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.
Showing posts with label arizona wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arizona wine. Show all posts
Friday, August 12, 2011
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.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Northern AZ Wine Tour: Caduceus 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.
Something that draws the attention of a lot of people is when celebrities own wineries. It's become a somewhat acceptable and almost expected second (or thirs or fourth) career for celebs these days. And Jerome, AZ is home to one of them.
Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of the band Tool, has his hands in 3 different wineries in Arizona. The most well respected winery of them all is Caduceus Cellars. With a tasting room located between Jerome Winery and Bitter Creek Winery in Jerome, AZ, Caduceus gets a lot of traffic because of its celebrity... and because it's delicious.
The wines offered at Caduceus are some of the more higher end wines you'd find in northern AZ, but they have decent flavor to help back up the large prices. And the tasting room is just beautiful. With granite countertops, dark wood and a lot of light, your tasting glasses sparkle as you try some strong, bold flavors that are native to Arizona wine grapes.
While all of the wines were fantastic, though a bit too intense for me, i was blown away by their Primer Paso. A blend of 88% AZ Syrah and 12% Malvasia Bianca, this wine was delicious, fruity and bold with an interesting crisp finish. Despite the larger price of a bottle, I took one home. I think it's insanely good, and I can't wait to pop open that bottle and enjoy the evening.
If you are a big Maynard fan, or just a fan of interesting, intense wines, stop into Caduceus Cellars for some fun and fabulousness.
Something that draws the attention of a lot of people is when celebrities own wineries. It's become a somewhat acceptable and almost expected second (or thirs or fourth) career for celebs these days. And Jerome, AZ is home to one of them.
Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of the band Tool, has his hands in 3 different wineries in Arizona. The most well respected winery of them all is Caduceus Cellars. With a tasting room located between Jerome Winery and Bitter Creek Winery in Jerome, AZ, Caduceus gets a lot of traffic because of its celebrity... and because it's delicious.
The wines offered at Caduceus are some of the more higher end wines you'd find in northern AZ, but they have decent flavor to help back up the large prices. And the tasting room is just beautiful. With granite countertops, dark wood and a lot of light, your tasting glasses sparkle as you try some strong, bold flavors that are native to Arizona wine grapes.
While all of the wines were fantastic, though a bit too intense for me, i was blown away by their Primer Paso. A blend of 88% AZ Syrah and 12% Malvasia Bianca, this wine was delicious, fruity and bold with an interesting crisp finish. Despite the larger price of a bottle, I took one home. I think it's insanely good, and I can't wait to pop open that bottle and enjoy the evening.
If you are a big Maynard fan, or just a fan of interesting, intense wines, stop into Caduceus Cellars for some fun and fabulousness.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Northern AZ Wine Tour: Bitter Creek Winery
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.
Two blocks away from Jerome Winery sits their sister tasting room Bitter Creek Winery. Another great option for those looking for delicious, refreshing wines to help beat the Arizona heat, Bitter Creek offers wine blends. Blending up to 4 grape varietals per bottle, these wines have distinct flavors that are unique to the winery itself.
And just for a bit of entertainment, the Bitter Creek wines are labeled with Tarot cards, each representing the style of the wine bottled. These Tarot card labels give great color to your wine rack at home, and you can learn a bit about what each card represents as well.
My mom and dad LOVED The Magician (35% Zin, 35% Cab, 25%Barbera & 5% Petite Syrah), and I was a big fan of the Joan of Arc (three equal parts of Sauv Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Chennin Blanc)
Definitely stop by Bitter Creek and give these lively blends a try.
Two blocks away from Jerome Winery sits their sister tasting room Bitter Creek Winery. Another great option for those looking for delicious, refreshing wines to help beat the Arizona heat, Bitter Creek offers wine blends. Blending up to 4 grape varietals per bottle, these wines have distinct flavors that are unique to the winery itself.
And just for a bit of entertainment, the Bitter Creek wines are labeled with Tarot cards, each representing the style of the wine bottled. These Tarot card labels give great color to your wine rack at home, and you can learn a bit about what each card represents as well.
My mom and dad LOVED The Magician (35% Zin, 35% Cab, 25%Barbera & 5% Petite Syrah), and I was a big fan of the Joan of Arc (three equal parts of Sauv Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Chennin Blanc)
Definitely stop by Bitter Creek and give these lively blends a try.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Northern AZ Wine Tour: Jerome Winery
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.
Head north of Phoenix about 2 hours and you'll hit a surprising mix of mountains, friendly hippies, and part of Arizona's wine country. Wait, wine? Did you say wine? Why yes, yes I did. The climate in the northern and southern parts of the state is actually quite suitable for wine grapes, and some delicious wine comes out of these regions.
One of the best places to head for wine is the small ghost town of Jerome, AZ. Jerome, it seems, is haunted by spirits of old copper miners and this, somehow, equates to delicious wine tasting rooms in the downtown area.
The first of the 3 we'll talk about is Jerome Winery. From their website: "Our vintner's philosophy is very spartenistic; create wines that are enjoyable for the novice and the connoisseur alike." And they do just that.
The wines offered at Jerome Winery are straight varietals ranging from a fruity white Zinfandel to a deep, rich Syrah. They've got a couple Italian wines I hadn't tried before, such as the Charbono and the Dolcetto. Both are great, and my favorites from this winery.
To top it all off, Jerome Winery only adds to its charm by labeling all their bottles with old family photos. You can see the owner's grandparents on their wedding day, and take a look at a goofy uncle as he travels the United States.
If you're in Arizona, and would like to taste some of the most charming wines the state has to offer, you need to check out Jerome Winery.
Head north of Phoenix about 2 hours and you'll hit a surprising mix of mountains, friendly hippies, and part of Arizona's wine country. Wait, wine? Did you say wine? Why yes, yes I did. The climate in the northern and southern parts of the state is actually quite suitable for wine grapes, and some delicious wine comes out of these regions.
One of the best places to head for wine is the small ghost town of Jerome, AZ. Jerome, it seems, is haunted by spirits of old copper miners and this, somehow, equates to delicious wine tasting rooms in the downtown area.
The first of the 3 we'll talk about is Jerome Winery. From their website: "Our vintner's philosophy is very spartenistic; create wines that are enjoyable for the novice and the connoisseur alike." And they do just that.
The wines offered at Jerome Winery are straight varietals ranging from a fruity white Zinfandel to a deep, rich Syrah. They've got a couple Italian wines I hadn't tried before, such as the Charbono and the Dolcetto. Both are great, and my favorites from this winery.
To top it all off, Jerome Winery only adds to its charm by labeling all their bottles with old family photos. You can see the owner's grandparents on their wedding day, and take a look at a goofy uncle as he travels the United States.
If you're in Arizona, and would like to taste some of the most charming wines the state has to offer, you need to check out Jerome Winery.
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