The rumors are true: Wednesday, May 25 is National Wine Day and restaurants across the Valley of the Sun are looking for patrons to help them celebrate the fermented fruit.
In it’s most basic form, any varietal of wine follows a similar process whereas the fermenting process offers wine lovers what has been called, ‘the nectar of the Gods’ since the beginning of recorded time. Simply put, wine is fermented grapes or other fruits that, during the fermentation processes, yeast consumes the sugars in the grapes converting it into alcohol.
Below is a rundown of local Scottsdale and Tempe restaurants celebrating National Wine Day:
Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale
Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars are making high elevation wines out of predominantly Italian and Spanish varieties. Merkin Vineyards is at 7133 E. Stetson Drive in Old Town Scottsdale.
Owner and Winemaker, MJ Keenan, along with his wife, Jennifer, and Tim White, are producing roughly 7,000 cases a year in their tiny underground concrete facility known as The Bunker. Keenan has 110 acres in northern Arizona where he grows his wine grapes but also has orchards, greenhouses and gardens to produce veggies/fruits/nuts that are then sent to Scottsdale for the wine bar’s AH-mazing menu. The Merkin Vineyard and Cacuceus Cellars wines have all won awards.
Guests can enjoy wine flights or wines by the glass in the Old Town Scottsdale tasting room. Pair a locally-sourced cheese or charcuterie board with the wine or house made pasta or pizza cooked in the Italian important wood-fired oven.
Open daily, 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Humble Bistro
Humble Bistro continues to be a favorite neighborhood wine bar specializing in the fusion of Italian, French and Spanish cuisine.
The wine selection is carefully picked from locations in Italy, France, Spain, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, California and more. Guests have a large variety ranging from a light bubbly prosecco to a heavier red wine with notes of dark berries and chocolate. From the light to the bold, these wines can be paired with house made pastas and pizzas, and there’s the choice of the popular frozen, blend frose.
A red can be paired with the 12-hour braised short ribs and a Sauvignon Blanc compliments the tender chicken. Located at 5415 E. High Street, Phoenix 85054, the wine list offers quality at approachable prices. Follow Humble Bistro on Instagram or Facebook to stay up-to-date with specials and new items.
Foch Café
Foch Café & Bistro recently open its doors on Mill Ave. as a new hot spot for Tempe residents and visitors to enjoy. Located in downtown Tempe, (21 E 6th St.), this hip bistro offers American-European inspired dishes and small plates as well as craft cocktails. Their wine list includes the following selection:
- Josh Cellars Pinot NoirRodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chloe Pinot Grigio
- Chloe Chardonnay
- Wycliff Rosé
- Whispering Angel Rosé
- House Prosecco
- Cupcake Prosecco
- Moet & Chandon Brut
- Veueve Yellow Label
Society by EVO
Society by EVO, a new full-service, upscale late-night restaurant and bar, is a 4,650 square-foot striking social dining destination features a glowing rose quartz bar top, textured flower accent wall while greenery and flowers suspended overhead contribute an elegant streak. Celebrate with a drink from their wine list which includes wines like Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and more! Pair it with one or more of their signature menu items like the Whipped Feta Dip, Butter Cake, or Seared Salmon!
Society be EVO’s wine selection.
Santé
Santé is a full service beyond organic restaurant and “grab & gourmet” marketplace that features a brunch and dinner menu with curated global cuisine, in a hip and biophilic environment.
Their wine list consists of wines like Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy your brunch, lunch, or dinner inside or outside with one of their health-conscious meals.
