Viticulture in Arizona dates back to the sixteenth century in Arizona when Spanish Jesuit priests began to plant grapevines to make wine, and Arizonans continued this tradition even during prohibition. On December 15, 1919, the U.S. Marshal confiscated 8000 gallons (30,283 liters) of wine in the Globe District and poured it all in Pinal Creek, according to U.S. News and World Report. Alcohol had been banned by Arizona voters in 1914, four years prior to federal prohibition. One can only imagine how the fish felt the next morning.
Those of you who enjoy wine will be happy to discover that Arizona is now home to more than ninety wineries, and none of this abundance will be wasted on the fish. There are three designated American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) in Arizona: Sonoita, Verde Valley and Wilcox. An AVA contains the environmental elements (soil, geography, climate and topography) that make an area suitable to cultivate wine grapes and is a federally registered grape-growing region that is named for the local geography and determined by specific (although sometimes arbitrary boundaries.
We could talk all day about the vineyards in Arizona, but Rune and Aridus are two of our favories. Rune Vineyard in Sonoita is “the only solar powered and off-grid tasting room and vineyard in Arizona, and they strive to run our business sustainably and with minimal impact. Visit their tasting room to discover award winning wines and a view that can’t be beat!” Located in a beautifully refurbished apply warehouse, family-owned Aridus Vinyards near Pearce, Arizona is one of the largest wineries in the state and its facilities won the Design Excellence award from the International Interior Design Association’s Southwest Chapter. We’ve only featured two, but if you do a little digging, you will find you could visit a different vineyard in Arizona every day for months!
The first-ever Scottsdale Wine Trail was held just this past Wednesday, but if you missed it, don’t fret. There are a wide variety of Arizona wines to discover and enjoy at various events and locations throughout the year in modern times. Scottsdale Wine Fest will be held the afternoon of December 10th, the Arizona Wine Festival at the end of January, and the 10th Annual Off the Vine Arizona Wine Festival in mid-February. Additional wine tastings and related events happen nearly every week of the year here in Arizona.
Wine will certainly be flowing as folks in AZ gather for the holiday season. We hope when you consider purchasing wine to give or share you will choose a bottle from an Arizona winery.
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