The Stagecoach Village Fine Art & Wine Festival pulls into Cave Creek for 3 days this weekend starting tomorrow Friday, March 7th thru Sunday. More than 85 food trucks, artists and live entertainment start at 10 a.m. each day. For those looking to sample some of Arizona best wines you’ll have to wait until 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Stagecoach Fine Art & Wine Festival is hosted by Arizona Wine Events and Willcox Wine Country. Both are leading promoters of Arizona wines and showcasing them at local events.
“Cave Creek’s rugged terrain and beautiful scenery, along with its small-town feel, make it an ideal location for the Stagecoach Village Fine Art & Wine Festival,” said Mike Pigford, Event Organizer and Owner of Arizona Wine Events. “Attendees can stroll around and relax in the tranquil environment while enjoying the artwork, entertainment, food and an incredible selection of wines.”
Early bird tickets are available for wine & beer tastings from between $15-$35 and are available at the door for between 420-$45. 10 tastings tickets are included and for wine tastings guests get a commemorative glass. Information and tickets are available online. Stagecoach Village is at 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd. Cave Creek 85331.
Arizona isn’t just home to many great restaurants, it also is home to many small artisan food producers. One of those is the newly re-located Gayle’s Chocolates in Cottonwood. Gayle’s started in Michigan in 1979 but was recently sold to Sedona residents, Michael and Andrea Portnoy. Friday September 20th will have the Portnoy’s introducing their chocolates at one of their first events, Vortex Crunch Event.
“Six years ago, when we tried Gayle’s we knew it was love at first bite. Now we are taking her creations and bringing them to the southwest. Taking inspiration from the Sedona Vortex’s our newest treat, the Vortex Crunch is sure to be a sweet and salty spiritual experience,” said Co-owner Michael Portnoy.
Carlson Creek Vineyards is partnering with Gayle’s Chocolates for the first of what hopes to be an annual event. Vortex Crunch is the newest addition to the line of homemade chocolates. Loaded with rice krispies, Michigan cherries, almonds, cashews, toffee, glazed orange peel, toasted coconut and a layer of semisweet chocolate. All ingredients combing for a sweet and salty taste.
Carlson Creek will pair their 2014 Rule of Three red blend and 2017 Muscat with the chocolates.
The Vortex Crunch Event will from 12 – 3 p.m. at Gayle’s Chocolates Willy Wonka like factory in their flagship store at 541 N. Main St. Cottonwood 86326. For more information visit their website.
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.
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/
