Arizona winemakers have dedicated lifetimes of experience to elevating the Arizona wine industry in hopes of reaching a point of true recognition among oenophiles. We are proud to say that all of their passion has truly paid off once more, as Willcox, Arizona has now been federally recognized as Arizona's second wine-growing region, formally known as an American Viticulture Area. We here at the Verde Valley Wine Festival are happy to show our support for Willcox and all of the work Arizona winemakers have done to accomplish this amazing achievement. For this, we'd like to recognize and welcome back three Southern Arizona vineyards to the 2017 VVWF that are sure to prove this new found recognition was well-placed.
The depth of wine culture and history can be traced from shore to shore on every continent it's unforgettable aroma could touch. While each region may bring it's own unique characteristics to every bottle, a true wine maker can not settle with knowing only one wine. This is why Rob Hammelman and his wife Sarah, set their hearts on exploring the lineage of great wines throughout the world determined to bring that knowledge back to Arizona to start their own vineyard. After working in the one of the world's oldest vineyards in Austrailia, the highest altitude vineyard in the US, and in a 2,000 year old wine celler in France, Rob was ready to bring his experiences and love togther to form Sand Reckoner. In 2010, they purchased a 12 acre farm situated between the Chiricahua and Dragoon Mountains in Southeastern Arizona outside of Willcox. The small vineyard was planted in 1997 and is currently growing a wide variety of grapes including Malvasia Bianca, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, and Zinfandel.
Sand-Reckoner just opened a Tasting Room in Tucson, AZ in February 2017 in the Tucson Warehouse Arts District at 510 N 7TH AVE, #170, TUCSON, AZ 85705. Visit Wednesday-Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM. Learn More Here.
The dry, arid summers that perpetuate most people's thoughts of Arizona have been the key factor in the success and defeat of many winemakers across the state. How do you overcome the drastic heat waves that can bake the delicate grape vines that are the life line to any wine? At Callaghan Vineyards in Elgin, Arizona, they learned the answer to this the hard way and it's through careful selection and variety. After their first few thousand vines were destroyed in a terrible heat wave back in 1990, they knew their original Bordeaux mindset wouldn't get them very far. They were determined to find the best grapes for the unique Arizona climate switching to a more Mediterranean mindset, planting Spanish varieties including Tempranillo, Monastrell, Mourvedre, and Garnacha/Grenache. They were also able to bring in a white wine, Lisa’s, a blend of Viognier, Riesling, Marsanne, Roussanne, Malvasia Bianca, Fiano and Picpoul Blanc. Now, over two decades since they lost their first crop, they've proven the importance of viticulture and weather patterns when discussing any vinetage and their knowledge has paid off as they've recieved multiple accolades from the most respected wine writers & publications in the world including Decanter, The Wall Street Journal, and Wine Spectator.
Visit the Callaghan Vineyards Tasting Room at 336 Elgin Road, Elgin, Arizona 85611, Thursday-Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM. For more info, call 520-455-5322.
Dos Cabezas has proudly played a role in the Arizona wine scene for over 20 years, originally breaking soil in the small community of Kansas Settlement, AZ. In 2001, Todd Bostock joined the team as a winemaker and by the end of 2006 the Bostock family took of over the vines and moved the operation to Sonoita where they continue to welcome wine lovers to their tasting room everyday. Dos Cabezas delicately harvests their fruit from their two estate vineyards: Pronghorn Vineyard in Elgin and Cimarron Vineyard back in their Kansas Settlement roots.
Visit the Dos Cabezas Tasting Room at 3248 Highway 82, Sonoita, AZ 85637, Thursday-Sunday 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Learn More Here.