Page 24 - Cuisione fo Arizona - Volume 8

3445 South Grapevine Way, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Alcantara Vineyards
928.649.8463 · alcantaravineyard.com
Winemaker
Craig Boyd
Hours
Daily
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wine Club
Tasting Room Private Parties Tours Available Wedding Facilities
Award Winning Wines
Viognier
Pinot Grigio Sauvignon Blanc Sangiovese
Mourvedre
Zinfandel
Con uence
Merlot
Syrah
Grand Rouge Charbono
Cabernet Sauvignon Meritage
Petite Sirah
Port-style Dessert Wine
Barbara Predmore does not look like a farmer. The bubbly brunette in beige jeans and a soft grape-colored sweater could easily pass for, say, an art gallery or boutique owner. But maybe that sweater color is a clue; she really is a farmer – and more speci cally, a viticulturist, someone who grows grapes. More than that, she makes terri c wines with those grapes. Most surprisingly of all, she is doing it in Arizona’s Verde Valley.
Alcantara Vineyard and Winery is Predmore’s little piece of Eden. She and husband Bob bought 87 acres at the con uence of the Verde River and Oak Creek in 2005. Since then, they have planted 10 acres of grapevines and built a Tuscan- inspired tasting room that is one of the warmest and welcoming places imaginable. In fact, it feels more like a luxurious home than a place of commerce.
Alcantara is Predmore’s grandmother’s maiden name and the family has a rich history in the wine business. Predmore’s intent in settling in Arizona was far broader than just owning her own winery; she is deeply committed to creating a sustainable vineyard community in the Verde Valley. “Agrotourism,” says Predmore, “is intended to get the public in a way of life that honors nature and the environment.” To her, it is all about family, both immediate and extended, and it includes art and music.
The 10,000 vines they have planted and the winery have been constructed with “green” technology and is just the beginning of ful lling a master plan that will eventually include a bed and breakfast, restaurant, wedding venues and event areas. The master plan also calls for a signi cant increase in the acreage planted to grapevines.
As for their wines, the award winning whites and reds they make are genuinely outstanding and include a full range of styles to appeal to a wide variety of palates. There are currently twenty different varieties of grapes planted in their vineyard, giving them great exibility to assembling the tasting menu. Their agship wine is Con uence, named for the area where the river and creek meet. It is a red blend that varies from vintage to vintage and regularly wins awards and medals in wine competitions.
Alcantara Vineyard and Winery’s tasting room is open year round for tours and tastings. The tasting room is surrounded with numerous decks, patios and grass areas overlooking the vines and the beautiful scenery that surrounds the property. This lovely and serene spot is also available for weddings and private events.
Craig Boyd, Winemaker/Vineyard Manager: Craig comes to us with a Masters Degree in Enology from U.C. Davis and a quarter of a century of winemaking experience. He has made wine in four different states – California, New York, South Dakota (no, really!), and now Arizona. In addition to his extensive winemaking expertise, he has a wealth of vineyard knowledge.
We look forward to Craig helping us take Alcantara Vineyards to the next level. In the little spare time he has, Craig enjoys cooking (very well), gol ng (very poorly), and hanging out with his wife, Denise, their dog and their three horses.
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