Exploring Arizona's Emerging Wine Industry In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, hosts Pete and Oren dive into the surprisingly thriving wine industry in Arizona. They discuss the evolution of American wine, breaking stereotypes about U.S. and Arizona wines, and Oren’s journey of discovering high-quality wines in the region. The conversation covers terroir dynamics, altitude advantages, and the quirky climate of Arizona that aids in producing robust, flavorful wines. Key wineries like Deep Sky Vineyards and Rune Wines are highlighted, along with their notable varietals and dedicated winemakers. The hosts also touch on the health benefits of wine, comparing Arizona wines to those from Sardinia, a Blue Zone known for its longevity. Looking forward to future guests like Tim Peterson, renowned for his expertise in grass-raised beef, they tease upcoming conversations intertwined with good food and excellent wine. 00:00 Introduction and Banter

00:25 Arizona Wine: A Hidden Gem

02:56 The Terroir of Arizona

07:32 Unique Varietals and Winemakers

16:36 Wine Tourism in Arizona

27:26 Health Benefits of Wine

36:18 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Arizona has three American Viticultural Area (AVA) wine regions - Willcox, Sonoita, and the Verde Valley. Both Willcox and Sonoita are located in the south. They are the most prolific wine-producing regions in Arizona, accounting for nearly 75% of all grape production in the state.