The ability to​ harness the true spirit and character of a grape and transform it into a remarkable wine is a dream shared by many, but the journey to accomplish this dream can not be done alone. Wine-making seems like a wildly romantic profession, and yet it truly is an work: arduous, stressful, costly, but artful work. It is not for the faint of heart and takes true passion, skill and patience. The Arizona wine industry would not be the same if it wasn't for those many passionate individuals who love wine so much that they not only tend to their own vines, but are invested in seeing other winemakers and wineries succeed as well. For this, we'd like to highlight Four Eight Wineworks, the presenting organization of the Verde Valley Wine Festival, and The oDDity Wine Collective, from Clarkdale, Arizona.
"The wines being produced at Four Eight Wineworks, by The oDDity Wine Collective, Saeculum Cellars, Bodega Pierce and our yet to be announced producers represent Arizona and true Arizona artisan wine-craft. These are 100% Arizona grapes in our Arizona wines and we couldn't be happier to share them with the world," said David Baird, Tasting Room Manager of Four Eight and Winemaker of The oDDity Wine Collective.
Four Eight Wineworks serves as an incubator for small batch winemakers who have the skill but lack the initial financial backing to do it on their own. They provide these talented winemakers the outlet to produce high quality wines without all of the financial stress that comes with it. By offering this support, they've helped bolster the Arizona wine industry as a whole by allowing even the little guys to shine in Arizona's growing industry. As a winemaker's co-operative, Four Eight Wineworks sources grapes from expert Arizona growers throughout the state giving them an opportunity to represent the vast and intricate terroir the Arizona landscape has to offer.
Since their first release in November of 2016, The oDDity Wine Collective have been extremely well received. "2015 was our inaugural vintage, with three wines that are all Arizona Vignerons Alliance members," said David Baird. "We are so grateful for all the support we have received from our colleagues in the industry and our guests that have enjoyed and supported our wines."
Their 2016 Vintage will consist of four wines and will be gracing palate's everywhere in the fall of 2017.
Four Eight Wineworks Tasting Room is located at 907 Main Street, Clarkdale, AZ and is open Monday - Sunday, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM. You can enjoy the oDDity Wine Collective Wines at this location as well.
More information HERE.