Arizona wines have come a long way, baby. Several amazing wines from around the state have made their way to high honors and recognition, and certainly into my home this year … and my glass. Any of these would all make great gift selections, as well as good cheer for sharing with family and friends.

Vignerons Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan of Arizona Stronghold Vineyard in Cochise County, AZ, offer up Nachise – a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Mourvedre aged in French oak. The 2009 release has a beautiful nose of concentrated dark fruit, mocha, tar, sweet cigar smoke, and hints of pumpkin spice. The hearty and textured mouth-feel is full-fruit jammy but balanced, with a multi-layered finish. This one will be super with that hearty holiday meal featuring roast lamb.

This wine commemorates Nachise, the youngest and fiercest of Cochise’s sons. After the death of his older brother Tazi, Nachise became leader of the Chiricahua Apache and resumed raids to reclaim his ancestral homeland alongside Geronimo.

Charron Vineyards, Vail, AZ, has added two new wines to its line-up. First, is the Merlot Blanc De Noir — another white wine from black grapes. This one is a drier version of the White Merlot, made by fermenting out more of the natural sugars. It pairs well with chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes.

At last, Charron now offers a 100% red Merlot, just in time for the holidays. This medium-bodied, well-balanced wine offers good structure and refined tannins. The delicious wine is easy to enjoy on its own or pairs well with grilled or smoked red meat and fish.

The Fool by Bitter Creek Winery is a blend of grapes from Jerome, AZ, and Willcox, AZ — 33% Cabernet, 33% Syrah, and 34% Zinfandel. Its smoky nose gives way to a zesty ripe berry taste with a smooth finish – another wine that will stand up to the strongest of cheeses and meats.

Bitter Creek wine labels feature Tarot card characters, created by popular Verde Valley artist Rick Wyckoff. I love the saying on the back of the bottle: “Going through life without a care, Just one step ahead of life’s challenges.” I believe I identify way too much with that sentiment; does that make me a fool? No, just a fool for a good wine, so I chose this one.

I’ve discovered the best way to finish off any holiday meal or gathering is Lightning Ridge Cellars 2007 Afterglow. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this dessert wine is only slightly sweet with a subtle cinnamon taste and finish. Its light style can be savored as the perfect finish to a perfect meal – you’ll likely want more than one glass of this one.  It’s even better paired with dark chocolate or fudge.

If you’re in the Sonoita area over the holidays, stop by the winery. Winemaker Ann Roncone will serve you up some of her own personal fudge recipe to demonstrate the power chocolate adds to this wine. Priced at only $15 per bottle, Afterglow makes a great hostess gift.

I wish to thank my newfound Arizona wine friends for introducing me to many magnificent wines, pleasant times, and good cheer. I look forward to pouring many more glasses of your grapes in the coming year.

Cheers to a weather-friendly 2011 for winegrowers everywhere!

Governor Jan Brewer will officially proclaim Arizona Wine Week (October 30-November 6, 2010) on Monday, November 1, 2010.  Arizona Wine Growers Association representatives will appear with Gov. Brewer at the Phoenix Public Market Urban Grocery & Wine Bar, 14 E Pierce, at 10:30am for the declaration.

This is the first such celebration week for the state. The goal is to create awareness of Arizona’s three wine-growing regions – the Verde Valley, Willcox, and Sonoita/Elgin – and their wines.

I’ll be among the runners in the Grape Stomp 5K in Phoenix tomorrow that will kick off the week’s activities. Other special activities this coming week include wine tastings and pairings at various restaurants. The celebration will end with the Arizona Wine Growers Association’s signature event, The Festival at The Farm, on Saturday, November 6. This event will feature more than 20 Arizona wineries, and attendees will have an opportunity to sample more than 100 wines. Check out the full schedule of Arizona Wine Week activities.

Enjoy the best of wines at the Tucson Culinary Festival

Don’t miss Tucson’s premier food and wine events at the Tucson Culinary Festival at Loews Ventana Canyon this weekend. Of particular interest to wine lovers, the Reserve Tasting will be held this evening on the beautiful patio of the Canyon Café.  The Reserve Tasting gives guests a rare opportunity to taste small production, boutique wines, seldom available by the glass, along with specially dishes created by Tucson Original chefs to complement the wines. This event is limited to 275 guests.

The Grand Tasting, will be held in the Grand Ballroom area at Loews Ventana Canyon tomorrow, October 30. Guests will enjoy an exceptional selection of over 100 wines and spirits from around the world, along with tastings of signature dishes from over 40 Tucson Original chefs. For tickets, call 520-334-1112 or 520-954-8803 for more information.

Roger Clyne makes fine music with The Pacemakers; makes a fine tequila too

It can’t all be just about the wine, can it?

A kickoff event for the Phoenix Tequila Fest kickoff is set for this Wednesday, October 27, at 2:00 pm at the US Airways Center Toyota Club in Phoenix. Exhibitors, media, and tequila enthusiasts will enjoy a special preview of the 2010 Phoenix Tequila Fest faire that will take place during the Fest December 11-12, 2010 at the US Airways Center.

The kickoff will feature the 2010 Margarita Challenge with the top 10 Valley bartenders competing. The winner will be honored at the Tequila Fest.

Tequila maker Roger Clyne of The Peacemakers will share the story behind his own brand of tequila, Mexican Moonshine, and preview his December 12 concert at the Tequila Fest.

Let them know you’re coming because participation is limited!

Whiskey sipping too …

While I’m blogging outside the wine box, the Pastiche Whiskey Club is hosting The Bushmills Irish Whiskey Story. Come hear the story and taste the whiskeys of Bushmills, with master of whiskey, Tom Turner, Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 5:30pm. Pastiche is located at 3025 N. Campbell. Seating is EXTREMELY limited, so please make your reservations. For reservations, please call 520-325-3333.