LOCAL SPIRITS 2 TO EXPLORE
IN THE VALLEY
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Cheers to the New Year 11
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Raise a glass and celebrate 2021, Arizona-style. Explore some of the state’s wineries, breweries, and a cidery right here in the Valley Michelle Glicksman
ARIDUS WINE COMPANY
This family-owned winery is located in the heart of Southeastern Arizona. Using grapes sourced from Arizona, New Mexico and California, winemaker Lisa Strid seeks to capture the tastes of those regions, creating award-winning wines in its sustainable winery. Aridus Wine Company handcrafts small lots of wines, and has a tasting room in Scottsdale. The tasting room offers the same feel as the winery—it’s adorned with all-natural materials, and reclaimed materials whenever possible. New releases include a 2018 graciano and 2018 montepulciano, and the winery produces a variety of whites, red, and blends. 7313 E. Main St., Scottsdale; www.ariduswineco.com
CARLSON CREEK VINEYARD
1 | Carlson Creek also has a familyowned vineyard in Southeastern Arizona. One of the largest vineyards in the area, it produces
Chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, muscat, Syrah, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, malbec, mourvèdre, and malvasia bianca. Sip some selections at its cozy Scottsdale tasting room, where the walls are adorned with artwork— which is for sale—by local artists. 4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale; www.carlsoncreek.com
CIDER CORPS
2 | Started by brothers Jason Duren, Sgt, USMC (Ret.), and Josh Duren as a hobby, this veteran-owned and -operated cidery is now Arizona’s largest craft cidery. The pair began making cider while Jason was recovering from injuries he suffered while in Afghanistan. Today, the cidery and its taproom have an extensive taplist, including its popular Sangin Sangria, Mango Foxtrot, Blackberry Camuleglage, and Private Palmer. Both the cidery and taproom are located in Downtown Mesa. 31 S. Robson, Mesa; www.cidercorpsaz.com
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LDV WINERY
3 | Co-owners and winemakers Curt Dunham and Peggy Fiandaca began as longtime wine collectors —and launched this estate vineyard and winery in 2008. The winery is located in Southeastern Arizona, with a tasting room located in Scottsdale. Sample some of the award-winning wines—LDV’s selections include viognier, grenache, petite sirah, and syrah, among others—on the tree-shaded patio or inside the tasting room (re-opening mid-month due to renovations). 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale; www.ldvwinery.com
MERKIN VINEYARDS
4 | Owned by MJ Keenan—a Grammy Award-winning vocalist for Tool, A Perfect Circle, and the cabaret troupe Puscifer—Merkin Vineyards is an extension of the Caduceus Cellars family. The Merkin Vineyards wines are produced from fruit grown on their 70-acre Buhl Memorial Vineyard in Willcox, Ari-
zona, by MK and his wife, Jennifer, as well as winemaker Tim White. The tasting room in Scottsdale also offers a menu of small bites, shareable plates, artisanal boards, and house gelati and sorbetti. 7133 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale; www.merkinoldtownscottsale.com
PEDAL HAUS BREWERY
5 | This brewery, named Best Brewery in the U.S. by Copa Cervezas de Americas, offers award-winning craft beer, as well as elevated gastro-pub food. The brewery opened in 2015, and has since won more than 33 medals and awards. In fact, its German Dark Lager recently received gold standing in the Dark Lager category at this year’s San Diego International Beer Festival. The brewery and restaurant concept has locations in Tempe and Chandler, with a Phoenix location opening early this year. 730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe and 95 W. Boston St., Chandler; www.pedalhausbrewery.com
CHECK BEFORE YOU GO! HOURS, RESERVATION INFORMATION, AND MORE MAY CURRENTLY VARY
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(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY LDV WINERY; COURTESY CIDER CORPS; COURTESY PEDAL HAUS BREWERY; COURTESY CARLSON CREEK VINEYARD; COURTESY MERKIN VINEYARDS
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