34 JULY 2021 A rizona has always had a spirited reputation. Cowboys, gunslingers, card players, prospectors and entrepreneurs seem to pair perfectly with the desert backdrop. What might not seem like such an obvious pairing is Arizona and wine. When most people think of wine country, they think Napa, Sonoma or even Washington state. Even though Arizona has a lot of cacti, we also grow plenty of grapes, and our wine is garnering quite a lofty reputation. Grapes were used in Arizona 200 years before California started making wine. In the late 1500s, Spanish Conquistadors began making wine from wild grapes growing along the desert rivers in Tubac. A hundred years later, Jesuit priests brought over European vines to grow and make communion wine. Now winemakers from all over the world come to Arizona to learn about growing grapes in harsh climates. Arizona has three wine regions: Sonoita, Willcox and the Verde Valley. Each area produces a different kind of fruit depending on the climate and the soil, each with a unique taste. There are more than one hundred wineries and more than four dozen tasting rooms spread out across the state where folks can experience these wines for themselves. Arizona is at the forefront of educating a new crop of growers and makers. At the Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai Community College, students enrolled in the viticulture and enology program learn everything and anything to do with this beverage. Students study soil science, water management and cultivating. There is a production facility where they can make critical decisions like true winemakers. In addition to the creative side, there’s the business end where students learn the art of selling and decisions about running a tasting room. A young man that works at the Southwest Wine Center said he left his career in aerospace to pursue his passion in the fertile fields of Clarkdale. He called winemaking a beautiful marriage between science and art and felt that what’s happening here in Arizona is game-changing. What’s great about all these wine regions is that it’s an excellent way to explore the state. The wineries are usually surrounded by lush fields of green and framed by rugged mountains and mesas awash in sun-faded hues of vermillion. Down south in Sonoita and Willcox, you can also go birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking and experience the areas’ rich wildlife, lakes, and Patagonia State Park, where folks can boat, fish and camp. Anyone who works in wine in Arizona is a maverick, and it’s exciting to see that this pioneering spirit is still alive and growing strong right here in the desert. Now that’s a good reason to raise a glass. No reason to whine, Arizona has wine! Host and executive producer of Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures Bitter Creek Page Springs Willcox Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8 Plum Blossoms by Steven Allison oil on panel • 12” X 6.5” X 1” • $200 480.946.5076 4130 n marshall way • scottsdale art one gallery | foundation Representing students and local artists of Arizona since 1993 artonegalleryinc.com

35 JULY 2021 By Molly Delgado Phoenicians have known for years that they don’t have to go far from home to have a good time. Here is a list of resorts in the Valley that are offering staycation packages this year for singles, couples, families and those who are looking to leave their backyard – but not travel too far. JW MARRIOTT SCOTTSDALE CAMELBACK INN 5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale marriott.com Casitas & Ritas Package: This package offers two handcrafted margaritas each night, a $50 resort credit good for food and beverage, spa, golf and tennis and accommodations in a resort casita, featuring a private garden patio or balcony. Use promo code ES1 when making online reservations. Rates start at $179. Offer valid through September 15, 2021. HERMOSA INN 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley hermosainn.com Summer in Paradise Getaway : Offered exclusively online. Weekday rates start at $169 and weekend rates start at $189, plus tax and resort fee of $35, which includes valet parking. The Getaway package includes overnight accommodations, two drink tickets upon arrival per room, a $25 daily food and beverage credit, poolside treats, early check-in/late check-out and upgrades upon arrival, based on availability. Offer valid through September 30, 2021. ROYAL PALMS RESORT AND SPA 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix royalpalmshotel.com Fee Free Summer: Resort, parking and pet fees are waived. Rates are from $259 per night. The Royal Romantic Package : Offers late check-out, a rose petal turndown, breakfast for two and a food and beverage credit to use at T. Cook’s restaurant. Rates are from $334 per night. Offers valid through September 6, 2021. Royal Palms also has a summer music series with specialized menu creations and outdoor, live music from local musicians. THE PHOENICIAN 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale thephoenician.com Degrees of Summer Luxury Offer: Guests receive a nightly $50 resort credit. Rates start from $199 per night and the offer is valid until September 10, 2021. Use promo code LPR when booking online. JW MARRIOTT PHOENIX DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix marriott.com Sunny Days, Longer Stays: Book three nights and receive the fourth night free and enjoy the property’s five pools, lazy river, spa, Wildfire Golf Club, pickleball courts and dining options. Use promo code D3Q when booking online. Splash into Summer: Guests receive a $50 resort credit good for food and beverage, spa, golf, pool or pickleball, plus a waived resort fee (value of $198) which includes pickleball or tennis for four, use of the driving range, a two-hour bike rental for four and access to fitness classes at Revive Spa. Use promo code SPJ. Fling + Swing Golf Package: The Wildfire Golf Club features two championship golf courses. With the Fling + Swing Golf Package, guests will have unlimited use of the golf practice facility and a $50 daily resort credit good for food and beverage, spa, golf, pool or pickleball. Use promo code GOF when booking. These offers are valid through September 15, 2021. CANOPY SCOTTSDALE 7142 E. First St., Scottsdale hilton.com Travel & Save Package: With room rates starting from $159 per night, guests are offered up to 25 percent off the flexible rate, early check-in/late check-out when available and no early departure fee. There’s also a Day Pass option starting at $40. Guests can check out the rooftop pool, fitness center and food/beverage service. Available Sunday-Thursday. The travel package is valid through September 6, 2021. Canopy Scottsdale also launched Brews on the Roof, an event featuring local breweries. The second Friday of the month from 4-7 p.m., a rotating list of beer masters will serve discounted pints and complimentary snacks, along with giveaways and music. Both Mountain Shadows Resort and Spa and Hotel Valley Ho will not be offering staycation packages this summer, but they are offering an advance purchase rate, where guests can take 10% off the best available rate when they pre-pay. Reserve online with code PROPREPAY. Must reserve at least two days in advance. Requires a full, non-refundable deposit. Based on availability. Bask in the heat with these local staycation deals The dates and prices reflected here are subject to change. Check with resort staff to confirm prices and offers. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Hermosa Inn Royal Palms Resort and Spa The Phoenician JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Canopy Scottsdale