It was a brisk February afternoon when the nations governors’ gathered at the White House to meet with the newly crowned leader of the free world. As President George W. Bush entered the room, fifty of the country’s most powerful men and woman raised their glasses of Arizona Wines and toasted their new chief. While the wine may seem unusual to Washington outsiders, it’s quite common at the White House. Arizona Wines have been served there since 1989. They have even caught the palette of the Wall Street Journal selecting an Arizona Wine as "One of 12 Best in Two Years of Tasting".

The first experimental vineyard was established here in 1973 and Arizona Wines have been gaining popularity ever since. Today, there are fourteen vineyards and wineries operating in Arizona. The state has many microclimate zones boasting warm sunny days and cool nights, ideal conditions for growing gapes. Arizona’s wine grapes are primarily grown south east of Tucson in a grassy expanse speckled with oaks, eucalyptus and gum trees all supported by a wonderful rich red soil. In fact, climate and soil studies have revealed that this region is similar to Ribera Del Duero, Spain, Southeastern Australia, Southern France and is almost identical to that of Paso Robles, California.

One of the more interesting aspects about Arizona Wines is the uniqueness of it vineyard owners. Mr. Sam Pillsbury, CO-owner of Dos Cabezas Wineworks, is also a Hollywood Producer and Director. His films include Killer Whale adventures like Free Willy III and other flicks starring Nicholas Cage. Mr. Pillsbury is now applying his keen production skills to wine with spectacular results. The DosCabezas Pinot Gris is one of the best Pinot’s on the market. In fact, Governor Jane Hull purchased several dozen bottles for VIP’s gifts.

Mr. Kent Callaghan, one of the states more popular vintner, is a former college athlete, behind his athletic frame and charismatic good looks lives the soul of an artist. Wine is his canvas and his passion erupts with each new vintage.

If Mr. Callaghan is the soul of Arizona Wines, Mr. Leo Cox is the heart. At 69 years old, alone and by hand, Mr. Cox turned 10 acres of rock hard soil into the picturesque Charron Vineyards. Charron sells about 300 cases of one of the worlds only White Merlots. This wine has the body of a red, with the delightful crispness of a premium Chardonnay. Charron’s White Merlot has become a summer time favorite at trendy North Phoenix weekend house parties.

Don Minchella, the owner of Kokopelli Winery, is a third generation winemaker. Kokopelli is the largest winery in Arizona with locations in Chandler and Wilcox. All of Kokopelli’s wines are made with organically certified fruit. Moreover, Mr. Minchella makes wine fun with custom painted bottles, a crisp raspberry Champaign and great names like Sweet Lucy. All these vintners enjoy sharing their wines and stories with anyone enterprising enough to seek them out. In addition to the four mentioned above, there are ten other vineyards and wineries each with a distinctive personality.

We ask you to support our local wine industry by visiting the vineyards and requesting Arizona Wines at your favorite restaurants and retailers.

Thank you.