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Phoptography by Abraham Karam, Richard Maack, Tracy Rasinski, Brandon Sullivan, Michael Woodall and David Zickl
Sonoita in the monsoons |
Authors: Anjali Abraham, Keridwen Cornelius, Niki D'Andrea, Jess Harter,
Wynter Holden, Geri Koeppel, Craig Outhier and Celeste Sepessy
In the last decade, Arizona wine has gone from dubious to divine, which is great news for the Valley's viticulture vultures. Here's our guide to local wine bars, vino-centric restaurants, tastings, events, Arizona wines, vintners, and more!
Go To:
WINE BARS
RESTAURANTS WITH GREAT WINE LISTS
WINE STORES
Featured:
GREG TRESNER, MASTER SOMMELIER, IL TERRAZZO, THE PHOENICIANERIC GLOMSKI, PAGE SPRING CELLARSARIZONA'S TERROIR [ter-wahr]KIEF MANNING, KIEF-JOSHUA VINEYARDS, SONOITAWINE BARS |
Brix Wine Spot
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Brix Wine Spot7100 E. Cave Creek Rd.,
Cave Creek, 480-575-9900
brixwinespot.com# of wines by the glass: 13
# of wines by the bottle: 400+
Vibe: The gunslinger ambiance is clasically Cave Creek, with Stetsons hung on a pegboard coat rack near the copper bar and country musicians crooning in the background. All that’s missing is the louvered saloon doors.
Food: Mosey on in for a heapin’ helping of cheesecake served in a mason jar (free on Fridays with two-bottle purchase), or nosh on charcuterie and cheese plates.
Events: Highlights of Brix’s daily specials include $5 wines by the glass on M, live music and tastings W, “Cigar Thursdays,” and $7 mimosas on Su.
Cave Creek Coffee Company & Wine Bar6033 E. Cave Creek Rd.,
Cave Creek, 480-488-0603
cavecreekcoffee.com# of wines by the glass: 24
# of wines by the bottle: 24
Vibe: Don’t let the gruff Western facade fool you: The dapper interior is sophisticated yet cozy, offering table-top seating in the homey restaurant, cushy lounge chairs near the coffee bar, and a rustic, tarp-covered patio. It’s also one of the friendliest spots in the north Valley.
Food: Their self-styled “eclectic bistro cuisine” includes sandwiches, pizzas, antipasto, cheeses, bruschetta and a spiffy signature mango chicken salad.
Events: Live music W-Sa.
Cheuvront1326 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-307-0022
cheuvronts.com# of wines by the glass: 32
#of wines by the bottle: 180+
Vibe: A sophisticated yet comfortable vibe complemented by a user-friendly menu with wine flavor descriptions.
Food: Every well-described cheese, scrumptious small plate and worldly entrée is vino-compatible.
Events: Happy hour 4-6 p.m. M-F. Several wine and cheese tastings are held each month; check website.
DownUnder Wines & Bistro1422 W. Warner Rd.,
Gilbert, 480-545-4900
downunderwinebar.com# of wines by the glass: 24
# of wines by the bottle: 27
Vibe: Wine barrel tables, floor-to-ceiling windows and a rocking patio make this Outback outpost a prime place for corker vino and late-night strine-speak with mates.
Food: Exotica like crocodile kabobs and kangaroo loin share a menu with bruschetta and cheese boards.
Events: Happy hour 3 p.m.-close Su, 4 p.m.-close M and 3-6 p.m. Tu-Sa, $5 house wine; live music F-Sa; regular wine and beer pairing dinners.
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D’Vine Bistro & Wine Bar
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2837 N. Power Rd.,
Mesa, 480-654-4171
dvinewine101.com (other location: Chandler)
# of wines by the glass: 50
# of wines by the bottle: 200
Vibe: Laid-back and welcoming, with wooden tables, red industrial pipes, and sage walls decked with art.
Food: Among the East Valley's best, thanks to innovative spins on wild game, plus faves like mac ‘n’ cheese.
Events: Happy hour 2-6 p.m. M-F, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sa, $5 select glasses, 10 percent off bottles; tastings Tu ($5); wine pairing dinners last W of the month; live music nightly.
Enotria, Land of Wine 7000 E. Mayo Blvd.,
Scottsdale, 480-513-3086
landofwine.com# of wines by the glass: 35
# of wines by the bottle: 100+
Vibe: The hallway layout showcases wine bottles and local art, while patrons chat in plush orange loungers.
Food: Sandwiches and pizza from nearby Cafepino.
Events: Board Game Night Tu; Ladies Night 6-9 p.m. W ($5 wines by the glass); Date Night F (show your dinner or movie receipt for 2-for-1 wines by the glass).
5th & Wine7501 E. Fifth Ave.,
Scottsdale, 480-699-8001
5thandwine.com# of wines by the glass: 40-50
# of wines by the bottle: 105-115
Vibe: A lively dining room shares space with settle-in lounge seating, a bustling bar, and a sleek, shaded courtyard patio.
Food: Comfort dishes including fried pickles, top-notch burgers, superb salads and hearty daily specials such as chicken pot pie.
Events: Happy hour 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, $5 glasses; half off bottles W; $2 select wines on the 5th of the month; live music Th-Sa.
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Grapeables
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Grapeables 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd.,
Fountain Hills, 480-816-5959
grapeableswinebar.com# of wines by the glass: 13
# of wines by the bottle: 200
Vibe: Blue skies and bluer water on the patio overlooking Fountain Hills’ signature fountain. Inside, it's cozy tables and a jovial bar.
Food: They whip up attractive meat, cheese and fruit platters, panini and salads, or order from adjacent Euro Pizza Café.
Events: Happy hour 3-6 p.m. M-F, $5 glasses; $15 tastings Tu and first F; $15 wine classes on third Th, Oct.-Apr.; live music W, F-Sa.
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Kazimierz World Wine Bar
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Kazimierz World Wine Bar7137 E. Stetson Dr.,
Scottsdale, 480-946-3004
kazbar.net# of wines by the glass: 29
# of wines by the bottle: 2,400
Vibe: A uniquely sultry and mysterious ambiance that pairs well with the anonymous, speakeasy-style entrance.
Food: The global charm of the decor permeates the menu. Expect antipasto, Egyptian flatbreads and chocolate fondue.
Events: Daily music includes jazz, blues, soul, funk and rock.
The Living Room2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler, 480-855-2848
livingroomwinebar.com# of wines by the glass: 21
# of wines by the bottle: 76
Vibe: Mediterranean-seaside dreams, with a billowy-curtained patio and plush sofas, tall ceilings, and DJs pulsing beats inside.
Food: Nosh on bruschetta, antipasto, cheese plates or cheese fondue, or go for salads and sandwiches like prime rib sliders.
Events: Happy hour 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, $5 wines by the glass; monthly wine tastings, $20; live music 4-7:30 p.m. Su.
My Wine Cellar5030 E. Warner Rd.,
Phoenix, 480-598-9463
mywinecellarphx.com# of wines by the glass: 30
# of wines by the bottle: 100
Vibe: This Ahwatukee favorite is light and bright, with smart decor and savvy servers. The scenic back patio overlooks a golf course with views of South Mountain.
Food: The menu shows sophistication and solid sourcing – try short rib quesadillas, crisp-crust pizzas or inspired daily specials.
Events: Happy hour 3-6:30 p.m. M-Sa, $5 select glasses; wine education classes; monthly blind tastings; beer dinners and wine dinners alternate monthly; live music F-Sa.
Old Towne Wine and Beer Bar 5745 W. Glendale Ave.,
Glendale, 623-937-9463
otgwinenbeerbar.com# of wines by the glass: 26
# of wines by the bottle: 71
Vibe: This downtown Glendale sip-spot offers sophisticated wines in a vintage sports-bar setting.
Food: The bar doesn’t have a kitchen, but patrons can order pub-style grub from the adjacent Gas Light Inn.
Events: Half off wine bottles W; $1 off wine glasses Tu and Th; live music F and Sa; open mic M.
Portland’s Restaurant & Wine Bar105 W. Portland St.,
Phoenix, 602-795-7480
portlandsphoenix.com# of wines by the glass: 14
# of wines by the bottle: 25
Vibe: A professional crowd favors this relaxed and sophisticated, yet colorful, alternative to the Downtown hipster scene.
Food: A strong small plates selection dominates the wine-friendly Mediterranean-meets-American fare. Don't miss the parmesan French fries.
Events: At happy hour (5-7 p.m. M-F), enjoy $2 off wines by the glass and $5 for select appetizers. Live music Sa; DJ on First Fridays.
Postino Central5144 N. Central Ave.,
Phoenix, 602-274-5144
postinowinecafe.com# of wines by the glass: 27
# of wines by the bottle: 87
Vibe: A wall-mounted bicycle, zesty burnt orange palette, and brick-and-wood decor add hipness to this airy Central Phoenix hotspot.
Food: Mix-and-match
bruschetta (11 choices) is the star of the Mediterranean-inspired, panini- and salad-centric menu.
Events: Happy hour (11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily), $5 glasses. Order a bottle of wine and bruschetta board for $20 from 8-11 p.m. M-Tu, and bounce along to live music on the patio. Sunday brunch is a popular scene thanks to white peach bellinis and fresh-squeezed mimosas.
Rhythm & Wine7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd.,
Scottsdale, 480-478-6999
rhythmandwine.com# of wines by glass: 26
# of wines by bottle: 73
Vibe: Photos of rock stars impart a subdued House of Blues feel. The patio hosts live music backdropped by city lights.
Food: A selection of small plates with music-themed monikers (the “Almond Brothers” plate, the “Chaka Kahn Platter”), plus salads (“We Got the Beet”), an American-Italian section (“Dixie Chicks Marsala”), and pizza (the “Sgt. Pepper-Roni”).
Events: $3 off all wines by the glass during happy hour (3-6 p.m. M-F, 3 p.m.-close Su); live rock and jazz music F.
The Tasting Room28465 N. Vistancia Blvd.,
Peoria, 623-455-4100
tastingroomaz.com# of wines by the glass: 20
# of wines by the bottle: 150
Vibe: Take a seat at the marble slab bar at Peoria’s flagship wine haunt. Unpretentious yet classy, this bar trades lounge-swank for bistro-comfort.
Food: The pastrami sandwich stands out among panini, bruschetta and cheeses.
Events: Happy hour Tu-Sa (open-6 p.m., 8 p.m.-close); all-day happy hour on Tu for ladies; live music F and Sa.
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Terroir Wine Pub
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Terroir Wine Pub7001 N. Scottsdale Rd.,
Scottsdale, 480-922-3470
terroirwinepub.com# of wines by the glass: 30
# of wines by the bottle: 500
Vibe: Modern meets cozy, wine geek meets novice, and everyone gets along at this affable watering hole.
Food: Basic bites include
lavosh, cheese and meat plates, and bruschetta.
Events: Happy hour open to close daily, $7 select glasses of wine; game night Tu; open mic night W; tasting night Th (three wine samples for $10).
Uncorked16427 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-699-9230
uncorkedwinebar.com # of wines by glass: 45
# of wines by bottle: 58
Vibe: “The Unpretentious Wine Bar” sets the scene with relaxed luxury and 30- and 40-somethings mingling at candlelit tables in an amber-toned space. Local acoustic musicians occasionally strum in the background.
Food: A light menu of artisanal cheese plates, flat breads, sandwiches, and salads.
Events: “Monday Madness” features half-price glasses and flights. “Hump Day '80s Night” on W, $5 off all bottles and cheese trays.
Vine Expressions 1030 S. Gilbert Rd.,
Gilbert, 480-633-0730
vineexpressions.com# of wines by the glass: 69
# of wines by the bottle: 138
Vibe: Verde Valley winemaker John McLoughlin reconceived this former wine shop as a neighborhood bar and quaffing lounge.
Food: A tiny kitchen produces a surprising array of noshes, including bruschetta, salads, panini and flatbread pizzas.
Events: Happy hour (3-6 p.m. M-F, 1-6 p.m. Sa, all day Su) includes $2 off glasses and $3 off flights. Free tastings 5:30-7:30 p.m. W. Live music nightly.
Vintage 9595 W. Boston St.,
Chandler, 480-855-9463
vintage95.com# of wines by the glass: 28
# of wines by the bottle: 340
Vibe: This 1926 space oozes sumptuous ambiance, attracting City Hall suits and first daters alike. The patio is nightlife central.
Food: Impressive cheese boards and skillfully executed entrées. Lunchtime sees a superior selection of sandwiches and salads.
Events: Happy hour 4-6 p.m. Tu-Th, 4 p.m.-close W: $5 select glasses, $20 bottles; half off select bottles Su; live music W-Su.
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