Written by I never realized how much I love having the opportunity to live in California before driving through neighboring states. It is truly amazing to me how much having the ocean so close really does influence our climate and how much I have really taken the cooler temperatures and greener vegetation for granted. Needless to say, it’s nice to be home.
On part of my trip, I had the chance to stop and taste at two wineries with tasting rooms in Willcox Arizona. Willcox is a small town about 5 miles south of the 8 Freeway, it’s a historic town with roots dating back to western times (which are more recent in ‘Zona than they are elsewhere). Aside from the 5 tasting rooms which are currently open, there are a number of other tourist centered services including small boutique style stores, a movie theatre and of course a few restaurants. One of which is a BBQ restaurant set in an old train car, which we didn’t get a chance to try, but the locals say it is always a hit with tourists both in terms of ambiance and the food itself. Plus, you know you’re in a small town when the BBQ place doesn’t have an alcohol permit, but is willing to serve you in the saloon next door if you want an adult beverage with your meal.
The first winery and really the reason I wanted to stop in Willcox was Keeling Schaefer Vineyards which holds the honor of having the highest critically scored bottled of wine in the history of Arizona. A recent vintage of their Syrah (priced at $18) was given 89 points by Wine Spectator.
My honest opinion, the wine is probably over scored by a few points as I think there is a significant difference in quality between their Syrah (which seemed very, very light in texture and flavors) and some of my more recent tasting trips at places like Blair Fox.
More on the other winery we tasted in Willcox as well as the land purchase by an Oregon wine juggernaut that shows the type of wine that industry insiders think can be produced in the region.
As always, if you’re looking for a wine club…..please give my wine clubs a try.
