Are you a fan of the hops or does your taste lean more to the vine?

This weekend has a little bit of both in two head-to-head festivals β€” beer in Tucson and wine in Willcox, the heart of Southern Arizona’s wine country.

Here’s the 411 on both events.

Road trip to taste the fruit of the vine

What: Willcox Wine Country Fall Festival.

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21.

Where: Historic Railroad Avenue Park, 157 N. Railroad Ave., in downtown Willcox, about a 90-minute drive from Tucson.

Cost: Admission is free. To taste: $15 in advance for six tastes, $20 in advance for 10 through willcoxwinecountry.org; it’s $5 more if you pay at the gate.

What to expect: Eighteen Arizona wineries β€” Aridus Wine Company, Bodega Pierce/Saeculum Cellars, Carlson Creek Vineyard, Coronado Vineyards, Golden Rule Vineyards, Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Kief-Joshua Vineyards, Pillsbury Wine Company, Zarpara Vineyard, Birds and Barrel, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Burning Tree Cellars, Caduceus Cellars, Deep Sky Vineyard, Four Tails Vineyard, Javelina Leap Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Sierra Bonita Vineyards Rune Wines and Copper Horse Vineyard β€” will be pouring their latest vintages. Live entertainment from Outside the Line, Serena Nicolle Band and Aunt B, and food trucks and arts and crafts vendors.

Details: willcoxwinecountry.org

Brews in our backyard

What: Great Tucson Beer Festival.

When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.

Where: Kino Sports Complex, 2817 E. Ajo Way

Cost: $15 to $80 with proceeds benefitting Sun Sounds of Arizona.

What to expect: More than 60 craft brewers and beverage makers including Tucson’s Sentinel Peak, Barrio and Thunder Canyon, will pop a top for a good cause; proceeds benefit Sun Sounds, which provides reading services for people who cannot hold or read printed material because of a disability. Tucson Chicago style electric blues outfit Whose Blues and jazz/blues rocker Anna Warr & Giant Blue are set to perform. Several food trucks will be set up throughout the sports complex, as well.

Details: azbeer.com


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Cathalena E. Burch