CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room owner Yvonne K Foucher readies for Grand Tasting to celebrate the 5th anniversary in Tucson, Sat, Sept 22, 2-6pm

CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room in Tucson is turning 5 years old  and will celebrate with a Grand Wine Tasting outdoors in a tented pavilion this coming Saturday, September 22, 2012, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. You can bet there will be some serious high fives, clinking of glasses, and pats on the back with its owner.

Architect and owner Yvonne K. Foucher’s business concept of opening a classy little wine shop in Tucson where all wines were priced at $15/bottle or less was well-thought-out and should have been a slam-dunk, based on the best projections at the time. Instead, her journey could be compared to the Poseidon Adventure, a 1969 movie loaded with an unlikely cast of characters trying to escape a potentially catastrophic voyage. The movie’s plot centers on a luxury liner’s voyage when the ship is overturned by a tsunami caused by an underwater earthquake. CataVinos’ passage through five tumultuous years has been likewise filled with tsunami-like detours, drama, taking on too much water, and a whole lot of overcoming adversity at every port.

At approximately the same moment Foucher opened the doors to several hundred fabulous, potential customers on that inaugural day in September 2007, the economy tanked globally. Although the curious tasting crowd and wine-buying base grew in number, people were rapidly losing jobs and savings, and obviously buying less; sales suffered from the start. Then, within months, two big-box wine retailers took up residence in Tucson, backed by national marketing campaigns. Bev Mo opened two locations nearby, and Total Wines threw open its doors—all complete with full-color multi-page advertisements.

How was a small Tucson business to cope in this sort of market? Stubborn Foucher kept her doors open and dug deeper to stand her ground. It wasn’t so much about who could sell the cheapest wines; it became more about who knows the most about what they sell and what were the best wines available for the money; plus the growing cast of CataVinos characters that could be enjoyed while discovering one’s palate. A ‘board of taste-testers’ emerged from the customer base; they dedicated week nights and/or Sundays to evaluating shop-worthy wines with which to stock the shelves. CataVinos quickly became a community project and all who participated became part of the ‘success.’

Then along came Summer. Most Tucson retailers will cringe when they talk of the summer months; this town has seen too many fine eateries, specialty shops, and well-seasoned businesses throw in the towel during the dry-heat-without-customers months. But CataVinos’ loyal customer base held tight; the place became the community center for a fun-loving diverse assembly of wine lovers, most of who faithfully attempted to do their duty to help this special little place survive.

One year. Two years. Three years. Four. Can you believe this is year FIVE and Foucher still hasn’t closed the doors?

In the ill-fated Poseidon Adventure, we fretted as actress Shelley Winters tip-toed precariously through the ship’s rickety rafters and dove through the waters to safety, even though she couldn’t even swim—all with Gene Hackman’s urging, of course. Well, as far as I know, Gene hasn’t shown up at CataVinos yet. It’s been the loyal friends and patrons who have witnessed Foucher hold her breath, dive right in, hang on with white knuckles, and tread lightly to keep the shop alive with boundless value wines and rousing wine tastings. We’ve never even asked her if she was afraid of water.

At the same time, Foucher has reciprocated by helping patrons become ever-curious about all wines, select the right ones for dinners and gifts, and meet new friends who bring more to our lives. Actually, CataVinos has evolved into one of the coolest places in Tucson to just hang out, even if it’s for an hour or two each week to taste wines, or just to stop by, pick up a few bottles, and rub Cuvee’s belly (shop dog) to help us through the day.

Pour Me Some Grapes offers a rousing cheer to the little shop that could, wishing smooth sailing to Yvonne, Cuvee, and the entire crew at CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room for another fabulous five years. Thank you, from the bottom of my wine-loving heart.

Nearly 40 specially selected wines will be poured by Arizona wine distributors at the Grand Wine Tasting celebrating CataVinos’ milestone. Light appetizers and palate cleansers will be served and yes, there will be music! Each patron will receive a free commemorative etched lead-free crystal glass and choice of tastings for $18 admission. All wines in the shoppe will be 10% off that day only. Voted Best of Tucson by Tucson Weekly, CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room is located at 3063 N. Alvernon Way at Presidio. Hope to see you there!

Kermit Lynch, renowned wine importer/producer, entertains with a blend of roots-inspired country blues sounds on his new CD release, KITTY FUR. Photo credit: Gail Sokoff

Kermit Lynch, the renowned wine importer/producer and author, is also an accomplished singer-songwriter. His third album, Kitty Fur, released via Dualtone on March 29, is as outstanding as any fine wine he’s ever imported. Produced by Ricky Fataar, the roots-inspired country blues record was recorded with some of Nashville’s top musicians and includes the original title track and distinctive covers of Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Bunny Wailer, and Jimmy Reed, among other.

In wine-tasting terms, this CD is an artisanal blend of sweet thoughts mingled with over-ripe memories; complex tones of sheer joy and aged sadness layered with mellow musings; powerful lyrics and strapping instrumental dominance make this a full-bodied top-shelf selection, one  you’d be proud to share with distinguished guests and old friends alike. Oh my, how those pedal steel guitar riffs and sweet sax tones linger on the finish.

Kicking back with a nice glass of Kermit Lynch Côtes du Rhône ($14.99/bottle, an amazing value wine), I enjoyed the first cut on this CD called Kitty Fur, written by Lynch himself. Bluesy and flowing, Lynch’s voice is both gravely and rolling, rife with feeling. That same crackling voice takes on Winter, a Mick Jagger and Keith Richards creation.

Lynch eases us through old favorites like Every Time We Say Goodbye (Cole Porter), Bright Lights, Big City (Jimmy Reed), and Hank Williams’ Cold, Cold Heart—his voice takes on such sadness in this one that it makes you just want to cry. My pick of the CD was Winterlude, the classic Bob Dylan song that Lynch so powerfully executed.

Kitty Fur, new release by Kermit Lynch

The finest feature of this new release is the precision blending and production of electric, acoustic, and steel guitar, bass, mandolin, fiddle, saxophone, trumpet, harmonica, drums and percussion, piano and organ provided by a list that reads like a who’s-who of musicians. The music is fresh, sounds alive, and is almost holy in its presentation.

Lynch made the leap from writing songs, fronting bands, and playing gigs to wine when he became disillusioned in 1971 with the ‘flower power’ scene and headed to Europe. The rest is history—since 1972, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant has become one of America’s most important and influential importers of high quality French wines. But he never left the music far behind.

In 2005, Lynch returned to music when singer-songwriter/vintner Boz Scaggs heard old garage tapes and invited Lynch to record at his studio. That year Lynch, along with co-producers Ricky Fataar and Scaggs, transformed those tapes featuring original compositions into Quicksand Blues at Scaggs’ San Francisco studio. Alvin Youngblood Hart joined Lynch and Scaggs along with Laurie Lewis, Jon Cleary, and Jackie Payne. Man’s Temptation followed in 2009, and is described by Lynch as “rootsy Americana” featuring four originals and a few gems from Curtis Mayfield, the Stanley Brothers, Bob Dylan, and Hank Cochran.

Truly Lynch and I share musical palates; he surely understands my taste in wine.

 The Beatles music live at Kokopelli Winery & Bistro

Kokopelli Winery & Bistro in Chandler announces its Beatles music event this weekend. The Beatles’ music lives on through tribute band Marmalade Skies, who will appear during dinner service both Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16.  

Marmalade Skies not only plays The Beatles’ hits, they dress in costume and take you on a delightful magical mystery tour of the ‘60s and ‘70s. To get in the mood, if you still have that Ringo hairdo or that Yellow Submarine outfit you’ll fit right in, plus dressing like The Beatles will save 10 percent off your entire bill. Call ahead today for your reservations on the patio and get close to Marmalade Skies, 480-792-6927.

Art Opening and musical debut at CataVinos

Hey, isn’t this blog supposed to be about wine? Well, at least it’s about the people and events that make wine so much fun.

Esterito Fishing Camp by Barbara Strelke

CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room provides a venue for artists to display their works, in celebration of a monthly tasting of blends—those carefully crafted selections that showcase wine as art. An Art Opening and wine tasting is planned for this Saturday, April 16, 4:00-to-8:00pm, to showcase the work of artist Barbara Strelke. The artist, raised in Wisconsin, spent many years in New Mexico, and now lives and works in Tucson, Arizona, and San Carlos, Mexico.

For the past several years, Strelke had combined work in landscape architecture, planning, and urban design with painting. She is now painting full-time and establishing a style as a colorist with a keen sense of landscape form and composition. She paints in oil, watercolor, and pastel. Her subjects range from Southwest desert and canyon landscapes to Sea of Cortez seascapes. Galeria del Desierto (http://www.galeriadeldesierto.com/) is the showcase for her paintings with a focus on the Sonoran Desert, the Sea of Cortez, and San Carlos, Mexico.

To enhance the art opening, Linda Bilque, of Phoenix, will entertain, with a new blend of music. With a voice that sounds like a female version of Willie Nelson, her songs tell stories of regular folks in many ways, much in the manner of Harry Chapin. Bilque’s songs are timely and heartfelt stories about life.

Her first commercial release Twists of Fate captures the flavor of the Southwest with songs like Mother of Mexico, which takes place in the Yaqui Indian community of Guadalupe. Lucky is a story of trailer-park love in Tucson, and Dat-So-La-Lee speaks of the tragedy of the lost art of the great Indian basket weaver. Her newest release Side Tracked visits Loretta at the dollar store, the legacy of the cowboy women of Cochise County in We Were the Cowboys, and the day of the dead and a love left behind in Dia De Los Muertos.

Don’t forget the Kief-Joshua Vineyards New Release Festival this Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17 too.

Plenty of fine wining and creative people enjoying to be done this coming weekend for sure. Cheers!

Jerome Winery

Label features family aunt and uncle Paula and Hans Heinemann hugging next to their old automobile Aunt

The town of Jerome has no shortage of interesting tales, wines, and personalities. At the top of the list is creative Jerome Winery and Bitter Creek winemaker John McLoughlin. He wasn’t in town when we visited, but we were greeted by his sister, Melanie, in the Jerome Winery tasting room, where she is seven days of the week, while brother John minds the grapes and the business. She dances behind the copper counter pouring wines and sharing family secrets, often spurred by the individual wine labels depicting memorable family photos.

I most enjoyed the 2007 Jerome Winery Charbono, featuring aunt and uncle Paula and Hans Heinemann hugging next to their old automobile on the label; “Hug and Kisses” describes the tender scene on the back. Melanie shares a fond memory of the couple’s bakery in south Chicago. The unusual grape offered a grand fruity nose, nice fruit-driven tannins and acidity in the mouth, and a medium dry, almost cedary finish. This is a fine ‘sitting around sipping with friends’ choice, but I enjoyed a glass with my ginger-grilled salmon and cabrese.

Bitter Creek Winery

Bitter Creek Hierophant Wine - equal blend of Arizona-grown Cabernet, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel grapes

Our friend McLoughlin is supported by a cast of hard-working family characters that must make it delightful to ply his trade. A few hundred steps down from the Jerome Winery tasting room, we were greeted by Melanie’s husband and John’s brother-in-law, Isiah, who continued to entertain with even more family tales and camaraderie. While Jerome Winery wines are single varietals, the Bitter Creek wines are blends. Each bottle is named after a Tarot major arcana card—and, of course, each one sports characteristics of its own.

I previously reviewed The Fool by Bitter Creek Winery, so this time, I choose The Hierophant by Bitter Creek Winery—described on the label as a “Dogmatically Kind, Spiritual Leader, Speaking Truthfully.” (Isaiah hinted that the labels depict family members; is this one named for John? Ask Isaiah, the next time you stop in to see him in Jerome). This wine is a red blend of equal parts of Arizona-grown Cabernet, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel—it just doesn’t get any fairer than that. The Hierophant delivers with plum and pomegranate flavors and smooth lingering finish…a simply yummy match to my St. Patrick Day-inspired corned beef and cabbage.

Arizona Stronghold

Arizona wines were launched steps closer to the forefront of national notice in 2007, with the coming together of Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan. Glomski, formerly with David Bruce Winery, is the owner/director of winemaking at Page Spring Cellars; Keenan, owner of Caduceus Cellars, is the lead singer for a band called Tool, Pucifer, and others—together they sport the Arizona Stronghold Vineyards banner.

The majority of their quality fruit is grown in the Dos Cabezas Vineyard near Willcox, AZ. The core of the new plantings of Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese, Viognier, and Malvasia Bianca are now finding their ways into some of the most palate-pleasing wines in the state. Maynard’s own Merkin Vineyards is also just coming into its own with grapes raised in the high Jerome terroir.

The Site Archive Lozen delivers fruit, spice, and balance

I previously reviewed the Arizona Stronghold Nachise, a Granache-based Rhone blend. This time around, I was drawn to the Arizona Stronghold Site Archive wines that are sold only by Arizona Stronghold. The Arizona Stronghold Site Archive Lozen 2009 is named for a very powerful and skilled Apache warrior and prophet, the inspiration for this powerful yet feminine Bordeaux blend. Cabernet Sauvignon-driven dark blackberry and cassis with Merlot-enhanced aromas of dark fruits and green spices balance out into a lingering Cabernet Franc graphite minerality, smoke-like finish. Great pairing for lamb, pork, steak, or burgers; or for just total enjoyment.

Merkin Vineyards Shinola

I tasted (and bought) the 2008 Merkin Vineyards Shinola at Maynard’s Caduceus tasting room in Jerome. The wine is a Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon blend with a nose and notes of earth and vanilla, opening up to delightful flavors of oak and smoke, and finishing strong. I’ll enjoy sharing this with ribs or pork tenderloin on the grill.  This is the final year for the California Shinola and it’s in short supply—however, the Arizona Shinola is bottling now. Only $25/bottle.

Wild Child Red  

Pillsbury Wine Company is the evolution of a dream-come-true project by New Zealand film director and winemaker Sam Pillsbury. Sam flew into Arizona to shoot a pilot for Universal Pictures, fell in love with an Arizona girl, and the Arizona landscape at the same time. 

Pillsbury Wine Company WildChild Red

Growing up in New Zealand Sam witnessed the phenomenon of growing classical wine grapes in unusual places. He thought he could try the same thing here. The location he chose was a high-altitude desert valley in Cochise County, 200 miles southeast of Phoenix. This all came from a desire to get away from mass-produced McDonalds-like wines and create a distinctive regional boutique wine that is 100% Arizona and 100% original. He gambled that the high-altitude, endless sunshine, sandy loam, and dry desert would make for a perfect terroir; in 2000 he planted 20 acres of Rhone varieties. It worked.  

The Pillsbury crowd-favorite WildChild Red is an enchanting value wine at $18/bottle. 100% Arizona grown, this new release is a dry red from a neighboring wild vineyard found dotted with crop circles. It’s a field blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Zin, and Cabernet, to which the winemaker added more Zin from neighbor Golden Rule Vineyards. Red currant and cranberry on the nose with a hint of leather, this finishes with fruity red-berry, orange peel, velvety with a smooth, rounded mouthfeel, according to the tasting notes. I got a bit of smokiness on the finish.

So many Arizona wines, so many more to experience. If your only experience with Arizona wines was 10 years ago, it’s time to hit the trail again. If you’re already a fan, do not worry if a favorite is no longer available; there are plenty more to come, with 45 wineries now producing throughout the state. New varietals are being promised across the state for Spring release. And as they say at the Javalina Leap Winery, no matter what, “Love the wine you’re with.” Cheers!

Don’t miss upcoming chances to taste Arizona wines like the Tempe Art Festival Celebrating Arizona Wines this coming weekend and Tucson’s first ever Arizona Wine Tasting event set for Sunday, April 3 at the CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room.

 

Arizona Wines

Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts -goers can sip, sample, and savor local Arizona wine at the Arizona Wine Festival, March 25-27. Twelve Arizona wineries will showcase their wines and offer tastings, along with sales by the glass, bottle, or case. The wine festival has an admission of $12 and includes six tastings and a commemorative wine glass.

 The Arizona Wine Festival will be located on 7th Street, just west of Mill Avenue. The festival is the perfect opportunity for festival goers to sample and purchase Arizona wine.

Arizona wines are growing in stature and have been served at the White House. In 2010, Arizona wines were poured at three separate esteemed James Beard House dinners. More than 20 wines from eight Arizona wineries have scored at least an 88 rating from Wine Spectator.

The 2011 Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts features more than 400 fine artists and crafts persons displaying and selling their original work amid a street festival atmosphere in Tempe’s Mill Avenue District. The event is the largest festival of its kind in Arizona, hosting as many as 225,000 festival visitors. It consistently ranks among the top 20 festivals in the nation. The event also includes the Festival Jazz Stage, live entertainment, street performers, sports exhibits, Kids Innovation Station, and fun festival food. Sponsored by the Arizona Wine Growers Association.

First Arizona Wine Festival in Tucson

CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room is hosting Arizona-produced wines at the first ever Arizona Wine Festival in Tucson on Sunday, April 3, 2011. Ten Arizona winemakers will be pouring their finest—if you haven’t tasted Arizona wines for awhile, come out and be pleasantly surprised! Cost is $15/person; receive $5 off with purchase of over $50, and $15 off with the purchase of a case. For more information about the event call CataVinos at 323-3063.

Mark your calendars…plan to enjoy some mighty fine wines. I’ll see you out and about at Tucson Festival of Books this weekend; look for the Pour Me Some Grapes t-shirt.

Cheers.

Eddie Rodriguez, long-time CataVinos grapista, pours one last glass

Let’s tip our wine glasses and bid ‘Sayonara’ to one of the CataVinos Wine Shoppe much-loved grapistas (my term for wine barista), Eddie Rodriguez.

Eddie, a Catalina Foothills High School graduate, is off to Japan to put his customer service skills plus his University of Arizona Asian Studies degree to work – he’ll be managing two tea room/bars and teaching English.

For over two years, Eddie has shown genuine respect to each and every wine shoppe customer, and was always most receptive to individual needs. He quickly mastered the aspects of wine serving, tasting methods, and the palates of the patrons. He took plenty of time to explore his own palate as well – it has become sophisticated and keen (and sometimes, downright jammy).

Eddie is a perpetual learner who will go far in life. Always looking to expand his horizons, on his inaugural tour of the Elgin/Sonoita wine region earlier this month, Eddie got the ‘bug,’ if you will. By last week, he was already a favorite visitor to the tasting rooms throughout the region. Most inspired by Kief Joshua Manning, I’m certain, I can almost see that advanced degree in oenology and viticulture, and a winery of his own in the future. (I’ll bet he’s already checking out the University of Melbourne, Kief.)

I wish Eddie much success, and he should consider this my official application for work in his winery’s tasting room.

Cheers to your fantastic future, Eddie! You will be missed.

CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room will be open today, offering over 350 wine selections, all priced under $15 per bottle. Yvonne K. Foucher, shoppe owner, says she’ll be pouring holiday feast wines for tasting all day, starting at noon. Stop by for a tasting, pick up those last minute gifts, and don’t forget the wine gift certificates too.

Most Arizona wineries will also be open today for tastings and wine purchases. There’s nothing like an Arizona wine for the gift that says “I buy local.” These wineries will be open today and Sunday, but most will be closed on Christmas Day.

Next weekend, several are scheduled to be open on New Year’s Day, so visiting the Arizona wine countries (Willcox region, Verde Valley region, and Sonoita/Elgin region) will be the perfect way to entertain those out-of-town relatives and guests.  Call ahead for tasting schedules—contact information for all Arizona wineries can be found on the  Arizona Wine Growers Association website.

My holiday wish is that you choose your grapes wisely, pour those grapes freely, savor the flavor fully — and please be careful out there! May your celebration be fun-filled and full of fellowship and goodwill.

Slainte!

If you’re looking for a top-choice French champagne that won’t break the bank, Gerard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux 2007 is your ticket. This beautiful bubbly is golden with green lights; the taste is crisp, lively, and elegant. Its nose is rich with aromas of a delicate blend of white flowers and pear. As you taste, the wine develops hints of hazelnut, slowly revealing subtle toasted flavors, making a lively attack on the palate; you’ll linger with long lasting bubbles. Crémant de Limoux is a rich, balanced wine, ideal as an aperitif. I’d serve this with salads, fish, and poultry. You can buy this wine at CataVinos Wine Shoppe in Tucson for less than $15 per bottle.

Jaume Serra Cristalino CAVA is a fine Spanish sparkling wine made using the traditional method in which secondary fermentation producing a sparkling wine’s bubbles occurs in the bottle. Its fresh, toasty nose, beautiful citrus, green apple and mineral flavors, supple, lively mouth-feel, and clean, crisp finish make this the ultimate celebratory wine. Enjoy it on its own and with sushi, seafood, fried foods, and Asian dishes. Cristalino is a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, and 15% Xarel-lo – grapes from the Vineyard Can Suriyol (Alt Penedés), El Padruel, Spain. Suggested retail price is $10.00 per bottle.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige is a complex collection of primarily Pinot Noir (51%) and Chardonnay (46%), with the balance from Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris grapes. This California Brut opens with gorgeous layered white blossom aromas, followed by creamy vanilla, citrus, stone fruit, and melon notes. With elegant acidity and crisp structure, this medium-bodied sparkling wine displays a rich, lingering finish. Crispness and ample fruit character make this one a superb food wine. The $20 per bottle price makes this a top-shelf choice – maybe a gift for that very special friend?

The Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Brut is 100% Chardonnay. It’s crisp and refreshing, a good choice for mimosas. This Brut California sparkling wine displays green apple, ripe pear, and bright citrus notes with a toasty finish. Robert Mondavi believed that great wine was not just for special occasions, but to celebrate the joy of every day. Priced at less than $10 per bottle, that is indeed possible.

Speaking of mimosas, consider using cranberry or some other juice in place of the traditional orange juice for a refreshing new toast. Salud!

Trust Yvonne Foucher of CataVinos when she says she can find you a wine that you'd like -- she got the people's choices both right!

Our Tucson contingent particularly enjoyed the People’s Choice event, where we tasted eight different wines (four reds, four whites) and voted for our personal choices, while the ‘experts’ discussed the art of wine tasting and its subtleties. My guest, Yvonne K. Foucher, owner of CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room, told us she wasn’t going to vote for her favorites, she was going to select the ones she thought the most people would like best. Dang, she was right on! The People’s Choice winners were Merkin Shinola (red) and Arizona Stronghold Site Archive Bonita Springs Chardonnay (white). Next time Yvonne tells you she can help you find a wine you’ll like, trust her.

My personal favorites were Caduceus Kitsuné (red) and Callaghan’s Lisa’s Blend (white), for what it’s worth.

Award Winners – AZ Wine Week

Eric Glomski and Maynard James Keenan’s wines made quite a showing in the Arizona Republic Wine Competition, held in conjunction with Arizona Wine Week. The Caduceus Kitsuné 2008 took the Gold Arizona Grower’s Cup in reds; Keenan’s Merkin Vineyards’ The Diddler 2009, took the Gold in whites. A couple of Bronzes and another Silver (rosé) rounded out their take in the Growers’ Cup competition (wines produced from Arizona grown fruit).

Other wineries winning big in that competition included Arizona Stronghold (Gold in rosé with Dayden 2009) and Sonoita Vineyards (Peach Sparkles NV garnered the Gold in dessert wines). Callaghan, Dos Cabezas, Carlson Creek, Coronado, Wilhelm, and Four Monkeys also took home prizes in the Grower’s Cup.

In the Arizona Winemaker’s Medal competition that judge wines produced in Arizona (not necessarily with AZ grown grapes) saw Alcantara Vineyards take Gold honors in the red wine category with their Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. They also captured Silver and Bronzes in the same category, as well as a Silver in the white wine category. Caduceus Dos Ladrones 2009 won the white wine Gold; they also had two wines win Bronze honors in the red wine category. Page Springs also captured a Bronze in white wines.

Coronado Vineyards Anniversary Celebration

Coronado Vineyard in Willcox (just off Interstate 10 at Exit 344) will celebrate its 4th Anniversary and Release Party, November 20, 2010 10 am - 4 pm, with wine tasting, anniversary cake, and complimentary appetizers. They will also be releasing the new 2009 Coronado Vineyards Meritage (50% Cabernet Sauvignon; 50 % Merlot), a wonderful new addition to the Coronado family of wines. (They’ll begin serving this new release at dinner, Friday, November 19, at 5:00pm, if you’d like to be among the first to sample the Meritage).

Canelo Hills Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop & Wine Tasting

Join Elgin winemakers Tim and Kathryn Mueller for the Canelo Hills Vineyard and Winery annual grapevine wreath-making afternoon. Make your own grapevine wreath and take a piece of Canelo Hills home with you for the holiday.

Participants will cut their own vines from the vineyard, fashion them into a wreath, and personalize with their choice of decorations – all while tasting Canelo Hills’ wines and snacking on holiday treats. Each participant will make one decorated wreath, and can make unlimited plain wreaths to adorn at home.

The cost is $35 per person. Reservations are required, call 520-455-5499, or email info@canelohillswinery.com to reserve a space.

Tempe Wine Festival / Festival of the Arts

Plan now to attend the Arizona Wine Festival of the Arts in Tempe, December 3-5, 2010, from 10:00am to dusk. This is an exciting opportunity to visit talented artists from all over the country and, of course, taste and purchase wine.

Participants will taste wines from 12 Arizona wineries. $12 buys a glass and 6 tasting tickets (additional tickets are available).  Check with the Arizona Wine Growers for more details.

Did you know?

One ton of grapes will fill two oak barrels with wine. Just a bit of vine trivia from Canelo Hills Vineyard and Winery.

It appears that Vail is finally getting a much-needed (and required) respite from her grueling profile work in Washington, D.C. With boyfriend, Det. Robby Hernandez, in tow, they head to California’s famed wine country for a peaceful romantic getaway and some wine tasting. First outing, guess what — dead body deep in the wine cave they are touring. Gruesome and distinctive body mutilations and, you guessed it, a crushed throat. This victim is female. Instinctively, Vail becomes deeply immersed in the case.

When a second victim is discovered, a task force is formed and led by Lt. Redmond Brix, at first Vail’s adversary soon to become one of her closest allies. The force begins working round-the-clock on the case to catch the killer. Vail partners with Det. Roxxann Dixon providing the sort of focused teamwork it takes to un-earth details on their UNSUB (unidentified suspect).  Poor Robby left, all too often, to his own devices, unfortunately, tasting all those great Napa wines on his own.

The vineyards and winemakers of the valley soon become major players. The task force makes every attempt to keep word of the killings out of the media to avoid threatening Napa Valley’s multi-billion dollar industry. This frustrates perpetrator, John Wayne Mayfield, who offers his perspective throughout the story and taunts Vail personally, only adding to her frustration that she’s finding it virtually impossible to profile him as more and more victims are identified.

Vail finds the unpredictable serial killer virtually impossible to profile, as more and more victims are identified. It’s amazing that Vail herself wasn’t among those victims, although there are several attempts to eliminate her from the mix, or at least send her a strong warning. The perpetual action rocks and rolls all the way to the bitter end.

This is Jacobson’s fourth thriller featuring Vail and I think it’s his best effort to date. Except — I wanted to look him up and do harm when I finished the book, since he left so many loose ends … ON PURPOSE! I suddenly realized, what a brilliant marketing plan, hooking readers deeper into his lair, leading them to his website, and making them salivate for the next novel. Wow.

Jacobson will be in Tucson for book signings and to introduce his newest book in the Karen Vail series, Velocity. Meet him at CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room on Saturday, October 23, 2010, from 2:00-4pm; Barnes & Noble on Broadway, Sunday, October 24, 2010, starting at 2:00pm; and at Clues Unlimited, Monday, October 25, 2010, from 5:30pm-7:00pm.

The Novelist Meritage 2007

M. Cosentino Winery’s The Novelist Meritage 2007 is among my favorite white wines to enjoy with food. It’s only appropriate to review alongside a book review by a novelist I admire.

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (77%) and Semillion (23%) grapes, this wine adds a crisp and clean complement to any meal. I get a nose of tangerine, lime, a hint of melon, and spices that combine with a full herby, creamy texture for a lingering finish.

Partially barrel-fermented and aging in French oak barrels creates a balance, with just enough oak overtones to make me happy.

I enjoyed The Novelist with Alaskan salmon (seasoned with fresh ginger, smoked paprika, and lemon) and asparagus, both grilled.

The event will run from 4pm – 8pm, this Saturday, September 18. Wine tasting will be sponsored by Pastiche, live music by Chavez, Hallowell, & Long, a book signing with the author of Am I Boring my Dog, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, adoption specials, and more! This event is FREE, pet-friendly, and open to the public.

Pawsh is located on the second level above Crate & Barrel. The shop will be featuring amazingly low adoption ‘specials’ all week long at all three locations. To celebrate the open house at Pawsh, the HSSA will have adoption specials all week long at all 3 locations. For more information on HSSA or Pawsh, visit The Humane Society website or call 327-6088.
Arizona Wine Growers Association Hosts Arizona Wine Week

Remember when Arizona’s surging wine industry was a well-kept secret? Well the cork is out on how good these wines really are. National acclaim continues to flow as Arizona wines get nod after nod of acceptance. The Arizona Wine Growers Association will celebrate with the first-ever Arizona Wine Week beginning Saturday, October 30 through Saturday, November 6, with The Festival at The Farm, the association’s signature event.

Set among the pecan groves of The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix, the festival offers wine lovers an opportunity to sample the best from across the state, all in one place. More than 20 local wineries are expected to attend, representing growing regions from northern Arizona’s Verde Valley, southern Arizona’s Sonoita and Elgin, and southeastern Arizona’s Willcox.

The festival will include tasting wines from more than 20 Arizona wineries, a picnic lunch, live auction, live music, and seminars.

The festival is preceded by the Celebration of the Arizona Growers Reception on Friday, November 5. Guests can mingle and meet with winemakers from across the state, including Arizona Grower’s Cup and Winemaker’s Medal award winners. There will also be an opportunity to sample top scoring wines from the 2010 competition. The event takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm at South Mountain.

Tickets for each event are $65, or $120 for both.

Favorite Things wine/dinner at The Dish

The Dish bistro-bar, located inside Rum Runners, 3131 E. 1^st Street (just off Speedway), is hosting “A Few of Our Favorite Things” wine pairing dinner, Sunday, September 19, at 6:00pm. The cost is $85 per person (inclusive) and pre-paid reservation are required; call (520)326-0121.

Run through the vineyards

Come run a 5K with us this Saturday,  September 18. This will be a unique, once-in-a-lifetime chance to run through the vines at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards in Willcox, AZ. The third leg of the Great Arizona 5K Grape Stomp in Willcox will go start at 8:00am. Registration begins at 7:00am. If you’re not yet registered, you can print the entry form and bring it with you on Saturday.

Each participant in the race receives a nice quality wine glass from the Arizona Wine Growers Association following the race, which can be used at the local Willcox wineries to receive discounts.

Northwest US wines delight

The Northwest United States, specifically Washington State and Oregon, produce some mighty fine wines, particularly Pinot Noirs, a grape that grows very well in that terroir. CataVinos is serving up six of these to taste-testers this weekend, so drop by and try them out. Wine tasting September 17 and Saturday, September 18, from 4:00-8:00pm. Cost is $10 per person. You receive $2 discount when you buy $10 worth of wines or more in the shoppe; free if you purchase a case. All wines at CataVinos are $15 or less per bottle. Stop by and check this great little niche out, 3063 N Alvernon Way, just one block south of Ft. Lowell.