Arizona is becoming known for its grape-growing regions and wine production. So it was only a matter of time before the wine tasting rooms followed. Some of the best grape-growing conditions are in the Chiricahua Mountains about four hours south of Scottsdale, a little far to go for a wine tasting. So Curt Dunham and Peggy Fiandaca have brought their wine to us and Scottsdale has its first completely local estate wine tasting room!
To be called an estate wine, a winery must grow, crush and ferment their own grapes and then finish, bottle, and age the wine on their own premises. Rhone varietal grapes thrive in the volcanic soils of the Chiricahuas. Lawrence Dunham features Petite Sirah, Syrah, Viognier, and Grenache grapes.
Curt and Peggy have owned a vineyard in the Chiricahua Mountains since 2007. They decided to remodel a house on 1st Street in Old Town, a mere block from Hotel Valley Ho, to accommodate space for wine tasting, retail, and art. Lawrence Dunham Vineyards Wine Gallery is the first wine tasting room in Scottsdale to showcase estate wines.
Eventually they plan to offer small bites to pair with their wines, and in the meantime are partnering with nearby restaurants Alo and Cornish Pasty to offer food. Enjoy a tasting on the cozy front or back patio. They’re open Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. Stop by and try some amazing Arizona wines!
– Ace {Concierge}
