When you think about your favorite wine regions, Arizona might not be the first state to come to mind! However, Arizona boasts a thriving wine industry dating back to the Spanish missionaries of the 16th century and features three prominent wine regions: Sonoita, Willcox, and Verde Valley. Not only have these regions produced award-winning wines receiving international acclaim, but some of their wines have also even been served in the White House.
● Sonoita, Willcox, and the Verde Valley have soil and climate conditions similar to those in parts of the South of France, Spain, and Southeastern Australia. Oenophiles can delight their senses with grape varieties native to Spain, Italy and the Rhone River Valley in France.
● Arizona is often associated with arid temperatures and cactus-spotted deserts; however, weather conditions are temperate, and the high elevations lend to near-perfect conditions for growing grapes. In the Willcox Region, vineyards are located high above the desert terrain and heat, surrounded by area mountain ranges. Here, 74% of Arizona’s wine grapes are harvested. In the Verde Valley Region, the ideal combination of elevation, volcanic soil, and diurnal swings (hot days and cooler nights) lend to more flavorful, full-bodied wines. The Sonoita region is Arizona’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA). This region boasts many similarities to the Italian “Super Tuscan” region, with unique climate and soil characteristics, and its distinctive ability to retain natural water.
● Wine grapes are considered a low-impact, specialty crop, which is defined as low acreage and high-density agriculture. Here, grapes are drought-tolerant and are predominantly grown using drip irrigation. For comparison, an acre of mature vines can use around 1.5 acre-feet of water per acre each year. Corn and alfalfa both use more than 4 acre-feet of water per acre each year, even up to as much as 6 acre-feet per year. As a result, wine grape crops offer an “added value” with economic benefits and sustainability techniques which save water and nutrients, thus minimizing the impact on natural resources. Some areas also use managing techniques such as mowing native grasses, which can help control weeds and tree/brush.
● Arizona’s native grapevine, Vitis arizonica, can be spotted growing in and around many wineries in Arizona. Vitis arizonica is one of approximately 60 grape species that are being studied extensively to improve wine grapes. Recent research has shown Arizona grapes are more resistant to Pierce’s disease than cultivated forms. UC Davis California, for instance, has created new grape varieties bred by Vitis arizonica that carry a single dominant gene for resistance to Pierce’s disease, (a disease caused by a bacterium spread by a group of insects called sharpshooters). Scientists hope that hybrids between Arizona and wine grapes will reduce the incidence of the disease.
● With road-tripping on the rise, Harvest Hosts offers an impressive and timely network of wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, and attractions that invite RVers to stay in stunning campsites! Harvest Hosts offer a different way for RVers to meet other travelers, stay overnight in gorgeous settings, and create long-lasting memories. For a small annual membership price, members can stay overnight at any Harvest Hosts site, all of which are pet and family friendly. Please note that members are kindly invited to support their hosts by purchasing one of their local products with each stay.
In addition, local wineries have been holding virtual tastings and have recently released new varietals, more award-winning wine, including the 2018 Viognier from the SouthWest Wine Center (SWC) at Yavapai College. The SWC was established to fulfill the education and workforce development needs of a thriving Arizona wine industry and offers the only program of its kind. The academic program provides hands-on Viticulture experience in the vineyard and cellar, an experience that cannot be duplicated solely in a classroom setting!
Napa Valley’s HALL Wines Heads to Nashville and Phoenix to Celebrate 2016 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Vintage
(ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA – HALL Napa Valley, one of the leading luxury Cabernet Sauvignon producers in the world, has announced details about two regional events celebrating the release of its flagship wine, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. The events will take place in both Nashville, TN on September 10 and Phoenix, AZ on September 12, and will serve as the regional release parties for the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. The national Kathryn Hall Release Party will take place prior to the two regional events on September 7 at the HALL St. Helena Winery located in Napa Valley.“We are always looking for new, wine-loving cities where we can make new friends and see again our wonderful club members,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “We heard you calling, Nashville and Phoenix, and are thrilled to be heading your way to celebrate the incredible 2016 vintage.”
Hall by Los Angeles and San Francisco Advertising Portrait Photographer Marc Olivier Le Blanc
Both events include two ticket offerings; a VIP Ticket for $200 per person that includes a six-year Vertical Tasting of Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon wines led by HALL President Mike Reynolds and Vintner Kathryn Hall herself, as well as the Main Event Ticket for $125pp. The VIP Ticket includes access to the Main Event. Additionally, each city will include an acoustic performance by two notable artists during the Main Event including American Soul singer Maggie Rose in Nashville, and pop-rock singer/songwriter Jon McLaughlin in Phoenix. Guests will also receive a copy of A Perfect Score as part of the ticket price, a New York Times Bestseller written by both Craig and Kathryn Hall. Guests will also have the chance to meet Kathryn and have their books signed during the event.
Historically, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon is defined by its core of dark, succulent Sacrashe Vineyard fruit from the Rutherford Appellation at the top eastern ridge of the Vaca Mountain range in Napa Valley. The wine is characterized by an interplay of elegance and concentration and displays voluptuous, dark berry fruit aromas with notes of crushed lavender. Kathryn Hall Cabernet fans throughout the country have been purchasing the flagship wine as an entertaining staple when hosting friends and family for the past 25 vintages.
KATHRYN HALL RELEASE: NASHVILLE, TN
Tuesday, September 10
• 5:00pm-6:30pm VIP Vertical Tasting with HALL President Mike Reynolds & Kathryn Hall, $200pp
• 6:30pm-9:00pm Main Event + Performance by American Soul singer, Maggie Rose, $125pp
The Bridge Building
2 Victory Avenue #100
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 369-6474
TICKETS: https://www.hallwines.com/kathryn-hall-nashville
KATHRYN HALL RELEASE: PHOENIX, AZ
Thursday, September 12
• 5:00pm-6:30pm VIP Vertical Tasting with HALL President Mike Reynolds & Kathryn Hall, $200pp
• 6:30pm-9:00pm Main Event + Performance by pop-rock singer, Jon McLaughlin, $125pp
The FOUND:RE
1100 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 875-8000
TICKETS: https://www.hallwines.com/kathryn-hall-phoenix
Additionally, the annual Kathryn Hall Release Party and official public release will take place on Saturday, September 7 at HALL St. Helena. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Since the first vintage was produced in 1992, this wine has been one of the highest rated in HALL’s portfolio, earning 90 scores rated 90 points and above from the industry’s top critics including The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Vinous. Most notably, the 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” list in 2011. The wine is named after Kathryn Hall who is most known globally as the former United States Ambassador to Austria, and as a philanthropist who has helped raise awareness and funds for numerous non-profit organizations. Hall is also a New York Times Bestselling author.
For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, follow on social @hallwines, or by calling 707-967-2626.
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HALL Wines: The Art of Cabernet
HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and purchase at two properties in Napa Valley as well as at hallwines.com. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features eight Estate vineyards, of which five are Certified Organic (CCOF). Led by Vice President and head winemaker Steve Leveque, HALL’s portfolio includes 19 distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. HALL’s 2008 ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100.” Two other bottlings, the ‘Exzellenz’ and ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignons have garnered multiple 100 point ratings in recent years. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet.
Free Flow Wines Announces the Winners of the 2017 KEGGY Awards
NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Free Flow Wines announced the winners of the 4th annual KEGGY Awards to honor wineries, distributors, equipment providers and restaurant operators for their exceptional and sustainable contributions to the wine on tap category. The award ceremony, intended to be hosted at Luna Vineyards on October 19th, 2017 was cancelled due to the Napa and Sonoma wildfires. In lieu of the celebration, both Free Flow Wines and Luna Vineyards will be collaborating to host a fire relief benefit on Sunday, December 3rd at Luna Vineyards.
To date, more than 13.6 million bottles, or approximately 20.3 million pounds of waste, have been diverted from the landfill through the use of Free Flow’s reusable stainless steel kegs. Each Free Flow keg holds the equivalent of 26 bottles of wine and will save 1,560 bottles from the landfill over its lifetime. Free Flow currently has more than 149,000 stainless steel kegs in their fleet.
“One of our most important metrics of success is how much we reduce the wine industry’s impact on the environment. As sustainability is one of our four core values, we ensure it guides our decision making – from opening an East Coast kegging facility that reduces the carbon footprint of our logistics, to offering wine canning as a sustainable alternative packaging option,” said Jordan Kivelstadt, Co-Founder & CEO of Free Flow Wines. “We’d like to thank all of our partners for their contributions. Together we build categories that make a meaningful difference.”
WINERY – AWARD RECIPIENTS
Saved more than 1,000,000 bottles from the landfill:
Gotham Project
Saved more than 500,000 bottles from the landfill:
Hahn Family Wines
The Wine Group
Saved more than 100,000 bottles from the landfill:
Clemenza Vini Imports, LLC
Dry Creek Vineyard
Foley Family Wines
Luna Vineyards
MacRostie Winery & Vineyards
Matchbook Wine Company
Peregrine Ranch / VTPR Wine
St. Mayhem & the girls in the vineyard
DISTRIBUTOR – AWARD RECIPIENTS
Saved more than 500,000 bottles from the landfill:
Republic National Distributing Company of Texas
Saved more than 100,000 bottles from the landfill:
Breakthru Beverage Arizona
Breakthru Beverage Florida
Republic National Distributing Company of Maryland
Skurnik Wines of New York
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Colorado
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Illinois
The Winebow Group of California
The Winebow Group of Virginia
Young’s Market Company of Washington
AMBASSADOR – AWARD RECIPIENTS
David Whitney of Draft Doctor, LLC
Jon Schlegel of Snooze Eatery
Kent Bearden of Saint Marc Pub-Cafe
“PEOPLE’S CHOICE” – AWARD RECIPIENT
Bar Viñedo of Queen Creek, Arizona
About the KEGGY Awards
Free Flow Wines created the KEGGY Awards in 2014 to recognize winery partners for their commitment to sustainability by choosing reusable stainless steel kegs – a truly zero-waste package. Since then, the awards have been expanded to include distributors, restaurants and category ambassadors throughout the US who have helped reduce the carbon footprint of the wine industry.
About Free Flow Wines
Free Flow Wines is the pioneer of premium wine on tap, delivering the world’s leading wine brands to the taps of restaurants and venues nationwide. Free Flow’s keg leasing, filling, logistics and canning services have allowed the wine and hospitality industries to move to a more sustainable way of offering consumers the freshest, best tasting glass of wine. Founded in 2009, Free Flow has more than 250 wine brands in keg, from wineries throughout the U.S., New Zealand, Argentina and Europe. Their customers’ wines are offered in keg and can formats at a variety of restaurants, premium hotels, retail stores, sports and entertainment venues across the U.S. Free Flow Wines has locations in Napa, California, and Bayonne, New Jersey. You can find them online at FreeFlowWines.com, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr @FreeFlowWine.
Smokin’ Mary beats most of the pros in a renowned Bloody Mary competition
Not a professional mixologist—Smokin’ Mary beats most of the pros in a renowned Bloody Mary competition. Not a professional chef—she snags silver in a classic California chili cook-off. Not a professional retailer—she defies the odds by roaring into one of the nation’s most exclusive Christmas retail shows. Besides moving caseloads of product at that show, she unofficially wins Best Distraction On The Show Floor: “We are great entertainment. People love us. Two shows daily!”
It’s all in advancing the cause for possibly the world’s finest bottled Bloody Mary mix.
Laurie Nadeau is the beauty and the brains behind Smokin’ Mary Smoked Bloody Mary Mix. All through 2016, she was pouring her way to the top. With last year’s triumphs in the rear view, Smokin’ Mary Smoked Bloody Mary Mix is rocketing forward, storming towards the Nightclub & Bar Convention in Las Vegas, and the notorious Firey Foods show in Albuquerque.
With the award-winning cocktail mix on retail shelves all over California, and 23 food-show appearances in six months, Laurie must be the hardest-working woman in the food-show business. Appearing seemingly everywhere, she sings a siren song to the cocktail curious, inviting them to taste the smoky, whole-tomato goodness of this distinctive Bloody Mary mix.
The pro-mixologist upheaval? That was at the Stolichnaya Vodka-sponsored Bloody Mary Mix Down during in Arizona. Beating 8 of 10 pros in her first cocktail competition, Laurie says the bronze-medal finish is proof: “If I can build a prize-winning cocktail alongside the pros, so can you.”
Another notch in Mary’s belt: second place at the renowned Sutter Creek Chili Cook Off, using a chili recipe containing the Smokin’ Mary product. Her fans are using the zingy, zesty, tomato rich mix in all kinds of recipes (many online at http://www.SmokinMary.com).
And Laurie just keeps working it. She wrangled a vendor slot in Vegas at the exclusive Cowboy Christmas Gift Show in Vegas. An annual, one-of-a-kind show for western gifts, it runs concurrently with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. With over 400 vendors, it’s a prestigious and sought-after venue one rarely qualifies for on the first try—and Smokin’ Mary Smoked Bloody Mary Mix made it.
Time now to wow them at the Nightclub & Bar Convention and the fiery Foods Show in March.
Check out our New Years video here.
Cheers!
Rock Star Wines of Distinction
Verde Valley (Green) is now producing some very exciting wines. Verde Valley is also excelling in the realm of organic wines. Where is Verde valley? Jerome, Arizona, of course. Not only is this unlikely region producing wines of distinction, they are the vision of one whom some may consider, an unlikely source.
Caduceus Cellars is the brainchild of Rock star and entrepreneur, Maynard James Keenan. The renown front man of such alternative hard rock groups as Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, is not just a figurehead, Keenan takes an active role in the winemaking. The name, “Caduceus,” is actually the ancient symbol for commerce, and the Greek god, Hermes. There is a bit of a twist in that the vineyard is actually named “Merkin Vineyards,” which is a female pubic wig. Dare I say that is definitely another story. 
Let’s take a step back. Is it really so strange to consider Arizona a viable wine producing region? The Spaniards did not think in these terms. As far back as the 1700s Spanish Jesuit missionaries began growing wines in the high desert. Properly irrigated, the high desert is comparable to Argentina’s Mendoza Valley. Those of you who know Argentine wines are well aware of their quality. More specifically, the Malbec is some of the finest in the world.
In 1973 Arizona began formally producing wines, and in 1983, formed the Arizona Wine Growers Association. The state now has 45 licensed wineries in three growing regions. In the north, there is Verde Valley. Sonoita and Elgin are located in the south and southwest of Arizona.
Today I am joined by special friend and fellow sommelier, Elena Boiko. We also have tasting with us, my protégé, Iryna Karakay. In fact, it was Iryna’s idea to review the Caduceus wines for our readers at Eve Wine 101. Iryna is not only a big fan of Maynard James Keenan and his music, she is also passionate about his wines.
Up first, 2012 Dos Ladrones (Two Outlaws). This is a 50/50 blend of Arizona Malvasia Bianca and Chardonnay. Both are from the Bonita Springs Vineyard. In the glass, the wine shimmers with the gleam of light gold. On the nose, Dos Ladrones awakens with life. The bouquet is intense and complex with a pleasing array of white flowers, pear, peach, lemon, honeycomb, and a whisper of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is nicely textured with good weight. Showing great balance and complexity, notes of honeydew, cantaloupe, and white fruit fill the palate. There is also the slightest hint of gooseberry on the back palate. The finish is acidic and showing solid minerality. The alcohol content is 14.1% with a bottle price of $40.
“The 2012 showed very good fruit,” Iryna spoke softly as her lips broadened into a smile.
“Dos Ladrones exemplifies the best of both varietals,” I was quick to add. Elena, with what dishes would you pair this wine?”
“Definitely with bruschetta and cheese,” she replied. “Stuffed chicken breast would also go nicely.”
Our next selection was named after Keenan’s wife, Lei Li. The 2012 Lei Li Nebbiolo Rose is 100% Nebbiolo grapes from the Bonita Springs Vineyard. In the glass, our wine is a light crimson illuminated by hues of pale reddish purple. The nose is filled with a floral bouquet that is accented by tropical fruits. On the palate, the Lei Li is complex and with good body. It is nicely balanced with plenty of fruit. The palate is dominated by passion fruit and melon, with an assortment of tropical fruits subtly making their presence known. The finish is savory and memorable. The alcohol content is 13% with a bottle price of $40.
“This is one of the tastiest rose wines,” Iryna smacked her lips. “Very savory.”
“The Lei Li exemplifies the type of rose that Arizona has to offer,” I replied.
“Like most rose wine, the Lei Li is very versatile,” Elena was quick to point out. “I would serve this wine with a cheese platter. I know my girlfriends would enjoy this pairing very much.”
Moving right along, our next selection, 2012 Kitsune Sangiovese Grosso is 100% Sangiovese grapes from Cochise County. In the glass, Kitsune is a light and inviting cherry red. On the nose, there are soft aromas of cherry and violets, laced with vanilla and oak. On the palate, the wine is velvety and filed with ripe tannins. There are ample amounts of fresh fruit, with cherry prevailing. There are also notes of strawberry followed by hints of clove. The finish has bright fruit and spice. The alcohol content is 14.3% with a bottle price of $55.
“Arizona Brunello,” Iryna clearly displayed her pleasure.
“Good fruit and spice,” I shared my surprise. “An all around, a good wine.”
“Definitely a food friendly wine,” Elena was quick to add. “I would pair it with hard cheeses, rich roasted meat, and sausages.”
“Meatloaf,” I broke in.
“Meatloaf?” both women chuckled, openly displaying their amusement.
Our last selection, 2011 Anubis proved to be an interesting wine. It is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Petite Sirah. The grapes all hailing from Luna County. In the glass, the Anubis is dark and cloaked in mystery. Much like its Egyptian god namesake. The wine simply calls out in temptation. The nose is permeated by scents of cherry, toffee, and honey. On the palate, the blend is full bodied. In fact, probably the most full bodied of the Caduceus wines. Quite flavorful, the palate is dominated, yet not overwhelmed, by cherry, licorice, leather, and oak. The finish is long, flavorful, with whispers of oak. We did allow the wine to decant for a good hour. The alcohol content is 14% with a bottle price of $50.
“Definitely different from the other Caduceus reds I have had in the past,” Iryna paused on the moment. “I like it.”
“I agree,” I flashed her a quick grin. “I also prefer a fuller bodied wine.”
“I also alike the fullness of the Anubis,” Elena paused to collect her thoughts. “Most definitely a red meat wine. A big porterhouse steak would be lovely.”
I mentioned earlier that the Anubis was an interesting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Sirah from Luna County. Why did I find this so intriguing? Luna County is in New Mexico, but that my friends is a different story …
