The folks at the inaugural Off the Vine Arizona Wine Festival last February had such a great time they convinced the Arizona Wine Growers Association to do it again.
The second annual Off the Vine fest is Saturday at the 1800s ranch house of the Historic Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley.
OK, so for east-siders that might seem like quite the trek, but think of it like this: You are saving a trip around the state.
The 20 wineries attending — up from last year’s 16 — came from all reaches of the state’s wine-producing regions.
Here’s the 411 on Saturday’s festival:
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Historic Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road in Oro Valley.
Cost: $20 in advance through arizonawine.org or $25 at the door which includes a commemorative tasting glass and seven tasting tickets.
Participating vineyards:
From Willcox — Bodega Pierce/Saeculum Cellars, Carlson Creek Vineyard, Flying Leap Vineyards, Gallifant Cellars, Sand-Reckoner Vineyards, Sierra Bonita Vineyards, Zarpara Vineyard.
From the Verde Valley — Arizona Stronghold (with vineyards in Willcox), Freitas Vineyard, Page Springs, Pillsbury Wine Co. (with vineyards and tasting room in Willcox).
From Elgin — Hannah’s Hill Vineyard, Kief-Joshua Vineyards, Lightning Ridge Cellars, The Village of Elgin, Wilhelm Family Vineyards.
From Pearce — Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, Passion Cellars.
Scottsdale — Su Vino Winery.
