If, like a fine wine, events get better with age, then Sedona Winefest’s heyday is now. The seventh annual event returns Sept. 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the location has changed. After six years at the Sedona Airport, the festival has found a new home at Posse Grounds Park in West Sedona. In years past, it took place inside dozens of small tents, but the change in venue allows the festival to be under one huge, circus-sized tent, says Al Comello, organizer and president of the Sedona Events Alliance. The park’s entire ball field will be used for the festival, which will also include displays outside of the tent.
“It’s a milestone for the festival,” says Al. “In many ways, we are bringing it into the heart of Sedona by moving it to Posse Grounds, which has been part of the community since the 1950s. Jazz on the Rocks started there, and there was a rodeo there for years. I think we’re sending out the message that Winefest has matured and grown into something Sedona can take ownership of – something to look forward to every fall.”
The venue change was made possible when, earlier this year, Sedona City Council voted to allow alcohol at select parks including Posse Grounds. Event organizers are taking notice: Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks will host its Red Rocks Oktoberfest at the venue Oct. 3.
Sedona Winefest will feature more than 20 wineries from all over Arizona along with cheese and chocolate tasting, food from area restaurants and food trucks, live music and an hourly raffle. Sedona Arts Center will host plein air art demonstrations and Red Earth Theatre will perform a wine-themed play on Sept. 26 at its adjacent venue, the Posse Grounds Hub. For those interested in learning more about viticulture and wine, there will be lectures throughout the two days in a separate education tent. In 2014, more than 2,500 people attended Sedona Winefest, and Al is expecting at least as many this year.
“Sixty percent of people who attend are tourists,” he says. “Can you imagine what they are going to think when they step outside that tent and see Coffee Pot Rock and Thunder Mountain towering above them?” – Erika Ayn Finch. Photo by Al Comello.
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
