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B A C K G R O U N D E R
GRAPE GROWING IN THE ARIZONA DESERT
For immediate release
Contact: Julie Ann Kodmur, 707/963-9632, [email protected] or Scott Dahmer, 520/954-6640, [email protected]
FIFTH HARVEST FOR ARIDUS
First grapes to arrive were from the winery’s own estate vineyard
October 2017, Willcox, Arizona --- Aridus Wine Company harvested 176 tons of grapes during this year’s harvest, 76 more tons than the 2016 harvest. Cabernet Franc grapes from New Mexico were the last grapes to be harvested, on September 23.
The first grapes to arrive at the winery in Willcox on July 17 were Sauvignon Blanc from the winery’s 40-acre estate vineyard in Pearce (AZ). Planted in 2015, this is the first harvest from the estate vineyard. Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in 2017 and that first crop will take place in 2019. The vineyards sit at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet. “This estate vineyard defines a unique mix of mountain and desert fine wine grape growing,” explains winery owner Scott Dahmer. The vineyard experiences 13 inches of rain, 1 inch of snow and temperatures which average around 30 degrees in the cooler months to highs of around 94 degrees in the summer.
The grapes were harvested in the very early morning so that they can arrive at the winery in the early morning. The trip from the vineyard in Pearce to the winery in Willcox takes about 45 minutes. “This year’s grapes are a few days to a week ahead of schedule because of extended heat during June,” explains winemaker Lisa Strid.
Scott and Joan Dahmer founded Aridus Wine Company in 2012. The name comes from the Latin word meaning dry or arid, pronounced air-i-duhs. Aridus makes its wines from grapes sourced from vineyards in Arizona, New Mexico and California. At 28,000 square feet, it is one of the largest winery facilities in the state, and houses state of the art wine making equipment. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the winery is an appealing combination of a historic setting and modern design. The building was once an apple warehouse; it was stylishly rehabbed with recycled local lumber and the interiors feature antique light bulbs and other cave-like design touches.
Aridus Wine Company’s winery is located at 1126 North Haskell Avenue in Willcox. The winery’s tasting room is nearby, at 145 North Railview Avenue and is open Friday – Saturday from noon until 5:00 p.m.; appointments are not necessary. More info: 520/766-9463.
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The winery also has a tasting room in the old town neighborhood of Scottsdale, at 7173 East Main Street. This tasting room is open Monday - Saturday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. More info at 520/954-2676 or https://www.ariduswineco.com/Visit-Aridus/Visit-Aridus
The winery’s current releases are:
2013 Vintner’s Reserve Premium Red Blend (Cochise County, AZ), 120 cases produced. $60.09. This wine is available only to the winery’s club members.
2014 Chardonnay (Santa Maria, CA), 588 cases. $36.75
2014 Syrah (Cochise County, AZ), 116 cases. $36.75
2014 Petite Sirah (Cochise County, AZ), 212 cases. $39.90
2015 Viognier (Cochise County, AZ), 127 cases. $36.75
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Cochise County, AZ), 279 cases. $47.25
2015 Malvasia Bianca (Mimbres Valley, NM), 479 cases (375 mls). $29.40
2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Mimbres Valley, NM and Cochise County, AZ), 436 cases. $33.60
2015 Tank 16 White Blend (Cochise, AZ), 324 cases. $12.60
2014 Tank 28 Red Blend (Cochise County, AZ), 331 cases. $12.60
2015 Malbec (Cochise County, AZ), 134 cases. $36.75
32016 Gewurztraminer (Mimbres Valley, NM), 26 cases. $33.60
2016 Muscat (Mimbres Valley, NM), 468 cases. $24.15
2016 Malvasia Bianca (Mimbres Valley, NM), 479 cases. $36.75
2016 Rosé (Cochise County, AZ), 74 cases. $29.40
2015 Grenache (Cochise County, AZ), 218 cases. $39.90
2015 Tempranillo (Cochise County, AZ), 112 cases. $39.90
2015 Syrah (Cochise County, AZ), 239 cases. $36.75
2015 Merlot (Cochise County, AZ), 106 cases. $33.60
2016 Sparkling Malvasia Bianca Pet Nat (Mimbres Valley, NM), 339 cases. $47.25
