On Friday, January 28 – Sunday, January 30, 2022, the  Willcox Wine Country Partnership along with other wineries from around Arizona will host The Arizona Wine Festival at Heritage Square Park in downtown Phoenix. The three-day festival will kick off with a winemakers’ dinner to support Horses Help Foundation, Arizona’s premier accredited therapeutic and recreational agency that serves the special needs population through a unique collaboration of horses and people. 

The two-day festival on Saturday, January 29 – Sunday, January 30 features 20 Arizona wineries pouring over 150 wines, along with live music, food trucks, artist, 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.”

What started as just a few wineries in the early 1980’s,the modern Arizona wine industry (viticulture originally began in Arizona in the 16th century when missionary Spanish Jesuit priests began to plant grapevines and make wine for sacramental use) has since grown into over 100 licensed and bonded wineries, many of which are receiving national and international attention and accolades for their wine.

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 distinction of Arizona wines.

Some of the wineries participating 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*

* Denotes Willcox Wine Country member. More wineries to be announced.

To purchase tickets to The Arizona Wine Festival, CLICK HERE.