It has been said that all 50 states grow wine grapes, but what sets one region apart from another is a delicate balance of climate, soil and elevation. With fertile soil and dedicated vignerons, the Verde Valley has not only been steadily straddling that balance, it’s boldly crushing it with at least 47 varieties and a growing fan base. With winegrowers in Sedona, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Rim Rock, the Village of Oak Creek and Verde Villages, the area now has 31 licensed … [Read more...] about Winemakers are Crushing it in the Verde Valley
Verde Valley
Save the Grapes
The perplexities of managing a Camp Verde vineyard during a heatwave is challenging, and finding friends to help in sweltering record-breaking 116-degree temperatures can be just as difficult. With veraison (the turning of grape berries that signals ripening) setting in, winegrower hobbyist Daniel Tierney covered his vines with nets to protect the grapes from thirsty birds. Flagstaff retired APS lineman Tom McNally and Camp Verde teacher Bob Kuebler came to the vineyard to help. “I was so … [Read more...] about Save the Grapes
Big Bottling in Camp Verde
Now that Verde Valley has been designated an American Viticulture Area (AVA), the Town of Camp Verde has racked up another achievement: Bottling more than 150 different wines, more than any other Arizona municipality. Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Specialist Crisi Clark has validated this claim. “After researching several avenues in the viticulture industry, I was delighted to discover that Camp Verde bottles more wine than any other township in Arizona. We are grateful for the … [Read more...] about Big Bottling in Camp Verde
Seasonal Sipping
Winter fog hovers over the deck outside. A fire is lit and stacked logs crackle and pop as the hostess puts out a cheese, fruit and cracker tray on a side table. Four wine glasses stand ready to receive intoxicating treats from the bottle she presents. The hostess turns the distinctive gold label so her guests can read, “Carlson Creek, 2018 Rule of Three, Red Blend, Arizona,” a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes that defines the style of Cotes du Rhone wine. Her hospitality sets … [Read more...] about Seasonal Sipping
Crushing It
In just 10 years, the Southwest Wine Center (SWC), owned and operated by Yavapai College in Clarksdale, has grown from a raggedy one-acre field to what is now a groomed 13-acre vineyard that offers a comprehensive, hands-on educational experience in all aspects of the winemaking business. Even better, it has positioned the SWC as a premier fully functioning and profitable business within the college. This year, the SWC produced 2,400 gallons – 1,000 cases of award-winning wine in 13 … [Read more...] about Crushing It
Sedona Foundation Hires New Executive Director
Camp Soaring Eagle Events Planned Sedona-based Camp Soaring Eagle Foundation announced today that Sedona resident Jennifer W. Perry has been promoted to the position of executive director. Past CEO Max James has now shifted his focus to long-term de- velopment for the foundation. James re- mains actively involved as the chairman of the Board of Directors. Jennifer Perry has been the director of public relations and marketing for the past two years and will manage the foundation … [Read more...] about Sedona Foundation Hires New Executive Director
Local Economy Boosted by Wine
A proven marketing model is helping the Verde Valley ride out the economic tide on a wave of wine. “We have seen the sales of wine at local vineyards double over previous years’ sales,” said Lana Tolleson, president/CEO of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce. “No other business has achieved that kind of success.” “In a troubled economy, consumers start looking closer to home for their products. We see [the wine industry] as a magnet,” said Tom … [Read more...] about Local Economy Boosted by Wine
