Over 30 wineries will celebrate the best Arizona wines on Sat., Nov. 17, at the fourth annual Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) Festival at The Farm. Shake hands and drink the wine of Arizona’s own grape farmers and wine producers in the picturesque and peaceful pecan groves of Phoenix’s intimate The Farm at South Mountain

Participating wineries will represent growing regions from the Verde Valley in the north, Sonoita and Elgin in the south, and Willcox in southeastern Arizona.

As a nod to Arizona wine’s rich history, the festival is an officially-sanctioned Arizona Centennial event. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is limited to 1,000 guests. Adult guests over 21 with I.D. only, please.

The festival will include:

• Wine tasting with 31 participating Arizona wineries
• Picnic lunch prepared by The Farm Kitchen; tasty treats from other local Arizona favorites
• High-energy live auction for great prizes
• Educational seminars including food & wine pairing with Chef LaPrad from Quiessence and Curt Dunham, winemaker from Lawrence Dunham Vineyards

The festival will be preceded by a special event on Friday, Nov. 16. The Celebration of the Arizona Wine Growers is an opportunity to mingle and meet winemakers from across the state. The event is 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm at South Mountain.

The winemaker celebration is open to the public but capped at 150 guests. This special evening includes an awards reception followed by a specially prepared appetizers using local produce by Quiessence Executive Chef Greg LaPrad. Each course, from appetizers to desserts will be paired with the winning wines from the 2012 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.

Ticket information for both the Celebration and Festival is available online.

“Novice or aficionado, this is a can’t-miss event for wine lovers to meet the folks behind the rising Arizona wine movement,” said Peggy Fiandaca, president of AWGA. “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.”

This Festival at The Farm is widely considered to be Arizona’s best showcase for its fine wines. Arizona is home to 63 licensed and bonded wineries operating throughout the state, and vineyards represent small, family-owned, low-water-use agriculture. The money raised from the festival goes to the AWGA’s commitment to advancing with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona wines. The industry creates jobs and keeps dollars in Arizona.

“The Arizona wine industry continues to grow and expand at a rapid rate despite the sluggish economy. Every year, more Arizona wines are being recognized for their outstanding quality and uniqueness. There is a growing buzz that Arizona is becoming the next great wine region in the U.S.” concludes Fiandaca.

Cheers, see you at The Farm!

Shannon, Amanda, Megan–our hosts and chef for dinner in the vineyards at AZ Hops & Vines

Thank so much to Shannon Austin Zouzoulas and Megan Austin Haller of AZ Hops & Vines in Sonoita, AZ, for hosting a fabulous evening of remarkable foods, GREAT wines, fantastic people, and good cheer, on Saturday, August 17. Amazingly, they managed to keep that great storm-filled lightning-flashing weather at a peaceful distance, as a couple dozen friends of the winery dined overlooking the view under the sometimes star-studded sky.

What better way to showcase the offerings in your wine portfolio than to pair each with a superbly prepared dish? A hat tip to Allison Embacher for the cooking; she’s a true chef extraordinaire. You out-did yourself, girl!

One of my favorite combinations was the AZ Hops & Vines Summer (a blend of 44% CA Verdelho, 44% CA Albarino, and 12% Sauvignon Blanc from Lightning Ridge Cellars, AZ) with the cervices-style shrimp cocktail in its delightful avocado-pineapple salsa. The wine’s clean mineral undertones combine with a somewhat oaky passion fruit flavor, and it really took the shrimp cocktail and salsa to new heights.

Another to-die-for dish on the ambitious menu was dark-chocolate panna cotta with smoked salt and cayenne—I could have gone for seconds on this, and I’m not a dessert sort of girl. Must be because it was paired with a Hops & Vines fan-favorite, The Fluffer, which provided perfect balance to the dessert’s kicky flavor. This Muscat (grapes from New Mexico) is sweet, crisp, and fruity with a clean finish—the perfect ending to a tremendous meal and evening.

The next big event scheduled for AZ Hops & Vines is its first annual Great Crush Festival, Saturday, September 8, 11:00am to 4:00pm. There’ll be music, food, Dragoon beers, and wines, of course, for only $10 per person for a souvenir glass and a taste of each wine and beer. As always, the Sober Shack will be serving up super special sodas with activities to keep the kids busy.

CHEERS to you Shannon and Megan; love you both, and thanks once again. You are both simply brilliant… doing what you love.

Kief Joshua’s Magdalena Bash

Kief Joshua and Grandma Magdalena planning the party

Join the Kief Joshua Vineyard family’s Magdalena Bash, this coming weekend, August 25, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. This is a celebration to honor Grandma (for whom the KJV Magdalena is named), who turns 93. She may be on hand to sign some bottles of her signature wine.

The event will showcase new wine releases, and feature entertainment by Jeordie, daughter of 1960’s pop-star Melanie. She’ll even sing her mother’s hit single, “I’ve Got A Brand New Pair of Roller Skates” along with other hits such as “Red, Red Wine.” Food will feature chicken wings and sandwiches by Locally Arizona. Wine tasting of $5 includes a souvenir glass.

Cheers to your birthday Grandma, enjoy!

Julia also is known for her thought, “You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces—just good food from fresh ingredients.” That may just be the mantra of Renee Kreager of Renee’s Organic Oven. This week was my first experience dining in this sweet little nook of a Tucson restaurant at 7065 E Tanque Verde, and it will not be my last.

I chose the “Slice and a Glass” from the lunch menu for $8.00, and was more than pleased with my selection. The slice of pizza was a plate-sized portion of the good stuff. It was based on gluten-free crust (full and tasty, not the cardboard flavor I had come to expect), and featured fresh basil, crushed garlic, feta cheese, and two fresh vegetables of my choice—mushrooms and green peppers. The vegetables were warm but still crisp on delivery, and the garlic and basil married, celebrating with every bite.

The house red wine served was a certified organic (no added sulfites) Badger Mountain Pure Red—a tasty blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 24% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc—which hails from Washington’s Columbia Valley. It pleased me with a juicy and bright, slightly acidic taste with layers of cherry, vanilla, and a light spice. Perfect with that party that was going on with the pizza.

Julia would be certainly proud that Renee has combined fresh ingredients with a good wine for just the right touch. Bon Appetit! (I always wanted to say that.)

Coronado Vineyards Grape Crush

We move from Julia to another favorite mentor, Lucy, I’m wondering how many people ever wanted to duplicate her infamous to stomp around in a barrel of grapes. Now is your chance; no stomping experience necessary. Awarding winning Coronado Vineyards 6th Annual Grape Stomp is happening this weekend, August 18th and 19th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm both days. The event features two days full of festivities with live music, featuring GRIND Saturday and BUZZ & THE SOUL SENDERS on Sunday, food, and, of course, wine tasting. It’s your chance for a firsthand experience in winemaking.

Take the whole family for this festive Italian-tradition. Adults are $10 and admission includes a souvenir wine glass, all the grapes you can stomp to live music, and a wine tasting of the winery’s current releases.

Coronado Vineyards is located just a short trip east from Tucson at 2909 E Country Club Drive, in Willcox, Arizona.

Grape to Glass Symposium Teaches about Sustainable Farming Practices, Pairing Wine/Food

On Saturday August 25, 2012, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards invites you to help them celebrate this year’s harvest. Participants can learn more about the wine grape-growing and winemaking process at the 3rd Annual Grape to Glass Symposium, held at the winery in Pearce, Arizona. The event includes a tour of the vineyard/winery with the winemaker and gourmet lunch paired with Lawrence Dunham Vineyards’ wines. Lunch features locally-grown cheeses and produce, as well as mesquite-grilled beef paired with the winery’s Petite Sirah that received 88 points from Wine Spectator (2nd highest rating for an Arizona grown wine), grilled salmon and shrimp, perfectly paired with Sky Island Grenache, plus a variety of salads and desserts.

Cost is $65.00. Register for the Grape to Glass Symposium at (602) 320-1485 or online.

Wo(men), Wine, and Wellness for Girl Scouts

Now that school’s started, it’s time to take a deep breath and “wine down” at Wo(men), Wine, and Wellness, on Friday, August 24 2012, 6:00 until 8:00pm, at Self-Centered Yoga & Fitness, 4425 N Campbell Avenue.  Plenty of wine will be served along with live music, local gourmet food with Kuisine by Kathy, artwork by painter Calvin Hammond and photographer Liora Kutler, Aveda Spa attention, and jewelry by Ruby Jane. Win prizes, mingle with the community, and enjoy an evening of fun while giving to the Girl Scouts of Southern AZ. Tickets are online under Yoga Events for only $20 in advance & include a free yoga class pass. At the door price is $25 without a class pass. RSVP is necessary.

The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, fine art, outstanding wines, and amazing desserts hand-crafted by Tucson’s chefs using Girl Scout cookies. Chefs from Feast, Pastiche Modern Eatery, Kingfisher Bar & Grill, Bob’s Steak and Chop House, HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery, and The Abbey will be concocting the fare.

“This is the inaugural year for Cookies & Cabernet and we are very excited by the community’s response, especially the talented chefs who have teamed up with us to make this possible, and our wonderful host, Medicine Man Gallery,” explains Debbie Rich, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. “Cookies & Cabernet will help kick off the Girl Scout cookie season in style and of course allow our supporters to have fun and enjoy great desserts as well.”

And good wines, of course.

Medicine Man Gallery will be donating 20 percent of the proceeds from art sold that night to the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. Proceeds will help support Girl Scout programs for the 14,000 girls served in the Council’s jurisdiction.

Tickets to the event are $45 online and $55 at the door.

Cheers to a fun event!

1. Arizona winemakers enjoy a fantastic growing season with minimal adverse weather, experience healthy harvests, and produce stellar wines in 2012
2. Wine-producing friends everywhere continue to introduce me to new wines for reviews and those who plan wine-pairings continue to include me in the mix
3. Winemakers all continue to pursue sustainable farming and production practices
4. My wine-tasting pals regularly discover new wines to please their palates and share their experiences with me
5. I can persist exploring the subtleties of varietals and terroir, dig deeper into the history of wine and the wine-making process, meet and learn more about the people who make it all happen, and continue to create new and fun blogposts to share it all on Pour Me Some Grapes

I also wish for each and everyone’s responsible wine drinking–be safe out there, please!

Cheers to everyone for a very good 2012!

In 1980, there were less than 10 wineries in Arizona. Today there are more than 50 bonded wineries, with many more in the development phase. The number of vineyard acres has grown dramatically, and many new vineyards and wineries are planned. The state’s wine is surging in popularity, earning national acclaim from Wine Spectator to Sunset Magazine to USA Today. Arizona wine also has been served at James Beard House dinners and poured at the White House.

At least 20 of the producers of Arizona wines will showcase their talents outdoors among the pecan groves at the annual Arizona Wine Growers Festival at The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix this Saturday, November 19, 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the gate, although admission is limited to the first 1,000 people.

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

Don’t miss this chance to meet the folks behind the rising Arizona wine movement and sip the juice from our state’s beautiful wine regions. In addition to tasting the fruits of labor from more than Arizona wineries, participants can attend educational seminars that will be taking place. Here is the schedule.

People’s Choice Award Voting will take place from 1:30-3:30pm. Participants will taste some of the top scoring wines from the 2011 Arizona Wine Growers Competition. Choose the “people’s choice” winners and enjoy a lively discussion with the folks who are on the front lines selling Arizona wines. Hear from them regarding the challenges they face getting AZ wines out to the public.

Have you ever struggled to find the perfect wine to go with a special dinner? Or create the perfect menu to go with a terrific bottle of wine? Learn the answers to those questions at Food and Wine Pairing 101, 1:30-2:00pm. The secret about food and wine pairing is simple—there are no rules. The days of having white wine only with fish or chicken and red wine with meats are gone with the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day. Hear from two experts—highly acclaimed Chef LaPrad, Quiessence, and winemaker (and devoted foodie) Curt Dunham, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards—discuss the art of food and wine pairing.

Uncover the Mystery of the Wine Label & Other Wine Facts, 2:30-3:00pm. Some wine labels have a lot of information, some very little. You’ll learn from AJ’s Fine Foods cellar masters Mark Stanton, Sharon L Webster, and Steven Sphar what is required on a label, what the words mean, and what they would like to see more or less of on a label to help you learn about a wine and make a good buying decision.

From 3:00-4:00pm, join in at Celebrate AZ Award Winning Wines. The Arizona Wine Competition is conducted annually by the Arizona Republic with an expert panel of judges. Taste some of the winners from the 2011 Wine Competition and learn why the judges selected the wine as the best of the best. Each winemaker will provide the vision for the wine, background on how the wine was created, and discuss that vintage’s growing conditions that might have influenced the wine’s quality. Host and moderator will Richard Ruelas of the Arizona Republic; winemakers will be determined when the winners are announced.

"Embracing Mourning Leaves" by two TRUST artists (Archie Sutton & Xymyl) who worked together to create this completely original work of art. Mixed media copper and wood surround an original oil monoprint. Signed by both artists; must see in person to appreciate. Retail value is $1240.

Place your bid on wine, special dinners, gift certificates, and more at the Silent Auction from 1:00-3:30pm. Tom Johnson of TRUST the Gallery (located in the Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards tasting room in Willcox) tells me they have donated three pieces to this portion of The Farm event.

The event ends with a very lively Live Auction beginning at 3:30pm. Amazing auction lots include Chef/Winemaker pairings, vacation packages, and wine tasting experiences. The Chef-Winemaker pairings will include an opportunity to bid on a culinary and wine tasting adventure. This year’s packages include dinners for six prepared by the chef along with wines produced by the winemaker. Make sure to pre-register at the silent auction in order to qualify for some great giveaways!

See you at The Farm, this Saturday, November 19, 2011—Cheers!

Yvonne K. Foucher, owner of Tucson's CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room, records her thoughts in the People's Choice event at the 2010 Festival at the Farm.

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.

Owner Sam O’Shaughnessey is the chief cook and bottle washer at this quaint and charming restaurant, hidden just east of Tanque Verde on East Camino Principal. If you’ve never been there, you’re in for a surprise and a whole lot of fun. The varied menu–all made from scratch  (I couldn’t make up my mind!), upbeat and fun entertainment, and superb service add up to a delightful evening.

Sam prepared our salads and entrees that all agreed were superb. From my medium rare Petite Filet to my friends’ Delmonico steaks and clams and linguine, all were made-to-order–there were no complaints (and we can be a picky bunch). The parsley roasted potatoes were a nice added touch.

We ordered a bottle of the house red wine–the French Maid Cab, the perfect choice for the evening.  Blended with 10% Merlot and 10% Syrah for added depth and complexity, this rich, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon boasts layers of luscious black cherry and dark berry jam fruit with complementary notes of roast coffee, sandalwood, vanilla, and spicy oak–those rich aromas and flavors I most enjoy.

"Wild Women" Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen willl will be performing "The Greatest Songs of All Time!" at the Gaslight Theatre on Mon., October 17, 7:00pm.

Much to our delight, the famed Lisa Otey walks in (yes, THAT Lisa Otey), says a quick hello, and seats herself at the piano, face-to-face with our table. Somewhat surprisingly, our waiter Bobby Craig also took the stage, and his repertoire of all things musical combined well with Lisa’s rocking, boogie-inspired style.

We lingered at O’Shaughnessey’s much longer than typical, but Lisa and Bobby played right into our varied musical tastes–they seemed to know every song in the universe–from boogie woogie to blues to rock to country to swing and beyond.

Of course, the French Maid Cab was savory sipping as they sang. It had been a perfect match for the hearty grilled beef and rich pasta dishes we enjoyed. It especially complemented the shared slice of Ghiradelli chocolate cake, delivered with lit candle, as Sam crooned “Happy Birthday” and Bobby sang and swayed me to a very personal “Just In Time”.

Lisa will be playing at O’Shaughnessey’s for the next couple of weeks (open for dinner, Wednesdays through Sundays), so I highly recommend the show. Bobby apparently has sang all over the world, and in one word, his performance was “Wonderful”–also his favorite song. When he sang that song while seated at our table, the message filled my soul.

Sometimes, it’s not just all about the wine…but the right choice of wine can put the crowning touch on a fabulous evening. Thanks, French Maid, and thanks to everyone for making this such a special celebration. Cheers!

To help them celebrate this year’s harvest and learn more about the wine grape-growing and winemaking process, sign up to attend the second annual Grape to Glass Symposium held at the winery. The event is limited to 80 participants who will tour the vineyard and winery with the winemaker and enjoy a gourmet lunch paired with Lawrence Dunham Vineyards’ wines. Lunch features locally-grown cheeses and produce as well as mesquite grilled flat iron steaks paired with Petite Sirah, grilled salmon and shrimp perfectly paired with Sky Island Grenache, and a variety of salads and desserts.

Unique to this event is that the attendees participate in the state’s largest tasting panel. The panel input provides the winemaker valuable feedback on the upcoming 2010 blending process. Wines are evaluated throughout the maturing process typically only by the winemaker or trusted wine enthusiasts. The Symposium allows participants to taste and evaluate several different blends compiled by the winemaker directly from the barrel.

Lawrence Dunham Vineyards creates hand-crafted Rhone-varietal wines that reflect its unique Southeastern Arizona environment. The 5000’ elevation provides warm days, cool nights, mountain breezes, and four-season climate essential for quality wine production. The transformation that wine grapes go through as they journey from the vineyard to the bottle centers around the gentle handling of the grapes through the winemaking process.

“We process small batches and do not fine or filter our wines which we believe creates an extraordinary mouth-feel and well-balanced taste,” said Curt Dunham owner/winemaker. “The harvest that began this month is a critical point in the journey from grape to glass as it culminates the growing season and begins the transition to the winemaking process,” Dunham said.

“Harvest has begun a little earlier this year and the timing of the Symposium could provide an added experience for participants. The Viognier grapes have been harvested and we are hoping for a bit more hang time in the vineyard for the Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah. However, it has been warm and they are ripening fast,” said Dunham.

From veraison (grapes changing color) to harvest, the real skill of the vineyard manager comes into play as the weather is closely monitored. Last August, the Lawrence Dunham Vineyards received over ten inches of rain, a great deal more than the typical rainfall allowing them to reduce the irrigated water application. This summer rain has been plentiful too causing Ash Creek, which cuts the property in half, to overflow its banks.

Time will tell if the journey from the vine to the wine exceeds the winemaker’s expectations. But one thing for certain, the quality of the wine produced will be heavily influenced on the unpredictable journey from the grape to the glass.

Several spots are still available to experience this symposium. To register for the Lawrence Dunham Vineyards’ Grape to Glass Symposium email your attendance to info@lawrencedunhamvineyards.com or call 602/320-1485. Cost is $45.00 and includes lunch and wine, tours, and barrel tasting panel.

Willcox, AZ

Coronado Vineyards is adding three new wines to its family this weekend.

• Voodoux is a delightful blend of white wines seduced into releasing their inhibitions and ample fruitiness, while maintaining a delicate balance of glamour and allure—an excellent accompaniment to oysters on the half-shell and other tempting treats.  This wine is made to be enjoyed with someone you find extraordinary.
• The 2010 Riesling is a traditional German-style Riesling, pairing nicely with summertime fare, fruits, and cheeses.
• Coronado is also welcoming back the Two Heads Red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.  An old favorite of many.

A fun celebration for the three new wines for Coronado Vineyards will kick off this Saturday, June 25, from 10am to 4pm followed by the first Coronado Vineyards winemaker dinner at 6pm (reservations for dinner required).

Meet the winemaker behind the wine and learn about your favorite blends at Coronado Vineyards. Wine lovers and those just beginning to appreciate the grape will learn just how to pair their favorite foods and wine. Each person will take away a little information about wine to impress guests at your next gathering.

The winemaker dinner evening will begin with assortment of fresh appetizers prepared by Chef Zach and nicely paired with the new Coronado Vineyards Voodoux. The cold beef habanero blood orange vinaigrette salad will feature the vineyard’s new 2010 Riesling. Source verified pork medallions an apple puree, jasmine risotto and chef vegetables will delight palates when perfectly paired with the reinvented Coronado Vineyards Two Heads Red. Dessert is still ahead on the menu. A sweet finish to the evening with a delectable dessert paired sweetly with Coronado’s gold medal Dolce Veritas.

A meet and greet with Coronado’s winemaker, Philippe Liotto, will entertain and enlighten guests.

“This is Coronado’s first Winemaker Dinner and we are thrilled with the chance to have new palettes try our new additions,” says Jacque Cook, owner of Coronado Vineyards. “This event is new for us and will surely become a tradition for many years to come.”
Coronado Vineyards is located in the Willcox wine region.