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While many view the production of Arizona wine to be a gimmick to wow the tourists, more than one of the more than 30local wineries has found its wine being the recipient of praise by national wine magazines.
On Saturday, Dec. 8, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Oracle Historical Society (OHS) will be hosting the fourth annual Holiday Wine Tasting at the Acadia Museum, celebrating the quality local wines of Arizona. This time, the wine to be tasted is from three Patagonia area wineries.
Dos Cabezas Wineworks, a family owned and operated winery that has been producing wines since 1995, earning critical acclaim and even having the honor of their wine being enjoyed at the White House.
Originally located near Wilcox, the winery was moved to Sonoita after the 2006 purchase by winemaker Todd Bostock, to be closer to his family vineyard planted in Elgin. Their wines are available at many Arizona restaurants, and stand as proof that exceptional wine can be created in Arizona.
Cimarron Vineyards, sheltered in the shadows of the Chiricahua Mountains, has the sort of elements best associated with Napa Valley and is ripe for producing exceptional cabernets, merlots and zinfandels. The land is elevated, with rich, red volcanic soil, the days are warm, the nights are cool and Dick Erath, pioneer of Oregon’s wine industry, has turned his attention to it.
Lightning Ridge Cellars, established in 2005, is a small winery that offers wines which reflect the Italian heritage of the winery. Old world traditions are employed in the winemaking and they combine with the clay soil and excellent climate to aid in the production of full-bodied wines.
Come enjoy an evening of tasting some surprisingly rich wines, which will also be available for purchase at severely discounted prices. Delicioushors d’oeuvres will be provided, courtesy of the Oracle Inn.
Tickets are $15 for OHS members and $20 for non-members. Space will be limited to 100 patrons, so make your reservations now by calling the OHS office at 520-896-9609,sending an email tooraclehistoricalsociety@gmail.com or mailing a check to Oracle Historical Society, PO Box 10, Oracle, AZ 85623. You will be put on a will-call list.
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