Arizona’s Largest Local Wine Festival Finds New Home at Kierland Commons for 11th Annual Event7/25/2019
Arizona Wine Growers Association, azcentral and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance come together to host the largest local wine festival in the state. On Saturday, November 16, the Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) will partner with azcentral, and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) to present the Grand Wine Festival, the largest celebration of Arizona wine in the country. The Festival will feature more than 30 Arizona wineries, paired with live music and dance performances, art installations, food vendors, and other local artisans.
Kicking off the festivities is POP Charity Night: featuring the Grand Wine AwardsCeremony held on Friday, November 15 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The Awards Ceremony considered the “Academy Awards” of Arizona wines, will recognize the winners from the 2019 azcentral Arizona Wine Competition. The evening will also feature lively art displays and vibrant entertainment, paired with delicious culinary and libation sampling from local chefs and Arizona wineries. The Awards Ceremony, which is open to the public, offers a unique opportunity to interact directly with the winemakers and learn firsthand about the family traditions and stories behind the wines being poured. “It's always exciting to see what wines emerge as the winners of the competition,” said Richard Ruelas, azcentral reporter and head of the Arizona Wine Competition. “The list of winners serves as a guide to the best. But the festival allows visitors to determine for themselves which wine they favor.” Now in its 11th year, the Grand Festival has relocated to Kierland Commons as part of Kierland POP: Art in Unexpected Places to accommodate for growing crowds, a wine marketplace and a record number of wineries from across Arizona. In addition to sampling, the Festival will also offer attendees the opportunity to purchase full bottles of wine in preparation for the holiday season, including several Festival exclusives that are not available in stores. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment, an open-air artisan’s marketplace featuring artists’ original works, and delectable treats from gourmet specialty food vendors. The event main stage will host live music throughout the day. Festival tickets, which include a commemorative wine glass and 8 wine tasting tickets, are available for purchase for $30 in advance of the event and $35 day-of. Additional tasting tickets can be purchased onsite. Designated Driver tickets, which include full festival access but no tasting tickets or wine glass, are available for $15. “Each of the wines poured at the Grand Wine Festival is a testament to the AWGA’s members mission to make outstanding wine, and our deep love for the region,” says Kris Pothier, President of the Arizona Wine Growers Association. “As consumers taste our wines, they’ll recognize the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle and understand the great potential of Arizona as a wine growing region.” According to Kate Marquez, SAACA Executive Director, “The Festival is delighted to be moving to Kierland Commons. The move truly reflects our team’s combined efforts to better tell the story of Arizona wine as we raise the bar for local wine enthusiasts.” POP Charity Night: featuring the Grand Wine Awards When: Friday, November 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Where: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85254) Cost: $55/person Online: www.saaca.org/awgagrand-awards.html Arizona Wine Growers Association Grand Wine Festival When: Saturday, November 16, 2019 (11 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Where: Kierland Commons (15205 N Kierland Blvd Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254) Cost: $30 in advance, $35 day-of Online: https://www.saaca.org/awgagrandtastingfestival.html NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Arizona Wine Growers Association The Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) serves grape growers and winemakers in Arizona, allying its members for representation, promotion, and education. The association strives to advance with integrity, the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines and increase awareness of the Arizona industry, which includes 104 licensed and bonded wineries throughout the state. Original margaritas, delicious food pairings, live musical performances and People’s Choice Awards are all on the menu for Friday, August 2nd Enrich your night with the unique flavors of Tucson while supporting your community and local restaurants on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Original Restaurants are partnering again for this signature Tucson competition where over 15 local restaurants and chefs will battle it out for the title of “Best Margarita”. Attendees and an esteemed panel of judges will have the pleasure of crowning their favorites at the end of the evening.
The event will also feature live music throughout the night from the Nathaniel Burnside Duo (Flamenco Fusion) and live music in the Lookout Tucson Bar after the event by Five Way Street. Guests can also put their creative flair into an Interactive Mural created especially for this event by the Snoodman Art Collective, who will also be displaying their neon artwork. Artist Victor Navarro will be live painting onsite as guests stroll through the pop-up chalk mural gallery. World Margarita Challenge 2019 Participants & Menus: Benson City Grille at San Pedro Golf Course Featured Margarita: Cilantro, Lime, Jalapeno Margarita “Freshly muddled cilantro and jalapeno for a perfect margarita” Menu Pairing: Fresh, house made chips & salsa Bisbee Breakfast Club Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing: TBD Casino Del Sol Featured Margarita: Fresa Rosada “Variation of a classic strawberry margarita” Menu Pairing: Guava Couscous Salad “Couscous salad with refreshing guava” Cazadores Tequila Featured Margarita: Jalapeno Margarita Chef Chic Featured Margarita: Brulee Grapefruit Jalapeno Margarita – “Spicy, tangy, citrusy margarita” Menu Pairing: Paloma Chicken Salad Cielos at The Lodge on the Desert Featured Margarita: Monsoon Margarita “Smoked guajillo and tamarindo, sugar lightning, blue agave clouds, lime raindrops caviar” Menu Pairing: Chiltepin Chocolate Mudslide Sensation “Spicy devil’s food cake, chiltepin sea salt, tamarindo gel, chocolate mud” Dante's Fire Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing: TBD Dragoon Brewing Company Local Beer Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing: TBD Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing - Mini Cupcakes “Gluten free cupcakes” Jarritos Non-alcoholic, Mexican soda Rigo’s Restaurant Featured Margarita: Grilled Pineapple Margarita “Grilled pineapple and tequila with a tajin and lime rim” Menu Pairing: Traditional Carnitas Tacos “Fresh pico de gallo and grilled pineapple” Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria Featured Margarita: Grapefruit Elderberry Margarita Menu Pairing: Savory Puff Pastry Square Tanque Verde Ranch Featured Margarita: Watermelon Mimosa Margarita “Fresh Watermelon, Cava Brut, Tajin Rim” Menu Pairing: Crispy Wonton Jalapeño Popper “Wonton cup, Jalapeño, Tomatillo Pico” The Dutch Eatery & Refuge Featured Margarita: The Reposado Margarita “Over 2 months in the making, featuring 5 different spirits and locally foraged and hand-crafted ingredients, this margarita is luxuriously made for sipping” Menu Pairing: Citrus Goat Cheese Mousse A bright and tart goat cheese mousse The Grill at Quail Creek Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing: TBD Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa Featured Margarita: Pomegranate Ginger Margarita “Hibiscus flower, bubbles & fresh mint” Menu Pairing: Pomegranate Smoked Shrimp Taco “Pickled chayote squash, jicama, fresh cilantro” Tickets for the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship are going quickly but are still on sale now for $60 (a 21+ event). Tickets include libation and menu samplings from participating restaurants and purveyors, as well as live music and entertainment. Proceeds from the event help to support the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's (SAACA) creative arts programs throughout Arizona as well as Tucson Original Restaurants efforts to raise awareness of the rich and vibrant culinary community in Tucson. World Margarita Championship When: Friday, August 2nd at 6:30 PM Where: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 Tickets: $60 (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry) Online: www.saaca.org/worldmargarita Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 107 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Tucson Originals Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals is Tucson’s premier group of independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood restaurants. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups all across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive. Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Sky Island Tourism Association are proud to partner again for this continuously growing community artist festival For over three decades, Patagonia, Arizona has been the home of one of the largest home-grown, art festivals in the state, welcoming in tens of thousands of attendees to the sprawling town park to show their support for over 125 local artists and business. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Sky Islands Tourism Association (SITA) are proud to partner once again to present the 31st Annual Patagonia Fall Festival on October 12 & 13, 2019 at the Patagonia Town Park.
Over 15,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival, with more than 125 local Arizona artists, exhibitors and vendors selling throughout the weekend. Attendees can find a wide range of unique, hand crafted pieces ranging from delicately painted wine glasses to intricately carved home décor. New to this year’s festival will be an interactive innovation station, allowing guests of all ages to get involved with a variety of arts and crafts with local businesses and organizations. Food vendors, as well as a wine and beer garden, will also be onsite all weekend, giving guests a variety of delicious cuisine and drinks to fill up on while they enjoy an array of live musical performances on the gazebo main stage. Musical performances include Jarabe Mexicano, Incidental Bluegrass, Mr. Boogie Woogie, Jam Pak Blues ‘N’ Grass Neighborhood Band and more, as well as a musical instrument ‘petting’ zoo hosted by Jam Pak. The partnership between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Sky Islands Tourism Association (SITA) seeks to highlight the diversity of local artists & business in the region as well as to support arts and cultural tourism and economic development in Patagonia, Arizona. "The Fall Festival in Patagonia gives visitors a chance to experience our town and want to come back for another visit," says Patagonia, Arizona town manager, Ron Robinson. "I like to think of Patagonia as a place you want to be if you're looking to be immersed in a home-grown community, built around the arts and nature melding into one welcoming town." Thirty years ago, the Town of Patagonia held its first fall festival to showcase extraordinary talent and artistry against the beautiful backdrop of their community, nestled at over 4,000 feet in the mountains of Southeast Arizona. Now in its 31st year, the festival attracts more than 15,000 visitors to Patagonia’s lovely tree-shaded park in the center of town over a festive weekend. Attendees are also encouraged to start the festival off early with a Friday celebration on October 11th. Early festivities include live music on the main stage in the late afternoon and great local brands from the beer and wine garden presented by Arizona Craft Distillers Guild. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the preservation, advancement and creation of the arts in communities throughout the State. Each year, SAACA makes its impacts through advocacy, diverse arts and cultural programming, opportunities for artists, and creative community projects. Over the past 20 years, the organization has provided services and programming for over 700,000 artists, organizations and individuals throughout the State. Visitors to Patagonia and the Fall Festival are encouraged to explore the wide array of shops, galleries, restaurants and attractions that will be open all weekend including the Patagonia Museum, Paton Center for Hummingbirds, Creative Spirits Artist’s Gallery, Gathering Grounds, Ovens of Patagonia and more! Patagonia Fall Festival When: Saturday, October 12, 10am-5pm & Sunday, October 13, 10am-4pm Where: Patagonia Town Park, 325 McKeown Ave, Patagonia, AZ 85624 Tickets: Free Event Entrance Online: https://www.patagoniafallfestival.org/visitingpatagonia.html Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 107 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Sky Island Tourism Association The mission of Sky Island Tourism Association (SITA) is to grow regional tourism, thereby enhancing business and employment opportunities within the Sky Island communities of Elgin, Sonoita and Patagonia. SITAS’ objective is to make the Sky Islands region a well-known and popular tourist destination for short and long term visitors. Our excellent visitor's center, highly capable volunteer staff, established website, and affiliation with the Arizona Office of Tourism, and now SAACA, form a solid foundation for these efforts. Modern work environments can be places of inspiration. On Thursday, July 25th Roche Tissue Diagnostics (RTD), in partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), presents the 9th Annual RTD Campus Exhibition, an extraordinary art show featuring the work of Roche employees, contractors and their immediate family members.
Beyond the walls of the Roche Tissue Diagnostics, many of the staff members are practicing artists in various media including printmaking, furniture design, painting, fashion arts and photography. The Campus Exhibition celebrates their talent, underscoring the organizations legacy of incorporating art and business, nurturing artistic talent and promoting the diverse perspectives that inform and drive the daily work at RTD. This year’s Campus Exhibition will feature 97 works of art from 46 artists. The opening reception serves as an annual highlight to many of the creative members of the RTD community, offering the opportunity to connect through art with coworkers and the public. An opening reception will be held on July 25, 2019 at Roche Tissue Diagnostics, 1910 E. Innovation Park Dr., from 5 to 7 p.m. First, second and third place winners will be awarded by an external jury. Reception attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite pieces and artists will be recognized with various awards at a ceremony. The Ventana Gallery is open to the public, by appointment, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call SAACA at (520) 797-3959 ext. 1. Forty-eight (48) hours advance notice is required. Campus Exhibition & Opening Reception Exhibition Dates: July 25 – October 9, 2019 Opening Reception: Thursday, July 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Where: Roche Tissue Diagnostics1910 E. Innovation Park Dr. Cost: Free Online: www.saaca.org/ventanagallery Phone: (520) 797-3959 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available About the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Originals partner to showcase the culinary assets of Tucson and contribute to cultural development The Tucson Originals Restaurants will raise a glass to cocktail creativity and perfection behind the bar as they go head-to-head for a creative community cause on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa at the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship.
The competition, featuring refreshingly unique twists on the iconic cocktail, offers attendees the chance to indulge in over 20 expertly prepared margarita samples and food pairings. From smoked margaritas paired with crisp chocolate covered bacon to sesame and passion fruit infused margaritas with tequila cured salmon, once fans have explored each of the margaritas, they can vote for their favorite interpretation. The event will also feature live music, arts installations and a raffle throughout the evening. Raffle baskets include hundreds of dollars in prizes donated by community and event partners and tickets are on sale now for only $10 for 2 tickets and $20 for 5. "The participants at the World Margarita Championship go beyond a simple, classic margarita and transform them into masterpieces," says Mat Cable, Events Chair of Tucson Original Restaurants. "Using inspiration from local ingredients, stunning garnishes, great tequila, and Southwest flair, these inspired drinks are elevated into true works of art." A team of local celebrity judges will be on site to award one proud local restaurant with the title of “Best Margarita”. Previous 2018 award winners include: Judges Choice for Margarita 1st Place: The Tequila Factory @ Casino Del Sol -- Hielo Verde Margarita 2nd Place: Fresco Pizzeria -- Bitter Orange Margarita 3rd Place: Lodge on the Desert Restaurant-- "Kiss Me Through the Foam" Margarita People's Choice for Margarita 1st Place: Rigo's Restaurant -- Dragon Margarita 2nd Place: Chef Chic -- Purple Blossom Margarita 3rd Place: Guadalajara Mexican Grill -- Spicy Mango Margarita Best Menu Sample Judges Choice: The Tequila Factory @ Casino Del Sol -- Chiltepin & White Sonoran Wheat Salad People's Choice: Rigo's Restaurant -- Barbacoa Tickets for the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship are on sale now for $60 (a 21+ event) and include libation and menu samplings from participating restaurants and purveyors. Proceeds from the event help to support the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's (SAACA) creative arts programs throughout Arizona as well as Tucson Original Restaurants efforts to raise awareness of the rich and vibrant culinary community in Tucson. World Margarita Championship When: Friday, August 2nd at 6:30 PM Where: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 Tickets: $60 (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry) Online: https://www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.html Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 107 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Tucson Originals Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals is Tucson’s premier group of independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood restaurants. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups all across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive. |
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