Arizona wine producer Aridus Wine Company has released its new line of canned wines, Tank. The grapes for the canned wines is sourced from Aridus’s vineyards in Cochise County along with purchased fruit. The fruit for the Rose is 100% Zinfandel and comes from New Mexico. The White is a blend of 72% Malvasia and 28% Picpoul which are the wineries two signature white grapes.
The wines were vinified separately then blended in early 2019 and held in stainless steel tanks until May 2020. The Viognier sees one year in neutral oak before stainless steel. The canned wines are different wines than those sold by the bottle and have a high residual sugar content. Tank is perfect for drinking by pool, camping trips or at home after a long hot day.
The Viognier, Rose and White Blend come in 4-packs and are available at their tasting rooms in Scottsdale & Willcox for $28. Each can holds 375 ml or about two glasses of wine. Buy a 4 pack and get a free Tank Koozie Can Cooler. The Scottsdale tasting room is at 7173 E. Main St. 85251. The Willcox tasting room is at 145 Railview Ave. 85643. For more information visit https://www.ariduswineco.com/
If all goes as planned with the expiration of the current Covid-19 lock down on Monday July 27th south Scottsdale could have a new beer and wine bar in early August. Regardless of the lock down Rift Tap and Wine Bar opens for curbside pick-up and delivery that same Monday. Rift is the brainchild of owners Damien Kanser, a wine industry veteran and friend Jon Coppins, the winemaker at Su Vino Winery.
Named after a Phish album that inspired Kanser since his childhood, Rift converted a spot that was a convenience store at Fillmore and Scottsdale Rd.. With little or nothing for craft beer and wine between old town Scottsdale and Tempe they felt this would be the perfect location for their neighborhood bar. The neighborhood is home to many service industry people and young professionals who have had nowhere to gather since Papago Brewing Co. closed a few years ago.
Rift will feature affordable wines and beers from local brewers and wineries and from across the country and the world. 25 beers on tap will be poured along with wines by the glass as guests gather at the 23 seat bar, high top tables or couches. Food trucks will be scheduled for guests to enjoy a bite to eat with their beer and wine. Coolers will house cold beers to go along with a few racks of retail wines. Kanser envisions Rift’s retail component as a quick grab n go for people to purchase on a regular basis to enjoy with dinner or by the pool. They’re sourcing limited production small batch beers directly from brewers giving the shop a unique selection by the bottle and tap.
Rift owners Damien Kanser and Jon Coppins
The wine club at Rift Tap and Wine Bar
This fall Rift will house a studio for their “Spilling the Truth” podcast they started in late 2018. Windows to the studio will allow guests to view podcasts live with brewers and winemakers joining the podcast.
Two wine clubs will be offered featuring local wines and wines to a national audience based on wineries visiting the podcast.
Rift is at 431 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85257. For updates check out their Facebook page.
Cochise County’s LDV Winery is keeping its popular Wine Country BBQ going for another year on Saturday August 8th. The winery in the Chiraicahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona opens its door from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for BBQ foods, wine tastings, outdoor games and tour to wine club members and the public.
Tickets for the Wine Country BBQ are $40(+tax & fee) per person and $30(+tax & fee) for wine club members. Each ticket gets you a plate of BBQ, a glass of wine and a winemaker led tour at 2 p.m. Addition glasses of wine are available for purchase.
Father’s Day is coming up quickly on June 21 and restaurants know ties and tools aren’t much fun. They know dear old dad wants to eat & drink with friends and family. These Phoenix area restaurants (and a couple up north) are offering deals whether you’re dining in or taking it home.
Central Phoenix
Miracle Mile Deli– $100 of gift cards for only $80 to start until June 21st. Father’s Day meal deal specials include Breakfast In Bed (Feeds 4): Includes 4 Plain Bagels, Whipped Cream Cheese, Nova Smoked Salmon, Capers, Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola. $55 Lunch At Home (Feeds 4): Customers can pick up of our Sandwich Kits – $45 Dinner For the Fam (Feeds 4-10): Customers can pick any of our Miracle Meal Deals – Prices range from $55-$95. See website for menu. Please call 602-776-0992 to place an order by 6 p.m. Sat. June 20th. 4433 North 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016
Joe’s Diner – The Number Two ($11.79) includes two eggs cooked any style, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage patties, two pancakes and a cup of Joe. Joe’s Diner, 4515 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix. 602-535-4999.
Phoenix City Grille – Specialty Brunch menu item include Steak & Eggs ($19), mesquite grilled flank steak will be cooked to Dad’s preference served alongside chipotle chimichurri, Ramona Farms tepary bean puree, Kennebec breakfast potatoes and grilled Mama Lola flour tortillas. Dinner specials include Prime Rib ($37), a 12 oz. cut served with guajillo chile jus, smoked onion rings and horseradish whipped potatoes; and Seafood Pasta ($25), fresh pappardelle tossed with sautéed wild gulf shrimp, Chula seafood salmon, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes drizzled with lemon caper butter sauce. 5816 N. 16th Street, Phoenix. 602-266-3001.
Mora Italian– is offering a Father’s Day special for $60 dine-in per person and $50 carry out (carry out excludes liquor). The meal includes as 12 oz Niman Ranch Sirloin Steak with Bagna Cauda Frites. Dads will also receive a cigar and a selected choice of wine, whiskey, scotch or beer.
Downtown Phoenix
Trapp Haus – Father’s Day Gift Basket ($49.99) includes a curated mix of a shot of Maker Mark Bourbon, Helio Basin 602 Larger, PTG Championship Rub, PTG Rootbeer BBQ Sauce, cookies, PTG Pitmaster recipe cards, Trapp Haus Bananda and $10 Trapp Cash. 511 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 480-664-4822.
PHX Beer Co. Tap Room and Brewery- make sure to enter your dad (or yourself if you are a dad) to win a free Traeger Mesa 22 Grill (value $500). Now through June 19th either text PHXBeer to 20300 or visit https://www.phxbeerco.com/traeger-contest for the chance to win. On June 19th, one winner will be pulled. One entry per email and must be 18 or older to enter. 3002 E. Washington St.
North Phoenix
Original Breakfast House – Specialty menu items include steak and Portobella Hash ($17), Chile en Nogada Omelette ($16), Shrimp and Grits ($14.50) and Carrot Cakes Pancakes ($11.50). 13623 N. 32nd St, Phoenix. 602-482-2328.
Glendale
Urban Margarita – Father’s Day weekend specialty menu, served all weekend, includes Lobster Flautas ($13), Pineapple Habanero Baby Back Ribs ($18) and Slow Braised C.A.B. Short Ribs ($25) and Jeremy’s Blueberry Bourbon Brioche Bread Pudding ($11). For Father’s Day brunch, served until 1:30 p.m., the menu includes Fresh Grapefruit “Paloma” ($13), Sirloin Steak Ranchero ($16), Slow Braised Prime Rib Benedict ($17) and Bananas Foster French Toast ($13). 6685 West Beardsley Road, Glendale AZ. 623-561-6674.
North Scottsdale
Sol Cocina– Father’s Day Brunch Sat & Sun. June 20th & 21st served all day. Scottsdale Quarter -15323 N Scottsdale Rd. 85254 480-245-6708.
Liberty Station Terravita – 20% off all To-Go BBQ Orders OR $1 beers with purchase of any BBQ item (limit 2). 34522 N Scottsdale Rd #180, Scottsdale. 480-595-993
Moe’s Roadhouse – Roadhouse Burger, fries and domestic draft ($12); Firehouse Jalapeño Burger, fries and domestic draft ($12); Mango Habanero Wings, 8 wings ($8); Hard Milkshake served with a shot of JD/Jameson/ or RocknRye ($8); $2 Domestic Draft 16oz; $3 Specialty Draft. 16oz; $5 Rock n Rye Whiskey, Jack Daniels, Jameson and $5 Titos. 18251 N Pima Rd # F120, Scottsdale. 480-686-8908.
PHX Beer Co.- $4 PHX Beer Co. beers (limit two) for dad! Dad also gets to add free bacon to any entrée, sandwich or pizza. Dad still want to turn up the bacon? Dad’s Favorite Bacon & Beer Flight will be available for just $10. 8300 N Hayden Rd in Scottsdale.
The Americano– is celebrating in style with a Father’s Day “Wagyu, Whiskey and Cigar” menu for $85 per person. Guests will be greeted with choice of Zaddy’s Beer, Grand Canyon Prickly Pear Vodka, or Pacifico Clara Carreno Espadin with Chili-Salt. For appetizers, guests can choose Octopus Fritto, with pickled fennel puree and salsa peperoncino or Wagyu Meatball, with pomodora, parmesan and herb salad. The main course will consist of either Wood fired sirloin wagyu steak & frites, with truffle maitre’d butter and roasted garlic aioli or Pappardelle pasta with milk braised lamb, house-made tomato sauce, mascarpone and mint. Be sure to save room for a decadent dessert of tiramisu and a glass of Very Old Barton Kentucky Straigh Bourbon and cigar to take home. There is also an optional $35 wine pairing available.
More restaurants for dad
Downtown/ Old town Scottsdale
Merkins Vineyards– Merkin Vineyards in Old Town Scottsdale is offering a ‘Take & Grill’ option which will serve four and includes a choice of a main dish – Salmon Filet, Lamb Rack, or Stuffed Squash and comes with sides of Roasted Potatoes, Garden Peas, & Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus for $79. For those who want to take dad out, the ‘Bottle & Board’ special will be offered for dining in, which includes four types of cheese or charcuterie items with bread and a bottle of Merkin Vineyards wine for $48.
LDV Winery – Father’s Day basket ($60) complete with a rich, complex 2015 Syrah from LDV Winery and locally made Super Chunk’s signature caramel corn with bacon and chocolate. 7134 E. Stetson Drive #110, Scottsdale. 480-664-4822.
Hotel Valley Ho– Treat dear old dad to the ultimate brunch or dinner experience at ZuZu with jaw-dropping savory menu items available all day long like the Double Steak Benedict with short rib ragout and poached eggs ($18), a 16 oz. Charbroiled Ribeye ‘Oscar Style’ with king crab hollandaise ($42), the #1 Juicy Lucy Burger with smoked blue cheese ($24), and last but certainly not least, the King Kong Bloody Mary with tempura-fried short rib grilled cheese, jumbo poached shrimp, an antipasti skewer, and more ($32). Wash it all down with penny beer pints, available with the purchase of any of the featured entrées. The seasonal brunch menu will also be served from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the seasonal dinner menu will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Carefree
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse – Enjoy $1 draft beer or house wine with purchase of any steak (limit 2). 7212 East Ho Hum Road, Carefree. 602-374-4784.
Photo courtesy of Skyler Scott and Mountain Shadows Resort
Multiple locations
Press Coffee– World’s Greatest Dad blend is a limited supply is a balanced blend with nutty flavors and an overall sweetness. It is being sold at all eight Valley Press locations for $16 during the month of June and online. A gift set is also available which includes a bag of the World’s Greatest Dad blend ($16 Value) and a Press MIIR Camp cup ($25 Value) for $35.
Thai Chili 2 Go – Buy One, Get One Free price (all locations) all day. Entrees start at $11. Nine locations throughout the Valley.
Wildflower– Dear old dad gets 2 delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies with all orders.
Pedal Haus Brewery– This Father’s Day dads get a free set of logo’d beer glasses with the purchase of one of three dishes at Pedal Haus Brewery. Grilled Salmon with Israeli Cous Cous and asparagus ($16.25), Full rack of ribs with baked beans and coleslaw ($24.25) or the Double Cut Bone In Pork Chop with creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus ($22.25). Tempe 720 S. Mill Ave, #102 85281. Chandler 95 W. Boston St.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria– Grimaldi’s has partnered with Tribute Wine for this Father’s Day meal deal that includes an 18″ traditional cheese pizza, large house or Caesar salad and bottle of Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon for $40. In addition, guests who purchase this select deal can choose from two Father’s Day themed Tribute Wine labels to customize their wine bottle. This deal is available Friday, June 19th through Sunday, June 21st for dine-in or carryout.
Fired Pie– is selling par-baked take ‘n bake pizzas. Guests can order an of Fired Pie’s signature Pizza Creations for $14 and simply throw them on the grill to bake to perfection! Fired Pie will also be running a social media contest to giveaway a Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven.
Tempe
Voodoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen– Offers a family take out meal for dad for $84.95. Included are Hand battered Buttermilk Chicken Tenders, Cheese Grits, Gumbo, eight beignets and a six pack of Red Stripe. Those interested can preorder for pickup by visiting VooDoo Daddy’s website. 1325 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 106. 480-659-6145.
Northern Arizona
Cauceaus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room– The Father’s Day package includes a bottle of Bittermilk Oaxacan Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer, a can of Puscifer Queen B Hard Cider, a container of Ramon Peña Bonita Tuna packed in Olive Oil, a bottle of Chili Beak Spicy Roasted Chili Oil, a bar of Goodnow Farms Putnam Rye Whiskey Special Reserve Dark Chocolate and a flight of five Caduceus Wines. This gift set is $69.95. Caduceus Cellars is located at 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331
Cowboy Club – Burger & Beer special ($12). Choose a Club Burger or a Crispy Chicken Sandwich served with traditional cut or sweet potato fries and a chilled 14-oz glass of beer (chose from any beer on tap). One cent refills up to two times. 241 North State Route 89A, Sedona. 928-282-4200
Even more restaurants
Downtown Chandler
SanTan Brewing & Spirits– If dad that loves to learn about the science and art of making his favorite libations, SanTan Tours is the perfect gift! Located at SanTan’s production facility off Warner & Arizona Ave in Chandler, the tour explores the similarities of both the brewing and distilling process. Samples are included and tickets are just $15 per person and will be offered every hour Saturday and Sunday from 12- 6 p.m.
To maintain social distancing, each tour will be limited to 10 attendees each hour. This is a 21+ over activity only and drink samples are provided. Book your tours today at link above.
Spirit House– There’s no better way to end your Father’s Day than with a night out at Spirit House Tasting Room & Cocktail Bar. Leave the kids with a sitter and join us for a complimentary dads-only tasting of the multiple award-winning Butcher Jones Arizona Straight Rye Whiskey. He’ll also enjoy a wide variety of hand-crafted cocktails include the signature Commonwealth Old Fashioned, Cherry Lime Highball, French 75 and many more.
Spirit House is located behind SanTan Brewing Company in Downtown Chandler at 8 S. San Marcos Place, Suite 106, Chandler, AZ 85225.
Chandler
Chase’s Diner – Meat Lover’s Special ($12.99), which comes with a generous helping of bacon, ham, sausage, two eggs and pancakes. Choice of coffee or tea.2040 N Alma School Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224. 480-855-3663
SanTan Spirits is launching an exclusive club for super fans called, Cask Club! This subscription-based membership is the perfect way to experience SanTan Spirits all year with a curated box of six bottles including Cask Strength and exclusive spirits. Your first box will be ready to pick up during Father’s Day Weekend.
Each new Cask Club subscription comes with your choice of two engraved Glencairn tasting glasses or a mixing glass + a membership sticker. Other Cask Club benefits include 20% off at the SanTan Tours tasting room, a free bottle of bitters on your birthday and $20 gift cards to the brewpub for membership referrals.
Mountain Shadows Resort– Savor brunch at Hearth ’61 from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a special Braised Short Rib Hash ($16) or select any of the classics from the seasonal brunch menu. Prefer to have a memorable dinner experience instead? In addition to the seasonal menu, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe meal including Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab Cake, Oven-Roasted Barbeque Beef Brisket, and Key Lime Pie for $49 per person plus tax and gratuity. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and reservations are required. All menu items are available for dine-in and curbside pick-up. Please call 480.624.5458 for reservations and more information.
If dad is looking to hit the links and take advantage of the beautiful sights out on the greens, treat him to Birdies, Brews, and Views and play a round of golf while sampling craft beers. Then enjoy a Birdie Club Sandwich at Rusty’s, for $94 per person. Give dad the gift of golf all summer long with the Summer Unlimited Golf Pass valid through September 20 for $349 plus tax. For more information and tee times, please call 480.624.5433.
Rusconi’s American Kitchen– A three-course feast ($52/person) with the choice of a starter: American gulf shrimp, guajillo seared ahi tuna or tomato and burrata salad; a choice of an entrée: pecan wood fired grilled prime flatiron stead or boneless short ribs and green chili macaroni; and a choice of dessert: dark chocolate bread pudding or caramelized Nixon square fig and Madagascar vanilla creme brûlée. Service starts at 5 p.m. 10637 N Tatum Blvd suite 101 B Phoenix, AZ 85028 480-483-0009.
Salty Sow– Father’s Day weekend (Fri. – Sun.) get a signature 12 oz. Prime Rib with au jus, mashed potatoes and creamy horseradish for only $29 per person. For reservations call 602-795-9463 or go online. 4801 E Cactus Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85032
Surprise
Reel Pizza Pies– 25% off Meat Head specialty pizza for dine-in or take-out. 13953 W. Waddell Rd., #103, Surprise 85379. 623-800-0909
Restaurants can now re-open for dine-in service as of May 11th according to Gov. Doug Ducey. Many restaurants are opening for guests to dine-in while others will wait it out a bit longer while they continue to offer takeout. Many are having staff where masks and adhering to new sanitizing guidelines.
These Phoenix area restaurants are opening their dining rooms and may require reservations to space out diners. Check back as this post will be updated as more restaurants open their dining rooms for service.
Scottsdale’s Sphinx Date Co. is looking to regain sales lost due to closing mandates of the Covid-19 virus in March. Customers can purchase local goods at their location, website and at the new online TasteMakers Marketplace. The local retailer is a go-to place for dates, Arizona sourced foods, ingredients and wines.
“We could not be more excited to be included in the launch of the TasteMakers site,” says Rebecca Seitz, co-owner of Sphinx Date Co. “With all the changes and restrictions that have taken place over the course of just the last 30 days or so, this avenue could give us a boost of new consumers we need right now to help save our business.”
TasteMakers Marketplace was created as a way for artisan producers and small businesses to connect with people around the country. Date gifts and bulk date items are available on the site with all of Sphinx’s products available on their website. Their retail location is at 3039 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
LDV Winery owners Peggy Fiandaca & Kurt Dunham are doing more than making wine and running a winery, they’re hosting Facebook Live cooking classes. Every Thursday at 4 p.m. MST thru May 7th the couple is hosting “From the LDV Winery Kitchen”. Join them on their Facebook page to learn how cook these special meals and learn about which wines pair best with each. There is no cost to participate in the classes.
Guests are encouraged to cook with them while you SIP (shelter in place) on a glass of wine or 2. Wines are for sale on their website with the LDV Winery Kitchen package of 10% off . Wines can be picked up at their wine gallery in downtown Scottsdale or shipped to you for a $5 fee. Recipes will be posted on their Facebook page every week.
The schedule for the Facebook Live cooking classes are as follows.
April 16 — Spicy Shrimp Pasta paired with 2014 Sky Island Syrah
23 — Flatbreads Three Ways paired with 2013 Sky Island Petite Sirah
30 — Grilled Ribeye Steak with fire cracker onions with roasted potatoes paired with 2014 The Signature Petite Sirah
May 7 — Pork Tenderloin with two fire roasted peppers sauces and Mexican corn paired 2015 DECADE Red Wine Blend
Bookings are now being taken for Spirit of Arizona Tours new experiences to old town Scottsdale and to the Verde Valley.
The Verde Valley Winery Tour includes spending the day visiting 3 wineries between Jerome and Sedona, visit Cottonwood for shopping, lunch and more wine tasting and an interpretive tour of of the Sonoran desert and the Verde Valley. Tours leave the Phoenix area at 8:30 a.m. and return between 6 – 7 p.m. Cost is $129 per person.
The Scottsdale Wine Tasting Experience visits up to 4 tasting rooms, checking out Scottsdale landmarks & points of interest and time to do a little shopping. Drop off and pick up is available when per-arranged. The tours are 3 hours long and are multiple times a day for $60 per person.
Wine tastings are not included in price as individuals can determine what and how much they want to drink. To book these or any other Spirit of Arizona Tours visit their website.
Downtown Camp Verde is getting ready for people of all ages for the 20th annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival co-hosted by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the town on Saturday and Sunday March 21st & 22nd. The festival draws people from around Arizona that will feature 15 local wineries along with a variety of pecans. Festival goers can enter a Pecan pie eating contest, enjoy a cold beer in the beer garden, dance to live music, visit local artists and purchase food from local food trucks. It’s one of the festivals coming up that feature Arizona wines.
“What started as a great way to celebrate two local products of the region has turned into an annual tradition that now draws thousands of attendees to our town,” said Michael Marshall, Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Manager. “We now have more wineries than ever, our famous Pecan Pie contest, live music throughout each day and more food and craft vendors – which means we are also expecting our biggest crowds in the festival’s 20-year history.”
A few of the wineries pouring wine include Burning Tree Cellars, Carlson Creek Vineyards and Page Spring Cellars. The festival is FREE for all ages to attend but those looking to taste wine need to purchase tickets. Early bird tickets are $20 on-line and $25 at the door. Included are a commemorative glass and 6 tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets can be purchased.
Saturday the festival goes from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 75 E. Hollamon St. Camp Verde 86322. For more information visit their website.
Many of Saturday’s events around Phoenix were cancelled but don’t mess with foodies and our food festivals but that’s what the weather gods did on day 1 of Devour Culinary Classic. A rainy morning forced Desert Botanical Garden staff, Local First Arizona and purveyors to scramble to but it didn’t deter those in attendance. Umbrella, tents and raincoats were busted out to minimize the rain and puddles.
Here are a few of the many highlights of day 1. Be sure to check back for sunnier day 2 and for more images and commentary check my Instagram @SandyWassFacebook page & Twitter @SandyWasserman
Bar Magic serving up Hurricane Cocktail in the VIP Lounge with Mardi Gras themePrep & Pastry Churro Cronut & Blueberry SconeScandinavian Sushi coming to Scottsdale later this year from Sandfish Sushi & WhiskeyAZ Wilderness PB & J BurgerA leaky tent didn’t dampen the spirits of L’Auberge de Sedona Chef Morgan serving her delicious dessertT. Cooks Arcadia Orange Bombe- white chocolate, Grande Marnier mouss, hazelnut & citrus curdDust Cutter Restaurant’s confit pork belly, masa, chorizo & roasted poblano gremolataLincoln Steakhouse Surf & turf- Lobster Escargot & Beef Tongue PopoverLove seeing all the color exhibits and art at the Desert Botanical Garden
