Arizona Wine Growers Association will celebrate a year of national acclaim by raising a glass with the public on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, at The Festival at The Farm.

Shake hands and drink the juice of Arizona’s own grape farmers and wine producers in the picturesque pecan grove setting of Phoenix’s historic The Farm at South Mountain. More than 20 of the state’s top wine growers from the Verde Valley, Sonoita/Elgin, and Willcox regions will gather to showcase their finest wines at this interactive event. Guests will learn about Arizona wine production, participate in fun and educational wine seminars, and taste dozens of wines.

As a nod to Arizona wine’s rich history, the festival is an officially-sanctioned Arizona Centennial event. The festival is from1pm to 5pm, and is limited to 1,000 guests. Prior to November 10 (that’s tomorrow!) tickets are $65 for the public and $60 for AWGA members. Tickets are $75 starting on November 11, and at the door.

The festival will include:

• Wine tasting with more than 20 participating Arizona wineries
• Picnic lunch prepared by The Farm Kitchen; also tasty treats from other local Arizona favorites
• High-energy live auction for great prizes
• Educational seminars

“Whether they are a novice or an aficionado, wine lovers will not want to miss this chance to meet the folks behind the rising Arizona wine movement,” said Peggy Fiandaca, president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association. “Come sip the juice from our state’s beautiful wine regions all in one place, in one of the most wonderful settings Phoenix has to offer.”

The festival is preceded by a special event on Friday, November 18, 2011. The “Celebration of the

Arizona Wine Growers” is an opportunity to mingle and meet winemakers from across the state. The event is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm at South Mountain.

The winemaker dinner is open to the public but capped at 100 guests. This special evening includes an awards reception followed by a specially prepared four-course dinner using local produce by Quiessence Executive Chef Greg LaPrad. Each course is paired with winning wines from the 2011 Arizona Grower’s Cup and Winemaker’s Medal competition. Each of the winning wineries will be present to discuss their wine and wine-making philosophy. The cost for this special evening is $125 per person.

Wilhelm Family Vineyards hosting Patriot Salute Wine Festival

Head to Elgin, Arizona, this weekend, Nov 11-13, 2011, 10:00am to 8:00pm (except Sunday, ends at 6:00pm) for Wilhelm Family Vineyards second annual Patriot Salute Wine Festival.
Hosted by owners Kevin & Karyl, both Air Force veterans, this festival honors military families for their commitments and service to our country.

For a nominal charge ($15/person, free for non-tasters), festival goers receive a festival logo wineglass and then choose eight wines to taste from 25 choices—including Wilhelm’s new release ‘Patriot Salute’ and new chocolate ports (including white chocolate). Activities will include winery and vineyard Q&A tours. Winemaker suggested food-pairings will be offered by Prairie Chicks Catering (food sold separately). Friday and Saturday evenings will be celebrated around a bonfire and Saturday evening will feature a karaoke experience. Music will provide entertainment all weekend. There will be a jumping castle and games for kids, including face painting and temporary tattoos. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride on Sunday, and check out local vendors’ amazing products all weekend long.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at 1:23 pm and is filed under Arizona wines, EVENTS, Sonoita/Elgin region, Verde Valley Region, Willcox Region, Wine Events, Wine Pairing Dinners, Wine people. Tags for this post: Arizona wines, Elgin, Phoenix, Quiessence, The Farm, Wilhelm Family Vineyards, wine festivals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.