'Biggest Celebration of Arizona Wine' Returns to Historic Heritage Square Jan. 28-30

by Willcox Wine Country Partnership
Food, Restaurants & Dining Music & Events Willcox Wine Country Partnership January 20, 2022

On Saturday, Jan 29 and Sunday, Jan 30, 20 different Arizona wineries will be pouring more than 150 wines. (Photo: Willcox Wine Country Partnership)

The Arizona Wine Festival returns to Historic Heritage Square with limited capacity Friday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 30, hosted by the Willcox Wine Country Partnership.

The three-day festival kicks off with a winemakers’ dinner to support Horses Help Foundation, Arizona’s premier accredited therapeutic and recreational agency. Then on Saturday and Sunday, 20 Arizona wineries will be pouring more than 150 wines — featuring live music, food trucks, artists, and other local vendors.

“This is the biggest celebration of Arizona wine in the state,” said Rod Keeling, president of the Willcox Wine Country Partnership and owner of Keeling Schaefer Vineyards. “Two years ago, we had a record number of wine tasters attend the festival. We are excited that festivals are once again being produced and we will have a chance to share our wines with everyone. This is our biggest event of the year and it’s wonderful to be able to share the story and evolution of the Willcox, Arizona wine industry with so many people.”

The last in-person Arizona Wine Festival, pictured in January 2020 prior to the onset of the pandemic, reached record attendance. This year’s festival marks the return of Arizona’s annual wine celebration. (Photo: Willcox Wine Country Partnership)

What started as just a few wineries in the early 1980s has grown into the booming local wine industry we see today. But Arizona’s viticulture actually dates back to the 16th Century, when Spanish Jesuit missionaries began planting grapevines and making wine. Today, there are more than 100 licensed and bonded wineries, many of which are receiving national and international accolades.

With the recent approval of the Verde Valley as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), Arizona now has three AVAs: Sonoita, Willcox and the Verde Valley. This brings increased awareness and distinction to Arizona wines.

Participating *wineries include:
• 1764 Vineyards
• Aridus Wine Company
• Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
• Barrelhead Farms Winery
• Birds and Barrel Vineyards
• Bodega Pierce Wines
• Caduceus Cellars
• Carlson Creek Vineyard
• Cella Winery
• Copper Horse Vineyard
• Coronado Vineyards
• Golden Rule Vineyards
• Keeling Schaefer Vineyards
• Page Springs Vineyards & Cellars
• Pillsbury Wine Company
• Sonoita Vineyards
• Strive Vineyards

*and more!