During Prohibition in the United States, the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors were outlawed. Can you imagine? The era was characterized by speakeasies, glamor, and gangsters; during this period, even the average citizen broke the law.

To celebrate this bygone era, Arizona Hops & Vines is hosting its own Speakeasy on Saturday, November 10, beginning at 6pm. Just like back in the day, you’ll need to know the secret password to get in, so check that out on their facebook page. Then get your gangster and flapper look on for one of most rip-roaring times of your life.

All of this hoopla is in honor of sisters Megan Austin Haller’s and Shannon Austin Zouzoulas’ new gold-medal award-winning wine, the 2011 Moxy California Graciano. Made from Lodi Graciano grapes, this deep-dark beauty will hold her own with even the most fearless gangster.

The back label teases:

Moxy

1. Intestinal fortitude

2. Self-possessed confidence with an attitude of daring

3. Vigor, verve, daring

They say you are what you drink.

Do you have the Moxy to handle this wine?

In addition to AZ Hops & Vines standard menu of hand-crafted wines, Speakeasy attendees can enjoy Sand-Reckoner wines as well as Old World Brewery’s beers.

Don’t worry about getting busted by the Prohibition agents. On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, making alcohol once again legal.  But you should worry about driving back to Tucson after all that fun. There are several B&Bs in the Sonoita area, just ask your hostesses for directions.

Boop-oop-a-doop!

Farming is a family affair at AZ Hops & Vine

About an hour east of Tucson on Highway 82 in Sonoita, Arizona, a start-up winery is pulling out all the stops with its first annual Bacchanal Festival, this Saturday, May 12, from 10am till 6pm.

The all-day Arizona Hops & Vines festival will include wine and beer tastings (featuring Borderlands Brewery microbrews), homemade root beer, and fantastic food from local Sonoita restaurants—including K&As Mexican food, Canella’s Bistro, The Steakout, Ranchouse, Viaggio’s, The Sonoita Café, Tia Anita’s Cantina, Civas Mias, Planet & the Crepes, and Santa Rita’s Table—paired with wines from Arizona’s best wine country, family crafts, a petting zoo with baby goats to feed, and more—something for all ages. I’m guessing  a few of their ‘signature’ palate-cleansing Cheetos will be available as well. There is a nominal $10 entrance fee (kids free) and $2 tickets for pairings.

Arizona Hops & Vines is described as a “cheeky little winery run by two crazy awesome sisters, Megan and Shannon, with a ton of help from their friends and their many children.” While their own grapes are still young, they feature a portfolio of a half dozen wines that will rock your sock off, that they’ve made with grapes sourced from Arizona, California, and New Mexico vineyards. My personal choice is Imbibe—a very full-bodied California Petite Verdot; but I understand that Hops & Vines The Fluffer has become a local favorite.

Hops & Vines sisters Megan and Shannon crushing grapes.

I am drawn to the spirit of the Hops & Vines winery by Megan’s and Shannon’s contagious enthusiasm and optimistic vision. They have entered into this venture with a good deal of firsthand grape-growing and winemaking experience under their belt, eyes wide open, and an extended family that doesn’t mind the hard work.

Let’s all gather to celebrate this first Bacchanal festival and welcome Hops & Vines to the growing fold of Arizona grape growers.

Cheers, I’ll see you there!