Event Calendar

The Latin Passport Dinner Series launched in 2012, and with much success the series has been extended another six months. Let the tour begin!

Each Latin Passport Dinner Series begins on the first Saturday of the month, and each corresponding country will be highlighted every Saturday throughout the month. Each dinner series features a four-course menu for $35 per person with supplemental beverage pairings available. These beverage pairings will highlight cocktails and wines from the featured regions.

El Salvador – May 4, 11, 18, 25

EL SALVADOR – Available in May 2013
Province welcomes you to discover a Latin Passport Dinner menu inspired by the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, El Salvador. Its traditional cuisine is particularly distinctive among the diverse Central America regions and consists of food from the Mayans, Lencas, Pipils and Spaniards featuring a variety of soups, seafood, and dishes comprised of corn. Though El Salvador is most widely known for its handmade stuffed pupusa, a thick handmade corn flour tortilla stuffed with cheese, meat, squash and other fillings, it has a wide array of other great dishes too. Tamales, empanadas and sopa de pata are all savored
foods of El Salvador.

To view the menu, visit ProvinceRestaurant.com.

Pig & Pickle, Scottsdale’s meat-heavy haunt by Chef Keenan Bosworth and Chef Joshua Riesner, is offering a monthly beer pairing dinner the third Monday of every month, where patrons can enjoy their pig, pickle and other palate-pleasing plates paired with the perfect pint.

Guests will sample brews from a different beer brand each month, some of which have never before been available to the public. This month’s dinner features Oskar Blues.

Price includes four beers and four courses (one reception bite + three plates).

Space is limited, so reserve your space today by calling (480) 990-1407.

PigandPickle.com

What do Dean Martin, Winston Churchill, John Mayer and Sean Connery all have in common? If you said they’re all scotch drinkers, you would be correct! Scotch is a cool beverage, smoky and complex. What other spirit has descriptors like cedar, clove, marzipan, toffee, orange, pear, peat, pine and citrus?

At ZuZu’s Scotch Chef’s Table, scotch expert and Scottish expat Robert Anderson with Alliance Beverage will inform drinkers of the wonders of single malt scotch. The evening starts with a reception of plump, scotch-scented oysters on the half shell, followed by a four-course dinner paired with a collection of exquisite scotch whiskeys.

House Smoked Salmon with American Caviar
miso potato cake + lemon chive cream
Talisker 10 year

Wild Mushroom Tortellini
asparagus + carrots with orange and ginger
Glenkinchie 12 year

Braised Monk Fish & Lobster Stew
spring vegetables + pistou
Oban

Pineapple Cobbler
vanilla ice cream
Dalwhinnie 15 year

Reservations are required. Please call (480) 421-7997 or visit Café-ZuZu.com.

Join Peggy Fiandanca and Curt Dunham of Lawrence Dunham Vineyards for a wonderful wine dinner at Chris Bianco’s Italian Restaurant in Phoenix on May 21^st. Chef John Hall will prepare delicious pairings for Arizona’s award-winning Lawrence Dunham Vineyard wines.

To make reservations, please call (602) 368-3273. Visit PizzeriaBianco.com to learn more about Italian Restaurant and LawrenceDunhamVineyards.com to learn more about the winery and their wines.

Kazbar hosts Eric Glomski and Page Springs Cellars. Yep, Arizona homegrown! Join a true experimenting master, obscure Italian varietals, different California AVA’s, brandy, even Arizona oak – who knows which barrel he’ll bring!
(480) WINE-004
Kazbar.net

Continuously recognized by Wine Spectator with their coveted “Award of Excellence” since 1996, the LON’s at the Hermosa wine list is nothing short of spectacular, and as they kicked off their Wine Dinner Series in October.

“From Perrier-Jouët in Champagne, France to Pillsbury Wines, made right here in Arizona, this year’s Wine Dinner Series will pair locally known and world renowned varietals with a fine-dining experience unlike any other,” said Managing Director Michael Gildersleeve.

Each dinner will feature a wine reception and four-course wine-paired dinner for $99++/person.

New Zealand Film Director and Winemaker Sam Pillsbury will be featuring varietals of his locally grown grapes from Pillsbury Wine Company at this wine reception dinner prepared by LON’s Executive Chef Jeremy Pacheco.

To make your reservation, please call (602) 955-7878.

For more information, or to make your reservation online, visit HermosaInn.com.

Five fresh dishes, ten wines, expert commentary and one world class sommelier showdown. Join winemaker Eric Glomski and Peter Kasperski for a fun, interactive five-course meal where each guest will taste wines double-blind and vote for their favorite pairing after each course.
(480) WINE-111
CowboyCiao.com

“Taste Talavera” returns this spring with a series of specialty events highlighting everything from spirits to fine Italian wines, as well as a famed California winemaker.

“The Taste series is designed to stretch the boundaries of our regular Talavera menu, and bring a notable new element to the table,” says Talavera Restaurant Chef Ben Lieberman. “Whether your passion is fine California wines, a classic spirit, or even adventurous dining, we have a dinner that is the perfect match for your palate.”

“Taste” evening features a four-course tasting menu highlighting the guest spirit maker, winemaker, or star ingredient.  The flow-style evening allows patrons who wish to dine on the à la carte Talavera menu to do so, even if their tablemates choose the “Taste” option

The cost for the “Taste” evening varies, from $85 to $110 for the spring series.  To reserve seating for a “Taste Talavera” dinner or the series, kindly phone Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale’s restaurant reservations at (480) 513-5085 or visit TalaveraRestaurant.com.

Talavera introduces a modern take on the classic steakhouse, with unique steak and seafood pairings, comfort desserts, and a range of specialty sides, accompaniments and starters.  Adjacent to Talavera, Onyx Lounge receives its namesake from the amber color-ribboned onyx framing the bar.

The Lounge showcases a menu of Southwestern small plates and fresh, sweet and savory cocktail combinations.

Singers will be featured every other Saturday from 11am-4pm. Chef Stephen will be on hand selling sandwiches and other goodies.

The first singer in the series is a favorite of Kief-Joshua’s, Jeordie, daughter of 60’s Pop-Star Melanie, “I got a Brand New Pair of Roller Skates.”

KiefJoshuaVineyards.com

The 3rd Annual Zinfest at Alcantara will celebrate the bottling their Zinfandel!

There will be food, wine and other fun activities to enjoy.

For more information call (928) 649-8463 and visit them online at AlcantaraVineyard.com.

Want to get out of the heat over Memorial Day Weekend? Head up to Granite Creek Vineyards in Chino Valley for some Hurt County bluegrass, cooler temperatures and some delicious Arizona vino!

Granite Creek Vineyards is proud to host this fun-filled and relaxing two day event featuring award winning wines, talented musicians from around Arizona and a delicious wine friendly lunch menu available for purchase from Block Six Catering.

Admission includes wine tasting and live music. For more information call (928) 636-2003 or visit their website at GraniteCreekVineyards.com.

The Wine Tasting event at Arrowhead Grill will feature newly added California reds and whites to their wine list.

Click here to make a reservation.

ArrowheadGrill.com

The quartet of AZ winemakers- Todd Bostock, Kent Callaghan, Maynard James Keenan and Tim White release their wine collaboration, Kindred.

A barrel from each winery made its way into this Cabernet Sauvignon & Tempranillo blend which will be available for both sample and purchase at FnB.

Listen to the winemakers’ stories, enjoy small bites and sample five wines including the Kindred for $45.  Call for reservations at (480) 588-7489 or visit online at FnBRestaurant.com.

Enjoy a four-course wine dinner at Christopher’s.

Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. with 2010 Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel Rose – Southern Rhone, France and Amuse Bouche

First Course
2007 Henri Perrusset Macon-Villages – Burgundy, France
CASSOLETE OF SEAFOOD WITH ROUILLE

Second Course
2009 Charles Joguet Chinon Cuvee Terroir Cabernet Franc – Loire Valley, France
SOUS VIDE PORK BRISKET WITH SHITAKI MUSHROOMS

Main Course
2007 Chateau de Bellevue Lussac St Emilion – Bordeaux, France
SLOW 24-HOUR COOKED BRAISED BEEF WITH HERB CRUST

Dessert
Nougat glace

For reservations and information, please call (602) 522-2344 or email christophersaz@gmail.com

ChristophersAZ.com

Starting on April 4th, Quiessence will host five wine dinners with five celebrated Arizona winemakers, including Rob Hammelmann of Sand-Reckoner Wines, Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas Wineworks, Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards, Curt Dunham of Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, and Sam Pillsbury of Pillsbury Wine Company.

Meet the winemaker at each event!

Five-course tasting menu paired with wine prepared by award-winning Chef Greg LaPrad at Quiessence’s beautiful Farm at South Mountain location.  You can purchase tickets for $79 each OR prepay for all five for $300 ($95 savings)The prepaid series special offer must be purchased by April 3^rd.

View flyer for full information.

The Latin Passport Dinner Series launched in 2012, and with much success the series has been extended another six months. Let the tour begin!

Each Latin Passport Dinner Series begins on the first Saturday of the month, and each corresponding country will be highlighted every Saturday throughout the month. Each dinner series features a four-course menu for $35 per person with supplemental beverage pairings available. These beverage pairings will highlight cocktails and wines from the featured regions.

Mexico – June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

MEXICO – Available in June 2013
As the Latin Passport Dinner Series continues, the next stop is Mexico. Mexico offers a wide range of environments with mild year-round temperatures yielding corn, beans, peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, and a variety of herbs. Mexican cuisine is a complex blend of
indigenous (Indian) and Spanish influences, with corn as the main staple of any Mexican dish. To add a touch of spice, chili peppers are frequently incorporated into most main dishes. Some common Mexican foods include: tacos, enchiladas, taquitos, and tamales.

To view the menu, visit ProvinceRestaurant.com.

Blue Moon – the new jazzy version – together with O.O.B.S “Our Own Bad Self” blues jam band will be playing on the crushpad at Zarpara Vineyard on Saturday afternoon, June 1.

Come out to see the vines flowering, taste some wine and sit down to a real treat of jazz and blues! You may even want to purchase a bottle and enjoy it on the terrace.

Zarpara.com

For those that may not have had the chance to try even a few of the 500+ wines on the list, LON’s is launching a monthly series of complimentary wine tastings.

Held the first Tuesday of every month, the tastings will be led by one of LON’s wine wholesalers, who will be pouring 1 – 2 oz. pours, while sharing their knowledge of the product and winemaker. June 4 will feature Dos Cabezas Red and Arizona Stronghold Tazi, presented by Quench Fine Wines

For that night only, the featured wine will be available for 25% off per bottle. LON’s sommelier Bill Parker will also be on hand to make pairing suggestions and answer any questions regarding the wine program.

Lons.com

Beginning on June 5^th Spotted Donkey Cantina at Pedregal returns with its annual beer dinner series featuring brews from local, regional microbreweries including Chandler’s SanTan Brewing Company, Four Peaks Brewing Company in Tempe and Mudshark Brewery in Lake Havasu City.  The cost of the beer-pairing dinners is $39/person and includes a reception with passed bites as well as a three course meal by Executive Chef, Esteban Colon.   The series includes:

June 5, 2013- Beer Dinner with SanTan Brewing Company
July 10, 2013 – Beer Dinner with Four Peaks Brewing Company
August 7, 2013 – Mudshark Brewery

To learn more about the Spotted Donkey Cantina, visit their website at SpottedDonkeyCantinaelPedregal.com.

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On June 5, hear Marshall Trimble speak about Legends in Levis: The Old Time Cowboys while enjoying a three-course meal.

Appetizer: Heirloom Tomato, Fresh Radish & Watercress Salad with wild flower honey vinaigrette and spiced pumpkin seeds

Entree: Mesquite Wood-Grilled NY Strip Steak, cracked peppercorn whiskey demi cream, campfire braised Appaloosa beans and cornmeal battered onion rings

Dessert: Campfire S’mores made with house-made graham cracker layered with chocolate ganache, chocolate cake and toasted marshmallow, served with chocolate sauce and fresh berries.

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

Spotted Donkey Cantina in North Scottsdale welcomes its annual summer beer dinner series beginning on June 5. The series will include a beer reception with mini bites beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by a three-course meal by Executive Chef Esteban Colon. The SanTan Brewery Dinner will include:

Brown butter guacamole nachos with porcini mushrooms and crabmeat, black bean and cotija cheese empanadas and bacon wrapped cherry tomatoes paired with SanTan Hefeweizen

Heart of palm and avocado salad served with SanTan Epicenter Amber

Black pepper crusted filet mignon with ancho red bell pepper and pine nut sauce with toasted goat cheese sautéed spinach and green onion mashed potatoes served with SanTan Devil’s Ale Pale Ale or Hop Shock I.P.A.

Coconut tapioca pudding with mango grilled pineapple and lime served with SanTan Mr. Pineapple

For more information about the Beer Dinner Series at Spotted Donkey Cantina, or to make a reservation please call (480) 488-3358 or visit the website at elPedregal.com or SpottedDonkeyCantinaelPedregal.com

Starting on April 4th, Quiessence will host five wine dinners with five celebrated Arizona winemakers, including Rob Hammelmann of Sand-Reckoner Wines, Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas Wineworks, Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards, Curt Dunham of Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, and Sam Pillsbury of Pillsbury Wine Company.

Meet the winemaker at each event!

Five-course tasting menu paired with wine prepared by award-winning Chef Greg LaPrad at Quiessence’s beautiful Farm at South Mountain location.  You can purchase tickets for $79 each OR prepay for all five for $300 ($95 savings)The prepaid series special offer must be purchased by April 3^rd.

View flyer for full information.

Don’t miss out on Northern Arizona’s Best Wine & Food Event. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 15th, at 10am.

What to expect:

*Experience exquisite international & domestic wines
*Award-winning Arizona Vintners
*Signature Culinary creations by Northern Arizona’s finest restaurants
*Cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs

For more information visit PepsiAmp.com.

Arizona Farmer+Chef Connection introduces local farmers and ranchers to food buyers during a networking and educational conference at Desert Botanical Garden.

The conference program includes panel discussions on innovations in farm to table distribution, best practices in localizing wholesale, food safety regulations and more. In addition, networking between buyers and sellers will facilitate more localized business relationships in Arizona’s food economy. A reception featuring local foods and beverages from the conference attendees caps off the event.

The local food community is celebrating the latest partnership working to strengthen Arizona’s local food economy. Edible Phoenix, Good Food Finder, Local First Arizona, Desert Botanical Garden and Slow Food Phoenix are partnering up to host the event.

The Arizona Farmer+Chef Connection is open to buyers and sellers only. Registration is required with forms available online at AZFarmerChefConnect.EventBrite.com.

Maynard James Keenan of Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards showcasing his wines paired with four-courses at FnB on Tuesday, June 11th.

To make your reservation, call (480) 425-9463. For more information visit FnBRestaurant.com.

Arizona’s only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star restaurant, Kai at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa will host a wine dinner series in partnership with several acclaimed vineyards the second Tuesday of every month, April through July, 2013. This year’s wine dinner series invites guests into the true heart of Italian lifestyle. Join us for food and drink that celebrates a singular country’s variety of landscapes, terrains, rich soil and deep roots.

Beginning in April of 2013, and hosting one each month through July, Kai will pair its award-winning cuisine with all DOCG rated- wines and vineyards from Italy. Kai will present (4) six-course dinner events that will pair the month’s winery with cuisine influenced by its flavors. These events will be offered to a limited number of guests and will be priced at $140 per person, with the exception of an enhanced offering for the July event. Each guest is invited to a private reception with hors d’oeuvres beginning at 6:30 p.m. The six-course dinner with wine pairings will then follow with seating at 7:00 p.m.

This dinner will showcase the best of Sicily and will be held in partnership with the legendary Donnafugata winery. This winery was founded by the Rallo family, who together bring more than 150 years of experience in premium wine production.  Their unique wine selections use the indigenous grape varieties found in Sicily such as Inzolia, Catarratto, Zibibbio and Nero d’Avola.

The guest speaker for this event will be Silvio di Silvio who is currently working for Donnafugata winery as the North American Director responsible for business development and brand education in the US and Canada.  Silvio has a Masters degree in International Business from the Southbank University in London and a BA in International Relations from the University of Padova, Italy.  He is a fully certified (all three levels) Sommelier by the Italian Sommelier Association and he is a member of the Board of Directors for the North America Sommelier Association (NASA).

Reservations for these special evenings will be limited and required. To secure your reservations please contact, Rosina Dee at 602-385-5726 or Rosina.Dee@Sheraton.com.

Along with this year’s wine dinner series, Kai announces a private transportation service. The Journey Class premier chauffeur service offers personal driver services safely to and from Kai Restaurant. As a guest of Kai, we want you to experience that personal service from the moment your night begins all the way through to its conclusion, adding a personal touch that is unmatched in our industry. This program launch will coincide with the first wine dinner and begins April 5. The cost is $60 round-trip, (35 mile one-way limit) and includes up to 4 passengers. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance and can be made by calling 602-385-5726 or sending reservation request information to JourneyClassTransporation@Kai.com.

For more information visit WildHorsePassresort.com. To make reservations call (602) 385-5726.

Join Wedge & Bottle and My Wine Helper for an Arizona wine tasting. Only $5 for four tastes. They also have great, affordable cheese and meat plates that can be purchased at additional cost.

Click for event details.

About 25 of Arizona’s 48 licensed and bonded wine makers are expected to attend Wine in the Pines on June 15 – 16, in Pinetop.

Guests receive a souvenir wine glass with admission for tasting a variety of vintages showcased by wineries predominantly located in the Sonoita/Elgin, Verde Valley and Wilcox regions. The venue will include vendors of wine related products and live music over the two-day festival. Guests can meet the winemakers and learn about the industry while enjoying the flavors of their labor.

Wineries include:

Alcantara
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Carlson Creek Vineyards
Coronado Vineyards
Flying Leap Vineyards
GallifantCellars
Hannah’s Hill Vineyard
Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery
Lawrence Dunham Vineyards
Page Springs Cellars
Pillsbury Wine Company
Pleasant Valley Winery
Saeculum Cellars
Sonoita Vineyards
Studio Vino
Su Vino Winery
Wilhelm Family Vineyards
Zapara Vineyards
Zemper Reserve

Admission is valid for both days and includes 10 tasting tickets. Further tickets and food may be purchased. Proper identification is required and only those over age 21 may be admitted.

Purchase tickets at WineInThePines.chirrpy.com or for more information, go to ArizonaWine.org

Pig & Pickle, Scottsdale’s meat-heavy haunt by Chef Keenan Bosworth and Chef Joshua Riesner, is offering a monthly beer pairing dinner the third Monday of every month, where patrons can enjoy their pig, pickle and other palate-pleasing plates paired with the perfect pint.

Guests will sample brews from a different beer brand each month, some of which have never before been available to the public. This month’s dinner features New Belgium.

Price includes four beers and four courses (one reception bite + three plates).

Space is limited, so reserve your space today by calling (480) 990-1407.

PigandPickle.com

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On July 3, Bob Boze Bell will discuss “On The trail of Arizona history, growing up on Route 66 and the history of that legendary byway.”

Appetizer: Turquoise Salad: Arizona field greens tossed in a green goddess dressing, toasted local pinion nuts, avocado, Medjool dates and roasted red peppers

Entrée: Chicken Fried Pork Chop with Chorizo & Roasted Cippolini Onion Gravy, buttermilk mashed potatoes and Blue Lake Green Bean Casserole.

Dessert: Tres Leches Pastel: Cinnamon Sponge Cake Soaked in a Three Milks and Cajeta Caramel, served with candied almonds and fresh whipped cream.

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

Join us for a great evening of food from Davanti Enoteca, paired perfectly with the award-winning wines of Trione from Sonoma. Seating is limited and you will not want to miss this event. Menu is TBD.

Click here for more info and to RSVP.

Savor the essence of Africa during a relaxing Arizona sunset at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Join them for an evening that promises to tantalize all your wild senses — from tastes to sights to sounds.

Your magical evening begins with the tasting of celebrated wines from renowned vineyards of the Verde Valley, including Zabibu A Amani, a grand rouge made exclusively for Out of Africa Wildlife Park by Alcantara Vineyards. You’ll sample a variety of finely crafted wines, all made right here in Northern Arizona by a variety of different wineries. These remarkable wines are beautifully paired with savory appetizers prepared by esteemed local area chefs — all with an African flare.

As you delight your palate, you’ll sway to soothing African beats in the company of exotic animal hosts to make you feel especially welcome at this one-of-a-kind event. You’ll be toasting amongst friends with your exclusive Out of Africa wine glass. Whole bottles of wine can be purchased at this event.

Next, you’ll take in the splendor of an “Afrizonan” sunset as you embark on a journey into the Serengeti preserve. You’ll be surrounded by free-roaming, African plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, sable antelope, gemsbok, addax and others, that will entertain you with their uncanny behavior while your host narrates the unfolding events. As dusk turns to darkness, these same wild animals engage in a completely different behavior unseen during daylight hours. Here, “wild” takes on an entirely new meaning and you have a front row seat to it all.

Check-in begins at 5:40pm
Wine Tasting from 6pm-7pm
Sunset Safari Tour from 7:10pm-8:30pm
Gift Shop remains open until 9pm

$79.95 + tax. Reservations required. SPACE IS LIMITED. Call today to reserve your spot at (928) 567-2851. Online reservations are not available for this event.

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, dedicated to the protection and preservation of Africa’s Wilderness and its denizens, particularly species such as elephants and black rhinos.

A minimum of three wineries listed here will be participating in the sunset safari and presenting their finely crafted wines for tasting. They include Alcantara Vineyards, Bitter Creek Winery, Oak Creek Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold, Burning Tree Cellars, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery, Page Springs Cellars, and The Jerome Winery. Whole bottles of wine can be purchased at this event.

Visit them online at OutOfAfricaPark.com.

This summer, palates are tempted with Taste Talavera, the culinary brainchild of Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and Talavera Restaurant Chef Ben Lieberman.

A visit from one of Scottsdale’s top chefs to amazing Spanish cuisine with wine pairing, this dinner series is one you can’t miss.

On June 23, join guest Chef Kevin Binkley!

Each Taste features a four-course tasting menu, highlighting the featured guest or star ingredient. The flow-style evening allows patrons who wish to dine on the a la carte Talavera menu to do so, even if other table members choose the Taste option.

To reserve seating for a Taste Talavera evening, call (480) 513-5085 or visit TalaveraRestaurant.com.

Taste five wines from Sonoita Vineyards for only $5 at this wine tasting event at Sun Devil Liquor in Mesa. Light appetizers are provided, and if you purchase two bottles of featured wine, your tasting fee will be applied to your purchase!

Click for event details.

For the second consecutive year, Talking Rock Ranch invites wine enthusiasts to the Talking Rock Ranch Wine Festival an Auction Saturday, June 29, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The 2009 recipient of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Award of Unique Distinction and Club Manager’s Association of America (CMAA) International Wine Society’s Award of Merritt will feature an expansive selection of fine wines available at an exclusive festival rate.

The day’s festivities will include live entertainment and wine tastings with the events commemorative signature and complimentary Talking Rock wine glass. Attendees may also choose to dine al Fresco and enjoy a grilled steak and fish buffet, available for purchase, while listening to the day’s live musical performance. The festival will also support local charities. Proceeds from tickets to the event will benefit the Yavapai Big Brother Big Brothers Big Sisters, while the silent auction will raise funds for other regional charities by collecting bids on an assortment of popular wine lots and packages.

Tickets for the 2013 Talking Rock Ranch Wine Festival and Auction may be purchased in advance at the community’s downtown sales office, located in the Old Firehouse Plaza at 220 W. Goodwin, Suite # 5 in Prescott, or online at TalkingRockRanch.com/About/Wine-Festival.

For more information on the 2013 Talking Rock Ranch Wine Festival and Auction contact Chris Heinrich at CHeinrich@TalkingRockClub.com.

Get your cork cutters and glue gun’s at the ready and join us for our Annual Cork Boat Race at Page Springs Cellars!  Bring the whole family for BBQ, tunes and fun in the sun!

Two leagues: Showboat or Speedboat

Three divisions: Lightweight, Heavyweight and No Hold’s Barge

See Website for Rules: PageSpringsCellars.com/2012Club-Events

Onsite parking for racers only.  Attendee parking at the Fish Hatchery (with shuttles provided.

Reservations@PageSpringsCellars.com

(928) 639-3004 ext. 222

The Latin Passport Dinner Series launched in 2012, and with much success the series has been extended another six months. Let the tour begin!

Each Latin Passport Dinner Series begins on the first Saturday of the month, and each corresponding country will be highlighted every Saturday throughout the month. Each dinner series features a four-course menu for $35 per person with supplemental beverage pairings available. These beverage pairings will highlight cocktails and wines from the featured regions.

Chile – July 6, 13, 20, 27

Chile is the final culinary destination of the six-month Latin Passport Dinner Series. Located along the southwestern coast of South America, Chile stretches 2,653 miles long, but only has a narrow width of 109 miles. With such a vast amount of coastline, the country incorporates a significant amount of various ocean products to its meals. Much of the culinary inspiration stems from a combination of Spanish cuisine and traditional Chilean ingredients with influences from European countries and the Middle East. Interestingly enough, Chile is one of the world’s largest producers of wine, which results in many meals accompanied by wines of the Chilean region.

To view the menu, visit ProvinceRestaurant.com.

For those that may not have had the chance to try even a few of the 500+ wines on the list, LON’s is launching a monthly series of complimentary wine tastings.

Held the first Tuesday of every month, the tastings will be led by one of LON’s wine wholesalers, who will be pouring 1 – 2 oz. pours, while sharing their knowledge of the product and winemaker. July 2 will feature Aia Vecchia Lagone and Elena Walch Pinot Bianco, presented by Classico Fine Wines

For that night only, the featured wine will be available for 25% off per bottle. LON’s sommelier Bill Parker will also be on hand to make pairing suggestions and answer any questions regarding the wine program.

Lons.com

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On July 3, Jana Bommersbach will discuss “Poor Arizona, Nobody Wanted Us. Nobody.”

Appetizer: Watermelon & Cactus Salad with fresh rocket lettuce, prickly pear vinaigrette, jalapeno & local goat cheese fire cracker

Entrée: Mesquite Wood-Grilled Baby Back Ribs & Chicken Thigh, smoked strawberry BBQ, fingerling potato salad and fresh local corn on the cob

Dessert: Red, White and Blue Cream Cheese Pound Cake, served with crushed raspberry and blueberry sauces and vanilla bean gelato.

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

Arizona’s only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star restaurant, Kai at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa will host a wine dinner series in partnership with several acclaimed vineyards the second Tuesday of every month, April through July, 2013. This year’s wine dinner series invites guests into the true heart of Italian lifestyle. Join us for food and drink that celebrates a singular country’s variety of landscapes, terrains, rich soil and deep roots.

Beginning in April of 2013, and hosting one each month through July, Kai will pair its award-winning cuisine with all DOCG rated- wines and vineyards from Italy. Kai will present (4) six-course dinner events that will pair the month’s winery with cuisine influenced by its flavors. These events will be offered to a limited number of guests and will be priced at $140 per person, with the exception of an enhanced offering for the July event. Each guest is invited to a private reception with hors d’oeuvres beginning at 6:30 p.m. The six-course dinner with wine pairings will then follow with seating at 7:00 p.m.

This, the final wine dinner of this series, will focus on the central regions of Italy and highlight wines from the Marches, Umbria and Emilia-Romanga regions. Our guest visitor, Lorenzo Mattoni is an Italian wine professional from Umbria and comes from a five generation winemaking family who owns Terre di Trinci winery in Umbria.

Reservations for these special evenings will be limited and required. To secure your reservations please contact, Rosina Dee at 602-385-5726 or Rosina.Dee@Sheraton.com.

Along with this year’s wine dinner series, Kai announces a private transportation service. The Journey Class premier chauffeur service offers personal driver services safely to and from Kai Restaurant. As a guest of Kai, we want you to experience that personal service from the moment your night begins all the way through to its conclusion, adding a personal touch that is unmatched in our industry. This program launch will coincide with the first wine dinner and begins April 5. The cost is $60 round-trip, (35 mile one-way limit) and includes up to 4 passengers. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance and can be made by calling 602-385-5726 or sending reservation request information to JourneyClassTransporation@Kai.com.

For more information visit WildHorsePassresort.com. To make reservations call (602) 385-5726.

Beginning on June 5^th Spotted Donkey Cantina at Pedregal returns with its annual beer dinner series featuring brews from local, regional microbreweries including Chandler’s SanTan Brewing Company, Four Peaks Brewing Company in Tempe and Mudshark Brewery in Lake Havasu City.  The cost of the beer-pairing dinners is $39/person and includes a reception with passed bites as well as a three course meal by Executive Chef, Esteban Colon.   The series includes:

June 5, 2013- Beer Dinner with SanTan Brewing Company
July 10, 2013 – Beer Dinner with Four Peaks Brewing Company
August 7, 2013 – Mudshark Brewery

To learn more about the Spotted Donkey Cantina, visit their website at SpottedDonkeyCantinaelPedregal.com.

Pig & Pickle, Scottsdale’s meat-heavy haunt by Chef Keenan Bosworth and Chef Joshua Riesner, is offering a monthly beer pairing dinner the third Monday of every month, where patrons can enjoy their pig, pickle and other palate-pleasing plates paired with the perfect pint.

Guests will sample brews from a different beer brand each month, some of which have never before been available to the public. This month’s dinner features Bells.

Price includes four beers and four courses (one reception bite + three plates).

Space is limited, so reserve your space today by calling (480) 990-1407.

PigandPickle.com

Freaky Tuesday Winemaker Dinner with the folks from Dos Cabezas WineWorks. Not your regular winemaker dinner and you won’t want to miss it!

To make your reservation, call (480) 425-9463. For more information visit FnBRestaurant.com.

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On July 17, hear Marshall Trimble speak about Boom Towns and Mineral Mania: From the Town Too Tough to Die to the Ghosts of Cleopatra Hill.

Appetizer: Red Quinoa Salad tossed with wild mushroom escabeche, heirloom tomatoes and roasted Anaheim chili on a bed of arugula.

Entree: Mesquite Wood-Grilled Wild Boar Tenderloin, green chili jus lie, apricot chutney, crispy corn cake and baby vegetables.

Dessert: Fresh Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake, served with strawberry compote and ginger anglaise sauce

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

Savor the essence of Africa during a relaxing Arizona sunset at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Join them for an evening that promises to tantalize all your wild senses — from tastes to sights to sounds.

Your magical evening begins with the tasting of celebrated wines from renowned vineyards of the Verde Valley, including Zabibu A Amani, a grand rouge made exclusively for Out of Africa Wildlife Park by Alcantara Vineyards. You’ll sample a variety of finely crafted wines, all made right here in Northern Arizona by a variety of different wineries. These remarkable wines are beautifully paired with savory appetizers prepared by esteemed local area chefs — all with an African flare.

As you delight your palate, you’ll sway to soothing African beats in the company of exotic animal hosts to make you feel especially welcome at this one-of-a-kind event. You’ll be toasting amongst friends with your exclusive Out of Africa wine glass. Whole bottles of wine can be purchased at this event.

Next, you’ll take in the splendor of an “Afrizonan” sunset as you embark on a journey into the Serengeti preserve. You’ll be surrounded by free-roaming, African plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, sable antelope, gemsbok, addax and others, that will entertain you with their uncanny behavior while your host narrates the unfolding events. As dusk turns to darkness, these same wild animals engage in a completely different behavior unseen during daylight hours. Here, “wild” takes on an entirely new meaning and you have a front row seat to it all.

Check-in begins at 5:40pm
Wine Tasting from 6pm-7pm
Sunset Safari Tour from 7:10pm-8:30pm
Gift Shop remains open until 9pm

$79.95 + tax. Reservations required. SPACE IS LIMITED. Call today to reserve your spot at (928) 567-2851. Online reservations are not available for this event.

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, dedicated to the protection and preservation of Africa’s Wilderness and its denizens, particularly species such as elephants and black rhinos.

A minimum of three wineries listed here will be participating in the sunset safari and presenting their finely crafted wines for tasting. They include Alcantara Vineyards, Bitter Creek Winery, Oak Creek Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold, Burning Tree Cellars, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery, Page Springs Cellars, and The Jerome Winery. Whole bottles of wine can be purchased at this event.

Visit them online at OutOfAfricaPark.com.

This summer, palates are tempted with Taste Talavera, the culinary brainchild of Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and Talavera Restaurant Chef Ben Lieberman.

A visit from one of Scottsdale’s top chefs to amazing Spanish cuisine with wine pairing, this dinner series is one you can’t miss.

On July 20, it’s Breakfast for Dinner at Taste Talavera!

Each Taste features a four-course tasting menu, highlighting the featured guest or star ingredient. The flow-style evening allows patrons who wish to dine on the a la carte Talavera menu to do so, even if other table members choose the Taste option.

To reserve seating for a Taste Talavera evening, call (480) 513-5085 or visit TalaveraRestaurant.com.

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On July 31, dine with Ken Duncan (full-blood San Carlos Apache), storyteller, lecturer, flute player and fluent in Apache.

Appetizer: Acorn Soup with braised rabbit and Guajillo chili

Entree: Stewed Elk & Root Vegetables with wood-grilled Chayote squash and Apache fry bread

Dessert: Trio of Whoopie Pies: Chocolate Cookie Filled with Pecan, Coconut Caramel Filling and Dipped in Dark Chocolate Ganache

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

Every year, Sonoita Vineyards throws a few special celebrations. In August, be sure to join them for their HarvestFest event. The fun includes wine tasting, a souvenir glass, winery tours, food and wine pairings and horse-drawn wagon rides through the vineyard.

Have you ever wanted to stomp grapes? Here’s your chance!

SonoitaVineyards.com

For those that may not have had the chance to try even a few of the 500+ wines on the list, LON’s is launching a monthly series of complimentary wine tastings.

Held the first Tuesday of every month, the tastings will be led by one of LON’s wine wholesalers, who will be pouring 1 – 2 oz. pours, while sharing their knowledge of the product and winemaker. Tuesday, August 6, will feature Dr. Loosen Red Slate Riesling and Dr. L Riesling, presented by Quail Distributing

For that night only, the featured wine will be available for 25% off per bottle. LON’s sommelier Bill Parker will also be on hand to make pairing suggestions and answer any questions regarding the wine program.

Lons.com

Beginning on June 5^th Spotted Donkey Cantina at Pedregal returns with its annual beer dinner series featuring brews from local, regional microbreweries including Chandler’s SanTan Brewing Company, Four Peaks Brewing Company in Tempe and Mudshark Brewery in Lake Havasu City.  The cost of the beer-pairing dinners is $39/person and includes a reception with passed bites as well as a three course meal by Executive Chef, Esteban Colon.   The series includes:

June 5, 2013- Beer Dinner with SanTan Brewing Company
July 10, 2013 – Beer Dinner with Four Peaks Brewing Company
August 7, 2013 – Mudshark Brewery

To learn more about the Spotted Donkey Cantina, visit their website at SpottedDonkeyCantinaelPedregal.com.

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On August 14, hear Bob Boze Bell talk about Outrageous Arizonans II: from an Apache named “Fun” to an old coot named Harry Nipple – These guys are flat out weird!

Appetizer: Chopped Romaine, Shrimp & Avocado Saddle, creamy cilantro lime dressing, black beans, sweet corn, baby heirloom tomatoes and tortilla rajas

Entree: Roasted Game Hen with Dried Apple Pecan Stuffing, red chili & giblet gravy, smashed new potatoes with charred scallions and roasted jumbo asparagus

Dessert: Sun-Dried Apple-Prune Pie, topped with a candied pecan streusel and bourbon brown sugar sauce

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

Savor the essence of Africa during a relaxing Arizona sunset at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Join them for an evening that promises to tantalize all your wild senses — from tastes to sights to sounds.

Your magical evening begins with the tasting of celebrated wines from renowned vineyards of the Verde Valley, including Zabibu A Amani, a grand rouge made exclusively for Out of Africa Wildlife Park by Alcantara Vineyards. You’ll sample a variety of finely crafted wines, all made right here in Northern Arizona by a variety of different wineries. These remarkable wines are beautifully paired with savory appetizers prepared by esteemed local area chefs — all with an African flare.

As you delight your palate, you’ll sway to soothing African beats in the company of exotic animal hosts to make you feel especially welcome at this one-of-a-kind event. You’ll be toasting amongst friends with your exclusive Out of Africa wine glass. Whole bottles of wine can be purchased at this event.

Next, you’ll take in the splendor of an “Afrizonan” sunset as you embark on a journey into the Serengeti preserve. You’ll be surrounded by free-roaming, African plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, sable antelope, gemsbok, addax and others, that will entertain you with their uncanny behavior while your host narrates the unfolding events. As dusk turns to darkness, these same wild animals engage in a completely different behavior unseen during daylight hours. Here, “wild” takes on an entirely new meaning and you have a front row seat to it all.

Check-in begins at 5:40pm
Wine Tasting from 6pm-7pm
Sunset Safari Tour from 7:10pm-8:30pm
Gift Shop remains open until 9pm

$79.95 + tax. Reservations required. SPACE IS LIMITED. Call today to reserve your spot at (928) 567-2851. Online reservations are not available for this event.

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, dedicated to the protection and preservation of Africa’s Wilderness and its denizens, particularly species such as elephants and black rhinos.

A minimum of three wineries listed here will be participating in the sunset safari and presenting their finely crafted wines for tasting. They include Alcantara Vineyards, Bitter Creek Winery, Oak Creek Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold, Burning Tree Cellars, Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery, Page Springs Cellars, and The Jerome Winery. Whole bottles of wine can be purchased at this event.

Visit them online at OutOfAfricaPark.com.

Join Winemaker Kief Manning in the annual celebration of his Grandma Magdalena’s birthday. On Saturday, August 24, Kief-Joshua Vineyards in Sonoita will have wine and food and will feature several singers from the Summer Concert Series!

More details coming soon!

Kief-JoshuaVineyards.com

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On August 28, hear Marshall Trimble speak about Arizona’s Hard Riding Heroes: From Pete Kitchen to Buckey O’Neill while enjoying a three-course meal.

Appetizer: Grilled Potato Plank Salad with Lump Crab, baby spinach, smoky blue cheese, bacon, red wine dressing and a diabloed egg

Entree: Roasted Organic Two Wash Chicken with a Chipotle Molasses Glaze, Wehani Terra Cotta Rice, apple wood bacon and leek braised greens

Dessert: Orange Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust. Served with prickly pear sauce and Sonoran Spiced Peanut Brittle

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

This summer, palates are tempted with Taste Talavera, the culinary brainchild of Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and Talavera Restaurant Chef Ben Lieberman.

A visit from one of Scottsdale’s top chefs to amazing Spanish cuisine with wine pairing, this dinner series is one you can’t miss.

On August 31, enjoy Spanish Tapas and Wine!

Each Taste features a four-course tasting menu, highlighting the featured guest or star ingredient. The flow-style evening allows patrons who wish to dine on the a la carte Talavera menu to do so, even if other table members choose the Taste option.

To reserve seating for a Taste Talavera evening, call (480) 513-5085 or visit TalaveraRestaurant.com.

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On September 11, hear Marshall Trimble talk about Enter the Law: Bringing Law and Order to the Last Frontier.

Appetizer: Roasted and Stuffed Poblano with Mission Style Pork picadillo, pomegranate seeds & Mexican Oregano Crema

Entree: Bacon Wrapped Buffalo & Dried Cherry Meat Loaf, roasted shallot & pasilla chili gravy, white cheddar cheese gratin potatoes and wood-grilled local squash

Dessert: Dark Chocolate Pots De Crème, served with Chantilly Cream, chocolate shavings and chocolate chip, dried cherry biscotti cookie

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On September 25, hear Bob Boze Bell talk about Artists of the West from Remington to Russell, and including Lon Megargee who had a home in Cave Creek and ranched at Camp Creek.

Appetizer: Agave Nectar Glazed Quail Breasts on Caramelized Onion & Manchego Cheese Grits with sautéed brussels sprout leaves and roasted pork belly

Entree: Mesquite Wood-Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Red Chili & Hibiscus Flower Butter, tobacco onions, red flannel hash, and broccolini with garlic & shallots

Dessert: Fresh Peach Almond Biscuit Cobbler with house-made cinnamon gelato

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On October 9, hear Marshall Trimble talk about Rural Arizona, Small Towns and Zany Characters.

Appetizer: Dutch-Oven Split Pea & Smoked Ham Hock Soup with Wild Oregano Crema

Entree: Roasted Pork Loin with an Ancho Chili, Cumin & Lime Rub, herb roasted red potatoes, baby beets and beet greens sautéed with Grand Canyon Sweet Onion & Pork Cracklins’

Dessert: Sweet Potato Pecan Praline Torte with Broken Pecan Florentine Cookies and Butterscotch Sauce

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

The third annual “Arizona History Dinners” at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is back. This year’s series is crazier and more outlandish fun, featuring all three hosts and popular local personalities from the recent PBS series, “Outrageous Arizona.” Bob Boze Bell, Jana Bommersbach and Marshall Trimble will be on hand to tell little-known, hard-to-believe tales of our state’s long and legendary list of infamous characters.

On October 23, hear Lance Polingyouma talk about the migration of the Hopi culture through petroglyphs and song.

Appetizer: Three Sisters Soup: roasted corn, squash & tepary beans in an tomatillo epazote broth

Entree: Mesquite Wood-Grilled Lamb Loin, Sumac Canella Jus, Sweet-Corn & Hopi Tea Dumplings with roasted pumpkin and braised greens

Dessert: Pumpkin Spiced Cake Roll with Pumpkin Cream Filling and Cranberry Cream Cheese Icing. Served with fresh sugared coated cranberries and pumpkin spiced anglaise.

For reservation, call (480) 488-8031 or go visit CartwrightsSonoranRanchHouse.com

You can spend a Saturday talking about a wine’s flavor profile, tannins and alcohol content. Or, you could hop on the Light Rail and head to Downtown Phoenix and the Camelback Corridor for a day filled with copious wine samples and snacks

The sixth Urban Wine Walk is a trip through the world of wine – and the fabulous restaurants that line the Light Rail corridor.

The fun gets uncorked on Saturday November 10th from 1pm to 6pm when participating restaurants will offer up to three wine samples and snacks for $2 to $4 a glass.

All participating establishments are within a short walk from central Light Rail stops and walkers can begin at the location of their choice.

All you need to participate is a map, a plan, an adventurous spirit and an all-day Light Rail pass for $3.50.

The first 300 people to purchase wine samples at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails will receive a free 2013 Urban Wine Walk souvenir wine glass.

Walkers must be 21 and over to participate.

Visit DowntownPhoenix.com to learn more.