Category: Arizona wine

Beckett’s Table is tickled pink for National Rosé Week

Sipping on a chilled  glass of rosé wine is a year round activity in Arizona with our mild and dry climate. When it gets hot here in the desert rosé taste even better with its refreshing and medium bodied character.  The Arcadia neighborhoods Beckett’s Table has always known #ItsOK2DrinkPInk and will be celebrating the lighter bodied pink wine during National Rosé Week, June 6th-11th.

Sommeliers and owners Scott and Katie Stephens have built an international rose wine menu that should tempt all in for a taste of the fun and refreshing wine. Whether you are looking for a new rosé  you can choose from a 3-2 oz. flight($14), a glass or bottle of rosé your sure to find a style you’ll like with all the variety of the week-long menu.

Summer Rosé Flight –

Dos Cabezas Pink, Sonoita, Arizona

Callaghan Rosé, Elgin, Arizona

Andrew Murray ‘Esperancé Rosé, Santa Ynez Valley, California

 

Rosé by the Glass:

Callaghan Rosé, Elgin, Arizona

Dos Cabezas Pink, Sonoita, Arizona

Beckstoffer ‘Hogwash’ Rosé, Saint Helena, California

Jean-Baptiste ‘Adam’ Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rosé sparkling wine, Alsace, France

Rosé by the Bottle:

Copain Rosé, Anderson Valley, California

Eyrie Vineyards Rosé Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Domaine Tempier Rosé, Bandol, France

Caduceus Merkin Jane Pink Rosé, Cochise County, Arizona

Cans of Dos Cabezas Sparkling Pink will be available as will champagne rosé by the bottle.

Chef Beckett will be preparing a special rosé pairing menu with noble toast, grilled zucchini, seared organic salmon and a chopped salad.

Beckett’s Table is at 3717 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018 602-954-1700 http://www.beckettstable.com/

Cool off this summer with Arizona wine

There’s no denying it as we’re about to embark on another hot summer here in the southwest. One of the best ways I’ve found to keep cool is to stay inside (a no brainer I know) and sip on a chilled glass of wine (another no brainer). A refreshing glass of Arizona wine should be in order and the folks at LDV Wine Gallery and Kief-Joshua Vineyards are doing their part to keep you cool.

Photo courtesy of LDV Wine Gallery

Heading to Arizona wine country

One of the best ways to get your Arizona wine is to head to the source. Kief-Joshua Vineyards in Elgin is kicking off their weekly summer concert series every Saturday from 1-3 p.m. this weekend 5/27 with Rhythm Jax, No better way to cool off (yes it’s actually cooler down south) than with wine and live music. Kief-Joshua will also host a “Dinner in the Vines” in July and a harvest festival in August. A line-up of the musicians and schedule of events at the winery are below.

June 3: Jenny Jarnigan

June 10: Bryan Dean Trio

June 17: Corey Spector

June 24: Kroehler & Rovnak

July 1: Sage Gentle-Wing

July 8: Josh McCormack

July 15: Blaine Long

July 22: Joerdie

July 29: Tommy Tucker

August 5: Black Cat Blues

August 12: Jacob Acosta Band

August 19: 76th Street

July 15th is when they will host “Dinner in the Vines” that will include a four-course meal paired with wines for $75.00 per person. This event will take place in the vineyard from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Space is limited, to reserve your seat(s) call 520-455-5582 or email kjvineayrds@gmail.com The menu is…..

Arrival Canapés                                                                                                              Genoa salami coronets with boursin cheese Steamed artichokes with lemon remoulade Mexican caviar in corn tortilla cups

First Course                                                                                                                   Roasted red bell pepper & tomato bisque with fried leek baked parmesan cheese straw

Second Course                                                                                                                    Mix green salad with apple, jicama and citrus vinaigrette

Main Course                                                                                                              Cabernet braised short ribs Twice baked poblano potatoes French green beans with lemon thyme butter

Sweet Course                                                                                                                   Crème Brule in crisp phyllo shells and fresh berries

On August 26 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  is when The Magdalena Bash Harvest Festival happens. Several new Arizona wine releases, including 2015 Magdelena, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Barbera, along with many new white wines for summer and a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon will be released at the festival. Guests will also enjoy live music and food vendors.

Kief-Joshua Vineyards is at 370 Elgin Road, Elgin, Arizona http://kj-vineyards.com/default.asp

Staying in the Phoenix area

Prefer staying around the comfort of your home, no problem as LDV Wine Gallery in Scottsdale is doing their part to keep you cool.

On Father’s Day their offering 25% off their big & bold (like dad) Petite Sirah. By the glass, the bottle or the case you’ll make his day. A perfect wine for grilling steaks.

A few events are planned for the month of July at LDV………

Wine Appreciation – Wine + Chocolate- Drop in to LDV Winery on Sunday July 9th for a wine and chocolate themed wine appreciation gathering. This event is part of a monthly series of fun, interactive get-together to discuss “All About Wine.” Attendance includes expert-led discussions, little bites and wine, and take-away materials. 5-6:30 p.m. $35 per person or $65 per couple.

Vineyard to Table Supper Club- On Tuesday July 11th Kurt & Peggy will host and cook dinner for their Vineyard to Table Supper Club. This is a wine inspired casual dining experience that celebrates the vineyard to table journey. It includes courses paired with three LDV wines with recipes and great conversations. Space is limited to 20. Cost is $65 ++ per person and payment is required prior to the dinner.

Summer Vacation – Corks, Crafts, & Wine- A few days later on Saturday, July 15th is LDV’s  Corks, Crafts, & Wine Summer Vacation gathering. Bring your glue guns and glue sticks to create wine cork crafts. Sip wine, nibble on snacks and create wine cork crafts. $10 and includes a glass of wine.

To register for any of these events call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 LDV Wine Gallery is at 6951 E. 1st St. Scottsdale 85251. http://www.ldvwinery.com/

 

 

The 6th annual Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival returns April 22nd & 23rd

The Arizona wine industry continues to gain respect and popularity by showcasing wines from the unique terroir the Arizona desert has to offer. There is no better way to experience wines from a particular region or AVA (American Viticulture Area) than going right to the region to taste the wine and feel the soil which influence the way the grapes are grown and wines taste. The weekend of April 22nd & 23rd is the weekend that wine drinkers will gather in Elgin to celebrate the 6th Annual Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival at Kief-Joshua Vineyards.

Southeast Arizona Wine Festivals photos courtesy of Janelle Bonifield

The 2 day event will be a great opportunity for festival goers to not only taste the wines from the region but to also learn about what makes Southeast Arizona wines unique from other regions of Arizona, U.S.A and the world. The opportunity to spend the weekend in Arizona wine country among the vineyards and with wine growers and wine makers can make for a lifetime of memories.

Over 15 acclaimed wineries will be pouring new releases including Burning Tree, Pillsbury Wine Co., Callaghan Vineyards and Arizona Stronghold as the AVA celebrates its 33rd anniversary as Arizona’s first and only AVA and one of the 1st wine regions in the country to be given AVA status.

The exciting Southeast Arizona (AVA) was named one of the 10 Best Wine Trails in the United States by USA Today.

“We are once again bringing together wine makers from all across Arizona. This year we want to celebrate that on October 26, 1984 the Sonoita/Elgin Wine Growing Region was granted AVA status, making it one of oldest federal government granted viticulture areas in the United States.” – Kief Manning, Winemaker, Kief-Joshua Vineyards

When you’re not sipping on wine or speaking with wine makers, festival goers will be able to taste food from food vendors while listening to live music. The Chili Appreciation Society (CASI) will also be holding a regional two-day professional cook off  with attendees casting their vote in the People’s Choice Competition with proceeds to benefit Rotary International.

The festival goes from 11a.m. -5p.m. both days at Kief-Joshua Vineyards 370 Elgin Rd. Elgin AZ. 85611 with tickets on sale for $20-$40 at https://www.winegrowers.eventbrite.com/

 

 

 

 

Wine & Chocolate are a delicious couple on the Scottsdale Wine Trail this Valentine’s Day weekend

If you crave chocolate and wine the way I do and have some time this Valentine’s Day weekend then head down to the Scottsdale Wine Trail in downtown Scottsdale for wine & chocolate pairings at the 5 tasting rooms that make up the wine trail.

Winemaker & owner Curt Dunham & Peggy Fiadaca pouring at LDV Wine Gallery

Walk the wine trail Sat. & Sun. from 12 noon – 5pm for only $5 per tasting at each of the tasting rooms where guests can pair samples of Arizona wines with chocolates. This casual, no pressure tasting is great for 1st dates as well as long time lovers who want a unique and fun way to celebrate Cupid’s favorite day.

No matter what path you take along the wine trail here are the 5 tasting rooms pairing wine & chocolate this Valentine’s Day weekend.

Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room  7064 E. 5th Avenue

Su Vino Winery 7035 E. Main Street

Aridus Wine Company 7173 E. Main Street

Carlson Creek Tasting Room 4142 N. Marshall Way

LDV Wine Gallery 6951 E. 1st Street

For a map of the Scottsdale Wine Trail and more information check out. http://www.scottsdalewinetrail.com/

Scottsdale Wine Trail launches with 5 tasting rooms

Golf courses, world-class resorts and restaurants, pretty people and shopping come to mind when you think of Scottsdale, now you can add Arizona wine to the list of things to do as 5 Arizona wineries have opened tasting rooms in downtown Scottsdale and have created the Scottsdale Wine Trail.

Photo courtesy of LDV Wine Gallery
Photo courtesy of LDV Wine Gallery

5 wineries Part of Scottsdale wine trail

Set among art galleries, boutiques and restaurants, all 5 tasting rooms are all a short walk from each other and include LDV Wine Gallery, Su Vino Winery, Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek and Salvatore Vineyards. Guests can taste wines currently available and can purchase bottles to take and drink later.

All tasting rooms are run by the family owned wineries and bring the bottled wine from the wineries in northern and southern Arizona. Su Vino Winery allows customers to make their own wine in addition to the wine Su Vino makes on premise.

Tasting rooms are staffed by knowledgeable staff and family members who will walk you through your tasting as if you are at the winery. If you’re at the right place at the right time you may have your wine poured by one of the owners or wine makers just back from the vineyards or winery to give even more insight to how the wine is made.

“It was time to join forces and encourage residents and visitors alike to embrace our thriving Scottsdale wine scene. With five local tasting rooms, Scottsdale has become a wine tasting destination and the Scottsdale Wine Trail will be another way to enjoy locally produced wines and experience part of our culture,” said LDV Wine Gallery Co-Owner, Peggy Fiandaca.

swt passport

Whether your just being introduced to Arizona wine or have been a fan for years you can obtain a SWT Passport that offers discounts and SWAG when you complete the wine trail tasting program. For details about the SWT Passport and to sign up visit http://www.scottsdalewinetrail.com/

wine around Wednesday and events

Starting in the 1st Wednesday in January 2017 & every 1st Wednesday of the month the SWT will host Wine Around Wednesday encouraging residents and visitors to come out taste and support the tasting rooms.

December 15th the SWT will host a Santa Clause themed Wine around. Details are still being planned and updates can be found on the website.

Addresses and hours of each of the tasting rooms are

Carlson Creek Tasting Room 4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale. Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 8 PM 520-766-3000

Aridus Wine Company 7173 E. Main Street, Scottsdale. Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 8 PM 520-954-2676

LDV Wine Gallery E. 1st St. Scottsdale. (west of Goldwater Blvd & south of Indian School Rd.) Wednesday, 12-7 PM; Thursday – Saturday, 12-8 PM; Sunday 1-5 PM 480-664-4822

Su Vino Winery 7035 E. Main Street; Scottsdale. Tuesday – Wednesday, Noon – 8 PM; Thursday – Saturday, Noon – 10 PM; Sunday, 1 – 5 PM 480-994-VINO (8466)

Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room 7064 E. 5th Avenue; Scottsdale. Wednesday-Thursday, Noon–8 PM; Friday – Saturday, Noon – 9 PM; Sunday, Noon – 5 PM 480-423-2901

 

Exciting schedule of events for LDV Winery from October – December

Cooking classes, dinners and tastings are just a few of the events scheduled for LDV Winery to keep locals and visitors busy through the end of 2016. Below is a list of scheduled events for LDV with most hosted at their Wine Gallery at 6951 E. 1st St. Scottsdale 85251.

Photo courtesy of LDV Wine Gallery
Photo courtesy of LDV Wine Gallery

OCTOBER

LDV Sip & Learn Workshop – Candy Making and Wine

Sunday, October 9 from 4:00-6:00 PM

Just in time for Halloween! LDV Winery and NutWhats, local candy maker, present a candy making demonstration and discussion about wine pairings. $35.00 per person/$65 per couple (includes workshop materials, wine tasting, & nibbles).

Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822

Vineyard to Table Winemaker Dinner with Chef/Owner Chrysa Robertson, Rancho Pinot

Monday, October 10 from 6:00-8:00 PM

An intimate evening of great food paired with award-winning LDV Winery estate wines. Chef/Owner Chrysa Roberson and LDV Winemaker Curt Dunham create an incredible meal under the stars at LDV Wine Gallery.  $95++ per person

Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 to prepay reservations; space limited.

Holiday Little Bites Cooking Class with John & Bev Hersey at LDV Winery

Saturday, October 15 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Astonish your friends this holiday season. Sip, learn, cook, and eat at this fun interactive class. Everyone will be in the holiday spirit at your get-together with “Holiday Little Bites” that are easy, healthy, and scrumptious. Every guest will be begging for your recipes! John is a graduate of Classic Cooking Academy and Beverly is former owner of the Aaron Conant House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s historic Strawberry Bank.

$55 per person. Registration required. Space limited.

Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 to reserve your place, space is limited.

NOVEMBER

Cruise the Danube with LDV Winery

November 3-10

Call Mary at 602-578-8443 or Liz at 480-688-1461 (Frosch International Travel) for more information about sailing with LDV. Click here for brochure.

Call Mary at 602-578-8443 or Liz at 480-688-1461 (Frosch International Travel).

****Winemaker Dinner featuring LDV Winery at Rusconi’s American Kitchen ****

Monday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m.

10637 N. Tatum Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85028

5-courses of Chef Rusconi’s delectable eats paired with local wines from LDV Winery.

How to register: Call 480-483-0009

Vineyard to Table Winemaker Dinner with Chef Justin Beckett, Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail

Tuesday, November 15 from 6:00-8:00 PM

An intimate evening of great food paired with award-winning LDV Winery estate wines. Chef/Owner Justin Beckett and LDV Winemaker Curt Dunham create an incredible meal served under the stars at LDV Wine Gallery.  $95++ per person

Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 to prepay reservations; space limited.

LDV Sip & Learn Workshop – Cheese & Wine Pairing

Sunday, November 20 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Expand your palate by exploring the science behind the classic wine and cheese pairing. Wine brings out unexpected nuances in cheese, which enhances both aspects of this quintessential pairing. $35.00 per person/$65 per couple (includes workshop materials, wine tasting, & nibbles).

Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822

DECEMBER

LDV Sip & Learn Workshop – All About Chocolate & Wine Pairing

Sunday, December 4 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM

What makes wine and chocolate the perfect confectionery match. The workshop will discuss and taste wine pairings with locally made artisan chocolates. $35.00 per person/$65 per couple (includes workshop materials, wine tasting, & nibbles).

Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822

Vineyard to Table Winemaker Dinner with Chef Mel Mecinas, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

Monday, December 5 from 6:00-8:00 PM

An intimate evening of great food paired with award-winning LDV Winery estate wines. Chef Mel Mecinas and LDV Winemaker Curt Dunham create an incredible meal served under the stars at LDV Wine Gallery.  $95++ per person

Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 to prepay reservations; space limited.

For more information on Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, visit www.LDVWinery.com.

Arizona Vignerons Alliance to host 1st annual Alliance Symposium and tasting

The newly formed non-profit Arizona Vignerons Alliance will be hosting its 1st Alliance Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 5th 2016 at The Farm at South Mountain. The day long symposium will include educational seminars, a picnic lunch with a live auction and concluding with The Grand Tasting.

az-wine-bucket-index
Photo courtesy of Miguel Guzman

what is the Arizona vignerons alliance?

The Arizona Vignerons Alliance (AVA) was formed in early 2016 to help protect the integrity of Arizona wines with the help of winemakers and growers providing consumer education. Through their submission process in the spring, 65 wines from 17 wineries were awarded the AVA certification.

Photo courtesy of Miguel Guzman
Photo courtesy of Miguel Guzman

Alliance Symposium schedule and tickets

The 1st Alliance Symposium will offer attendees a unique opportunity to hear about what makes Arizona vineyards and wines special in local, national and international wine community. After listening to the seminars attendees can take what they’ve learned and taste the wines to see for themselves. There are 2 ticket options available for the event.

The Full Magnum ($165.00/ticket)
9:30-10 a.m. Check in Donuts & Coffee
10-11 a.m. Seminar 1: Exploration of growing regions through wines with Pavle Milic
11:15 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Seminar 2: Digging into Arizona’s Wine Regions with Elaine Chukan Brown aka Hawk Wakawaka
12-2 p.m. Rosé Picnic & Live Auction in the Stone Grove at The Farm
2-5 p.m. Grand Tasting: Sample Arizona’s Alliance certified wines and meet the makers behind your  favorite Arizona wines.

The Split ($65.00/ticket)
2-5 p.m. Grand Tasting: Sample Arizona’s Alliance certified wines and meet the makers behind your favorite Arizona wines

To purchase tickets, see a list of certified wines and get more information please go to http://arizonavigneronsalliance.org/#events

The Farm at South Mountain is at 6106 S. 32nd St. Phoenix 85042

 

 

 

Tasting some of the winners from the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition & 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

This Labor Day weekend wine & spirits personality Anthony Dias Blue made his way to the Arizona Biltmore for its Wine & Spirits Festival with Anthony’s Tasting Panel Magazine. I had the opportunity to speak with Anthony and got a sneak peek to taste some of the winners from his San Francisco International Wine Competition and some of the Double Gold winners from his 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition that were there this weekend. Here is what I found from tasting some of the wines and speaking with those in attendance.

The 2004 Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Champagne tasted fresh and lively with its tiny bubbles and dry, vibrant finish. It’s no wonder it took “Best in Show” in the sparkling category.

The 2011 Astrolabe Pinot Gris from Marlborough, New Zealand represented well for Pinot Gris from a country known for Sauvignon Blanc and gaining a reputation for Pinot Noir.

The 2008 Stoller Vineyards “SV Estate” Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills was poured and was well-balanced with fruit, oak and acidity in a way I often don’t find in PNs so I was very impressed. As was I by the Best Varietal Award for Pinot Noir from the 2009 Lawson’s Dry Hills From Marlborough, New Zealand which had softer tannins and drank well when I paired it with some of the meats and cheese’s being served.

The 2010 Alexandria Nicole Grenache, Destiny Ridge Vineyard from Horse Heaven Hills in Washington State was an interesting find from an area known for Merlot and Chardonnay. Lush and medium bodied it showed your typical Grenache fruit without being over the top. Not surprising it won “Best Grenache”

The 2010 Exile Shiraz from The Colonial Estate in Barossa was a laid back Shiraz with good fruit and a hint of black pepper and medium, dry tannins. It was pleasant surprise as many Shiraz’s tend to be over the top in fruit and not always food friendly. It was a nice to taste a wine of this caliber as it retails for over $200.

It came as no surprise to me for an Arizona wine to be poured along side the other winners as was 2010 Arizona Stronghold “Dala” Cabernet Sauvignon from Graham County. The softer tannins made for this to be a very drinkable wine now yet still age worthy for a few years down the road.

The “must have” of the tasting was the “Best Sherry” winner from Gonzalez Byass and it’s “Leonor” Palomino Sherry which mentioned to me by several other attendees and by the time I made my way to it, the last bottle opened was empty. With nutty flavors along with that of caramel and a hint of honey I could see why it was so popular and was glad to get some as moments after I poured a taste “poof” it was gone as the bottle was emptied by the next guest.

On the spirits side only the Double Gold winners made the tasting. I had to the chance to taste the very aromatic Cardinal American Dry Gin from North Carolina which is a must for the gin lovers out there. More to my liking was the EFE Raki from Turkey which is very much like Ouzo from Greece. This clear brandy is made from grapes, raisins and anise. I would’ve sipped on this all day long had it not been for Anthony himself bringing over the bottle of the “Best Rye” winner. That went to the newly released Knob Creek Rye Whiskey which had a lot going on in the glass and had a long, lingering flavor in your mouth. It’s small batch production made for a great way to end my tasting as I probably would’ve by-passed it.

On the chit-chat side with Anthony and some other wine and spirits enthusiasts talked turned to sports, travel and other non wine and spirits related subjects. I did get to catch up with the 1 and only Paula Woolsey, National Sales Manager from Arizona Stronghold Winery and was glad to hear that Arizona Stronghold and other Arizona wines were continuing to gain distribution around the country and in the cities of Portland and Seattle where they appreciate wines from other states other than their own.

Arizona Wineries Growers Assoc. 3rd Annual Festival at The Farm part 2

Here are 3 more wineries I visited with at the 3rd Annual Festival at The Farm last weekend.

Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards produces about 3,000 cases annually from their 21 acres in Cochise county. Winemaker Rod Keeling has been making wine for 13 years and his experience shows. I had the opportunity to chat with Rod and his daughter Cecelia while tasting 3 wines, with 2 of them being available only from the winery. The  2009 Three Sisters Syrah is soft, ripe with good fruit. It’s complexity and medium body give it a nice mouth feel. Plenty is available as they made 539 cases, quite a bit for an Arizona winery. The 2007 Home Place Reserve Syrah gets aged for 3 years in new French oak and delivers a soft start that leads to a full bodied wine. With only 96 cases produced this wine is only available at their tasting room and online, as is the 2008 Schaefer Boys Mourvedre. This 68 case production wine is spicy with dark fruit and is terror driven, showcasing their Rock Creek vineyard. http://keelingschaefervineyards.com

Kief Manning is the winemaker at Kief-Joshua Vineyards in Elgin is very well versed at wine making & the wine business having earned both an undergraduate & graduate degree at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Grapes are provided by their 2 vineyards with 60 acres planted to vines in Elgin and Kansas Settlement. Pouring 2 white wines and 2 reds at the festival all were good, solid wines. I was especially fond 2 of them. The 2010 Cephus is easy drinking blend of Chardonnay and Rousanne. Light and crisp this is a good food wine or drank by itself. His 2009 Magdalena is 70% Petite Sirah and 30% Barbera that has some earthy overtones and solid dark fruit qualities. Kief-Joshua is striving to be environmentally friendly by implementing several techniques in the vineyards and at the winery. I’m curious to see what Kief can do with Pinot Noir as he has some currently in the barrell. http://kj-vineyards.com/default.asp

Dos Cabezas Wineworks is owned by the Bostock family and Todd Bostock is their winemaker. Getting most of their fruit from Dick Erath’s Cimarron vineyards next door, Todd not only makes good wines, he is also experimenting with others plantings of varieties from from Spain, Italy and France. Making about 3,000 cases annually some of Todd’s stand outs were the 2009 El Norte which is a Syrah based blend and is dry, soft and spicy with medium tannins. The 2009 Red is Grenache based and offer good fruit and a soft on the palate. I also enjoyed the 2009 El Campo which is an interesting blend made mostly of Tempranillo and Mourvedre that I found spicy, with good tannins and fruit. http://www.doscabezaswinery.com/index.html

Arizona Wine Growers Assoc. 3rd Annual Festival at The Farm


The Farm at South Mountain was the scene for the 3rd Annual Festival at The Farm with over 30 wineries in attendance. Most have been making wine for years and several are relatively newcomers. My goal was to catch up with some old friends while at the same time meet some new friends who I’ve heard good things about. This is the 1st of a series of posts to come.

My 1st stop was at the table of Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, which specializes in Rhone varieties from Willcox in south east Arizona. Owner/ winemaker Curt Dunham was pouring 5 of 2009 reds that happen to be his 1st release. Curt who is a self taught winemaker was showcasing some food friendly, Grenache’s, Petite Sirah’s and his R.E.D which is a blend of Grenche, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah. Wines that were well balanced, with good fruit, medium tannins and hints of spice, Curt was able to produce wine with only 2 years of grapes on the vines. Less than 130 cases of each of the 5 wines are produced and all should retail for less than $30 each. www.LawrenceDunhamVineyards.com

I made my way over to Rob and Sarah Hammelman of Sand-Reckoner Vineyards, where they were pouring their 2010 Malvasia and Rose. Rob caught the wine bug when working at Callaghan Vineyards(read about them soon) on a summer off from teaching. He then graduated from the University of Adelaide in Australia and learned to make wine at Hewitson while down under. His desire to make old world Rhone wines became a reality in 2008 when he learned from the famed winemaker Louis Barruol of Ch. St. Cosme in Gigondas. Rob and Sarah currently have only 3 acres planted to vines and both do about everything themselves. The Malvasia has a great nose, crisp acidity good fruit and should be a crowd pleaser. A small crowd though as only 85 cases have been produced. The Rose is a blend of 65% Nebbiolo, 31% Sangiovese and 4% Syrah, and is fermented in neutral oak. A good food wine, it’s dry style has depth and a good mouth feel. Only 60 cases of this vibrant wine have been produced. If you can find these wines they both retail for under $30. http://sand-reckoner.com
The 1 winery that really put Arizona wine on the map in 1990s was Callaghan Vineyards and owner/winemaker Kent Callaghan still sets the bar for others. Pouring 5 reds from the 2009 vintage and a white blend from 2010.  Kent’s red wines are big and bold and offer deep fruit along with great aging potential. His 2009 Padres blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Syrah was a gold medal winner and judges favorite at the banquet the evening before the tasting. I’m excited to see what Kent could do with with the Graciano the he has planted along with other Italian whites he’s grafting for future plantings. He feels that Sonoita has great growing conditions for Italian white grapes.  http://callaghanvineyards.com

These are just 3 of the wineries I visited with at The Festival and in coming days I will post others and bring you up to speed on more of the latest and greatest that Arizona wineries have to offer. For more information on Arizona Wineries please go to http://www.arizonawine.org Cheers!