Archive for Southwest Wine Center

SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER ON VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS TO OFFER PRIVATE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE FROM 4:30 – 6:30 SEPT 13

Cost is $85 Per Person or $130 A Couple | educational and fun | Must register and be over 21

The Yavapai Community College is offering a private wine tasting experience at the Verde Valley Campus Southwest Wine Center on September 13th. It will also offer the same program in October and possibly November.

The cost is $85 per person or $130 per couple per program.  The session lasts 1.5 hours.

The College in its advertisement of the program says the following: “Our 1.5-hour Private Wine Tasting Experience provides an educational experience for attendees to further to develop their palate through sensory evaluation. As we move through a flight of SWC student-crafted wines, we will describe the essential components of wine tasting to deepen your connection with what’s in your glass. This session will focus on individual palate development and creating YOUR own unique ways of describing what you sense on YOUR palate.”

Participants must be 21.  You may register by clicking here.

SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER ON VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS TO OFFER PRIVATE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE FROM 4:30 – 6:00 AUG 30 AND SEPT 13

Cost is $85 per person or $130 a couple for 1.5 hour program| both educational and fun

The Yavapai Community College is offering a private wine tasting experience at the Verde Valley Campus Southwest Wine Center on August 30 and  September 13th. It will also offer the same program in October and possibly November.

The cost is $85 per person or $130 per couple per program.  The session lasts 1.5 hours.

The College in its advertisement of the program says the following: “Our 1.5-hour Private Wine Tasting Experience provides an educational experience for attendees to further to develop their palate through sensory evaluation. As we move through a flight of SWC student-crafted wines, we will describe the essential components of wine tasting to deepen your connection with what’s in your glass. This session will focus on individual palate development and creating YOUR own unique ways of describing what you sense on YOUR palate.”

The session details follow below.

 

VALERIE AND DANIEL WOOD NAMED YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S 2021 VERDE VALLEY ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

Careers exemplify scholarship, character and public service | “The education and experiences we received in the Verde Valley  helped us change our lives and achieve our dreams”

Valerie and  Daniel Wood were named  Yavapai Community College’s 2021 Verde Valley Alumni of the Year.  The award exemplifies the recipients commitment to scholarship, character and public service.

Below is the press release issued by the Community College announcing the award:

Yavapai College honored a Verde Valley success story on Wednesday; two former Fortune 500 executives who reinvented themselves through education, put literal roots down in our community and bottled wonders from its very soil. In a lunchtime ceremony yesterday, Cornville residents Valerie and Daniel Wood, Southwest Wine Center graduates and co-owners of Heart Woods Cellars, were named Yavapai College’s 2021 Verde Valley Alumni of the Year.

“Recently we were asked how has YC impacted our lives,” Valerie says. “Honestly, we don’t know what we would be doing today if it weren’t for Yavapai College. The education and experiences we received there helped us change our lives and achieve our dreams.”

Valerie and Daniel Wood both had professional careers in a Fortune 500 company. In 2003, they put down roots in the Verde Valley. New tasting rooms and restaurants were supporting the accelerating momentum of Arizona’s growing wine industry. Valerie and Daniel were meeting people and making new friends. Relationships are important to them, and they were enjoying new friendships, the beautiful environment and the peaceful pace. They looked forward to spending more time in Arizona.

Valerie explains, “Daniel and I each had good careers and worked for the same company, but we didn’t see enough of each other. We needed to find a way to spend more time together.”

In 2009 they left the corporate life and moved from Tokyo to Cornville for big blue skies, fresh clean air, rural setting and down-to-earth people. They immersed themselves in their new lifestyle, with plans to contribute and participate in a growing sector of the economy. That growing sector turned out to be the Arizona wine industry.

Their quest led them to a pivotal conversation with a local wine maker, who suggested they check out Yavapai College’s (then) brand-new Viticulture & Enology program in the Verde Valley. “So we took some classes thinking we would get a good overview,” Valerie and Daniel chuckle at the memory, “and we did not stop.”

“We were learning so much, the vineyards were being planted and the new Viticulture & Enology program was becoming quite the learning center for winemaking and grape growing and we became Founders at the Southwest Wine Center for contributing to the capital fundraising to build the winery.” Valerie said.

Valerie and Daniel helped plant thousands of grapevines in the College’s 13-acre vineyard. The Viticulture & Enology program instructors were experienced and passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping students gain experience and knowledge. “The instructors cared, and we felt it.” Daniel says.

Valerie says the program was eye-opening: “We were learning a lot; our brains were on overload, and we loved it. We were enjoying the camaraderie from students and instructors. We’d be in a class with other students and get to know their stories and their background. We were humbled by some of their life challenges and struggles. Some of our classmates couldn’t afford the books, or a babysitter, or the gas to drive from Phoenix to Verde Valley and back for a class. We would hear their dreams and feel their struggles. We all came together with a common interest of learning about winemaking and grape growing in Arizona.”

While attending college, they worked part-time at the Yavapai College Southwest Wine Center and are still part-time employees. In 2015, Valerie and Daniel graduated, with honors, in the second class of the Viticulture & Enology program.

The plan for their own winery unfolded gradually as established skills and new enthusiasms began to blend. “One of our last courses involved developing a business plan,” Valerie says. “We recognized that we could do it from a business point of view. We also acknowledged we did not have the capital for the start up. Serendipitously, we were invited to be part of the first Alternating Proprietorship Winery in the State of Arizona. It’s like a Co-Op where tenants share the large equipment & facility that is owned by a landlord who operates its own winery.”

Heart Wood Cellars is now a jewel of Arizona’s wine industry. In five years, they have produced 29 wines, and been awarded over 40 medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Arizona Grand Wine Competition. Valerie and Daniel have achieved their dream of spending time together and growing meaningful relationships and participating in the community. “We are a part of our community now,” Daniel says, “we have a wonderful support network.”

The Woods have been studious also, about sharing their time. Valerie has taken a leadership position at the Yavapai College Foundation, where she is in her third year as president. Daniel volunteers his time and leadership skills in the Verde Valley Wine Consortium, currently on a committee, working with the Federal Government (TTB) on obtaining approvals for the Verde Valley to be a nationally recognized grape-growing region named the Verde Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) and is past treasurer of the Arizona Wine Growers Association.

“We are grateful for all the support people have given us in our journey.” Valerie says. Valerie and Daniel want to support students in the Viticulture & Enology program at the Southwest Wine Center, where they have learned so much, and see how students and alumni have continued their relationships after classes.

Valerie and Daniel helped start the College’s student organization named Grand Crew, for students, alumni and wine industry supporters. Valerie says, “We wanted to find a way to help part-time and full-time students realize their dreams.” After graduation, they funded the Valerie and Daniel Wood VEN scholarship, which offers eight scholarships per year, for ten years. Now in its fifth year, their scholarships, like a healthy vineyard, have reached into the community and helped provide an impressive yield. Valerie says. “I have been out in the College vineyard harvesting next to a student, who says, ‘Thank you for the scholarship.’ One student walked up to us at a wine festival and said, ‘You gave me a scholarship. You gave me my life back. You changed my life, thank you.’ We hear from some students who have received our scholarships. It’s heartwarming to see their smiling faces and to know we had a positive impact.”

Yavapai College’s Alumni of the Year Award is bestowed annually to Prescott and Verde Valley Campus graduates whose careers exemplify scholarship, character and public service. For additional information on YC’s Alumni of the Year Awards, please visit: www.yc.edu/alumni

Source:  Yavapai Community College Press release dated November 12, 2021 and authored by Mike Grady.  See https://www.yc.edu/v6/news/2021/11/wood.html

SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER ON VERDE CAMPUS TO REOPEN

Tasting Room will reopen on Thursday, March 4, 2021 via reservation-only

The Southwest Wine Center on the Verde Campus in Clarkdale will reopen  March 4, 2021.  It will be  open Thursdays-Sundays from 12-6 p.m. There will be  reservations for  12 p.m., 1:30 p.m.  3 p.m.  and 4:30 p.m.

 Group size is limited to 6 people and all seating will be outside and appropriately distanced to keep everyone safe.

For more information, go to https://www.southwestwinecenter.com/wine-tasting-room/ or click here.

 

SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER DOES WELL IN LATEST ARIZONA WINE COMPETITION

Several wines produced by students of Yavapai Community College’s Southwest Wine Center were winners

Yavapai Community College’s  Southwest Wine Center did well in the latest Arizona wine competition that was conducted in November.  Following below is a news article written by the College’s Public Information Officer, Cynthia Heneage, announcing the awards received by the Community College in the competition.

By Cynthia Heneage | Public Information Officer – Verde Valley Campus & Sedona Center

When the 2020 azcentral.com Arizona Wine Competition announced its awards this year, several wines produced by students of Yavapai College’s Southwest Wine Center were winners. The 2019 Viognier won Best in Class; Silver Medals were awarded to three wines: 2018 Hopper, 2018 Delta, and 2019 Joy; and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 Noble One, and 2019 Piquepoul Blanc were awarded Bronze Medals.

The Arizona Republic has hosted the Arizona wine competition since 2010. Nineteen regional sommeliers, restaurant owners and wine professionals judged the 232 entries from 27 wineries at Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley on Nov. 2nd. Strict guidelines were followed during the tasting to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

Students at YC’s Southwest Wine Center (SWC) can choose to study Viticulture, Enology, or both. The Enology programs are where the students learn the science of evaluating and making wines. A crew of students worked together to create the Best in Class Viognier: Brandon Lang, Dana Dellis, Elizabeth Krecker, Jack McFarland, Aaron Mason, Erica Lindsay, Nancy Boschetto, Amanda Oswald, Kim Schneider, and Steve Gesell. The students paid close attention in their classes, learned how to work the equipment, and then applied their education to winemaking. They worked as a team, asking each other for ideas and second opinions. The crew decided to ferment the Viognier in the concrete egg and inoculate it with 4600 yeast. “It can make you a little nervous when Michael hands you the book of yeasts and tells you to pick one, especially when it’s one of your first days in class.” said Amanda Oswald, one of the winning students.

Winemaking is part art and part chemistry. The wines produced at SWC are truly a manifestation of the choices made by the student-winemakers. Although Michael Pierce, Director of the Viticulture and Enology programs, teaches the chemistry, science, and math behind winemaking, he believes in giving his students free rein in making their wines. Amanda Oswald said, “Even though we were just learning, we had a lot of autonomy in our winemaking choices. Michael put a lot of trust in us and only intervened to save us from complete disaster.”

The crew of winemakers that produced this years’ best Viognier in Arizona are ecstatic about their win. After last year’s Viognier won Best in Show there were high expectations for this year. People expect the SWC Viognier to be delicious— and it is!

One measure of the SWC’s success is how many other graduates, who have started their own labels, also won top awards this year. Heartwood Cellars, run by Dan and Valerie Woods, won the Growers Cup Best Dessert Wine for Romance, Best of Class: Non-Traditional Red Blends for 2018 Serendipity, a Double Gold Medal for Romance, and Gold Medals for 2018 Graciano Reserve and 2018 Syrah, among others. Julia Dixon of 1764 Vineyards won a Silver Medal for her 2018 Deep Thought Syrah.

Amanda believes the hands-on experience enhances the quality of education at the SWC. She highly recommends the SWC winemaking program. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that is enjoyable and brings a wealth of knowledge and relationships. Wine is very much a lifestyle and hard work, but if you are willing to put in the work it’s incredibly fulfilling.”

The SWC award-winning wines are available for curbside pick-up at the SWC Tasting Room located at 601 Black Hills Drive in Clarkdale. To place an order and schedule a pick-up contact lisa.aguilar@yc.edu or call 928-634-6566. High school students, parents, and anyone interested in attending YC can join our live virtual open house on December 5.  Viticulture and Enology academic programs will be covered. Register now at https://www.yc.edu/v6/marketing/pages/openhouse/or go to www.southwestwinecenter.com.

FUNDRAISER FOR SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER AT 71 PERCENT OF $15,000 GOAL

On-line donations must be made by November 15, 2020; because of the pandemic  this   replaces annual fall Wine & Dine Gala that has been held the last eight years; funds will be used to purchase vineyard equipment

The on-line crowdfunding campaign for the Southwest Wine Center has raised 71 percent of its goal of $15,000.  Twenty-nine supporters have donated $10,780.  The campaign closes out November 15.

Recall that over the past eight years the Yavapai College Foundation and the Friends of the Southwest Wine Center have held the annual Wine & Dine Gala in October. However, because of the pandemic, the Gala could not be held this year.

 For this campaign, the College asked the Southwest Wine Center Director, Michael Pierce, for a list of equipment that “will assist the students and staff in the vineyard now and into the future.” He provided the list and the donations from this campaign will go to purchase the items on it.

You can make your donation to the campaign, if you have not already done so, by clicking here and you will be taken to the crowdfunding page. 

CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED FOR THE SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER

Alternative campaign used because  Yavapai College Friends of the Southwest Wine Center are  unable to fundraise this year through the  annual Wine & Dine celebration

Over the past eight years, the Friends of the Southwest Wine Center and the Yavapai College Foundation have held the annual Wine & Dine Gala in October on the Verde Campus.  However, because of  COVID-19, the fundraiser had to be canceled. 

The Center  needs financial support if it is to maintain its standing  as one of the top rated programs in the four state regional area of the southwest. The Center  has educated and trained hundreds of individuals who now are gainfully employed in the Arizona wine industry, which contributes to our local economies. This year’s campaign focuses on  specific identified needs of the program.

You may view the website for the campaign and make your contribution by clicking here. The goal is to raise $15,000 and the campaign will last only thirty days.

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER WINES AMONG THOSE FEATURED IN ARIZONA REPUBLIC NEWSPAPER SEPT 19

Article explores ten varieties of Arizona wines

Yavapai Community College Southwest Wine Center wines were among those featured in a story written by Georgann Yara that appeared in the September 19 edition of the Arizona Republic.  The article explored the more than 100 Arizona wineries located that  rely on fruit from the three designated American Viticultural Areas of the Verde Valley, Sonoita and Willcox. These areas serve  as the state’s three main wine regions. The vast majority of grapes are grown in the Sonoita and Willcox areas in the south and southeastern parts of the state.

Photo appeared in Arizona Republic of Sept 19, 2020.

The article featured a photo of Michael Pierce, Viticulture and Enology Director, Yavapai Community College Southwest Wine Center.

You may read the full story by clicking here  if you are an Arizona Republic subscriber. (Photo from Arizona Republic of September 19 and attributable to the Southwest Wine Center.)

 

SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER TASTING ROOM ON VERDE CAMPUS TO REOPEN SEPTEMBER 10

Must make reservations; will be open Thursdays-Sundays from 12-6 p.m

The Community College has announced that the Southwest Wine Center on the Verde Campus  Tasting Room will reopen from Thursdays-Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m.  starting on September 10th. Entrance to the tasting room is  by reservation-only.

In its announcement the College said that “We’ll have 4 reservation times per day starting at 12 p.m. with the last reservation at 4:30 p.m.” 

HARVEST COMPLETED ON VERDE CAMPUS

Vineyard produces record 33.27 tons of grapes compared to 25.83 tons last year

Volunteers picking grapes in Verde Campus vineyard in 2020

Thanks to the volunteers and Friends of the Southwest Wine Center, the Yavapai Community College vineyard on the Verde Campus in Clarkdale picked a record 33.27 tons of grapes in 2020.  According to the College note about the harvest, this compares to  25.83 tons of grapes picked in 2019.

The Community College has created a special video of the 2020 harvest that features its volunteers.  You may view the video, which is located on YouTube, by clicking here.