Get your swirling hand prepped. Saturday, Oct. 30, marks the first-ever Arizona Wine Week, hosted by the Arizona Wine Growers Association. More than 40 Arizona-based wineries will be celebrated during the week-long event from the state’s various wine regions: the Verde Valley, Willcox, and Sonoita/Elgin.
Here’s a look at Arizona Wine Week’s don’t-miss events:
Saturday, Oct. 30
The week begins with the final 5K race in the Great Arizona Grape Stomp series in Phoenix. Three previous races took runners through the state’s wine growing regions.
Monday, Nov. 1
Governor Jan Brewer will proclaim “Arizona Wine Week.”
Throughout the Week
There will be events happening throughout the week from wine tastings at the Phoenix Public Market to dinner pairings at local restaurants. Check www.arizonawine.org for updates.
Friday, Nov. 5
At the Celebration of the Arizona Growers Reception guests can meet and mingle with winemakers from across the state, including Arizona Grower’s Cup and Winemaker’s Medal award winners. The casual celebration takes place at Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm at South Mountain. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and sample top scoring wines from the 2010 competition. Tickets are $65.
Saturday, Nov. 6
End the week with The Festival at The Farm, where the state’s top wine growers will gather to showcase their finest wines at The Farm at South Mountain. Vino lovers from amateurs to aficionados will love the outdoor activities, educational seminars, live music, a picnic lunch provided by Santa Barbara Catering, live auction and, of course, wine tasting. The wine festival is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are $65. For more details on The Festival at The Farm, visit www.azwinefestivalatthefarm.com.
Oct. 30-Nov.6: Arizona Wine Week
I want to the Festival at The Farm last year and it was such a great event. Wish I could go again this year. 🙁