Cornville winery wins awards, builds loyal following.
Molin and his wife, Cynthia, opened Cove Mesa in 2020, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were just sitting around and decided to open the winery,” he said.
What followed surprised even him. Licensing, a process that can take months or longer, was completed in less than 30 days. For Molin, the timing felt natural. He had studied the wine business for years and built relationships throughout the industry.
The couple initially opened a wine manufacturing plant near the Cottonwood Airport, but the industrial setting proved unsuitable for a tasting room. Three years ago, they purchased their current Cornville Road property, creating a space that blends production with a welcoming customer experience.
The move has paid off. The winery sits about 10 minutes from Interstate 17, making it the closest tasting room to the Cornville exit. In addition, it has been named Best Tasting Room in the Verde Valley by local news publications for three years in a row, showcasing 50 wines, with at least 32 available daily by the glass or as part of a tasting.
“We make 100% of our wines, and it’s all grown in Arizona,” Molin said. Food has become another draw. Cove Mesa serves items designed to complement wine, including pizza, cheese boards and salads. “Cynthia and I are foodies. We get the best food we can buy. It’s gourmet food,” he said.
The results have earned attention well beyond the Verde Valley. In the past three years, Cove Mesa has collected more than 150 medals, including top honors from the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition. The winery also won the Arizona Governor’s Cup.
Molin attributes the success to decades of study and hands-on learning. “I’ve been a student of how wine is made and what it comes from since my 20s.”
After moving to Cornville in 2015, Molin enrolled in Yavapai College’s viticulture and enology program, earning an associate degree. The education reinforced the standards he and Cynthia apply to every bottle.
“We know a lot about wines and we are extremely meticulous,” he said. “Our wines are not about being good enough to sell. Our standards are higher than that. Our wines are beautiful and elegant because we get the best fruit,” he said. “When visitors come from Italy or Spain, they think that Cove Mesa’s wine comes from the best places in France.”
Nature, however, remains one of the winery’s greatest challenges. A July hailstorm destroyed two large vineyards, prompting plans to install protective netting earlier in the season next year.
Cove Mesa employs 12 people, and Molin says staffing is central to the customer experience. “They either know about wine or they’re willing to learn about wine. Customer service is our focus. We are careful who we hire and we have a great culture where it’s like a family experience.”
That approach is reflected in consistently high online ratings. “It’s fun when you see people enjoying themselves in the tasting room. We get a lot of locals who like to come in at the end of their day. It’s great to do something we’re proud of and I love people. This is a people business.”
Running a winery is complex, he notes, combining farming, manufacturing, sales and regulation. “This takes a serious commitment of time. We haven’t had a vacation in five years, but we’re dedicated to making this work.”
The venture marks a dramatic shift from their previous careers – Molin rehabilitated bankrupt insurance companies; Cynthia managed engineers at Raytheon – but their passion for wine keeps them motivated.
“Arizona has such a wide variety that people can come to our tasting room to learn something new,” he said. VVBN
By Stan Bindell, FBN
Cove Mesa Vineyard Winery Tasting Room is open daily, located at 1210 S. Western Dr., in Cornville. For more information, call 928-301-9909.
Courtesy Photo: Emil Molin and his wife, Cynthia, opened Cove Mesa in 2020, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were just sitting around and decided to open the winery,” he said.
Leave a Reply