May is .....

For many the month of May signals the start of summer weather, school is winding down, and summer vacation plans are being finalized.  Well the folks at the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, in upstate New York, have declared May as, well you guessed it, Finger Lakes Wine month.  Sounds like a good idea to me, much better than thinking about the ever increasing heat index in Phoenix.

The kind people at the alliance choose me to help promote this great wine growing and producing region.  And the best way to promote wine is, to drink wine!  Here are the five samples I received courtesy of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance.

I have tasted numerous Rieslings from this region and have always been impressed, so I am super excited to try the two red wines.  If you would like to get in on the tasting action please check out the website at: www.FingerLakesWineMonth.com 

Check out my previous reviews by clicking on the New York wine label on the left side of my blog to learn more.  Also click the links below to learn more about each wine I will be tasting.

1.  Cabernet Franc: www.drfrankwines.com

2.  Cabernet/ Merlot blend : www.3brotherswinery.com

3.  Dry Riesling: www.SwedishHill.com

4.  Gewürztraminer: www.sheldrakepoint.com

5.  Gewürztraminer: www.glenora.com

Join me on May 25th around 5 pm Arizona time, by following my tweets @reneewineabit, with a glass in hand.  If you have not discovered Finger Lakes wine yet, this is a great time to start!  Cheers!

Thank you and enjoy.

Family cook night part 2: comfort eats

What do you cook when no one really wants to cook? Easy, macaroni and cheese, all time classic easy and delicious comfort food. Good for kids and adults alike.

We where not up for slicing and dicing this week and my son was craving good old fashioned mac and cheese, the boxed stuff. Why fight it right? Go with the easy stuff, any dinner together around the dinner table is better then nothing at all. So our favorite boxed dinner is not the Kraft stuff but a slight step up, Trader Joe's brand. And it hit the spot for a of us, of coarse it now takes two boxes to feed the three of us as my son is mac and cheese devourer.

And what do you pair with that American classic, well a Spanish classic naturally. This is our house sparkler, as it is yummy, refreshing, and always under $10. What more could you ask for in a wine right!?

So what is your favorite no cook, easy food and wine pairing? Please share in the comments section below. Thank you and enjoy.

New Arizona law clears the way for sisters to make their beer and wine making vision come true

This is awesome news for both beer and wine lovers in the great state of Arizona!

New Arizona law just signed by governor Brewer into law, will allow both beer and wine to me made and served in the same building.  Arizona Hops and Vines, down in Sonoita, will be doing just that this summer when the law goes into effect.

To read more about this new law and how the sister owners of Arizona Hops and Vines pushed through this legislation click here.

Nice work ladies!

Lawrence-Dunham Vineyards, in southern Arizona, is celebrating it's five year anniversary and you are invited!

Curt Dunham, winemaker/owner & Peggy Fiandaca, owner

Looking for a cool and beautiful spot to sip some world class wine?  How about down south near the stunning Chiricahua Mountians range in south-eastern Arizona.  

My friends and fabulous winemakers Peggy and Curt of Lawrence-Dunham Vineyards are throwing a little party to celebrate five great years grape growing and wine-making.  The following is a press release about the event and how to celebrate with them among the vines.  Yes, it is a drive but the wine is worth it, believe me!

Winery Celebrates Fruits of its Labor

Party with Lawrence Dunham Vineyards’ celebrating five years since planting

LDV Ripe Grapes 

PEARCE, AZ – As the grapes in Arizona’s wine county begin to awaken from their winter slumber, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards is throwing a party. It has been five years since the vineyard planted its first wine grapes in the Chiricahua Mountain foothills in Cochise County.

“What a journey it has been from thinking about the next phase in our lives to ending up buying 40-acres to plant wine grapes and producing wines,” said Curt Dunham owner/winemaker at Lawrence Dunham Vineyards. The winery is getting ready for the annual planting season, with fingers crossed that the cold weather is done for another year.

The winery has become known for full-bodied Rhone varietal wines, particularly Petite Sirah. The vineyards’ 2009 Petite Sirah was awarded 88 points from Wine Spectator Magazine. “Plush, velvety,” and “solid range and character” were all descriptors used by James Molesworth to describe Lawrence Dunham Vineyards’ first vintage 2009 Petite Sirah made from 100% Arizona estate grown grapes. Mr. Molesworth evaluates wines from the Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, and South Africa for the internationally-respected publication. Our winemaking process includes processing small batches of grapes, handled very gently, which we believe creates an extraordinary mouth-feel and well-balanced flavors,” said Dunham. “This was our first vintage and I was thrilled that my vision for this wine was interpreted and recognized by such a prestigious publication.” Help Lawrence Dunham Vineyards celebrate its first five years of the grape to glass journey.

Date: Saturday, April 13, 2013; 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

$8.00 (includes wine flights, birthday cake, discounts, & other celebratory activities)

Winery Location:              Lawrence Dunham Vineyards

                                13922 S. Kuykendall Cutoff Rd.; Pearce, AZ

More Information:          602-999-5626; http://www.lawrencedunhamvineyards.com/

2013 Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts: April 5-7.

Arizona Wine Growers to Host Arizona Wine Festival at Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts

Festival goers can sip, sample and savor local Arizona wine

Tempe, Ariz. – The Arizona Wine Growers Association will host the Arizona Wine Festival at the upcoming 2013 Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts held April 5-7, 2013.

Fourteen Arizona wineries will showcase their wines and offer tastings, along with sales by the glass, bottle or case. The wine festival has an admission of $15 and includes six tastings and a commemorative wine glass.

The Arizona Wine Festival will be located on 7^th Street, just west of Mill Avenue. The festival is the perfect opportunity for festival goers to sample and purchase Arizona wine. Tickets are available for advance purchase here at https://tempewinegarden.chirrpy.com/

The Wine Garden is located inside the Tempe Festival of the Arts, where more than 400 fine artists will be displaying and selling their original work amid a lively street festival on Mill Avenue. The 2013 Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts features more than 400 fine artists and crafts persons displaying and selling their original work amid a street festival atmosphere in Tempe’s Mill Avenue District. The event is the largest festival of its kind in Arizona, hosting as many as 225,000 festival visitors. It consistently ranks among the top 20 festivals in the nation. The event also includes the Festival Jazz Stage, live entertainment, street performers, sports exhibits, Kids Innovation Station, and fun festival food. For more information visit www.tempefestivalofthearts.com.

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About the Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA)

The AWGA serves grape growers and winemakers in Arizona, allying its members for representation, promotion and education. The association strives to advance with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines.

Arizona has 63 licensed and bonded wineries. Several Arizona wines have been served in the White House, and more than 20 wines from eight Arizona wineries have scored at least an 88 rating from Wine Spectator. In a recent blind taste test featuring several high-profile judges, Arizona wines beat out noted wines from around the world, grabbing three of the top five spots in both the red and white competitions. Arizona wines also took first place for both red and white. For more information visit www.arizonawine.org.

Arizona Wine Industry Elects New Leadership for 2013

The following is a press release from the Arizona Wine Growers Association   

Arizona Wine Industry Elects New Leadership

New committee members look to grow Arizona’s wine industry

PHOENIX - The Arizona Wine Growers Association elected its new officers at its quarterly membership meeting held Feb. 5, 2013, in Willcox, Arizona at Aridus Wine Company. Incorporated in 1983, the Arizona Wine Growers Association serves grape growers and winemakers in Arizona, allying its members for representation, promotion and education. The association strives to advance with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines.

The newly elected leadership for the association’s Executive Committee is:

• President: Peggy Fiandaca, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards
• Willcox Regional Vice President: James Callahan, Aridus Wine Company
• Sonoita Regional Vice President: Kent Callaghan, Callaghan Vineyards
• Verde Valley Regional Vice President: Barbara Predmore, Alcantara Vineyards
• Urban Vice President: Cory Whalin, SuVino Winery
• Treasurer: Robert Carlson III, Carlson Creek Vineyards
• Secretary: Casey Rooney, City of Cottonwood Economic Development

          (As pictured from left to right: Casey Rooney, Barbara Predmore, Robert Carlson III,

            James Callahan, Peggy Fiandaca, and Kent Callaghan. Cory Whalin not pictured.)

“I am humbled to be elected by the membership to a second term as President and very excited to work with this talented group of wine industry professionals as we continue to move the Arizona wine industry forward,” said Peggy Fiandaca, President and owner of Lawrence Dunham Vineyards. “The growth of the statewide wine industry has been tremendous, and Arizona wines are sought after and continue to impress wine critics.”

Outgoing executive committee members – Fran Lightly (Sonoita Vineyards), Rob Hammelman (Sand-Reckoner Vineyards), and John McLoughlin (Bitter Creek Winery) were also recognized for their dedicated service to the organization over the past two years. The quarterly membership meeting was hosted by Scott and Joan Dahmer of Aridus Wine Company, Arizona’s newest custom crush facility. 

Arizona has over 60 licensed and bonded wineries – up from nine in 2004 -- and more are being developed. Most of Arizona’s vineyards can be found in northern Arizona’s Verde Valley, in Sonoita and Elgin in southern Arizona and in the greater Willcox region in southeastern Arizona. Arizona wines have been highly regarded by Robert Parker and the Wine Spectator. Arizona wines have been served at the White House on many occasions and at many James Beard House dinners. For more information about the Arizona Wine Growers Association and upcoming events, visitwww.ArizonaWine.org.

Family Cook Night Take One: Pasta

Most Americans are on a budget these days, myself included, as I am a stay at home mom and wife of a school teacher yes, our money needs to stretch.  However, I also believe in eating good food regardless of yearly income, and know the value of serving healthy meals to my family. The best way to stay on a budget and still eat like the wealthy, cook at home.  It saves thousands of dollars a year (both on food and health care costs), and helps to bring your family closer together.

Coronado Vineyards Wine and Chocolate Event this weekend, Saturday February 9th.

Looking for a romantic road trip?  Well you cannot get any better than Arizona wine and chocolate!  Check out this latest Arizona wine event in Willcox.  Cheers!

Join owners Mark and Jacque Cook in celebrating their annual Valentine’s Day Celebration – Wine and Chocolate at Coronado Vineyards. Head to Willcox with your sweetheart on Saturday, February 9^th to enjoy an extraordinary wine and chocolate tasting. This year they will be pairing their top wines with gourmet chocolates to create an unforgettable experience! In addition to the chocolates and wine, there will be live music and lots of romantic memory making!

Coronado Vineyards, in Willcox Wine Country, has made a name for themselves as one of the most beautiful wineries in the state. The winery overlooks rows and rows of vines with a gorgeous Dos Cabezas mountain backdrop.

Cost is only $15 per person for the wine and chocolate tasting. A silent auction will be held from 11am – 4pm to benefit the American Heart Association. No reservations are required.

Click here to learn more about Coronado Vineyards and this event.

New Food and Wine Series coming soon.

New post series coming soon. . . . . . Family cook night.  Check back soon for more details.

Cheers!

Sisters fighting law to open Arizona winery-brewery

I look forward to meeting these ambitious and fun loving sisters!  But until then please check out this great article from the Arizona Republic about how they got started and what they are brewing up next.  The article also includes their current struggles (Arizona liquor laws)  to make their dream come true.

Cheers!

Sisters fighting law to open Arizona winery-brewery

Celebrate Zarpara Vineyards first wine and vineyard anniversary!

Please Join Us!    Fiesta Playa   To celebrate our first year   This Saturday, January 19, 1-5pm             Come to the vineyard and help us celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of our tasting room. We'll have live music, tropical wine drinks, and tasty nibbles, as well as our usual lineup of exceptional, locally produced wine! Live music is provided by accomplished classical guitarist, Brett Lashley.  And Brett promises to bring along his ukelele as well ! There is no extra charge for this event - just the usual $7 for a tasting flight. Hope to see you there! Cheers, Rhona and Mark

Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2012 and welcome 2013!  Cheers everyone.  Have a happy and healthy New Year!