From the beginning, attention to detail has defined the approach at Cove Mesa Vineyard Winery Tasting Room, a philosophy owner Emil Molin credits for the winery’s growing list of local, state and national honors. 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 … [Read more...] about Meticulous Winemaking Pays Off at Cove Mesa Vineyard
Verde Valley
Chronicling a Free-Running River
The rustling waters of the Verde River, though quiet at certain stretches, carry ripples of history, supply life to millions of riparian creatures, irrigate pastures and vineyards, and entertain river runners with its ruffles of rapids. Known as one of the last free-running rivers in the Southwest, the Verde has managed to survive when other runnels have been soaked up by the sun, droughts, dams and extractions, withering away to dust and leaving only memories. To honor the legacy of the … [Read more...] about Chronicling a Free-Running River
Art in Motion
Decorative windmills can serve as whimsical reminders of earlier days when life was a bit slower and simpler, adding a touch of country charm to homes and yards. Drawing inspiration from her travels, Cree Hyde Short, owner of Cree Windmills of Arizona, is continuing her father’s passion of manufacturing custom-made wooden windmills with a range of decorative motifs. “After serving in the military, my father worked for a sign company that built and designed metal electric signs. When he … [Read more...] about Art in Motion
Prescott’s Winebelly Vineyard Tours Offers a Carefree Taste of the Verde Valley
While touring the country in their RV during the pandemic, Rebekah, a hairstylist, and Ross, a mechanic, marveled at the natural beauty they encountered when they arrived in Arizona. The McClures were so enamored that they sold their house in Austin, Texas, and moved to Prescott. “We were both wondering what we could do next,” said Rebekah. With her mom as a travel agent, Rebekah had always thought being a tour guide would be fun. “We knew that tours in Austin would take people on an … [Read more...] about Prescott’s Winebelly Vineyard Tours Offers a Carefree Taste of the Verde Valley
Inventory Up, Along with Expectations
A surge in available listings across Flagstaff, the Verde Valley and Prescott is reshaping the residential real estate conversation in Northern Arizona. While home prices remain relatively stable, the increased inventory is creating opportunities for buyers – and new challenges for sellers – in a market long known for its limited supply. Flagstaff is usually a seller’s market, but this year it is getting closer to a balanced market, said Gary Nelson, managing broker of Realty Executives of … [Read more...] about Inventory Up, Along with Expectations
Winemakers are Crushing it in the Verde Valley
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
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
