The Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival launches this weekend in Elgin, featuring 17 Arizona wineries.
All of the state's winegrowing regions will be represented.
While there have been large events featuring winemakers in the Phoenix area, this appears to be the first festival of this type held at a vineyard, said Charlene Manning, the family spokeswoman for Kief-Joshua Vineyards.
All of the winemakers (with the exception of the two from the Phoenix area) grow grapes in Southeastern Arizona, organizers said.
Bisbee's Buzz and the Soul Senders, known for blues and funky soul, will perform from noon to 5 p.m.
Winemakers will talk between sets, and there will also be lessons in wine tasting.
Look for food by Locally Arizona and Sonoita's Steak Out Restaurant, which will sell chicken wings, pulled pork sandwiches, sirloin steaks and more.
Past festivals that Kief-Joshua has held on its own have drawn 600 people over a weekend.
If you go
• What: Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival, featuring wine, food, live music and seminars.
• When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 10 a.m.
• Where: Kief-Joshua Vineyards, 370 Elgin Road in Elgin
• Cost: $15, includes wine tasting and a souvenir glass.
• More info, including lodging: www.kj-vineyards.com or 1-520-455-5582.
The Wineries
The Sonoita American Viticultural Area: Charron Vineyards, Wilhelm Family Vineyards and Kief-Joshua.
Willcox Wine Country: Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Golden Rule Vineyards, Coronado Vineyards, Carlson Creek Vineyards, Zarpara Vineyards, Gallifant Cellars and Lawrence Dunham Vineyards.
Verde Valley Wine Country: Arizona Stronghold, Page Spring Cellars Pillsbury Wine Co., Jerome Winery and Dribble Creek.
Phoenix area: Kokopelli and Su Vino Wineries.
