The Wilhelm Family Vineyards in the Sonoita/Elgin wine region will be hosting two wine and cheese socials, featuring the pre-release of three new wines:  Kristian’s Kianti II; Unwind; and Karyl’s Kreation II.  The socials are set for Saturday, October 23, and Saturday, October 30, both 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Fresh goat cheeses will include raspberry chipotle chevre; sun dried tomato and basil queso fresco; bacon cheddar chevre; and green onion and chive queso fresco.

Participants also will enjoy Karyl’s Harvest to Barrel tour, a great opportunity to tour the winery with the owner and see how wine is made. A few small tastes of wine currently barrel-aging might even be in order (the Syrah and Zinfandel?).

Karyl Wilhelm says these socials provide wine lovers the chance is a great way to try and buy the wines before they’re released in the tasting room. Cost is $20 per person; seating is limited, so please make reservations quickly. Wilhelm Family Vineyards is located at 21 Mountain Ranch Drive, Elgin, AZ, phone 520-455-9281.

Arizona vintner makes it to Best of Best list

The Viognier 2009 vintage produced by Sam Pillsbury, Cochise County, Arizona winemaker, was named on the Wine Inquirer’s Best of the Best list. The $36/bottle wine is described as sporting a gorgeous burst of floral essence and hints of tangerine, lime and peaches. It pairs ideally with fish, Asian-style cuisine, and roast pork.

There was a time when Arizona’s surging wine industry was a well kept secret. No more. National acclaim continues to flow as Arizona wines get nod after nod of acceptance.

Get ready for Arizona Wine Week

The Arizona Wine Growers Association will celebrate with the first-ever Arizona Wine Week, beginning Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.

To kick it all off, AWGA is wrapping up the Great Arizona Grape Stomp 5K in Phoenix on Saturday, October 30. The run starts at Parkway Church (1751 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix) in North Central Phoenix and runs along the Arizona Canal. Runners will receive a free wine glass that can be used for discounted wine tasting at two after parties – The Duce and the Phoenix Public Market, both in downtown Phoenix. Bring your friends and family for a good time!

The Arizona Wine Week celebration will take place at Arizona vineyards and wineries throughout the state, culminating Saturday, November 6, with The Festival at The Farm, the association’s signature event.

The festival is preceded by the Celebration of the Arizona Growers Reception on Friday, Nov. 5, 2010. 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.

Set among the pecan groves of Phoenix’s intimate 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 tastings from more than 20 Arizona wineries, plus a picnic lunch catered by Barbara Catering, live auction for packages that include access to top Arizona chefs and winemakers, live music, and seminars.

Tickets for each event are $65; $120 for both.

Kokopelli Krush koming

Kokopelli Winery, Arizona’s largest and most decorated winery, will be hosting its biggest event in the KRUSH history – the ninth annual Kokopelli Krush, sponsored this year by Mercedes Benz of Chandler. The event has been ranked as one of the top 10 things to do in Phoenix.

Taking place on October 22 through October 24 in historic downtown Chandler, the Kokopelli Grape Krush competition will be held for teams of two to win great prizes, from wine to trips.

Friday’s schedule is from 5:00pm to midnight, featuring two Krush heats at 7:00pm and 11:00pm. On Saturday, there will be three heats at 1:00pm, 7:00pm, and 11:00pm. One heat will be held on Sunday at 1:00pm, and then the finalists from each day will compete for the grand prize at 3pm. Live music will provide the entertainment between heats.

New awards will be presented in two new categories this year — a corporate team division and a children’s division 12 and under.

All the activity will center about the Kokopelli Winery and Bistro at 35 W Boston Street in Chandler.