By Staff Writer | Sedona.biz

(Page Springs, Arizona) - If you love wine and the community feeling that comes with drinking and learning about wine with friends, then this is your lucky day.

Just 15 miles south of Sedona, AZ off Hwy 89A is the tree and vineyard lined Page Springs Rd. in Page Springs, AZ (part of Cornville, AZ).

Perched along the banks of the Oak Creek, northeast of where the Verde River and the Oak Creek converge, the area's moist and mineral rich soil, along with its temperate climate, make Page Springs the perfect spot for growing grapes.  Even Sedona's namesake, Sedona Schnebly, and her husband Carl, planted a fruit orchard not too far from here in 1901.

No wonder then that Page Springs is becoming known throughout Arizona as a winemaking Mecca.  Within the past five years, no less than five wineries have opened their doors. 

Since it typically takes five years for grapes to be ready for harvest, most of these vineyards are not yet producing their own wine.  In the meantime, they are purchasing grapes largely from vineyards in California.

Recently, we tagged along with some friends for the Page Springs Cellars & Vineyards "Gruel and Grog" wine tasting event.  For just $20, the event consisted of a hearty French style lunch of beef and chicken stews and four varieties of red wines to be sipped and enjoyed.

The owner/winemaker, Eric Glomski, gave some history about each wine while providing insights into winemaking and how to order wine through the mail. 

Eric apprenticed in the California wine industry for a number of years, ultimately serving as Co-Winemaker at David Bruce Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  In 2003 he founded Page Springs Cellars & Vineyards.

Page Springs Cellars & Vineyards specializes in Rhone, France style red wines such as Syrah, Petit Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre.  The grapes they have planted in their vineyards are generally the same variety.  According to Eric, the Verde Valley has a Mediterranean climate that is conducive to growing grapes that originated in Southern Rhone.  Also says Eric, "Luckily, we also have up to a 40 degree fluctuation from day to night, which is critical for the development of flavors and other grape components that are critical to making fine wine."

At the "Gruel & Grog," we sat at a long picnic table with friends among gleaming steel wine vats and wooden casks in the cool Page Springs cellar (bring a sweater).  It was a great way to bond with friends, do something different and fun, and, of course, sip wine.

After the wine tasting, we strolled the vineyard and patios overlooking the rushing water of the Oak Creek.  Upstairs we visited the gift shop.

Page Springs Cellars & Vineyards offers wine tasting 7 days a week from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and friends and family memberships that require a minimum annual wine purchase of either 12 bottles (equals a case) ($240) or 18 bottles ($360) of wine per year, shipped quarterly and chosen by Eric.  The membership also includes educational classes on grape growing, wine making, and wine appreciation and a seasonal newsletter.

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