“Arizona vineyards provide the state not only with excellent, well-regarded wines, but also with fascinating and scenic opportunities for tourism and rural economic development that create quality jobs and generate revenues in some of Arizona’s most beautiful areas,” said Governor Jan Brewer as she proclaimed November 11-17 to be Arizona Wine Week.

Over 30 wineries will celebrate the best Arizona wines on Sat., Nov. 17, at the fourth annual Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) Festival at The Farm. Shake hands and drink the wine of Arizona’s own grape farmers and wine producers in the picturesque and peaceful pecan groves of Phoenix’s intimate The Farm at South Mountain

Participating wineries will represent growing regions from the Verde Valley in the north, Sonoita and Elgin in the south, and Willcox in southeastern Arizona.

As a nod to Arizona wine’s rich history, the festival is an officially-sanctioned Arizona Centennial event. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is limited to 1,000 guests. Adult guests over 21 with I.D. only, please.

The festival will include:

• Wine tasting with 31 participating Arizona wineries
• Picnic lunch prepared by The Farm Kitchen; tasty treats from other local Arizona favorites
• High-energy live auction for great prizes
• Educational seminars including food & wine pairing with Chef LaPrad from Quiessence and Curt Dunham, winemaker from Lawrence Dunham Vineyards

The festival will be preceded by a special event on Friday, Nov. 16. The Celebration of the Arizona Wine Growers is an opportunity to mingle and meet winemakers from across the state. The event is 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm at South Mountain.

The winemaker celebration is open to the public but capped at 150 guests. This special evening includes an awards reception followed by a specially prepared appetizers using local produce by Quiessence Executive Chef Greg LaPrad. Each course, from appetizers to desserts will be paired with the winning wines from the 2012 Arizona Grower’s Cup and Winemaker’s Medal competition. Each of the winning wineries will be present to discuss their wine and wine-making philosophy.

Ticket information for both the Celebration and Festival is available online.

“Novice or aficionado, this is a can’t-miss event for wine lovers to meet the folks behind the rising Arizona wine movement,” said Peggy Fiandaca, president of AWGA. “Come sip the juice from our state’s beautiful wine regions all in one place, in one of the most wonderful settings Phoenix has to offer.”

This Festival at The Farm is widely considered to be Arizona’s best showcase for its fine wines. Arizona is home to 63 licensed and bonded wineries operating throughout the state, and vineyards represent small, family-owned, low-water-use agriculture. The money raised from the festival goes to the AWGA’s commitment to advancing with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona wines. The industry creates jobs and keeps dollars in Arizona.

“The Arizona wine industry continues to grow and expand at a rapid rate despite the sluggish economy. Every year, more Arizona wines are being recognized for their outstanding quality and uniqueness. There is a growing buzz that Arizona is becoming the next great wine region in the U.S.” concludes Fiandaca.

Cheers, see you at The Farm!

Arizona wine has an estimated economic impact of $38 million, according to a recent study funded by the Arizona Office of Tourism and completed by Northern Arizona University. The Arizona wine industry is one of the fastest growing value-added industries in the state, creating jobs and wealth while preserving sustainable agriculture statewide.

In 1980, there were less than 10 wineries in Arizona. Today there are more than 50 bonded wineries, with many more in the development phase. The number of vineyard acres has grown dramatically, and many new vineyards and wineries are planned. The state’s wine is surging in popularity, earning national acclaim from Wine Spectator to Sunset Magazine to USA Today. Arizona wine also has been served at James Beard House dinners and poured at the White House.

At least 20 of the producers of Arizona wines will showcase their talents outdoors among the pecan groves at the annual Arizona Wine Growers Festival at The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix this Saturday, November 19, 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the gate, although admission is limited to the first 1,000 people.

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

Don’t miss this chance to meet the folks behind the rising Arizona wine movement and sip the juice from our state’s beautiful wine regions. In addition to tasting the fruits of labor from more than Arizona wineries, participants can attend educational seminars that will be taking place. Here is the schedule.

People’s Choice Award Voting will take place from 1:30-3:30pm. Participants will taste some of the top scoring wines from the 2011 Arizona Wine Growers Competition. Choose the “people’s choice” winners and enjoy a lively discussion with the folks who are on the front lines selling Arizona wines. Hear from them regarding the challenges they face getting AZ wines out to the public.

Have you ever struggled to find the perfect wine to go with a special dinner? Or create the perfect menu to go with a terrific bottle of wine? Learn the answers to those questions at Food and Wine Pairing 101, 1:30-2:00pm. The secret about food and wine pairing is simple—there are no rules. The days of having white wine only with fish or chicken and red wine with meats are gone with the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day. Hear from two experts—highly acclaimed Chef LaPrad, Quiessence, and winemaker (and devoted foodie) Curt Dunham, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards—discuss the art of food and wine pairing.

Uncover the Mystery of the Wine Label & Other Wine Facts, 2:30-3:00pm. Some wine labels have a lot of information, some very little. You’ll learn from AJ’s Fine Foods cellar masters Mark Stanton, Sharon L Webster, and Steven Sphar what is required on a label, what the words mean, and what they would like to see more or less of on a label to help you learn about a wine and make a good buying decision.

From 3:00-4:00pm, join in at Celebrate AZ Award Winning Wines. The Arizona Wine Competition is conducted annually by the Arizona Republic with an expert panel of judges. Taste some of the winners from the 2011 Wine Competition and learn why the judges selected the wine as the best of the best. Each winemaker will provide the vision for the wine, background on how the wine was created, and discuss that vintage’s growing conditions that might have influenced the wine’s quality. Host and moderator will Richard Ruelas of the Arizona Republic; winemakers will be determined when the winners are announced.

"Embracing Mourning Leaves" by two TRUST artists (Archie Sutton & Xymyl) who worked together to create this completely original work of art. Mixed media copper and wood surround an original oil monoprint. Signed by both artists; must see in person to appreciate. Retail value is $1240.

Place your bid on wine, special dinners, gift certificates, and more at the Silent Auction from 1:00-3:30pm. Tom Johnson of TRUST the Gallery (located in the Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards tasting room in Willcox) tells me they have donated three pieces to this portion of The Farm event.

The event ends with a very lively Live Auction beginning at 3:30pm. Amazing auction lots include Chef/Winemaker pairings, vacation packages, and wine tasting experiences. The Chef-Winemaker pairings will include an opportunity to bid on a culinary and wine tasting adventure. This year’s packages include dinners for six prepared by the chef along with wines produced by the winemaker. Make sure to pre-register at the silent auction in order to qualify for some great giveaways!

See you at The Farm, this Saturday, November 19, 2011—Cheers!

Yvonne K. Foucher, owner of Tucson's CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room, records her thoughts in the People's Choice event at the 2010 Festival at the Farm.

Arizona Wine Growers Association will celebrate a year of national acclaim by raising a glass with the public on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, at The Festival at The Farm.

Shake hands and drink the juice of Arizona’s own grape farmers and wine producers in the picturesque pecan grove setting of Phoenix’s historic The Farm at South Mountain. More than 20 of the state’s top wine growers from the Verde Valley, Sonoita/Elgin, and Willcox regions will gather to showcase their finest wines at this interactive event. Guests will learn about Arizona wine production, participate in fun and educational wine seminars, and taste dozens of wines.

As a nod to Arizona wine’s rich history, the festival is an officially-sanctioned Arizona Centennial event. The festival is from1pm to 5pm, and is limited to 1,000 guests. Prior to November 10 (that’s tomorrow!) tickets are $65 for the public and $60 for AWGA members. Tickets are $75 starting on November 11, and at the door.

The festival will include:

• Wine tasting with more than 20 participating Arizona wineries
• Picnic lunch prepared by The Farm Kitchen; also tasty treats from other local Arizona favorites
• High-energy live auction for great prizes
• Educational seminars

“Whether they are a novice or an aficionado, wine lovers will not want to miss this chance to meet the folks behind the rising Arizona wine movement,” said Peggy Fiandaca, president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association. “Come sip the juice from our state’s beautiful wine regions all in one place, in one of the most wonderful settings Phoenix has to offer.”

The festival is preceded by a special event on Friday, November 18, 2011. The “Celebration of the

Arizona Wine Growers” is an opportunity to mingle and meet winemakers from across the state. The event is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm at South Mountain.

The winemaker dinner is open to the public but capped at 100 guests. This special evening includes an awards reception followed by a specially prepared four-course dinner using local produce by Quiessence Executive Chef Greg LaPrad. Each course is paired with winning wines from the 2011 Arizona Grower’s Cup and Winemaker’s Medal competition. Each of the winning wineries will be present to discuss their wine and wine-making philosophy. The cost for this special evening is $125 per person.

Wilhelm Family Vineyards hosting Patriot Salute Wine Festival

Head to Elgin, Arizona, this weekend, Nov 11-13, 2011, 10:00am to 8:00pm (except Sunday, ends at 6:00pm) for Wilhelm Family Vineyards second annual Patriot Salute Wine Festival.
Hosted by owners Kevin & Karyl, both Air Force veterans, this festival honors military families for their commitments and service to our country.

For a nominal charge ($15/person, free for non-tasters), festival goers receive a festival logo wineglass and then choose eight wines to taste from 25 choices—including Wilhelm’s new release ‘Patriot Salute’ and new chocolate ports (including white chocolate). Activities will include winery and vineyard Q&A tours. Winemaker suggested food-pairings will be offered by Prairie Chicks Catering (food sold separately). Friday and Saturday evenings will be celebrated around a bonfire and Saturday evening will feature a karaoke experience. Music will provide entertainment all weekend. There will be a jumping castle and games for kids, including face painting and temporary tattoos. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride on Sunday, and check out local vendors’ amazing products all weekend long.