The Verde Valley Wine Festival recently announced the names of the 16 Arizona wineries chosen to participate in the 2019 event, held on May 11 at the Clarkdale Town Park. These winemakers come from all three major regions of vineyards in the Grand Canyon state – the Verde Valley, Sonoita, and Willcox.  Festival ticket holders will have the opportunity to taste samples of their 100% Arizona vintages, and also purchase bottles to take home, as per an official release.This year's participating wineries are:·        Arizona Stronghold·        Bodega Pierce·        Burning Tree Cellars·        Caduceus Cellars·        Carlson Creek Vineyards·        Callaghan Vineyards·        Chateau Tumbleweed·        Dos Cabezas·        Four Eight Wineworks·        Garage East·        Heart Wood Cellars·        Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria·        Oddity Wine Collective·        Passion Cellars·        Saeculum Cellars·        Southwest Wine Center (Yavapai College)«The success of the Verde Valley Wine Festival is a testament to the increased interest in Arizona wine. Each year, the festival has grown in size as word continues to spread about what's happening here. There's certain care given to each bottle of locally-grown and produced wine that makes this wine-growing region unique,» said David Baird, Festival Director, according to the release. «A majority of wines produced in Arizona have been given personal, hands-on attention, from the vine to the barrel. Most of the vineyards in Arizona are small-batch, family-owned operations committed to representing the Arizona terroir. That comes through in the final product, and it's why each year, we see more and more Festival-goers coming into the Verde Valley to attend this event.»“In addition to the 16 wineries, the Festival will showcase Arizona craft breweries and distilleries, including THAT Brewery of Cottonwood, Uncle Bears of Gilbert, OHSO Brewery and Distillery of Scottsdale, and Roger Clynes Mexican Moonshine Tequila of Phoenix. Festival organizers are still accepting culinary applications from local food vendors,” the release further states.A part of the proceeds from the Verde Valley Wine Festival goes toward local nonprofit organizations, every year. This year, the Festival is partnering with the Clarkdale Foundation and the Arizona Vignerons Alliance, as per the release.Currently, in its fourth year, the Verde Valley Wine Festival is Northern Arizona's premier wine, food and music event. All wines, spirits and food are grown and produced in the State of Arizona. Founded in 2013, Four Eight Wineworks is Arizona's only winemaking incubator, providing access to the tools emerging viticulturists need to become full-fledged winemakers, according to the release.Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the previous editions of the festival  https://www.blouinartinfo.com/              Founder: Louise Blouin Read more