As the grapes in Arizona’s wine county begin to awaken from their winter slumber, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards is throwing a party. It has been 5 years since the vineyard planted its first wine grapes in the Chiricahua Mountain foothills in Cochise County.
“What a journey it has been from thinking about the next phase in our lives to ending up buying 40-acres to plant wine grapes and producing wines,” said Curt Dunham owner/winemaker at Lawrence Dunham Vineyards. The winery is getting ready for the annual planting season, with fingers crossed that the cold weather is done for another year.
The winery has become known for full-bodied Rhone varietal wines, particularly Petite Sirah. The vineyards’ 2009 Petite Sirah was awarded 88 points from Wine Spectator Magazine. “Plush, velvety,” and “solid range and character” were all descriptors used by James Molesworth to describe Lawrence Dunham Vineyards’ first vintage 2009 Petite Sirah made from 100% Arizona estate grown grapes. Mr. Molesworth evaluates wines from the Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, and South Africa for the internationally-respected publication. Our winemaking process includes processing small batches of grapes, handled very gently, which we believe creates an extraordinary mouth-feel and well-balanced flavors,” said Dunham. “This was our first vintage and I was thrilled that my vision for this wine was interpreted and recognized by such a prestigious publication.” Help Lawrence Dunham Vineyards celebrate its first five years of the grape to glass journey.
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2013; 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
$8.00 (includes wine flights, birthday cake, discounts, & other celebratory activities)
Winery Location: Lawrence Dunham Vineyards
13922 S. Kuykendall Cutoff Rd.; Pearce, AZ
More Information: 602-999-5626; http://www.lawrencedunhamvineyards.com/
