Sustainable Arizona is co-hosting the event as part of their annual meeting. Their members will exhibit healthy living, permaculture, solar and other green technologies for visitors. Noted harp-guitarist, William Eaton will be there with friends to provide live music. The event is free and doors open at 11 am, and the festivities run until 5 pm.

While the subject of sustainability has finally made it into the national dialogue, even some experts claim to be unclear about what it all means. “It’s about time we begin the process of experiencing and integrating sustainability into our lives,” said John Neville, president of Sustainable Arizona. “And sustainability starts with living locally, engaging with our communities and the environment where we live. It’s wonderful to discover and enjoy local harvests of wine and foods right here in Arizona…great wines and foods. That’s what we’re here to celebrate.”

The ideal location for the celebration is the Alcantara Vineyards, off Highway 260 between Camp Verde and Cottonwood, not far from US 17 heading north.

The Alcantara Vineyards began just a few years ago as the dream of owner and proprietor, Barbara Predmore. The vineyards are planted on a portion of 87 acres overlooking the confluence of the Verde River and Oak Creek.

“It’s a perfect place to produce the grapes for great wines,” said Barbara Predmore. “I’m just a farmer, at heart, and when I found this peaceful location, I knew it was just right. Today, people stop by to sample world-class wines in our Tuscan tasting room and relax in this beautiful setting. It’s a wonderful spot to escape, if only for a few hours.”

Joining the festivities will be other local wineries, K & B Farms with their local produce, Orion Bread Company with fresh breads, New Frontiers with gourmet cheeses to match the wines, Queen Creek Olive Oils, Summer Place Pecan Farm, Cozy Cactus with their pickled jalapenos and more. Sedona Adventures will be there to offer rafting on the Verde River, and the Institute of EcoTourism will have information on special activities for everyone.

There will be free food samples, and wine-tastings are free to Sustainable Arizona members. Others can taste from a great selection for just $8 and receive a souvenir wine glass.

The exhibits will include displays of permaculture gardening, rainwater harvesting, native plants and seeds, solar installations, healthy interior designs, gifts from recycled materials, preserving habitats on the Verde River, sustainable living products and green building options. It’s a chance to talk with the experts in a gorgeous setting on a spring afternoon.

Throughout the day, visitors will be entertained by William Eaton and friends. Aside from being one of the founders of Sustainable Arizona, Mr. Eaton is an award-winning musician and composer with a renowned school of luthiery in Phoenix.

“When Barbara and I met at a wine tasting, I knew she was a kindred spirit and partner,” recalled Neville. “Since coming to the Verde Valley, she has been working tirelessly to bring local agribusinesses together to improve the quality of life in the region. That’s what sustainability is all about – collaborations to improve the quality of life and help it last for generations.”

For more information on the event, check www.SustainableArizona.org. To learn about Alcantara, visit their website at www.AlcantaraVineyard.com. Steve Coury is exhibiting hybrid vehicles and offering overflow parking at his dealership on Highway 260 at the vineyard turnoff. A free shuttle will be provided by Sedona Adventures.

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