Arizona’s Largest Local Wine Festival Finds New Home at Kierland Commons for 11th Annual Event

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.
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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.