Wine has been produced in Arizona since the 16th century when Spanish missionaries planted vines and made wine for Christian ceremonies.
There has since been much experimentation throughout the state. Yet with just one American Viticultural Area- the Sonoita AVA, located south of Tuscon- the state is just getting started in producing wine on a world-class level.
In this interview you will meet one of Arizona’s winemakers who is launching the state’s wine industry into the fine wine scene.
Eric Glomski is an ecologist who has been planting in a rather undiscovered region of Arizona, near Sedona, and has an in-depth understanding of the region’s micro-climates and soil types.
You will learn about the diversity of Arizona’s terroir, the experimentation currently going on with different grape varieties, and the role that Maynard Keenan from Tool is playing in pioneering Arizona’s wine industry.
I chose to split the interview into three short clips so you could simply jump from one topic to the next. Enjoy!
The Diversity of Arizona Terroir from Cheri Walters on Vimeo.
Hot Varietals in Sunny Arizona from Cheri Walters on Vimeo.
Working with Maynard Keenan from Cheri Walters on Vimeo.
Eric Glomski got his start in winemaking as an apprentice in California, eventually taking on the role of Co-Winemaker at David Bruce Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. His passion for winemaking brought him to northern Arizona where in 2003 he created Page Spring Cellars and Vineyards.
In 2007 Eric and Maynard Keenan, lead singer for Tool and owner of Caduceus Cellars, partnered to launch Arizona into the fine wine scene under the name Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Their philosophy is one of respect for the land and the knowledge that top quality fruit is the key to fine winemaking. Check out their documentary “Blood Into Wine” to learn more about their role in the Arizona wine industry.
