Category: wine country

Cove Mesa Vineyard wins medals at prestigious wine competition

Arizona wineries came home with a bunch of medals from the Annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 106 medals to be exact. Cove Mesa Vineyard brought home 31 of those medals including 6 gold and 19 silver, an impressive feat for a winery that produced its first wines in 2020.

The Verde Valley winery is owned by Emil and Cindy Molin where Emil is executive winemaker, and Cindy handles the business side of the business. The Molin’s aren’t new to the wine business as they were investors at Oregon’s Rex Hill Winery when they lived up that way before moving to the Verde Valley in 2015. The reason for the move was so Emil could attend Yavapai College earning an Associate Degree in Viticulture & Enology with Honors in 2016.

Today Cove Mesa Vineyards has 12,000 vines in two vineyards, Cove Mesa and Solair where they make European style red, white and rose wines. There are 8 planted varietals including Assyrtiko, Aglianico, Mourvèdre, Barbera, Teroldego, Graciano, Petit Manseng and Greco di Tufo. The Molin’s also source grapes from Southern Arizona’s Willcox region including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Sangiovese, Petit Sirah, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Picpoul Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, Vermentino, and several Rose’ including a Double Gold Award Winner.

During a recent trip to Italy to meet with European winemakers, sommeliers and restaurateurs their wines were tasted blind and positive comments about their old world style wines were shared and many thought the wines were from France. In 2022 they opened a tasting room in Cornville to share their wines and it’s been voted Best Tasting Room in Verde Valley in the two years it’s been open.

To see the list of Cove Mesa Vineyard wines that brought home medals visit their website and to see the full list of winners from Arizona visit WillcoxWineCountry.org

Arizona wines featured at Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival

For two days in March Arizona wines and pecans will be showcased at the 24th Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival. Downtown Camp Verde will host the festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 15th and 16th from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. and  11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The festival is again hosted by the Town of Camp Verde and the Verde Valley Wine Consortium.

Arizona wines from wineries across the state will pour their newest releases for purchase by the glass, bottle and case. In addition, there will be a very competitive Pecan pie eating contest, wine & pecan pairings, food trucks, a beer garden, live music and dozens of local artists. A few of the wineries in attendance include High Lonesome Vineyards, Bodega Pierce, Oak Creek Winery and Page Spring Cellars.

The all-ages festival is free to attend and wine tasting tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or $25 the day of. A commemorative glass and 6 wine tasting tickets are included in the price and additional tickets can be purchased.

For more information and to buy tickets visit their website.

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.

Arizona Wine Month is here and the Grand Festival is weeks away

Last year Governor Ducey proclaimed March Arizona Wine Month and March 25th the Arizona Wine Growers Association hosts an outdoor festival celebrating the local wine industry. The 2nd Annual Arizona Wine Month Grand Festival and Governor’s Cup Celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. at Steele Indian School Park that is sponsored by ArizonaWines.com and Dawning Public Relations. Wineries from the state’s three wine regions Verde Valley AVA, Willcox AVA and Sonoita/Elgin AVA will be in attendance.

“With March officially being Arizona Wine Month, and the Governor’s Cup wine competition being held that month as well, we had to take this opportunity to celebrate this thriving industry, the state’s award-winning wines and the winemakers who make it all possible,” said Kris Pothier, president of the AWGA and owner of Chateau Tumbleweed.

In addition to award-winning wines food trucks and local artists will be on hand. There will be live music to entertain festival goers as well. General admission tickets are $35 online and $45 at the door. Admission includes a commemorative glass and 8 tasting tickets. VIP tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door with entry at 10 a.m. and extra tasting tickets. Tickets are non-refundable. Because of limited parking, ride sharing and arriving by light rail is encouraged. This is a 21+ event and only service dogs will be allowed and the festival is happening rain or shine.

To see a full list of participating wineries and to purchase tickets visit the AWGA website or Eventbrite.

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

The Camp Verde Wine & Pecan Festival is back for its 22nd year

Downtown Camp Verde celebrates two of the region’s biggest draws Saturday and Sunday March 18th and 19th with the return of the 22nd Annual Camp Verde Wine and Pecan Festival. Fifteen of the region’s best wineries, food trucks, live music, a variety of pecans, a competitive pecan eating contest and more will keep attendees busy during the two day event.

The Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the Town of Camp Verde host the annual festival. “The Verde Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) has achieved so much acclaim since its designation in 2021 that we are expecting a great turn out this year,” said Parks & Recreation Manager Michael Marshall.

Bodega Pierce, Salt Mine Wine and Burning Tree Cellars are a few of the wineries pouring wine starting at 11 a.m. Live music starts at 12 p.m. with Eric Ramsey on Saturday and Chicago Bob & The Blues Squad on Sunday.

The festival is free to attend and open to all ages. Those 21 and over can purchase tasting tickets in advance for $20 at http://www.verdevalleywine.org/  or Eventbrite. Day of tickets are $25 and all tickets include a commemorative glass and 6 tasting tickets. Additional tickets will be available for purchase at the festival.

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

 

Tickets on sale for Off the Vine Arizona Wine Festival

Just in time for the holiday shopping season tickets are on sale for the “9th Annual Off the Vine Arizona Wine Festival” on Saturday, February 23rd 2023. Over 30 wineries will return to Oro Valley’s Steam Pump Ranch for the 6 hour event hosted by the Arizona Wine Growers Association.

“After multiple sell-out years, we were able to work with the Historic Steam Pump Ranch and nearly double our footprint for this year’s festival,” said Kris Pothier, president of the AWGA and owner of Chateau Tumbleweed. “This will not only allow for more attendees, but more wineries, food vendors and ample parking.”

8 local food trucks will have food to purchase and artists will be in attendance along with live music to entertain festival goers. Taking the stage will be Heather Hardy Trio (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.), Paul Green and Midnight Blue (12:30 – 2:30 p.m.) and Matrix featuring Lexa Raquel (3 – 5 p.m.). A few of the wineries pouring include Callaghan Vineyards, Los Milics, Carlson Creek, Winery 101 and Garage -East.

“Given the year over year success of the event combined with the extra space available, we are now also adding a VIP option for attendees that will include early admission, a wine tote swag bag, and a parking pass,” said Pothier. “There is also a limited opportunity for guests looking for some seats and shade to reserve a picnic table with an umbrella and seating for eight, which are $250/each and include one VIP ticket.”

The festival goes from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. with general admission tickets on sale for $30 per person and VIP tickets are $70. If any tickets remain the day of the event they will be $40 each. Tickets are available at Eventbrite or www.offthevine.com For more information visit the Arizona Wine Growers Association website.

Paso Robles wine tasting coming to Scottsdale

You don’t have to travel to the California coast to taste good wine, although I recommend that you do, as The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is coming to Scottsdale later this month. Just as the 2022 harvest is coming to an end more than 20 wineries with over a 100 wines will be at The McCormick Scottsdale Resort on Thursday, October 27th at 6:00 p.m.

In addition to wines guests will enjoy appetizers and Paso- based good such as olive oil, honey, spirits and more from Travel Paso. The region halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco has more than 40,000 acres of vineyards and over 200 wineries.

“The Paso Robles region is so excited to bring our wines and winemakers to Scottsdale,” said Joel Peterson, executive director of the Wine Country Alliance. “The Phoenix and Scottsdale area has long loved the wines from Paso Robles and the direct flights make it easier for us to connect.” Flights to San Luis Obispo can have you there in about 2 hours and sipping on wines shortly after arrival.

Award winning wines from large and small wineries will be poured from Eberle Winery, Tooth & Nail Winery, DAOU (featured photo) and more. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at the Wine Country alliance’s website.

Winery to host Wine Country BBQ in August

Not a whole lot happens in Arizona during the summer but something you can count on is the Wine Country BBQ hosted by LDV Winery in Pearce. On Saturday August 6th, in the foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona winery owners Peggy Fiadaca and Kurt Dunham host wine club members and guests for their annual celebration of the harvest in progress.

The fun starts at 11:30 a.m. with lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p..m. followed by tours until 4 p.m. Lunch will of course be paired with award-winning wines and the educational tour will visit the winery and vineyards. Taking pictures is encouraged as the property has picturesque views and lots of natural beauty.

Those looking to spend the night are encouraged to speak with Peggy about nearby lodging. Those with RVs or looking to camp (bring your own tent,etc) are invited to spend the night “amongst the vines”. Cost is $40 per person and $30 for wine club members. Lunch, a glass of wine and a tour are all included. You can register to attend here or call or email Peggy at 480-664-4822.

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.

Pillsbury Wine Co. & Wild AZ Cuisine pair up for 2 nights

In conjunction with the Willcox Wine Festival, the winery and Chef Brett Vibber host a four-course dinners next Friday and Saturday May 20th & 21st. The dinners will be at Pillsbury’s Willcox vineyard and wines will be available for purchase. Dinner start at 6 p.m. and seats are $65 per person and can be reserved by calling Valerie at 949-466-1054.

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers donates to Barrow Neurological

Celebrating National Burger Month all 12 locations will donate a $1 of each weekly specialty burger sold throughout the month. $1 of each Michelob Ultra 22oz. draft will also be donated to the Ivy Brain Tumor Center and Barrow Neurological Foundation. May 9 – May 15: Santa Fe Burger. Pepper Jack, Pickled Red Onion, Green Chile Relish, Chipotle Aioli. May 16 – 22: Asian Burger. Asian Slaw, Sriracha Mayo, BBQ Sauce. May 23 – 31: Mushroom Burger. Swiss, Mushrooms, Bacon, Teriyaki Sauce. Each week’s burgers are $15 and include a side of house made chips.

Barnett Vineyards wines poured at Hearth ’61 Sunday Supper Club

The May 15th dinner also welcomes Pat Duncan, an organic farming pioneer for a five course dinner from Chef Wiley including the best from Pat’s farm. Sourced from their 40 acres atop Spring Mountain the wines showcase the characteristics of grapes grown in Napa Valley’s higher elevations. Dinner is starts at 6 p.m. and seats for this special dinner are $189++ per person with reservations required.

New Summer menu now available at Z’ Tejas

Until September guests can enjoy new dishes from Executive Chef Diego Bolanos throughout the menu at the Scottsdale and Chandler restaurants. Crab Artichoke Dip, Berry Steak Salad, Caribbean Chicken & Mango Coconut Cheesecake Parfait are a few of the new offerings. New craft cocktails include a Paleta Margarita, Michelada, Mojito and a Margarita Flight.

Sid’s Garage opens Monday, May 15th in north Phoenix

The restaurant known for over the top burgers and boozy shakes opens their first Arizona location at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Check out what to expect at this post from last month.

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.

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.