According to the Stetson Winery website, it was a beautiful spring evening when Don and Jo Stetson were sitting with friends on their patio, enjoying the sunset and sipping on a glass of wine, when their vision was born. Someone said: “Can you picture this valley planted in grapes with all of us on the veranda of a tasting room enjoying a sunset like this one?” The next day they were digging for a soil sample to send for testing to assess how well wine grapes might grow there— the sample showed the soil to be ideal for cultivating a vineyard, and their dream of a winery and event center took flight on 11.11.2012.

Today, the Stetson Winery and Event Center is located 15 miles north of Kingman, AZ, and just a few minutes from historic Route 66—the only winery and event center in northwestern Arizona.

New lodging

After a long day of standing on my feet pouring Pillsbury Wines with owner Sam Pillsbury for nearly 1,500 people at the wine festival, I retreated to what I recalled as a ruggedly charming but run-down Stage Stop Inn in Patagonia. The 30-minute drive was actually relaxing, as I maneuvered the amazingly beautiful sun-kissed hills and valleys along Route 82W, with that bottle of wine from the north in my thoughts. You see, on a day of pouring wines, most of us don’t drink wine at all, so I looked forward to uncorking this sexy looking bottle of Hop In The Cab.

I was thrilled to discover that the Stage Stop Inn hotel is now under new ownership and undergoing renovations—and I was the first patron to enjoy a newly refurbished room, just off the handsome courtyard with pool. The room was decked out with stunning new floor tiles, spotless everything, even brand-spanking-new sliding glass entry doors—double pane, of course.

Before settling in, I took a short walk to the Wild Horse Restaurant—about 100 paces from the hotel’s entrance, where I ordered my first good meal of the day. At this spotless and friendly restaurant, I was hoping for comfort food to soothe my tired and hungry soul.  I chose the grilled beef tenderloin medallions. Well worth the $15 and 20-minute wait to get my order to-go.

Back in the room, before digging into the fork-tender beef topped with a very light and tasty rich mushroom sauce, I popped the Hop In The Cab Darlin’ cork to enjoy as I dined. The garlic mashed red potatoes and the seasoned cauliflower and peppers were both fresh and savory. My small house salad featured fresh dark green veggies and mushrooms. The Cab was a delightful accompaniment to every last bite.

Made with Napa grapes and master-crafted by award-winning Arizona vintner, Eric Glomski, this Cabernet Sauvignon is classic—complex, lots of body, and well-balanced, with a slight hint of chocolate on the finish. The label suggests: “Just like that beautiful old pick-up truck that always turns your head.”

I confess, I was much too tired to even enjoy a second glass—it was early to bed with an early return to the second day of pouring wines at the festival in Sonoita. However, I’m happy to report that the Cab held up to further enjoyment once I returned to Willcox late the following evening.

Looking forward

I can’t wait to savor more of the wines made from the grapes grown in the Kingman valley by the Stetson Winery.  Stay tuned for a follow-up, sometime after Don and Jo bottle their first harvest.

I am delighted to have re-discovered the renewed Stage Stop Inn in Patagonia as a choice place to stay next time I head to the Sonoita/Elgin region for some more wining. And that happens a lot.

Also hoping to share many more thoughts on other Arizona wine discoveries with my ol’ Facebook buddy JD. Thanks, man!

Cheers!

Check out Arizona wines firsthand, as the spring tasting season is revving up with new releases, festivals, and new tasting rooms–all within a scenic 1- to 2-hour drive from Tucson. Arizona winemakers have pruned their vines and are keeping a close watch on the weather, hoping for precious few frosts, as they look forward to sharing their wines with you at these public events.

Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts

Head to Tempe, Arizona the weekend of April 5-7, 2013, to sip, sample, and savor local Arizona wines. Fourteen wineries will showcase their wines and offer tastings along with sales by the glass, bottle, or case at this event sponsored by the Arizona Wine Growers Association. The wine festival admission of $15 includes six tastings and a commemorative wine glass. The festival will be located on 7th Street, just west of Mill Avenue in Tempe. Tickets available for purchase in advance.

Celebrate in Sonoita

Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21, 2013, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., head to the Kief Joshua Vineyards on Elgin Road for the second Southeast AZ Wine Growers Festival. There will be more than a dozen winemakers and live music, fabulous food vendors, and many wineries will be releasing new wines. The lovely Jeordie (daughter of ’60s musical artist Melanie; remember her?) is the featured musician. Plan to stay for the day (or the weekend). This is a laid-back, simply enjoyable weekend to hang out in the KJV vineyards.

Second Annual Bacchanal Festival

Looking for nothing but fun? There’s always something hopp’ning at Arizona Hops & Vines. Megan and Shannon are prepping for their Second Annual Bachannal Festival, Saturday, May 11, 2013. This all-day, all-out festival includes wine and beer tastings, homemade root beer, great food from local restaurant and food truck delectables paired with wines from Arizona’s best vineyards, family crafts, a petting zoo, and plenty of fun and debauchery for all ages. Located on Hwy 82, about 5 miles east of Hwy 83, this gorgeous vineyard enjoys some of the best valley views.

Willcox hosts AZ Winemakers

Downtown Willcox in Historic Railroad Park is the scene of one of the most peaceful, easy-feeling wine festivals in the area. Well, that’s until a train flies by about every 9 minutes; but that just adds to the ambiance.

The Willcox Wine Country Spring Wine Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and May 19, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Your $15 tasting fee includes 8 tastings, commemorative glass, and some of the best live entertainment in all of Southeast AZ.

Following the festival on Saturday, at 6:00 p.m., will be a special showing of Free Willy III at the historic Willcox movie theater, immediately across the street. This movie is one of dozens directed by film director-turned-winemaker, Sam Pillsbury of Pillsbury Wines. The movie viewing is free for one and all, but donations are welcome to help support the theater.

Rumor has it there will be at least two new tasting rooms opening up in the Willcox area by then as well. Well worth the drive (about 1.5 hours from Tucson); lots of places to spend the night.

Alice Feiring Recap

The presentation of Naked Wine at the Tucson Festival of Books earlier this month featured well-known author and wine critic Alice Feiring. The wines tasted and discussed by the panel of experts and audience participants were:

• Tournelle Fleurs Savagnin 2007
• Pitancier Sauvignon Blanc 2011
• Matariki Sauvignon Blanc 2009
• Coturri Carignane 2009
• Olivier Cousin Pur Breton 2011 (my personal favorite)

Cheers!

To celebrate this bygone era, Arizona Hops & Vines is hosting its own Speakeasy on Saturday, November 10, beginning at 6pm. Just like back in the day, you’ll need to know the secret password to get in, so check that out on their facebook page. Then get your gangster and flapper look on for one of most rip-roaring times of your life.

All of this hoopla is in honor of sisters Megan Austin Haller’s and Shannon Austin Zouzoulas’ new gold-medal award-winning wine, the 2011 Moxy California Graciano. Made from Lodi Graciano grapes, this deep-dark beauty will hold her own with even the most fearless gangster.

The back label teases:

Moxy

1. Intestinal fortitude

2. Self-possessed confidence with an attitude of daring

3. Vigor, verve, daring

They say you are what you drink.

Do you have the Moxy to handle this wine?

In addition to AZ Hops & Vines standard menu of hand-crafted wines, Speakeasy attendees can enjoy Sand-Reckoner wines as well as Old World Brewery’s beers.

Don’t worry about getting busted by the Prohibition agents. On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, making alcohol once again legal.  But you should worry about driving back to Tucson after all that fun. There are several B&Bs in the Sonoita area, just ask your hostesses for directions.

Boop-oop-a-doop!

Shannon, Amanda, Megan–our hosts and chef for dinner in the vineyards at AZ Hops & Vines

Thank so much to Shannon Austin Zouzoulas and Megan Austin Haller of AZ Hops & Vines in Sonoita, AZ, for hosting a fabulous evening of remarkable foods, GREAT wines, fantastic people, and good cheer, on Saturday, August 17. Amazingly, they managed to keep that great storm-filled lightning-flashing weather at a peaceful distance, as a couple dozen friends of the winery dined overlooking the view under the sometimes star-studded sky.

What better way to showcase the offerings in your wine portfolio than to pair each with a superbly prepared dish? A hat tip to Allison Embacher for the cooking; she’s a true chef extraordinaire. You out-did yourself, girl!

One of my favorite combinations was the AZ Hops & Vines Summer (a blend of 44% CA Verdelho, 44% CA Albarino, and 12% Sauvignon Blanc from Lightning Ridge Cellars, AZ) with the cervices-style shrimp cocktail in its delightful avocado-pineapple salsa. The wine’s clean mineral undertones combine with a somewhat oaky passion fruit flavor, and it really took the shrimp cocktail and salsa to new heights.

Another to-die-for dish on the ambitious menu was dark-chocolate panna cotta with smoked salt and cayenne—I could have gone for seconds on this, and I’m not a dessert sort of girl. Must be because it was paired with a Hops & Vines fan-favorite, The Fluffer, which provided perfect balance to the dessert’s kicky flavor. This Muscat (grapes from New Mexico) is sweet, crisp, and fruity with a clean finish—the perfect ending to a tremendous meal and evening.

The next big event scheduled for AZ Hops & Vines is its first annual Great Crush Festival, Saturday, September 8, 11:00am to 4:00pm. There’ll be music, food, Dragoon beers, and wines, of course, for only $10 per person for a souvenir glass and a taste of each wine and beer. As always, the Sober Shack will be serving up super special sodas with activities to keep the kids busy.

CHEERS to you Shannon and Megan; love you both, and thanks once again. You are both simply brilliant… doing what you love.

Kief Joshua’s Magdalena Bash

Kief Joshua and Grandma Magdalena planning the party

Join the Kief Joshua Vineyard family’s Magdalena Bash, this coming weekend, August 25, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. This is a celebration to honor Grandma (for whom the KJV Magdalena is named), who turns 93. She may be on hand to sign some bottles of her signature wine.

The event will showcase new wine releases, and feature entertainment by Jeordie, daughter of 1960’s pop-star Melanie. She’ll even sing her mother’s hit single, “I’ve Got A Brand New Pair of Roller Skates” along with other hits such as “Red, Red Wine.” Food will feature chicken wings and sandwiches by Locally Arizona. Wine tasting of $5 includes a souvenir glass.

Cheers to your birthday Grandma, enjoy!

Farming is a family affair at AZ Hops & Vine

About an hour east of Tucson on Highway 82 in Sonoita, Arizona, a start-up winery is pulling out all the stops with its first annual Bacchanal Festival, this Saturday, May 12, from 10am till 6pm.

The all-day Arizona Hops & Vines festival will include wine and beer tastings (featuring Borderlands Brewery microbrews), homemade root beer, and fantastic food from local Sonoita restaurants—including K&As Mexican food, Canella’s Bistro, The Steakout, Ranchouse, Viaggio’s, The Sonoita Café, Tia Anita’s Cantina, Civas Mias, Planet & the Crepes, and Santa Rita’s Table—paired with wines from Arizona’s best wine country, family crafts, a petting zoo with baby goats to feed, and more—something for all ages. I’m guessing  a few of their ‘signature’ palate-cleansing Cheetos will be available as well. There is a nominal $10 entrance fee (kids free) and $2 tickets for pairings.

Arizona Hops & Vines is described as a “cheeky little winery run by two crazy awesome sisters, Megan and Shannon, with a ton of help from their friends and their many children.” While their own grapes are still young, they feature a portfolio of a half dozen wines that will rock your sock off, that they’ve made with grapes sourced from Arizona, California, and New Mexico vineyards. My personal choice is Imbibe—a very full-bodied California Petite Verdot; but I understand that Hops & Vines The Fluffer has become a local favorite.

Hops & Vines sisters Megan and Shannon crushing grapes.

I am drawn to the spirit of the Hops & Vines winery by Megan’s and Shannon’s contagious enthusiasm and optimistic vision. They have entered into this venture with a good deal of firsthand grape-growing and winemaking experience under their belt, eyes wide open, and an extended family that doesn’t mind the hard work.

Let’s all gather to celebrate this first Bacchanal festival and welcome Hops & Vines to the growing fold of Arizona grape growers.

Cheers, I’ll see you there!

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.

The Kief-Joshua Vineyards 2009 Zinfandel was released earlier this year; Kief Manning will be pouring this in the tastings.

Kief Manning and family will be showing off their newest wine releases—a 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (grapes from Cochise County) and the 2009 Tempranillo (grapes from Sonoita & Cochise County)—this coming weekend, April 16 and 17, 11:00am to 5:00pm, at the Kief-Joshua Vineyards in Elgin.

The day will be filled with tasting new wines and previous releases, winery tours, great food and music. Live music will be provided by Cat Daddy & the 12 Barz Blues Band and Andy Hersey and Tim O’Connor. Winery tours will be hosted both days at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Food will be available to purchase both days from a chuckwagon menu by M&R, and Locally Arizona’s famous chicken wings and Sunday omelet bar will be available. Check the Kief-Joshua website for times and menu.  

Admission is $10 per person or a special presale price of 2 for $15. Plan to head on down to the winery that resembles a castle and join in the fun and enjoy the wines, 370 Elgin Road, Elgin, AZ, about an hour from Tucson. 

Cheers to a great Arizona wine-appreciation event!

Ritz-Carlton winemaker dinner

Winemaker Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards, producers of exceptional Pinot Noir and Syrah wines from Sonoma County, will interact with guests at an evening reception and a specially prepared meal with wine pairings at the Ritz-Carlton CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar at Dove Mountain, Marana, on Thursday, February 10 from 6:00pm -10pm.  The remarkable menu includes shaved duck prosciutto, pan-seared bronzini, buffalo short ribs, and more delightful dishes. Call for reservations, 520-572-3000.

Pink & pig at Canela Bistro

Canela Bistro, Sonoita, AZ

Dos Cabezas Wineworks and Canela Bistro, located on Highway 82 in Sonoita, have teamed up for several events featuring new wines all Valentine weekend. On Friday, February 11, Canela Bistro will create some tasty piggy treats to accompany Dos Cabezas latest release, the 2009 “Pink!” Choose from a 3-course menu or wine pairings. On Saturday, February 12, a serious sit-down to celebrate love with Canela Bistro chef/owners John Hall and Joy Vargo, will feature Dos Cabezas wines. Contact Canela Bistro, 520-455-5873 for more information and to make your reservations today.

Sunglow Guest Ranch Resort wine dinner

Keeling Schaeffer Vineyards and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards have teamed up with Sunglow Guest Ranch in the Chiricahua Mountains for this event of great food and Arizona wines on Saturday February 12, beginning at 6:00pm. Chef Colleen will present a four-course dinner featuring pork tenderloin, paired with Keeling Schaefer wines poured by winemakers Rod Keeling and Jan Schaeffer. The Arizona Stronghold wines of winemakers Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan will be paired with the salad and soup course. Space is limited, reservations required, call Beth at 520-824-3334. Rooms are still available for overnight guests.

Valentine wines & chocolate tasting

Slow Food Tucson is hosting a very special Valentine Tasting of Wine & Chocolate, featuring CataVinos Wine Shoppe wines paired with chocolate tastes from Tucson Creative Catering on Sunday, February 13, 3:00pm to 5:00pm. The mouth-watering menu will include such pairings as Gruet Sparkling Rosé with chocolate-covered strawberries, Torres Vina Esmeralde with mini-chocolate chili cupcakes with chocolate chilli ganache, and Vinho Madeira with chocolate hazelnut torte squares.  And there is more; check the Tucson Creative Catering website for the full fare.

The event will take place at CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room, 3063 N. Alvernon Way. Please make reservations by February 10; you can make them online at the Slow Food Tucson website.  

Wine and pairings all weekend long

Charron Vineyards has updated its Valentine’s weekend plans by extending the wine and chocolate pairings Friday through Monday this coming weekend. Best known for its White Merlot, Charron now offers a 2010 Dry White Merlot that is fantastic paired with grilled salmon, and most importantly, goes well with dark chocolate.  A win-win situation.

For other Valentine options at Canelo Hills Vineyards, elle Wine Bistro, Kokopelli Winery, and Pastiche Modern Eatery, please check my POUR ME SOME GRAPES February 1, 2011 blog; and for the perfect wine to present your Valentine, consider the choices in my POUR ME SOME GRAPES  February 5, 2011 blog.

Valentine’s Wine Meet-up

Don’t have a specific Valentine yet? No problem! The Old Pueblo Wine Club welcomes you to its Saturday, February 12 meet-up. This month they will be celebrating the holiday of love by tasting wines from South America. Bread, crackers, fruit provided. Attendees are asked to bring a favorite cheese, fruit, or olives to share. For location and more information, you must be a member; membership in the group is free (sign up online). The event, hosted by Keith Figgins, is $15/person.

Cheers to your very special wine-fulfilled Valentine’s Day!

Steady and true

For the woman who completes you in that comfortable, steady manner, you can’t go wrong with a delightful French Côtes du Rhône. Here are two stellar choices in this category.
The 2008 Côtes du Rhône from well-known French wine importer, Kermit Lynch (who has rarely let me down) is a perfect pick. This wine is part Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mouvedre, well-blended to bring out the best characteristics of each grape. Its nose reminds me of freshly baked bread, combined with hints of floral and spice. On the mouth, the wine is layered and complex, with soft tannins, dark cherry, blackberry, and a light touch of spice.

Open this 2007 Vidal-Fleury Côtes du Rhône, and you’re met with a nose of strawberry, chocolate, prune, cherry, with notes of violet.  On the palate, you’ll be treated with sturdy red fruit and hints of pepper, all merging in a spicy lingering finish.

While Côtes du Rhônes pair well with red and white meats, pizza, barbecue, pasta and cheese, they’re also the remarkable accompaniment to Thai or Indian food.

Courting and exploring

Picture the perfect Lady & the Tramp-like Valentine date: You and your sweetie hovering over that bowl of spaghetti; a bottle of Carmen Carmenère 2007 from Rapel Valley, Chile, standing by. Nothing says “I love you” like this wine’s nose of chocolate and roses, mingled with dark fruits. Layers of raspberry, dark chocolate, pepper, plum, roasted coffee, spice, and smoke tantalize the palate into a long finish.

The label itself is all about love. On the front: Chile’s oldest wine house is inspired by the legacy of one man’s love for Carmen, his wife. Through the enduring passion of winemaking, every wine is transformed into an unforgettable experience. Hint: Bring along a magnifying glass to illuminate that tender thought, and just watch her heart smile. The back of the bottle heralds: “You can’t talk about passion. You have to taste it.”

This infusion artfully blends 85% Carmenère and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon into a flavorful, textured Bordeaux-style wine. I love it for its intense aromas of intermingled flavors. Linger with its peppery finish, and one’s palate cries out for more. This is personal favorites, due to its versatility with foods, or for casual sipping with strong cheeses.

Let’s just make this official

Spice up Valentine’s night and boldly state your intentions with an impressive bottle of R-Wines The Immortal Zin. This wonderfully soft, smooth, and fresh wine is delightful on so many levels. It’s rich with the ripe fruit that makes Zinfandel so memorable; yet it’s not overpowering like so many other Zins. Your nose will be greeted with aromas of cherry, minerals, and light spice. Those cherries then layer with strawberry, cocoa, smooth tannins, and light toast on the palate, all leading to a lengthy finish.

The classy bottle label is a most tantalizing Valentine expression. There’s nothing innocent about the wine-glass masquerading as a halo, or its outright question printed right on the back of the label: “Have you committed The Immortal Zin yet?”

I know I’ve been talking about Valentine’s Day here, but The Immortal Zin is likewise the popular Super Bowl Party pick—it goes well with finger foods, pastas, pizza, hot wings, ribs, and other halftime faire. And if that quarterback tanks, it’s what everybody drinks (just kidding; personally, I’d hide it in the pantry for my own enjoyment).

Each of the wines featured here was purchased from one of three Tucson-owned and operated wine shops for less than $11 per bottle. Uncorking one of these wines as a prelude to a wonderful Valentine celebration will allow just enough cash to cover those reservations at your favorite locally owned restaurant or venue. Show Tucson the love too.

First date

What wine do you gift her if you’ve just started dating? I’d suggest a bottle of 2009 Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet. You just can’t go wrong with the sheer romanticm of a wine named for a woman’s favorite dessert.

This red wine is a structured blend of 47% Zinfandel, 29% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petite Sirah. The delightful aroma, the depth of flavor, and the long creamy finish is a simple delight. The subtle flavors of chocolate and mocha notes, red and blackberry fruits, and a hint of coconut tantalize the senses. This one goes beautifully with cupcakes, any flavor; trust me.

Valentine & wine in the vineyards

Milton Craig, Charron Vineyards vintner, invites you to a very special Valentine chocolate pairing with their four wines Monday, February 14, from 10:00am till 6:00pm. Pima County’s only tasting room is located just off I-10 on scenic Highway 83 between Vail and Sonoita, less than 30 minutes from downtown Tucson. Consider a sunset tasting on the tasting room deck, with spectacular views of the Santa Rita Mountains.  

The good news is that there’s still plenty of time before Valentine’s Day  to select that perfect wine.

And go Steelers! (There, I said it!)

Cheers!

Vignerons Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan of Arizona Stronghold Vineyard in Cochise County, AZ, offer up Nachise – a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Mourvedre aged in French oak. The 2009 release has a beautiful nose of concentrated dark fruit, mocha, tar, sweet cigar smoke, and hints of pumpkin spice. The hearty and textured mouth-feel is full-fruit jammy but balanced, with a multi-layered finish. This one will be super with that hearty holiday meal featuring roast lamb.

This wine commemorates Nachise, the youngest and fiercest of Cochise’s sons. After the death of his older brother Tazi, Nachise became leader of the Chiricahua Apache and resumed raids to reclaim his ancestral homeland alongside Geronimo.

Charron Vineyards, Vail, AZ, has added two new wines to its line-up. First, is the Merlot Blanc De Noir — another white wine from black grapes. This one is a drier version of the White Merlot, made by fermenting out more of the natural sugars. It pairs well with chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes.

At last, Charron now offers a 100% red Merlot, just in time for the holidays. This medium-bodied, well-balanced wine offers good structure and refined tannins. The delicious wine is easy to enjoy on its own or pairs well with grilled or smoked red meat and fish.

The Fool by Bitter Creek Winery is a blend of grapes from Jerome, AZ, and Willcox, AZ — 33% Cabernet, 33% Syrah, and 34% Zinfandel. Its smoky nose gives way to a zesty ripe berry taste with a smooth finish – another wine that will stand up to the strongest of cheeses and meats.

Bitter Creek wine labels feature Tarot card characters, created by popular Verde Valley artist Rick Wyckoff. I love the saying on the back of the bottle: “Going through life without a care, Just one step ahead of life’s challenges.” I believe I identify way too much with that sentiment; does that make me a fool? No, just a fool for a good wine, so I chose this one.

I’ve discovered the best way to finish off any holiday meal or gathering is Lightning Ridge Cellars 2007 Afterglow. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this dessert wine is only slightly sweet with a subtle cinnamon taste and finish. Its light style can be savored as the perfect finish to a perfect meal – you’ll likely want more than one glass of this one.  It’s even better paired with dark chocolate or fudge.

If you’re in the Sonoita area over the holidays, stop by the winery. Winemaker Ann Roncone will serve you up some of her own personal fudge recipe to demonstrate the power chocolate adds to this wine. Priced at only $15 per bottle, Afterglow makes a great hostess gift.

I wish to thank my newfound Arizona wine friends for introducing me to many magnificent wines, pleasant times, and good cheer. I look forward to pouring many more glasses of your grapes in the coming year.

Cheers to a weather-friendly 2011 for winegrowers everywhere!