Sarah Hammelman, San Reckoner Vineyards, ready to pour tastes of wine at the Willcox Spring Wine Festival 2012

So many Arizona wines, so little time! At the Willcox Spring Wine Festival last month, I selected a few new releases to try, not expecting much—it’s difficult to tell how wines perform with food and guests after only a few sips. After all, they were ‘new’ and I couldn’t expect much, right?

I chose wines from three Willcox vineyards that are considered ‘new kids on the block’—the ones who are just now beginning to offer their first wines. But in a state where more than 20 wines from eight wineries have already scored at least an 88 rating from Wine Spectator, I wanted to see if these new wines were ready to stand up to that standard. I’m happy to report that the new vintners are approaching the trade with a wealth of knowledge gleaned from predecessors in the state’s vineyards and are successfully serving up their own unique style and palates.

Golden Rule Vineyards Manzora Red 2009

The Golden Rule Vineyards Manzora Red 2009 is as impressive as any of the state’s wine I’ve tasted. Fortifying the fruity spicy estate Zinfandel (85%) with 15% California Petite Sirah from Shell Creek Vineyards has added the deep purple color and a heavier-than-typical-Zin-but-smooth texture. This wine was a wonderful partner to my grilled portabella stuffed with pesto and goat cheese.

Owners Jim and Ruth Graham established the first vines in 2007 at Golden Rule Vineyards, located on the western edge of the historic Sulphur Springs Valley in Cochise County, nestled near the North tip of the Dragoon Mountains. The vineyards enjoy a unique combination of quartz and limestone soils, excellent water resources, and high-elevation climate—intense sunlight, warm days, cool evenings, and near constant air flows. Bravo with the Manzora!

Sand-Reckoner Vineyards “2” 2010

Sand-Reckoner Vineyards is located on the Willcox Bench at 4,300 feet, tended by Rob and Sarah Hammelman. Winemaker Rob began his wine journey in Arizona in 2000, while taking a summer off from teaching Humanities and Sciences to work in the vineyards of Callaghan Vineyards (Sonoita/Elgin Region) alongside Kent Callaghan, one of the Arizona wine pioneers. Rob’s early experience ignited a passion, and his dream began to grow vines and make wine in Arizona.

Enter the couple’s first red—the Sand-Reckoner Vineyards 2010 “2″ (70% Sangiovese, 30% Syrah) is deep ruby in color with pretty aromatics of black cherry, spice, and smoke. On the palate of this firmly structured wine, you’ll be intrigued by notes of blackberry-infused black tea, vanilla bean, and cinnamon. It finishes with dusty tannins and plenty of bright and vivid acidity.  Enjoy it now, or store it (4-6 years, according to the winemakers) for special occasions that involve great salads, seafood/salmon fare, and hearty cheeses.

Zarpara Vineyards Rhona MacMillan ready to pour tasting of the latest release: Verdelho 2011.

I actually enjoyed some “2” with a grilled veggie burger loaded with fresh garden tomatoes, avocado, onion, and spinach. Gratification personified!

Just as I was putting the finishing touches on this blog post, Sand-Reckoner Vineyards announced the release of two newer wines—2011 Rosé and 2011 Malvasia Bianca. Can’t wait to get back to Willcox to try these out!

Zarpara Vineyards Verdelho 2011

Mark Jorve and Rhona MacMillan, working with Rob Hammelman of Sand-Reckoner, have brought their third fine wine to the table with the release of a highly palatable white—Zarpara Vineyards Verdelho 2011. The wine is rich and fragrant with pleasant notes of apricot, tropical fruit, and cotton candy. This dry white 100% Verdelho was barrel-fermented for a full 8 months in 100% neutral French oak, then aged on the lees, 80% in barrel and 20% in stainless steel.

This delightful Zarpara white will become a go-to wine for the fish and salads I tend to eat all summer long. I chose to enjoy my first bottle with a sautéed halibut and a spinach-and-spring-mix salad and tomato, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan—the perfect ending to a perfect ‘pre-summer’ 100-degree day in Tucson. Bellissimo!

Cheers to another round of wine winners from Arizona wineries. Looking forward to many more!

Wine Tasting Sunday Benefits NOCC

Here in Tucson, a Sunday afternoon tasting (April 15, 4:00pm-6:00pm) at CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room, 3063 N Alvernon Way. Your $20 tasting ticket is good for six wines and heavy appetizers. Proceeds will be donated to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC).

Vertical Syrah Tasting at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards

The wine tasting fun continues. Next Saturday, April 21, from 1:00pm-5:00pm at the Keeling Schaefer Vineyards in Pearce, Arizona in the Willcox Wine Region, Jan and Rod will be opening the Keeling Schaefer wine library for a retrospective of their six Syrah vintages. The $50 tasting ($35 for KSV club members) will include Keeling Schaefer Three Sisters Syrahs, Home Place Reserve, and Keeling Brothers Shiraz. Special hors d’oeuvres and tapas by Chef Rod Kass of Cafe Roka in Bisbee will round out the fare. Wine sales will begin at 3:00pm, featuring special pricing for participants. RSVP by Monday, April 16 to Jan, 520-824-2500 or email jan@keelingschaefervineyards.com. Space is limited.

Carlson Creek Vineyard Vine Planting

Planting vines is the perfect way to get involved in the Arizona wine scene–the vines you plant will be around for generations and a plaque with your name on it will be placed at the end of any full row that you plant at the Carlson Creek Vineyard. The holes are already dug…all you need to do is bury a baby vine in each one. Plantings are scheduled for April 14, 15, 21, and 22, starting at 7:00am. Breakfast and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided, and lunch will be catered by Taste of Coronado for $15. Contact Robert Carlson for more information and to sign yourself up!

Blessing of the Vineyards

The 34th Blessing of Sonoita Vineyards will take place April 28, 2012 from 10:00am-4:00pm in Elgin, AZ. Admission of $15 includes a souvenir glass, wine and food pairings, wine tasting, horse-drawn wagon rides through the vineyard, and winery tour. Lunch and horseback rides may be purchased separately. Reservations not required.

Let you hair down and have fun stomping grapes at 1:30pm either day. Sonoita Vineyards is located at 290 Elgin-Canelo Road, just 3 miles south of Elgin (about an hour and 15 minutes from Tucson).

Great Arizona Grape Stomp 5Ks return

Running through the Keeling Schaefer Vineyards in the 2010 Grape Stomp 5K

The Great Arizona Grape Stomp, a series of four different 5K Fun Runs, is back for round two. This is a fun way to make a tour across Arizona enjoying the fresh air, beautiful unique landscape, and tasting some fabulous wines.  Liberate your Juice is this year’s theme.

I enjoyed participating in the inaugural Grape Stomp race series in 2010, so I’m putting on my training gear to get in shape for this. I particularly enjoy running in the high desert where Arizona’s vineyards and wineries are located—it’s always a few degrees cooler than here in Tucson.  Mostly, I love tasting the amazing wines and meeting the wonderful wine people throughout the state.

The Grape Stomp 5K series kicks off with a run through the vineyard in Willcox, AZ, on September 10, 2011. On October 1, 2011, participants will run through historic Old Town Cottonwood in the Verde Valley region. We’ll head to Sonoita on October 22, 2011, to run through the scenic vineyards of Elgin. The final leg will be held to kick off Arizona Wine Week on November 1, 2011 with a run around the fountain in Fountain Hills, AZ.

Participants will receive a Grape Stomp t-shirt, a logo wine glass with which you can taste local wines for a discount following the race, and a goody bag.  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 the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines. Registration is $35 per person per race.

CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room, 3063 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ

When Tucsonan Beth Holick learned about all the animals that were displaced as a result of the Monument Fire in Southern Arizona, she immediately contacted CataVinos Wine Shoppe owner, Yvonne K. Foucher, and set up a benefit for those who were taking these animals in. This Sunday, July 10, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, wine lovers and animal lovers will unite for the cause at the store, located at 3063 N. Alvernon.

RSVPs are recommended (323-3063). The cost is $20 per person; half of each person’s admission will be shared by the New Frontier Animal Clinic who cared for more than 250 displaced animals, and World Care.

Holick said, “I hope you’ll join me for a relaxed afternoon of sipping our favorite beverage from the vine and help in this fundraising benefit to aid those critters in need.”

Art and Wine in Willcox

"Shattered Rock" by artist Archie Sutton

TRUST, the gallery at Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards, will be featuring the mixed media copper art of Archie Sutton in the tasting room in Willcox, AZ on Saturday, July 16, from 3-7pm. Winemaker Rod Keeling will also be presenting Keeling-Schaefer’s new wine releases. The tasting room is located at 154 N. Railroad Avenue, in Willcox. Visit us on the Web at www.willcoxtrust.com.

Canelo Hills grapes gaining ground

‘Farmer’ Joan Mueller tells us, “The Canelo Hills Winery’s vineyard is bouncing back from the setbacks of the past year. A month ago the vines were looking pretty shabby. They had experienced three successive spring frosts, the last one on May 10. That means they are one month behind schedule and the crop load is small. But they are there.

“The Cabernet Sauvignon is sending up beautiful green shoots, the Syrah is growing its unruly canopy, and the Tempranillo is setting up a nice crop. I don’t know what will happen with the late start but that will be an interesting development to follow for the rest of the growing season.”

That’s good news from the vines, let’s all think thoughts of a hearty harvest this year.

Cheers!

Monument fire...view from the Rancho Rossa Vineyards in Elgin, AZ, 6.15.2011

As Rod Keeling of Keeling Schaefer Vineyards in Pearce, AZ, learned of Horseshoe 2 fire’s encroachment into Rock Creek about three miles east of his vineyard late last week, he drove northwest to Casa Grande and picked up his brother’s old fire truck. He filled the truck with water the next morning and set up extra emergency water tanks and generators for the water pumps, in case the power was shut off.

“Hope we don’t need any of it,” he posted. At a US Forest Services’ meeting in Sunglow, AZ, he learned that had some time before they had to worry…or not.

Early the next morning, Keeling went up Rock Creek a mile or so to the fire line and discovered about 100 firefighters just finishing-up the night’s operations. They had burned-back against the fire all along a 4-mile line and through the creek.

“Looks like the fire no longer has a direct fuel line to the vineyard. The mountain is black from the base to the top; lots of trees still green,” he posted.

Another Willcox region winemaker was not so fortunate. Over at the Colibri Vineyards, located near Portal, AZ, closer to the heart of the Horseshoe 2 fire, Bob Johnson, owner and past-president of the Arizona Winegrowers Association (AWGA), was examining the damage. Fire had swept through his vineyard in East Whitetail Canyon. The thirty-foot-high wall of flames spared the house and winery, but caused damage to the vineyard; they are still accessing other damages.

The outpouring of support from fellow winemakers is swift and sincere.

Meanwhile, other Arizona winemakers in the Sonoita/Elgin region keep a watchful eye on the Monument fire that is raging about 25 or more miles away, in and around Hereford and Sierra Vista, AZ. Like other major raging fires in Arizona for the past two months, this one is fueled by extremely low humidity, low dew point, high temperatures, bone-dry vegetation, and raging winds. Additionally, the Monument fire’s path has been unpredictable, currently traveling through a more densely populated area and has destroyed many residents and buildings in its path.

According to Peggy Fiandaca, president of the AWGA from the Lawrence Dunhama Vineyards,  “We are very concerned about the impact this fire has had on Colibri Vineyards and hope the damage is not great. It is my understanding that they are still assessing the damage. As a result of the current wildfires we must also be concerned about the debris run-off from the mountains when the summer monsoons begin that can impact vineyards in the Chiricahua foothills. Basically the grape growers are dramatically impacted by the weather and winemakers are impact by the quality and quantity of grapes that they can get. There is not enough wine grapes being grown in Arizona to meet the demand so any crop that is damaged has a ripple affect. Let’s hope that we have a perfect summer and wonderful harvest season. The Arizona wine industry needs one.”

The Arizona winemakers are a hearty and heart-full bunch; growing grapes and producing wines in this terroir is not the most weather-blessed experience and there are continual challenges. But when times get tough, the entire community rises to the occasion and supports one another. In spite of it all, the good grapes grow, they are picked, processed, and produced to yield gratifying and amazing wines that rival any and all produced around the world.

Cheers to this genial bunch of grape growers; and please pray for rain in Arizona soon.

The music and entertainment promises to be incredible. On Saturday, May 14, Tom Freestone will play jazz, standards & folk-rock, On Sunday, May 15, local favorites from Bisbee, Nowhere Man and a Whiskey Girl, will provide an eclectic mix of styles along with a few their own critically acclaimed songs. On Saturday the 14th at 4:00 pm, TRUST (the gallery at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Willcox) will give away an original artwork from a local artist. Everyone who buys a bottle of wine will be entered in the drawing. The winner must be present to accept the prize.

Also on Saturday, in conjunction with the event and directly across the street, TRUST will hold a silent auction from 12-2:00pm; stop by and bid on your favorite piece(s) and then come back for more tasting, food, and live music.

Wineries represented will include Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, Sand-Reckoner Vineyards, Pillsbury Wine Company, Jerome Winery, Kief-Joshua Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Carlson Creek Vineyard, Coronado Vineyards, Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Page Spring Cellars, and Kokopelli Vineyards.

Dragoon Cafe, which specializes in made-from-scratch fresh foods, desserts, drinks and catering, has put together a fantastic cheese-fruit-chocolate plate especially for this event. In addition, they’ll be serving freshly made sirloin, veggie, garlic-lime pork, or chicken burritos and more.

Escape the Tucson heat; head on over to Willcox. Cheers!

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.

The third leg of the Great Arizona 5K Grape Stomp in Willcox will go of as scheduled this Saturday, September 18. Please note that the start time was pushed to 8:00am to allow people more travel time in those early morning hours.

This race promises to be different and oh so much fun – it’s a trail run through a vineyard, something most of us have never had the joy of doing.  This will be a unique, once-in-a-lifetime chance to run through the vines at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards in Willcox, AZ.

The Arizona Wine Growers Association is encouraging participation to help support the local Willcox wineries by signing up to run or walk and spreading the word to your friends and family. Each runner receives a nice quality wine glass following the race that can be used at the local Willcox wineries to receive discounts.

Runners/walkers can register online through end-of-day Thursday. You can also print the entry form and bring it with them on Saturday.

Winemakers dinner pairings in Vail, AZ

Ann Roncone, Elgin winemaker, tells us that the Hacienda del Lago’s Chef Adam, will be pairing a 4-course event to showcase some of Lightning Ridge Cellars most popular reds, on Thursday, September 23, 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

The first course, peppered shrimp salad, will be paired with Lightning Ridge’s Cabernet Sauvignon. The second course will feature the winery’s recently released Resonance served with seasonal venison chili.

The third course showcases Lightning Ridge’s Compagno with rosemary crusted rack of lamb with a mint red-wine reduction. The Sangiovese will be served with a chocolate gingerbread cake for desert.

Seating is limited, reservations are highly recommended. The price is a modest $20 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required, contact the del Lago restaurant (520) 647-3109, or Debbie Alverez, (520) 269-3003, for reservations. The Hacienda del Lago Golf Club and restaurant is located at 14155 East via Rancho del Lago, in Vail.

Kokopelli Krush Festival set for October

Mellow out to live blues, kick back to jazz, or rock out at the ninth annual Kokopelli Krush Festival, scheduled for October 22-24 at the Kokopelli Winery at 35 W. Boston Street, in Chandler, Arizona. On tap will be wine tasting, great food, and the official Grape Krush competition for teams of two. Check out photos of past ‘krushes’ on the wwwl.kokopelliwinery.com website to see just how much fun this can be.  Roll up those pant legs and give it a whirl. You’ll never be the same.

After the race, enjoy some wine tasting with wine of the Willcox area; then take your commemorative glasses to the local wineries to receive discounts. Or take a hike in the Chiricahua National Monument. Contact the Arizona Wine Growers Association for more information.

Rum Runners free tasting

Speaking of runners of a different sort, Rum Runners, address, hosts a free wine tasting the first Saturday of each month from 2:00 -4:00 pm. Receive 15% off on those wines featured in the tastings.

Wine-Food Pairing features vintner Robert Craig

Vintner Robert Craig will be at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain, this Thursday, September 2, 6 – 10 pm at the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain, 1500 N. Secret Springs Dr., Marana. The stunning CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar at Tucson’s newest destination resort will be the backdrop for a memorable wine-food pairing (3-course meal and dessert) under the direction of Chef Joel Harrington and Sommelier Todd Brinkman. Craig will be at the dinner to visit with guests and talk about his wines. The reception is at 6 pm with dinner at 7. Price: $125/person + tax/gratuity. To reserve, call 520-572-3000.