New committee members look to grow Arizona’s wine industry
The Arizona Wine Growers Association elected its new officers at its quarterly membership meeting held Feb. 5, 2013, in Willcox, Arizona at Aridus Wine Company. Incorporated in 1983, the Arizona Wine Growers Association serves grape growers and winemakers in Arizona, allying its members for representation, promotion and education. The association strives to advance with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines.
The newly elected leadership for the association’s Executive Committee is:
President: Peggy Fiandaca, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards
Willcox Regional Vice President: James Callahan, Aridus Wine Company
Sonoita Regional Vice President: Kent Callaghan, Callaghan Vineyards
Verde Valley Regional Vice President: Barbara Predmore, Alcantara Vineyards
Urban Vice President: Cory Whalin, SuVino Winery
Treasurer: Robert Carlson III, Carlson Creek Vineyards
Secretary: Casey Rooney, City of Cottonwood Economic Development
James Callahan, Peggy Fiandaca, and Kent Callaghan. Cory Whalin not pictured.)
“I am humbled to be elected by the membership to a second term as President and very excited to work with this talented group of wine industry professionals as we continue to move the Arizona wine industry forward,” said Peggy Fiandaca, President and owner of Lawrence Dunham Vineyards. “The growth of the statewide wine industry has been tremendous, and Arizona wines are sought after and continue to impress wine critics.”
Outgoing executive committee members – Fran Lightly (Sonoita Vineyards), Rob Hammelman (Sand-Reckoner Vineyards), and John McLoughlin (Bitter Creek Winery) were also recognized for their dedicated service to the organization over the past two years. The quarterly membership meeting was hosted by Scott and Joan Dahmer of Aridus Wine Company, Arizona’s newest custom crush facility.
Arizona has over 60 licensed and bonded wineries – up from nine in 2004 — and more are being developed. Most of Arizona’s vineyards can be found in northern Arizona’s Verde Valley, in Sonoita and Elgin in southern Arizona and in the greater Willcox region in southeastern Arizona. Arizona wines have been highly regarded by Robert Parker and the Wine Spectator. Arizona wines have been served at the White House on many occasions and at many James Beard House dinners. For more information about the Arizona Wine Growers Association and upcoming events, visit www.ArizonaWine.org.
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