Sedona Winefest has returned. “We’re happy to be back this year. We’re going full force,” says Paula Woolsey, the event coordinator for Sedona Winefest and vice president of Sedona Fair Inc. Look forward to a celebration of all things Arizona wine on Sept. 25 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Posse Grounds Park in West Sedona. On Sept. 24, guests can attend an opening kick-off party at Sound Bites Grill. “This is the biggest wine festival in Northern Arizona,” says Paula. “It’s the most well-attended. We’re in our twelfth year.”
But being 2021, some social distancing factors will be in place. Entertainment will be outside of the big tent at Posse Grounds Park as opposed to inside in previous years. Vendors inside the tent will be spread out. Speaking of vendors, look forward to food trucks, arts and crafts sellers and 28 Arizona wineries pouring their wines. As of press time, specific wineries include Northern Arizona places like Page Springs Winery, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Alcantara Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars. Southern Arizona wineries you can try wines from include High Lonesome Vineyard, Four Tails and newcomer, 1764 Vineyards. The Southwest Wine Center will be showcasing wines made by students of Yavapai College.
“It’s such an exciting time,” says Paula. “Everybody who’s coming to this event, as far as wineries go, we’re making great strides – quality awards and getting name recognition outside of Arizona. We’re still a small industry here, but we are acting like a big one in the eyes of the country because we’re getting so much acclaim.” Arizona wines have been recognized nationally with awards from the Jefferson Cup and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. As of press time, the Verde Valley is on the cusp of becoming a AVA or American Viticultural Area, an official wine grape-growing region in the United States designated by the federal government. “You should come spend a beautiful fall day in Sedona enjoying music and art and food,” says Paula. “It’s about the wineries. it’s about focusing and getting the word out. This is Arizona grown, made and produced. Talk about farm to table. It’s the whole nut.” − Teresa K. Traverse
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
