Willcox Wine Festival coming for 2 days in May

As festival season continues its march towards the quiet time of an Arizona summer one of the last festivals is on the calendar in May. The Willcox Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 17th & 18th with the bi-annual event hosting a Winemakers Dinner, Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Willcox Community Center with the festival at 130 N. Railroad Ave.

The popular growing region of southeastern Arizona with its arid and Mediterranean like terroir and weather is known for growing Rhone varietals including Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre and other varietals such as Malbec and Tempranillo. The region is home to many wineries and vineyards with 17 of them pouring their wines at the festival. Wineries scheduled to be pouring wine include Pillsbury Wine Co. Copper Horse Vineyard, Golden Rule Vineyards and others. A beer garden and food trucks will be on hand along with local artists, craft vendors and live music.

Tickets for the Willcox Wine Festival and Winemakers Dinner are on sale online for $35 on Saturday, $30 on Sunday, $15 for beer tasting and $75 for the Winemaker Dinner. Tickets will be available at the door for an additional $5-$10. All tickets for the festival include 10 tastings and a commemorative glass.

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.

 

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers Winemaker Dinner Series

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa has announced their lineup for their Winemaker Dinner Series for the rest of 2019. The dinners will feature California wineries paired with a delicious four-course menu prepared by chefs Juan Solorio & Joaquin Estolano Jr.

Dinners will be held in the resorts Alto Ristorante e Bar and will start with an appetizer and wine reception at 6:30 followed by dinner at 7. I recently had the opportunity to taste the several dishes prepared by the creative culinary team and guests are in for an epicurean experience. To see what I dined on visit my Instagram @SandyWass.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa’s Winemaker Dinner Series.

Nickel & Nickel -Thursday, May 23, 2019

Established in 1997, Nickel & Nickel are devoted exclusively to producing 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines that best express the distinctive personality of each vineyard.

Joseph Wagner Wines -Thursday, June 20, 2019

A family of fine wines, Joseph Wagner is made from some of the best regions in California.

Frog’s Leap- Thursday, July 18, 2019

Adhering to the premise that the greatest wines are those that truly reflect their soil, climate and circumstance. Frog’s Leap believes the winemaker’s role is to stand back and let the natural beauty of grapes show through.

BV (Beaulieu Vineyards)- Thursday, August 15. 2019

Founded in 1900, BV continues with the spirit of innovation to produce exceptional wines that stand among the world’s finest.

Duckhorn- Thursday, September 19, 2019

Over the past 40 years, Duckhorn has established itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Napa Valley wines.

The per person price for June through September is $95++.

Orin Swift- Thursday, October 17, 2019

Combining excellent wines with creative labeling, Orin Swift has grown very fast to become one of the wines most enjoyed.

Plumpjack- Thursday, November 14, 2019

Their wines are a reflection of their unique terroir, the passion and precision of their winemaker, and their commitment to craft wines consistently express the distinct qualities of their estate vineyards in the Oakville appellation.

ZD- Thursday, December 19, 2019

Over three generations, their passion for wine has gained ZD the recognition as one of Napa Valley’s favorite offering unrivaled world-class wines.

The per person price for October through December is $115++.

Reserve your seat

Because seats are limited, reservations are required. To make a reservation call (480)444-1234 ext. 8650. Repeat guests will receive 10% off the new dinner. To see menus as they are planned visit their website. Wines will be available for purchase at a discounted price.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa is at 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale 85258.

Robert Craig Winery Winemaker dinner at Tavern Americana set for April 21st

North Scottsdale’s Tavern Americana is set to host a Winemaker Dinner with Robert Craig Winery, with CEO Elton Slone in attendance to talk about the winery, Robert Craig, the pairings and more. The dinner is set for Thursday April 21st at 6:00 p.m.

Three Courses Paired with Robert Craig Wines are…….

1st course- Petit frisee and mixed green salad, razzcherries, candied walnuts, cherry infused red wine vinaigrette, paired with Affinity Cabernet

2nd course- Beef tenderloin, roasted root vegetables (carrots, turnips, beets), Blue cheese bread pudding, Blackberry demi glace, paired with Howell Mountain Cabernet

3rd course- Razzleberry pie, topped with local raspberry sorbet paired with Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Cost for this dinner is $65/PP++ and reservations are required.

Tavern Americana is at 20469 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-6740
urbantaverngroup.com