First stop: Festival in the Foothills

Bear Track Winery

Bear Track Winery is hosting its Grand Opening Festival in the Foothills beginning this Friday, May 10th from 5:00-10:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 11th from noon-10:00 p.m. on the NE corner of Swan and Sunrise. For an entry of $30 at the gate (see below about advance sale), patrons receive a festival glass, 8 wine tastings, and a food voucher.

According to owner Rick Riddle, Arizona wineries will be pouring, and you’ll get the opportunity to taste wines from New Mexico and other parts of the world. You may also buy wine by the glass and/or case. If you’re game for wine tasting, wine education, entertainment, and local food trucks, I’ll see you there.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit The Humane Society and The Optimists Club.

Stop by the wine bistro at 4743 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson AZ, to purchase $25 advance sale tickets or call (520) 975-0050, or email beartrackwinery@gmail.com for further questions.

Second annual Bacchanal Festival at AZ Hops & Vines
Those crazy girls are at it again—yep, it’s time for the second annual Bacchanal Festival at AZ Hops & Vines, featuring wine music, food, and beer. That’s this Saturday, May 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  at the winery near Sonoita, only an hour from Tucson.

Look at that vineyard view!

Owners Shannon and Megan will bring together their great wines, micro-brewed beers, The Sober Shack, family crafts and activities with a whole bunch of great food and marvelous people. Looks like the weather is going to be perfect as well, so guests can enjoy the patio, pet and feed some goats, and gather with the like-minded for some good ol’ fashioned fun and debauchery. No doubt, a good time will be had by all—so don’t miss out!

It’s up to you to find the best direction to head to celebrate this first North American Wine Tourism Day this weekend. Check the Arizona Vines & Wines website for an event scheduled near you. Or just head out in nearly any direction to discover local wine industry folks who are ready to share some mighty fine locally produced wines.

Cheers!

Bear Track Bistro and Winery Welcomes You!

A brand-new exclusive wine bistro has quietly opened its doors in Northeast Tucson this week, and I suggest you make tracks to try it out before it gets so busy you can’t get through the doors.

At the Bear Track Wine Bistro, located on the northeast corner of Sunrise at Swan, you’ll be greeted by an 8-foot friendly wooden bear just outside the door. Once inside, you’ll enjoy a wine experience like no other in Tucson.

Choose for wine selections that were personally gathered and/or produced by proprietor Rick Riddle, a sommelier, New Mexico winery owner, professional golfer (also UofA team), and all-around ingenious guy. His dream of such an establishment has morphed into many layers of engagement for Bear Track customers. His sister Celia will manage the shop.

Patrons will enjoy tasting a highly selective repertoire of fine wines from California, New Mexico, Arizona, and all around the world,  including many from Riddle’s own New Mexico winery. Customers will be able to blend their own wines here as well.

Select from an upscale European-style menu featuring homemade bread sticks and ciabatta made by Mona’s Danish Bakery (just a few doors down from Bear Track) for dipping in the fine olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Accompany this with all-natural artisan-cured meats seasoned with organic spices, smoked oysters, stuffed olives, and an amazing selection of cheeses.

Ah, the cheeses—these are all-exclusive too. Riddle has been working with an award-winning fourth-generation Wisconsin cheese maker to create incredible combinations.

Over a bottle of Riddle’s hand-crafted 2010 Montepulciano, we shared a sample of green chili with roasted garlic cheese, and some cheddar made with Chimayó chiles and El Patrone tequila. The groupings enjoyed a party courtesy of my palate.

Bear Track will offer all wine and cheese products retail, plus olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and Sabino Artisan Chocolates. As Riddle puts it, “You won’t find these wines at BevMo or Total Wines.”

This is going to be some fun, especially if you’re willing to play along with all that Bear Track has to offer. It will become a favorite place to find special gifts for any foodie or wine-lover you might need to please. Riddle intends to make Bear Track a totally green operation as well.

Cheers to Rick Riddle’s new adventure with Bear Track Wine Bistro!