Pam and Scott's daughter Dana is living in Phoenix, AZ these days, and has been doing some winery touring of her own. The following series of guest posts are from Dana as she tours and tastes at some of Arizona's local wine destinations.
In the High Country in Cottonwood, AZ, a new winery opened up about a month ago. It is, by far, my favorite winery in Arizona (so far!). Called The Wine Cellar, this new location offers oversized bottles of delicious wine made right here in our great desert state.
Inside the tasting room, they offer their own wines called Dionysian Cellars, after Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine. Their logo is beautiful and intricate, reflecting the past wine making process and the enjoyment had by all.
Of the wines offered, there were none that I didn't enjoy. The Chardonnay was great (even though I don't really like Chardonnay all that much), and the Pinot Noir and Tempranillo were great as well. But none compared to their Malbec. Oh holy crap, it was amazing. Full bodied, with a bit of the traditional Malbec taste and some jammy fruit flavors, the wine actually reminded me of Christmas, as I could taste almond on the finish really strongly.
The Malbec was going for about $50 per bottle, but is of high quality and can be cellared easily. And they are currently bottling their Barbera, which I cannot wait to taste.
Not only is the wine amazing, but the tasting room at The Wine Cellar has a cool, hip atmosphere where you can hang out and relax while enjoying the most delicious wine in Arizona. And they are going to be expanding as well, allowing for their fermentation barrels to be inside the tasting room, and wine tasters will be able to walk up to the barrel and take wine right out of it for their tasting. This is sure to be a great experience.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Tasting Room - Samples Your Wine Before Your Buy
Earlier this year, I was introduced to a very interesting new website called Tasting Room through a group buying deal on Living Social. Obviously it was about wine, of course, but the concept is something that I find unique, useful and enjoyable.
Tasting Room allows wine fans to sample each wine before they buy a whole bottle! In order to alleviate any frustration felt when purchasing a bottle that didn't live up to expectations, Tasting Room creates sampler packs so you can choose the best wine for you.
The process is simple: You buy a sampler pack for as low as $20. There are over 20 samplers to choose from, ranging from varietals samplers to winery samplers and everything in between. You may be thinking "Why do I have to buy my wine to sample it?" Well, don't worry, you get your money back, I promise.
Once the sampler is delivered to you, you will see 6 tiny little bottles of wine, complete with tasting notes and a ratings card. Each little bottle is made of glass, and includes a label that is the exact replica of the label used on the regular sized bottles. Go through your list, read the notes, taste the wines, and rate them. You can even include notes on how each wine tasted to help you make a decisions.
And here is where you get your money back: Inside each wine sampler is a coupon code for $25 off your purchase of 2 bottles of wine from the sample itself. So, once you've chosen the wines you want to buy, go back to TastingRoom.com, order them, input your coupon code and see the discount applied immediately. Your sampler is essentially free!
Plus, the experience of tasting the wines with your partner or by yourself is just fun. I was able to find some fantastic wines this way, with my favorite being the Christopher Creek Reserve Petitie Syrah.
I can't wait to buy my next sampler and enjoy some fabulous new wines!
Tasting Room allows wine fans to sample each wine before they buy a whole bottle! In order to alleviate any frustration felt when purchasing a bottle that didn't live up to expectations, Tasting Room creates sampler packs so you can choose the best wine for you.
The process is simple: You buy a sampler pack for as low as $20. There are over 20 samplers to choose from, ranging from varietals samplers to winery samplers and everything in between. You may be thinking "Why do I have to buy my wine to sample it?" Well, don't worry, you get your money back, I promise.
Once the sampler is delivered to you, you will see 6 tiny little bottles of wine, complete with tasting notes and a ratings card. Each little bottle is made of glass, and includes a label that is the exact replica of the label used on the regular sized bottles. Go through your list, read the notes, taste the wines, and rate them. You can even include notes on how each wine tasted to help you make a decisions.
And here is where you get your money back: Inside each wine sampler is a coupon code for $25 off your purchase of 2 bottles of wine from the sample itself. So, once you've chosen the wines you want to buy, go back to TastingRoom.com, order them, input your coupon code and see the discount applied immediately. Your sampler is essentially free!
Plus, the experience of tasting the wines with your partner or by yourself is just fun. I was able to find some fantastic wines this way, with my favorite being the Christopher Creek Reserve Petitie Syrah.
I can't wait to buy my next sampler and enjoy some fabulous new wines!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Northern AZ Wine Tour: Page Spring Cellars
Pam and Scott's daughter Dana is living in Phoenix, AZ these days, and has been doing some winery touring of her own. The following series of guest posts are from Dana as she tours and tastes at some of Arizona's local wine destinations.
The third of Maynard James Keenan's wineries in Northern AZ is the one I found the most delightful. As with Caduceus Cellars and Arizona Stronghold, the tasting room at Page Springs Cellars was beautiful, welcoming and had a bit of outdoorsy cowboy class that is unique to this part of the desert. But the wines were, of course, the best part.
Offering tasting menus to meet everyone's' tastes, Page Springs is sure to have something for even the most picky wine drinker. Just as at Arizona Stronghold, you can choose a white tasting, a red tasting or a combination. The wines taste very carefully crafted, as if the wine maker put much care into the wine itself. Which, of course, he did, I'm sure.
Unfortunately for me, I'm not a big giant fan of the Keenan wines. However, at Page Springs, we were able to enjoy a nice rose, and take a bottle home with us. And there is a fabulous white blend that I didn't taste, but I bought a bottle because I just knew I'd like it.
It's also gorgeous on the property as well. The tasting room is right in the vineyard, and you get to see the beautiful bright greens of the grape vines, being shined down upon by the hot Arizona sun. It's just amazing.
Swing by Page Springs, and the rest of the Keenan wineries for some of the most unique and outstanding Arizona wines available.
The third of Maynard James Keenan's wineries in Northern AZ is the one I found the most delightful. As with Caduceus Cellars and Arizona Stronghold, the tasting room at Page Springs Cellars was beautiful, welcoming and had a bit of outdoorsy cowboy class that is unique to this part of the desert. But the wines were, of course, the best part.
Offering tasting menus to meet everyone's' tastes, Page Springs is sure to have something for even the most picky wine drinker. Just as at Arizona Stronghold, you can choose a white tasting, a red tasting or a combination. The wines taste very carefully crafted, as if the wine maker put much care into the wine itself. Which, of course, he did, I'm sure.
Unfortunately for me, I'm not a big giant fan of the Keenan wines. However, at Page Springs, we were able to enjoy a nice rose, and take a bottle home with us. And there is a fabulous white blend that I didn't taste, but I bought a bottle because I just knew I'd like it.
It's also gorgeous on the property as well. The tasting room is right in the vineyard, and you get to see the beautiful bright greens of the grape vines, being shined down upon by the hot Arizona sun. It's just amazing.
Swing by Page Springs, and the rest of the Keenan wineries for some of the most unique and outstanding Arizona wines available.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Northern AZ Wine Tour: Oak Creek Vineyards
Pam and Scott's daughter Dana is living in Phoenix, AZ these days, and has been doing some winery touring of her own. The following series of guest posts are from Dana as she tours and tastes at some of Arizona's local wine destinations.
Along one road in Cornville, AZ are three fantastic wineries and tasting rooms, complete with vineyards on the grounds. If you're looking for a fun afternoon, definitely take a drive to these vineyards.
One of my favorites, and definitely "Verde Valley's Best Kept Secret" is Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery. Making most of their wines on site, they've got a delicious tasting menu and fabulous grounds. Take your wine and sit outside on their patio for beautiful views across the vineyard and the neighboring mountains.
The wines produced were all delicious. The favorite red was definitely Oak Creek's Zinfandel. It had some jammy, fruity flavors that my husband enjoyed, and it was full-bodied enough for me, even on a hot summer day.
One white wine that caught my attention, however, was their featured Sunflower blend. 50% Chardonnay and 50% Roussanne, this wine had the most interesting flavors. because of the blend, it smelled of honey. However, tasting the wine, you get the distinct flavor of sunflower seeds. It was one of the most unique wines I've ever tried, so I had to take home a bottle.
make sure you swing by Oak Creek Vineyards for some delicious wines and a beautiful afternoon the next time you're in Arizona.
Along one road in Cornville, AZ are three fantastic wineries and tasting rooms, complete with vineyards on the grounds. If you're looking for a fun afternoon, definitely take a drive to these vineyards.
One of my favorites, and definitely "Verde Valley's Best Kept Secret" is Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery. Making most of their wines on site, they've got a delicious tasting menu and fabulous grounds. Take your wine and sit outside on their patio for beautiful views across the vineyard and the neighboring mountains.
The wines produced were all delicious. The favorite red was definitely Oak Creek's Zinfandel. It had some jammy, fruity flavors that my husband enjoyed, and it was full-bodied enough for me, even on a hot summer day.
One white wine that caught my attention, however, was their featured Sunflower blend. 50% Chardonnay and 50% Roussanne, this wine had the most interesting flavors. because of the blend, it smelled of honey. However, tasting the wine, you get the distinct flavor of sunflower seeds. It was one of the most unique wines I've ever tried, so I had to take home a bottle.
make sure you swing by Oak Creek Vineyards for some delicious wines and a beautiful afternoon the next time you're in Arizona.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Northern AZ Wine Tour: Alcantara Vineyards
Pam and Scott's daughter Dana is living in Phoenix, AZ these days, and has been doing some winery touring of her own. The following series of guest posts are from Dana as she tours and tastes at some of Arizona's local wine destinations.
With many of the Arizona wineries and vineyards being in the southern part of the state, it's unique to find an estate vineyard right off the highway in the north. But that is exactly what you find at Alcantara Vineyards.
Located 1 mile off highway 260, Alcantara boasts a beautiful house and 13,000 vines, on which grow 12 different varietals. Driving through the vines to get to the house, the property is nothing less than stunning. The beautiful Verde River runs right through the land, so tasters can bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in paradise.
The wines are fabulous as well. They are made in more of a traditional Bordeaux style which brings out the fruity side of the red.
Alcantara also hosts a variety of events and parties on their property, including their bottling parties and being the drop off point for a River and Wine tour.
Such a fun location needs to be shared, and try to make sure you have time to enjoy all the beauty offered by Alcantara Vineyards.
With many of the Arizona wineries and vineyards being in the southern part of the state, it's unique to find an estate vineyard right off the highway in the north. But that is exactly what you find at Alcantara Vineyards.
Located 1 mile off highway 260, Alcantara boasts a beautiful house and 13,000 vines, on which grow 12 different varietals. Driving through the vines to get to the house, the property is nothing less than stunning. The beautiful Verde River runs right through the land, so tasters can bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in paradise.
The wines are fabulous as well. They are made in more of a traditional Bordeaux style which brings out the fruity side of the red.
Alcantara also hosts a variety of events and parties on their property, including their bottling parties and being the drop off point for a River and Wine tour.
Such a fun location needs to be shared, and try to make sure you have time to enjoy all the beauty offered by Alcantara Vineyards.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Northern AZ Wine Tour: Pillsbury Wine Company
Pam and Scott's daughter Dana is living in Phoenix, AZ these days, and has been doing some winery touring of her own. The following series of guest posts are from Dana as she tours and tastes at some of Arizona's local wine destinations.
Not only is there a singer who owns wineries in Arizona, but a filmmaker as well. An also, some more delicious wine to boot.
Pillsbury Wine Company is owned by Sam Pillsbury, and specializes in (almost) 100% Arizona Grown grapes. Their vineyard is located in the southern part of the state, but their tasting room is in Cottonwood, AZ (directly across the street from Arizona Stronghold). And they have many fantastic wines to talk about.
Their Roan Red was scored 90 points by Wine Spectator, and is simply divine. Their Diva red blend is bold, strong and sassy. And my personal favorite, their Wild Child Red, is 100% from Arizona and came from a neighborhood wild vineyard they found dotted with crop circles. Totally incredible.
You most definitely need to pick up these fantastic wines next time you're in the area. And make sure you say hi to the cute redhead who works there (her name is Dana too!).
Not only is there a singer who owns wineries in Arizona, but a filmmaker as well. An also, some more delicious wine to boot.
Pillsbury Wine Company is owned by Sam Pillsbury, and specializes in (almost) 100% Arizona Grown grapes. Their vineyard is located in the southern part of the state, but their tasting room is in Cottonwood, AZ (directly across the street from Arizona Stronghold). And they have many fantastic wines to talk about.
Their Roan Red was scored 90 points by Wine Spectator, and is simply divine. Their Diva red blend is bold, strong and sassy. And my personal favorite, their Wild Child Red, is 100% from Arizona and came from a neighborhood wild vineyard they found dotted with crop circles. Totally incredible.
You most definitely need to pick up these fantastic wines next time you're in the area. And make sure you say hi to the cute redhead who works there (her name is Dana too!).
Friday, July 1, 2011
Northern AZ Wine Tour: Arizona Stronghold
Pam and Scott's daughter Dana is living in Phoenix, AZ these days, and has been doing some winery touring of her own. The following series of guest posts are from Dana as she tours and tastes at some of Arizona's local wine destinations.
As mentioned in a previous post, Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of the band Tool, owns 3 wineries in our great state. The one that is most generally popular is Arizona Stronghold. While the vineyard is located in the southern part of Arizona, the tasting room is located up north in Cottonwood.
The tasting room is one to be admired. Not only can a customer come in and taste (a lot of) delicious wines, but they are encourages to pull up a chair or grab a seat on the couch and hang out for a while. Play a couple board games or chat with friends.
And definitely try the wine. They've got a lot of different varietals and blends to choose from, available in different tasting flights to fit your palette. And again, many of these wines weren't for me. They either didn't have enough flavor, or the flavor was too intense for my liking. My husband and I did take home a bottle of their rose, which was pretty delicious.
One of these wines that is a stand out, however, is their chupacabra. This is a blend of 18 different wine varietals and the flavors are so plentiful that one couldn't be pressed to list them all out. Definitely something to try.
If you're passing through northern Arizona and need a place to stop, relax, and have a drink, Arizona Stronghold is the place to do it.
And, Arizona Stronghold was recently announced as the official wine of the Arizona State Centennial in 2012.
As mentioned in a previous post, Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of the band Tool, owns 3 wineries in our great state. The one that is most generally popular is Arizona Stronghold. While the vineyard is located in the southern part of Arizona, the tasting room is located up north in Cottonwood.
The tasting room is one to be admired. Not only can a customer come in and taste (a lot of) delicious wines, but they are encourages to pull up a chair or grab a seat on the couch and hang out for a while. Play a couple board games or chat with friends.
And definitely try the wine. They've got a lot of different varietals and blends to choose from, available in different tasting flights to fit your palette. And again, many of these wines weren't for me. They either didn't have enough flavor, or the flavor was too intense for my liking. My husband and I did take home a bottle of their rose, which was pretty delicious.
One of these wines that is a stand out, however, is their chupacabra. This is a blend of 18 different wine varietals and the flavors are so plentiful that one couldn't be pressed to list them all out. Definitely something to try.
If you're passing through northern Arizona and need a place to stop, relax, and have a drink, Arizona Stronghold is the place to do it.
And, Arizona Stronghold was recently announced as the official wine of the Arizona State Centennial in 2012.
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