The Arizona wine industry celebrated a banner growth year and hopes to maintain the momentum.

“Since year-end 2010,” said Peggy Fiandaca, recently re-elected as president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association, “AWGA has experienced a 27% increase in total revenues and membership with 45 master growers and 18 growers in-development. The 2013 vintage was large and there is much anticipation for the wine it will produce.”

Statewide, there are over 60 licensed and bonded wineries—up from nine in 2004—and more are in the development process. As the vineyards are being pruned and prepped for the beginning of a new season, the AWGA gathered to select its leadership for 2013. Together, the board will work to advance with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines.

Arizona Wine Growers Association 2013 officers (left to right): Casey Rooney, Barbara Predmore, Robert Carlson III, James Callahan, Peggy Fiandaca, and Kent Callaghan.

Joining AWGA President Fiandaca, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, will be:

Willcox Regional Vice President: James Callahan, Aridus Wine Company

Sonoita Regional Vice President: Kent Callaghan, Callaghan Vineyards

Verde Valley Regional Vice President: Barbara Predmore, Alcantara Vineyards

Urban Vice President: Cory Whalin, SuVino Winery

Treasurer: Robert Carlson III, Carlson Creek Vineyards

Secretary: Casey Rooney, City of Cottonwood Economic Development

The AWGA also recognized the dedicated service of outgoing executive committee members Fran Lightly (Sonoita Vineyards), Rob Hammelman (Sand-Reckoner Vineyards), and John McLoughlin (Bitter Creek Winery).

In the coming year, the AWGA will work to further expand membership and strengthen its financial position. The organization will continue to play an active role in legislation in Arizona and Washington, D.C. and work with the Yavapai College Wine Center and viticulture/enology programs to help it move forward with funding and support. Plans include a series of educational seminars for members and others interested in the wine industry.

AWGA has confirmed the dates for yet another signature event, Wine Festival in the Pines, to be held in Pinetop-Lakeside this June 14-16. Rest assured, Arizona wines will continue to receive increased attention from respected experts as well as national awards for quality and taste.

Cheers!

The Arizona Wine Growers Association Festival at The Farm in Phoenix is a spectacular annual event, featuring the fruits of labor of winemakers from all over the state. While it’s delightful to catch up with my favorite winemakers, this year I focused on the newcomers to the lot. They prove that Arizona wines have come a long way and all of the wines produced in the state are worth a second taste by wine enthusiasts everywhere.

Burning Tree Cellars 2009 The Lotus

Burning Tree Cellars features the efforts of co-conspirators, Corey Turnbull and Mitch Levy. Corey says he’s been working to make this dream a reality for the past four years, under the tutelage of Eric Glomski in the Verde Valley region. Turnbull and Levy’s efforts have paid off, as their wines earned two medals in this year’s competition.

I took a liking to one of the award-winners, Burning Tree Cellars 2009 The Lotus. This 48% Petite Sirah, 26% Merlot, and 26% Syrah blend is rich and supple, yet soft. Aromas of damson plum, black cherry, and dark chocolate and subtle notes of charred earth, coffee, and sage rewards with a long chocolate-y finish. This one would be a contender to any hearty meal—perhaps that turkey and dressing?

The Lotus fruit was sourced from Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, San Miquel, CA (Petite Sirah)
Bonita Springs Vineyard, Sulphur Springs Valley, AZ (Merlot), and Colibri Vineyard, Portal, AZ (Syrah). It was open-top fermented, cap-punched three times daily, and oak-aged 11 months.

Burning Tree Cellars wines are available only at the Arizona Stronghold tasting room in downtown Cottonwood, AZ, but you can sign up for the winery’s email list and more information about how to get these wines delivered.

Sierra Bonita Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, the delicious, light, and well-rounded unfiltered Sierra Bonita Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with light fruits and oak. Cherries, strawberries, and hints of chocolate give this wine its complexity. This wine makes a great companion to soft, sweet cheeses, steaks, or with chocolate at dessert. I brought a bottle home with me to share—most likely with my evening square of dark chocolate.

Sierra Bonita Vineyards, named for its location adjacent to the historic Sierra Bonita ranch established in 1872, is located 22 miles northwest of Willcox, Arizona, at an elevation of 4,300 feet in a beautiful and rich agricultural valley.

In January 2011, the Smith’s released their first wines to the public—150 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 120 cases of Syrah. The 11-acre vineyard was first planted in 1997, and they continue to add new vines. In 2009, they built their winery where they can process the grapes as soon as they are harvested—pesticide-free, returning all cuttings and skins to the vineyards, fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly vineyard. The wine is available exclusively from the vineyard property. While they have no tasting room, they will gladly arrange delivery upon request.

Sand-Reckoner Vineyards 2010 Rosé Cochise County

Located on the Willcox Bench at 4300 feet in elevation, Rob and Sarah Hammelman tend to the Sand-Reckoner Vineyards. The beautifully rugged high desert land provides potential for their vines—they must struggle, drawing from the challenging terroir: wind, dramatic temperature swings, limestone sub-soils, clear skies, and rumbling summer storms. 2010 is the first Sand-Reckoner Vineyards’ vintage.

I enjoyed sipping the Sand-Reckoner 2010 Rosé Cochise County, a blend of 65% Nebbiolo, 31% Sangiovese, and 4% Syrah. A bit heartier than some light-sipping summer Rosé, it featured a juicy acidity, full of strawberries and cream, and a hint of citrus in the finish. This would pair well with light foods and cheeses—perhaps served as an intro to your pre-meal appetizers at the Thanksgiving feast?

Thank you Arizona Wine Growers for your hard work and fortitude. Cheers!

Come run/walk through the Elgin vineyards!

So who’s with me? Team Tucson will be running/walking the Arizona Wine Growers Association Grape Stomp 5K in the  Sonoita/Elgin region this Saturday, October 22, 2010, starting at 8AM. Just head on over (about an hour from Tucson via I-10).  We’ve tagged ourselves to the Kief Joshua Vineyards team; hope they don’t mind that we’re not speedy…we just like to work a little for our wines (and they serve awesome omelets on Sundays on their tasting room patio)!

Registered participants may pick up their race materials as early one day prior to the 5k at Dos Cabezas Wineworks between 12pm-4pm, but you can arrive as early at 7am at Callaghan Vineyards to complete the registration process if you have not yet done the deed. Complimentary shuttle service will then take runners/walkers to the starting line. Each participant receives a running tote bag containing a t-shirt, wine glass, and discount coupons and other information on local businesses. the complimentary glasses can be used at all of the local wineries for a discount on tastings. The race will wind through the Rancho Rossa Vineyards, then down Elgin Road toward Callaghan’s for awards and festivities.

Proceeds from The Great Arizona Grape Stomp 5K Fun Runs benefit the Arizona Wine Growers Association, which serves grape growers and winemakers in Arizona, allying its members for representation, promotion, and education. The association strives to advance with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines.

Here’s to all who run/walk/cheer us along this weekend in the vineyards of the Sonoita/Elgin region.  After the effort, we shall all be poured some awesome grapes—Arizona wines for sure. Cheers!