Top Reasons to Celebrate Arizona Wine!

Certainly, I could list more than three reasons. But these three reasons come directly from an Arizona winemaker. 

The 2024 Arizona viticulture wine grape harvest has been underway since August. In wine grape farming in general, according to CEO Mark Beres of Flying Leap Vineyards and Distillery, when vines are stressed, the fruit they produce can have enhanced concentrated flavors and aromas.

"This underscores the ability of Arizona winemakers to produce high-quality wines from Arizona-grown fruit," he said. Interviewed a few years back, his points continue to resonate with our winemakers here in the state. 

The berries produced in Arizona's unforgiving desert climate, when vinified and properly aged, can result in world-class vintages that are unique, dense in flavor and age-worthy. Beres and other winemakers emphasize some of these unique growing conditions are not exclusive to Arizona. But our climate qualifies the state for being one of the wine-growing regions wine aficionados can and should celebrate.

So, what are some specific elements that allow Arizona winemakers to achieve these kinds of vintages. Beres suggests three possible reasons.

1. A little stress never hurt any grape. Again, a degree of hardship means Arizona wine grapes have the capability of producing some great wine. “Great wine generally comes from grape vines that have struggled,” says Beres.
2. Arizona's wine country enjoys favorable temperature extremes, referred to as diurnal shift. In other words, the temperature range within a 24-hour period can have wide variations, conditions that enhance the balance between sugar and acidity in wine grapes.
3. Especially in southern Arizona, grapes can enjoy a long growing season. Arizona's southern latitude affords wine growers an extended growing season. This means Arizona wine grapes benefit from an extended hang time, which results in grapes with more nuanced flavor, color density and aroma. It also tends to produce wine with higher alcohol and bolder flavors. 

I recently visited Emil Molin of Cove Mesa in the Cornville, Arizona area. He was hauling 6 tons of wine grapes from Cochise County to Yavapai County for his 2024 season just a few weeks ago. A wine connoisseur and Arizona winemaker, he has a passion for making great wine. Having visited his tasting room in Cornville, I can attest to the quality of wine he makes. The 2024 Season is looking bright. 

So, get ready! Regardless of the size of the wine grape harvest in 2024, this vintage will be amazing. In the meantime, look for some quality Arizona wine to add to your shopping list.

Some of My Favorite Wines are Below (And so many more to be discovered, but still tasting my way through our great Arizona wines!)

Callaghan Vineyards in Elgin: www.callaghanvineyards.com/
Alcantara Vineyard in Camp Verde: www.alcantaravineyard.com/
Cove Mesa Vineyards in Cornville: www.covemesa.com/
Page Springs Cellars in Cornville: www.pagespringscellars.com/

Bodega Pierce in Willcox: www.bodegapierce.com

Carlson Creek in Willcox: www.carlsoncreek.com