Yavapai College offering virtual winemaker symposium

As the Arizona wine industry continues to gain popularity and international respect those making the wine, the winemaker have two ways to learn how to make wine. One way is by hands on trial and error and learning along the way. The other is to learn from a school of wine-making then apply what you’ve learned in the vineyard and winery. Yavapai College is one of those that teach you how to make wine here in Arizona. The school has announced a one-day “Emerging Winemakers Competition & Symposium” on Saturday April 24th.

The virtual and free event will offer 2 seminars, 3 speakers, 7 judges and 1 Best in show winner from 9:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. The seminar & symposium is being organized by the Grand Crew, a student & alumni organization at the Yavapai College of Viticulture Enology at the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale.

“After canceling last year’s event due to COVID-19 safety precautions, we are excited to return this year as a virtual event for wine lovers throughout the state,” said the Competition Organizer Bill Anderson. “As one of our state’s fastest growing industries we created this event as a platform for those new to the industry to be recognized for their efforts in helping it flourish,”

The schedule of events is as follow

9:30-10:15 a.m. PDT

Welcome + Introductions:
Bill Anderson + Michael Pierce

Keynote Speaker: Jennifer Montgomery
Topic: Different Beginnings, Same Destination

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. – Seminar 1
Lisa Froncioni-Hai:
California Sustainable Winegrowers Alliance
Topic: Sustainability from Grapes to Glass

11:30am – 12:15 p.m. – Seminar 2
Philippe Corderey:
Introduction to Biodynamic Viticulture

12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Break for lunch

1:00-2:15 p.m.
Awards Presentation + Roundtable Discussion

To register for the virtual symposium head to their website.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR INVITES GUESTS TO BE “WINEMAKER FOR A NIGHT”

Fleming’s to Partner with Napa Valley’s Award-Winning
Raymond Vineyards for A Unique Wine Blending Event

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will celebrate the centuries-old art of wine blending with a unique event to be held at all 64 restaurant locations during the month of October. “Winemaker for a Night” will offer Fleming’s guests an opportunity to create their own personally blended wines using premium varietals from Raymond Vineyards, the award-winning winery in Rutherford, Napa Valley.

The event includes wine blending instruction and activities as well as generous food selections from Fleming’s Small Plates and Bar la Carte Menus served throughout the evening. “Winemaker for a Night” will take place on three different dates in Phoenix:

Tuesday, October 16

· Fleming’s North Scottsdale (DC Ranch) / 20753 N. Pima Rd., 480-538-8000

Friday, October 19

· Fleming’s Scottsdale / 6333 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-596-8265
· Fleming’s Chandler / 905 N. 54th St., 480-940-1900

Friday, October 26

· Fleming’s Peoria / 9712 W. Northern Ave., 623-772-9463

Reservations are available by phone only. The dinner is priced at $65 per guest (plus tax and gratuity).

“Winemaker for a Night” will be a relaxed and entertaining event with no special wine knowledge required and a lively program of activities including:

An exclusive video introduction to blending from Jean-Charles Boisset, Proprietor of Boisset Family Estates, the dynamic wine world visionary behind the transformation of Raymond Vineyards, and Stephanie Putnam, Raymond’s Winemaker.

A rare tasting of barrel samples of three single varietals by Raymond Vineyards: Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, California Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 and Napa Valley Merlot 2011.

A hands-on blending session using Raymond Vineyards varietals, with personal coaching from the Wine Manager at each Fleming’s location.

Wine blends have never been more popular and for good reason – it allows wine makers to create layers of flavors and aromas that make the sum greater than its parts. “Blending is the most important and creative action that any winemaker engages in, and for me it’s the most exciting part of the winemaking process,” said Maeve Pesquera, Fleming’s Director of Wine. “Our “Winemaker for a Night” event will allow our guests to experience first hand the choices and outcomes that a winemaker encounters when blending a wine from different grape varietals and vineyard sources.”