welcome to a charming world... a vision of Old Mexico with four restaurants and over 45 shops and galleries around every corner. Open daily at 10:00 am .
336 State Route 179 in Sedona tlaq.com n
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T l a q u e pa q u e a r T s & C r a f T s V i l l a g e
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View our latest magazine at: tlaq.com & click on the icon.
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Point of Brew
Story and Photos by Thomas Ale Johnson
Iron John’s Brewing Company “Brew For The Few” I
Photo by Thomas Ale Johnson
Photo courtesy of Iron John’s Brewing Company
t is common for avid homebrewers to contemplate the idea of opening a commercial brewery. After research reveals the steep ramp to entry, many decide the idea is unrealistic; a fairy tale. Although this Tucson brewery gets its name from an old German fairy tale, Iron John’s Brewing Company follows a very down-toearth approach: to create a variety of small-batch, high-quality, artisanal beers. “We didn’t want to run a ‘commodity’ beer business when we started the brewery,” explained John Markley, the general manager. “We wanted to be flexible and creative.” Any homebrewer would feel right at home walking into Iron John’s Brewing Company. Their equipment - although a definite upgrade in size and quality from the standard homebrew setup looks very familiar. There aren’t a lot of fancy controls and pumps, and the main part of the system is gravity-fed. Everything is bottled by hand and customers can even return empty bottles for reuse. Like the friendly homebrewer down the street, Iron John’s is a natural fit in the community. Their unique business approach has provided opportunities for inventive collaborations with their neighbors in southern Arizona, including a coffee-vanilla porter with Presta Coffee Roasters, a coffee’d ordinary bitter with Yellow Brick Coffee, and a malt/grape Belgian-style brew with Flying Leap Vineyards. Advice from Cafe Poca Cosa helped shape Iron John’s mole stout recipe, and new ideas for collaborative brews always are being explored. As someone who enjoys cellaring beers, John Adkisson, head brewer at Iron John’s, makes some of his beers capable of developing and integrating with age. The brewing history list on their website includes recommendations for storage and cellaring, or customers can learn more about cellaring when picking up beer at the Tucson bottle shop. So, is this artisanal approach working in the “real world”? John Markley answers, “Our view is that if you make a more interesting beer that reflects an artistic rather than economic focus, then the world of discerning palates will beat a path to your door. We hear comments of appreciation daily for that viewpoint from our customer base. The beer consumer market is not a stagnant group of people like a pie to be divided. It is friends of friends, more like a yeast colony, growing and dividing exponentially.”
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Iron John’s Brewing Company Head Brewer John Adkisson and a nice pour of Iron John’s “Flight of Fancy”
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Iron John’s Brewing Company 245 S. Plumer Ave. #27 Tucson, Arizona 85719 IronJohnsBrewing.com
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For more information about craft breweries in Arizona go to AZWINElifestyle.com/craft-breweries march
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ng Now servi Arizona Wine!
Baseball • H oc Football • B key asketball Ultimate Fig One of the lahting Championship sports show rgest selection of s in the are a!
F RE E P E ANU T
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GREAT PRICES . . . GREAT FOOD
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Vs! reen T rite games e. c s g i B o e tim ur fav All yo g at the sam playin
“Bar food that’s better than bar food.” Eat in or Take Out Daily specials • Friday Fish Fry Full Bar and Kitchen • Drink Specials Pool Tables • Live Entertainment
Home of the World Famous “Boomer Burger”
Open all day, every day. 40 West Cortez Drive, #7 Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, AZ
928-284-2250
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pjsvillagepub.com
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21 and older establishment. Designated drivers are lifesavers. *TV programs subject to availability and may change without notice. march
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