Arizona Wine: A History of Perseverance and Passion
Building a New Wine Region
Arizona Wine: A History of Perseverance and Passion (American Palate, A Division of The History Press, 2019) by Christina Barrueta tells the story of Arizona’s wine renaissance in words and pictures. From nine bonded wineries in Arizona in 2005 to over 100 today, the state is becoming a wine destination of note.
Focused on the three main Arizona wine areas (Sonoita/Elgin, Willcox and Verde Valley), Barrueta’s personality-driven narrative covers the period from Arizona’s early wine pioneers to today’s star vintners. She profiles 18 wine producers, telling their diverse stories and describing their differing winemaking approaches but always emphasizing their common passion.
The final chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities for the future of Arizona wine. Is the rest of the world finally discovering that Arizona makes great wine? Of the many varietals growing in the state, which ones will we become famous for? Will legislative changes continue to support producers? We look forward to an update of this book in five to 10 years for the answers.
The book’s debut will be celebrated on September 23 at Tarbell’s Tavern and the Wine Store in Phoenix, and on September 26 at the LDV Winery tasting room in Scottsdale.
