To keep updated with the fast-growing wine scene in Arizona, be sure to check this section often. You'll find original articles provided to and by Arizona Vines and Wines as well as a comprehensive list from around the internet. You'll want to stay abreast of all the latest news from the area! (jump to "News Around the Net"). The Arizona Wine Growers Association has some great information on how to start a vineyard if you're just beginning the process!
Wine Inquirer The Wine Inquirer is Tucson Arizona's online resource for all that is wine. The site features the latest in wine related news, reviews and interviews with members of the local wine community.
Winners of Whole Foods Consumer's Choice Awards - Summer 2009
THE WINNERS ARE IN:
#1 - Javelina Leap Barbera
#2 - Keeling Schaefer 2007 Grenache
#3 - Sonoita Vineyards - Desert Zinfandel
The Beginnings
Article written by local wine-writer Jay Biletti. . .
The Sonoran Desert of Arizona brings to mind dramatic images of scorching heat, cactus, rattlesnakes, scorpions and buzzards. The average wine enthusiast would rank the state of Arizona pretty low on the wine list, if they included it at all. . . .
The Wine Inquirer is Tucson Arizona's newest online resource for all that is wine. The site features the latest in wine related news, reviews and interviews with members of the local wine community.
For this issue we’ve chosen a team of winemakers: Eric Glomski of Page Springs Cellars and Maynard James Keenan of Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards. These two vignerons have come together to form Arizona Stronghold Vineyards in Willcox, AZ. Eric and Maynard combine their experience, knowledge and passion with the mission of producing nationally recognized and distributed wines that are within reach of all wine drinkers.
Grape Perspectives Article from Arizona Vines & Wines Fall 2008 Issue written by AWGA President Rod Keeling . . .
By nearly every measure, the wine “industry” in Arizona has finally taken off. After 20 difficult years of slow growth and poor marketplace acceptance, the past 5 years have seen exponential growth. Sales, fruit production, taxes collected and new winery business starts have all increased by 400% or more since 2003. Arizona wine is being sold in fine restaurants and at specialty retailers and wine bars in the Phoenix and Tucson Metro areas and across the state. Many of these placements are in restaurants acclaimed by national wine publications that attract a wide variety of patrons from around the world. Placement of local wine in restaurants is probably the most difficult sale for wineries and reflects the quality improvements of many Arizona labels of the past few years.
Article written by local wine-writer Jay Biletti. . .
There was a time when a trip to a great wine region involved airfare, rental cars and costly hotels or B&Bs. No more. There are now bonded wineries in all 50 states so everyone has a “local” wine country to check out.
What has happened is that the combination of accumulated knowledge and technology has made it possible to grow grapes suitable for fine wines in a variety of climates, many previously considered inappropriate.
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Articles from Arizona Vines and Wines Summer 2008. . .
So, you’ve always wanted to have a vineyard . . . live in the quiet and serenity of the vines . . . watch the cycle from vine to wine every year . . . BUT, you don’t want the responsibility of owning a business you’re not familiar with . . . you realize that you’re not a farmer, maybe you even have a black thumb or maybe you just don’t have the funds to start your own vineyard at this time. Well, there’s a new trend that is the answer to your prayers – . . .
Articles from Arizona Vines and Wines Summer 2008 by Steve Gresser . . .
When you hear the word “local,” what comes to mind? For some, maybe it means a store you can walk to, or their neighborhood, or around the corner. Others might think of their city, or a short drive away. But for one group, “local” means specifically eating within 100 miles of where you’re located. These people are called “Locavores” (or alternatively “Localvores”). If you think the idea of it sounds silly, you should know they have their own movement – and their own website!
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Road to the ‘Wine House’ at OYA Restaurant & Lounge
Arizona Wines served in Washington DC . . .
With the political conventions fast approaching and the nominees already ‘presumptive,’ OYA Restaurant & Lounge presents a Road to the Wine House to celebrate the 2008 Presidential Campaign. The restaurant will offer wines from the candidates’ home states featuring wines from Arizona (McCain) and Illinois (Obama).
Sip Something Different - Online! From the Wine and Food Radio Network
This show is no longer on the air but you can visit the site
for archived programs!
Wine radio at its best! The weekly, on-line, internet talk radio show that features interviews with leading wine industry professionals, including winemakers, writers, chefs and vintners. Listen to discussions on trends in the industry, learn fun facts and education about wine and food, and e-mail us with your grape questions. Hosts Karl Von Senden and Marcia Josephs.
Featured Winemakers: Eric Glomski & Maynard James Keenan
For this issue we’ve chosen a team of winemakers: Eric Glomski of Page Springs Cellars and Maynard James Keenan of Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards. These two vignerons have come together to form Arizona Stronghold Vineyards in Willcox, AZ. Eric and Maynard combine their experience, knowledge and passion with the mission of producing nationally recognized and distributed wines that are within reach of all wine drinkers.
Barbara Predmore from Alcantara Winery on Channel 3 News
Verde Valley's own Alcantara Winery was the subject of a segment by Channel 3's Good Morning Arizona. During a trip to Camp Verde they spoke with Barbara Predmore, Alcantara's owner and winemaker. Watch the video here.
Wine Country in Arizona? Absolutely! Although the first wine grapevines were planted in Arizona back in the 1970's, the industry has just started to blossom in the last couple of years. It is poised to explode . . .
Famous Winemaker Dick Erath has made the move to Arizona
Dick Erath, founder of Erath Vineyards in Oregon, has acquired 200 acres of land near Willcox, giving the Arizona wine industry some added attention. Although Erath remains actively involved with . . .
Visit these links to other great articles to help you explore the booming wine industry in Arizona. They are in chronological order - the most recent articles on located on the top of the list. Please be sure to email any links to articles we may have missed.