Category: Cottonwood

Local wineries to be featured at Verde Valley Wine Festival

Twenty local wineries will be pouring their wines in Downtown Cottonwood for the 7th Annual Verde Valley Wine Festival on the weekend of May 10th & 11th. Beer and wine will also be poured along with food trucks on-site with freshly made food for purchase. The City of Cottonwood and The Verde Valley Wine Consortium partner to bring the local wineries together to share the fruits of their labor.

The festival organizer, Paula Woolsey, said, “This event is the best way to celebrate Mother’s Day! It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate mothers while enjoying local wines and delicious food. The chance to meet the winemakers adds a personal touch, allowing attendees to learn more about their favorite wines directly from the source.”

Wineries including Cove Mesa Vineyard, Cella Winery and Grand Canyon Winery will be there along with Desert Diamond Distillery, Wild Tonic pouring non-alcoholic Kombucha & other beverages and The Belfry Brewery will be pouring beer. Campfire Grill, Craft Wood Fired Pizza and other food trucks will be serving up a variety of foods and several sweet treats will be available from Carolina’s Chocolate, Gia’s Toffee and Poppin in the Pines Kettle Corn and others. Live music, artists and other exhibitors will be on hand to entertain attendees.

Early Bird tickets are on sale starting at $20 with tickets at the door available starting at $25. 6 tasting tickets and a commemorative wine glass are included. Tickets for non-drinkers are $10, and all tickets can be purchased here with more information available at their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Final weeks at Pillsbury Wine Co. Cottonwood Tasting Room

April 13th is the last time at the popular watering hole in Central Arizona to taste the award-winning wines. Come grab some bottles, have some wines and hear stories of the good times had in Cottonwood. It’s open Wednesday – Sunday 12:00-7:00 p.m.

The fifth annual “Dollar for a Dozen” returns to Over Easy in April

The month-long fundraiser for Phoenix Children’s Hospital where guests at all 17 locations can donate $1. The restaurant will match by donating a dozen eggs to the United Food Bank for every dollar donated. Over $65,000 dollars have been raised for the cause since 2020.http://www.eatatovereasy.com/

Chateau Musar dinner at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion

Seats are going quickly for the Wednesday, April 15th dinner that will feature wines from Lebanon’s Bekka Valley. The reception will start at 6:00 p.m. and guests will hear about the wines and pairings guided by the expertise of Marc Hochar, wine director Jodi Bronchtein and General Manager Wesam Kawa. Seats are $550++ per person and can be reserved here.

Spring ’25 Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The Arizona restaurant scene get its twice annual boost with ARW from Friday, May 16th – Sunday, May 25th. The 10-day event has restaurants around the state creating prie-fixe menus for $33, $44, or $55 and includes well over 100 restaurants participating with at least 8 first time restaurants. On May 1st the website start posting restaurant’s menus for the event and will update as more restaurants join.

Pie ciders and Guinness on tap at Cider Corps.

Newly added to the downtown Mesa’s cidery’s tap program include American Apple Pie, Blueberry, Mixed Berry and Cherry Pie. Guinness has been added to create Snakebites with their cider and other craft beers are now available including beers from Flagstaff’s Dark Star Brewing and Coronado Brewing beers from CA.

Cottonwood to host 6th Annual Verde Valley Wine Festival

The city of Cottonwood is known as “The Heart of Arizona Wine Country” which gives it good reason to continue to host the annual Verde Valley Wine Festival. Wine drinkers, wineries and artists will come from around Arizona to a new site at Riverfront Park on Saturday 20th with the two day wine and culinary festival benefiting three non-profits who have helped put Arizona and the Verde Valley on the international wine map, The Arizona Wine Growers Association, the Verde Valley Wine Consortium, and the Arizona Vignerons Alliance.

The Verde Valley was given the AVA (American Viticultural Area) designation in 2021 by the federal government; the designation is important for the grape growers and wineries in the region as it gives credibility and demonstrates its quality in the world of wine. It’s the third region in Arizona to be given the AVA designation.

The festivities kick off Friday evening at the Old Town Cottonwood Clubhouse for the “First Crush VVWF Gala & Auction. The evening includes premium wines, culinary options from local restaurants, live music and a live auction. Guests can bid on exclusive wine & travel packages and unique items from local artists. Over 20 wineries are expected to pour at the wine festival starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The festival will include wine, food, arts & crafts vendors and live music throughout the day.

Tickets for the Friday night gala are $150 per person and Saturday’s tickets are $35 per person. The gala is open to all ages and the festival is for those 21 & over. For more information and to purchase your tickets visit their website.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Wines to flow at the 4th annual Verde Valley Wine Festival

After a 2 year hiatus the Verde Valley Wine Festival has announced that wines from Arizona’s newest American Viticultural Area (AVA) will flowing when the festival returns to Cottonwood on the April 29th & 30th.

The festival takes place on the Saturday the 30th at the Old Town Activity Park with a kick-off VIP platinum winemaker dinner the night before at the Old Town Cottonwood Clubhouse. More than 20 wineries are expected to be pouring their wines along with local breweries and distilleries. Dozens of food trucks, local arts, craft vendors and live music will feed and entertain guests.

“We are thrilled to be able to host the event again this year,” said Maynard James Keenan, director of the Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) and owner of Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards. “Guests will be treated to some of Arizona’s best wines, taste some great food in a picturesque setting and be able to learn about our growing viticulture. We look forward to welcoming back old friends and introducing newcomers to this great event.”

Festival organizers are working with both Arizona wine non-profit organizations the AWGA and the Arizona Vignerons Alliance (AVA) to ensure the quality and authenticity of the Arizona wines. The festival starts at noon for General Admission ticket holders and 11 a.m. for those with VIP ticket holders. The festival goes until 5 p.m.  GA tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are $125 and Friday’s winemaker dinner is $99 per person. The Platinum VIP Experience is $199 and includes Friday’s dinner and VIP admission to the festival on Saturday.

 

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards opens Scottsdale tasting room

Phoenix area wine drinkers now have the opportunity to taste and buy award-winning wines from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. This Friday January 7th the doors to their new Scottsdale tasting room will open welcoming Archive Club members and the public starting at 11:30 a.m. They already have a popular tasting room in Cottonwood and the Scottsdale location will be the 6th tasting room along the Scottsdale Wine Trail in downtown and Old Town Scottsdale.

Winemaker Jason McCluskey uses grapes from the winery’s Bonita Springs Vineyard near Willcox for their red, white and rose wines. Two newly released wines are being poured for the grand opening and select food items will be served along with specials on charcuterie boards. In addition to Arizona Stronghold wines, the winery makes Provisioner Wines in white and red.

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards’ Scottsdale tasting room is at 4225 N. Marshall Way 85251 and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. For more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Keeler Hospitality Group founder passes away

The Arizona restaurant community lost a good one this week when Paul Keeler sadly past away. He spent his career in the hospitality industry around the country running hotels & restaurants. He & his family owned Liberty Station Tavern in DC Ranch & Terravita, both in north Scottsdale and Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree. They also owned to restaurants around the country. My condolences go out his family.

Serrano’s “Pink Out” in memory of Stephanie Serrano is tomorrow

All four locations will remember co-owner Stephanie who passed away from breast cancer 2 years ago this month. A portion of proceeds from sales during the month of October special will be donated to local non-profit Check for a Lump. The October specials are Stephanie’s Stacked Enchiladas, Pink Out Margarita Sampler and Pumpkin Spice Churro Donut.

A few seats still available for Monday’s dinners.

Jewel’s Cafe in Phoenix is hosting San Francisco chefs Frank Gama & Victor Aguilera for cannabis infused dinners. There are two seating’s at 5 & 8 p.m. with details and how to reserve your seats in this post from a couple of weeks ago.

Gilbert Oktoberfest is next Saturday, October 23rd.

Local craft brewers, live music, food and games will be happening at Gilbert Regional Park next Saturday from 2 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 and on-sale now with children under 12 free.

Carlson Creek Vineyard releases new wines

Four hearty & bolder red wines are now available for the cooler temperatures. 2018 Rule of Three $33- 45% Malbec, 33% Grenache & 22% Syrah 2018 Malbec $47, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon $45 and 2020 Odyssey $50- a blend of Cabernet & Malbec. All wine make for great holiday gift giving and go well paired with the flavors of holiday meals. Wines can be purchased online or at their Scottsdale, Cottonwood or Willcox tasting rooms.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Firecreek Coffee Company opens first Phoenix location

Flagstaff’s Firecreek Coffee Company has opened its first Phoenix area location and fourth in the state, this week on Thomas Rd. and 46th St. It’s Founder’s Mike Funk’s second go round in the Phoenix coffee community after he opened Cafe Tech in downtown Phoenix in the early 1990s. He gained his coffee “know how” in the 1980s when he was in the coffee industry where else, in Seattle. He moved to Flagstaff to open his first location in 2008 with locations in Sedona and Cottonwood soon following.

“It’s extremely rewarding to be back in the Phoenix area and to be continuing the Firecreek Coffee legacy here in the Valley,” says Mike Funk, founder of Firecreek Coffee Company. “We can’t wait to introduce our unique culture to the Arcadia neighborhood and look forward to becoming a part of the community for years to come.”

Funk has been in every aspect of the coffee industry including building espresso carts, importing coffee machines, opening coffee bars and supplying hotels & restaurants with premium coffee. He plans to open other Phoenix area locations and a roasting facility at 16th St. & McDowell Rd. which will also double as event and concert venue. Firecreek Coffee Company

Firecreek offers small batch coffee, small bites and sweet treats made by pastry chefs in the morning and afternoon. Guests can enjoy quiche, toast options, salads, Paninis and pastries with their coffee drinks. Consumers have been buying whole beans at AJ’s Fine Foods and Whole Foods throughout Arizona and Firecreek supplies other coffee shops with their beans.

The Phoenix location is opened from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. with plans for longer hours in the future to offer craft cocktails and more. For more information visit their website.

 

Maynard J Keenan expands kitchen & hires chef at Scottsdale tasting bar

With the success and popularity of his Merkin Vineyards Osteria and Merkin Pizza Wagon in Cottonwood, owner & winemaker Maynard J Keenan gave the go head to expand his Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale tasting room. Keenan also hired Executive Chef Steve Zimmerman to take the helm of the new Morello Forni Cupola Dome wood-fired oven, imported from Italy and revamp the menu.

“Our dishes feature ingredients grown in our Northern Arizona greenhouses, gardens, and orchards, and we supplement with produce sourced from local Arizona growers,” said Maynard J Keenan. “Merkin Vineyards farm-to-table, vine-to-glass concept is the cornerstone of our success, and it’s a concept we intend to continue developing.”

The award-winning Zimmerman comes to Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale after a career in hotel restaurant management in his home state of Missouri and most recently at Tres Kitchen & Bar ion Tempe. “He’s the perfect culinary artist for our vision,” states Keenan.

The menu at Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale

The new menu includes ingredients from Merkins farm, citrus grove and orchard in the Verde Valley with additional ingredients sourced from local vendors and artisan producers. The new menu changes on a regular basis and includes many seasonal ingredients for its pizzas, pasta, salads and more. The Classic Margarita Pizza, the Calabrian with chorizo, schinken, bacon, calabrian chiles, fig jam and fontina cheese and the Crucifixen, features Merkin farm cruciferous veggies, roasted garlic, Parmesan spread, fresh mozzarella and fontina cheeses are part of the core menu.

Lasagna Cupcakes, gnocchi and Cacio e Pepe shows off Zimmerman’s creativity and attention to detail. Appetizers, charcuterie and few desserts round out the menu which can be paired with any of Merkin Vineyards Four 8 Wineworks and Caduceus wines along with their mead, cider and Puscifer sparkling wine. To see what I’ve tasted on several visits to Merkin Vineyards Old Town check out my Instagram feed.

Merkin Vineyards is located at 7133 E. Stetson Dr. Scottsdale 85251. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information and to see the menu check out  merkinoldtownscottsdale.com.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Stroll downtown Mesa’s Taco Tuesday Trail next week

This Tuesday July 20th the Downtown Mesa Association is hosting a taco crawl with several restaurants including Tacos Chiwas, Mangos Mexican Café, Margaritas Mexican Grille, Que Chevere, Downtown 12 West Brewing and Desert Eagle Brewing Co. For $20 you get 7 tickets for specialty tacos from participating restaurants from 4-7p.m. Several restaurants will have specialty cocktails available for purchase during the event. To purchase your ticket(s) head to their Eventbrite link.

Childhood Memories dinner at Pillsbury Wine Co.

The Arizona winery’s tasting room in Cottonwood is hosting the 5 course dinner that will remind you of your childhood favorites eats. Taste the Wild chef’s foraged twist on Fish ‘n’ Chips, Corn Dog, Monte Christo, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Nuggets & a Pop Tart. The dinner on Fri. June 23rd starts at 6 p.m. and is $98 plus wine. To make reservation call 949-466-1054 or visit their website.

New “Summertime Sips” drinks specials available at Nonna Urban Eatery

Until August 31st guests can enjoy cool & refreshing cocktails and wine specials Wednesday. – Saturday’s. Spritz Day Wednesday — Every hump day, guests can enjoy a Spritz for just $8. Thirsty Thursday — Get an early start on the weekend with half off select bottles of wine. Friday Bubbles — Glasses of Cava and Prosecco are just $8 each all day. Sangria Saturday — Enjoy glasses of white or red for just $8 each. For more information about the Old Town Scottsdale restaurant visit their website.

Seasonal dishes and cocktails are on the new menu at Los Sombreros

The Mesa and Scottsdale locations recently added several dishes and cocktails to the menu to celebrate summer. Watermelon Salad and Grilled Norwegian Salmon with pineapple are a couple of the new dishes. New refreshing cocktails include a Mezcal Old Fashioned and Sangria. Too see all the new dishes, cocktails and more check out https://www.lossombreros.com/.

2021 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The 14th year of the popular 10-day ARW kicks off in just about 2 months. Local foodies and those new to the valley can experience special 3-course menus at dozens of restaurant starting Friday September 17th – 26th. Each unique meal has be created just for the twice a year event and is priced at $33 or $44 per person. A new $55 price is also being offered for those looking for a more elevated dining experience. Over 60 restaurants have already signed up to participate with more signing on everyday. To see participating restaurants and the menus they will be offering visit their website.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast, Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Spirit of Arizona Tours announces wine tours to Scottsdale & Verde Valley

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.