The 6th Annual Arizona Wine Grower’s Association “Festival on the Farm”
Set amongst the 100+ year old pecan groves on The Farm at South Mountain, the event will feature over 30 Arizona wineries, wine education seminars, and a live auction. The idyllic setting is the legacy of Dwight Heard (yes, from the Heard Museum). In addition to tasting Arizona wines, guests get a chance to meet and greet the wine makers and principals of the various wineries. The intimate and casually relaxed atmosphere is a great way to really get to know the wines, the people and new friends!
In addition to the tastings, the festival offers educational seminars and tastings. You might get to taste some rare wines, as the wine makers often bring wine from their personal collection, not available to the public. Last year Maynard James Keenan of Caduceus Cellars brought a few bottles of his ’08 Judith, which had long since sold out even at it’s initial offering of $100 a bottle.
Later in the afternoon the live auction becomes the center of attention. The real live auctioneers are very entertaining even if you’re not bidding. If you’re bidding you could walk away with some truly amazing steals. In years past wine maker dinners, wine collections, and amazing vacations have fetched top dollar.
If you’re looking for something more intimate you should check out the Arizona Wine Grower’s Association Awards Banquet. This event is held the Friday night before the festival. For $75 you’ll get to taste this year’s Arizona Republic Wine Competition winners paired with amazing dishes at Stone Grove at the Farm at South Mountain. Stone Grove is located right next to Quiessence restaurant, nestled in very back of the farm. Arizona wine makers will be on hand for guests to mingle with throughout the night. Only 100 tickets are available for the Friday night event.
Whether you’re a sommelier or just getting into wine, there is no better event than this to experience what Arizona wine has to offer.
Visit azwinefestivalatthefarm.com for more information and tickets
Weekly Wine Journal 