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
wine
Verde Valley Harvest Takes a Village
What is being celebrated as a hearty grape harvest in the Verde Valley, the 2025 yield is considered to be another promising vintage, putting smiles on winegrowers’ faces and assurance of some nice flavors for wine lovers’ palates. Claiming that this year’s harvest was fast and furious, Verde Valley Wine Consortium President Paula Woolsey said, “It was hot and not a lot of rain or the traditional monsoons, so brix [sugar] levels were high, producing a good vintage. All in all, it was a good … [Read more...] about Verde Valley Harvest Takes a Village
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
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
Verde Valley Wines Receive ‘American Viticultural Area’ Status
After six years of study, The U.S. Treasury Department has named Arizona’s Verde Valley an American Viticultural Area (AVA), elevating the Valley’s $56 million wine industry to the same status as Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley and other well-known wine-producing regions. According to the Treasury Department’s Tax and Trade Bureau, an AVA is a grape-growing region with geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from surrounding areas and affect how grapes are grown. Labeling local wines … [Read more...] about Verde Valley Wines Receive ‘American Viticultural Area’ Status
Emerging Winemakers Competition & Symposium Returns Virtually to Yavapai College April 24, 2021
In the past decade alone, the Arizona wine industry has grown from 20 to over 100 licensed wineries. On Saturday, April 24 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. PDT, the passion and talent of those helping to shape this flourishing industry will be celebrated at the Emerging Winemakers Competition & Symposium. Organized by the Grand Crew, a Yavapai College Viticulture and Enology student/alumni organization, at the Yavapai College’s Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale, Arizona, the FREE virtual event will … [Read more...] about Emerging Winemakers Competition & Symposium Returns Virtually to Yavapai College April 24, 2021
Wine Tasting Like a Rock Star
Want to experience the definition of homegrown? Cottonwood’s Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria could be your answer. The restaurant, which opened in 2016, offers its customers an alluring experience, where everything from the pasta to the wine is made in the Verde Valley. The restaurant is located at 1001 N. Main Street, Cottonwood. Merkin Vineyards is a division of Caduceus Cellars, touted as a small, family-owned operation. Both the business and restaurant have sprouted nicely … [Read more...] about Wine Tasting Like a Rock Star
