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
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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
Agritourism Expanding in McGuireville
Within 30 to 45 days, drivers on I-17 will see the earth being turned in preparation for 20-25 acres of grapevines to be planted near the McGuireville exit. According to Kelly Cathcart of SMC Operations LLC, the hillside vineyards will be planted by the end of June. Cathcart and partner Bernadette Selna are managing an agritourism business that they hope will attract visitors to Northern Arizona, create jobs in McGuireville and lead to self-sustaining agricultural communities in the Verde … [Read more...] about Agritourism Expanding in McGuireville
Committed To Serving Up Quality
Many would agree that Paul and Laura Moir are a well-matched couple. As owners of Brix and Criollo restaurants in Flagstaff, they are on the same page with values that have made the establishments popular: excellent service, sustainability and organic offerings. They met in 1996 while working in a Phoenix area restaurant. With college degrees in hand, the couple moved to Denver to try careers in the corporate world. After two years, the experience convinced them that they needed to follow … [Read more...] about Committed To Serving Up Quality
Businesses Finding Challenge/Opportunity in Rising Crude Prices
With global economic recovery slowly taking place, the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) predicts world liquid fuel markets will tighten over the next two years as global demand picks up. The EIA projects regular-grade gasoline will rise from a 2010 average of $2.78 per gallon to $3.29 by 2012, and diesel fuel will rise from an average of $2.99 per gallon in 2010 to $3.52 by 2012. These national fuel price increases will have impacts on Flagstaff businesses and consumers, presenting both … [Read more...] about Businesses Finding Challenge/Opportunity in Rising Crude Prices
Business Reads for Beyond the Holidays
Hey, Santa! If you’re reading this, here’s what I want for Christmas. One of those wine club deals with a caseload of connoisseur selections each month. Then, a big old easy chair next to a roaring fire, a smoking jacket-style robe (in feminine colors, of course), and a nice assortment of books to keep me busy all winter. If you’re the Santa in your household, here are a duo of business titles to keep your book lover engaged – one to put under the tree, … [Read more...] about Business Reads for Beyond the Holidays
2nd Annual “Food, Wine & Fun”
Sun, 23 2nd Annual "Food, Wine & Fun" Brix Restuarant & Wine Bar, 413 N. San Francisco, 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy tasting and learning about wines from around the world, hearty appetizers by the Brix chefs, a silent auction featuring resort stays, cooking classes, and event tickets, and more fun. Tickets for this fundraiser are $50 per person and can be purchased at Brix, Criollo Latin Kitchen or through Girls on the Run at info@gotrcoconino.org. All proceeds benefit … [Read more...] about 2nd Annual “Food, Wine & Fun”
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
