NOVEMBER 5
Arizona Fall Fest
Hosted by Local First Arizona, the family- and dog-friendly Arizona Fall Fest is back after a three-year break with more than 200 vendors and dozens of wines and spirits. Food booths and trucks will provide a variety of tastes. Also included are family and children’s activities and a silent auction.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1222 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., localfirstaz.com/fall-fest, free admission, tasting tickets are $1 each
NOVEMBER 5
The Phoenix Wine and Food Experience
Chefs and mixologists from around the Valley will bring attendees various flavor experiences and live demonstrations. The grand tasting ticket includes unlimited samplings.
Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 1 to 4 p.m., saltriverfields.com, tickets start at $65
NOVEMBER 12
AZ Barrels, Bottles and Brews
Salt River Fields will be the temporary home to more than 25 local vendors of wine, beers and other spirits during AZ Barrels, Bottles and Brews. Participants include Cider Corps, Bad Booch Hard Kombucha, Arizona Ranch Water, Puro de lo Alto tequila and Below the Rim Meadery. General admission tickets include samples, a souvenir glass to pour them into, and access to food trucks.
Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 2 to 5 p.m., azbottlesandbrews.com, tickets start at $60
NOVEMBER 12
Scottsdale Whiskey Festival
Old Town Fests brings Scottsdale Whiskey Festival to town with a variety of whiskeys, bourbons and scotches. General admission ticket holders get 20 different tastings, while the VIPs throw back 24.
Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., scottsdalewhiskeyfestival.weebly.com, tickets start at $25
NOVEMBER 12
Five-Course Wine Dinner
Held with Classic Cooking Academy in Scottsdale, a five-course dinner will be paired with wines that complement flavors. The courses include French onion soup with cheese soufflé to start, followed by a homemade fettuccine carbonara, then a chicken Milanese with arugula and cherry tomatoes. The entrée is braised short ribs with celery root mashed potato and, for dessert, chocolate terrine with almond sauce and shortbread. This five-course wine dinner is one of the few experiences that do not incorporate hands-on cooking at the Classic Cooking Academy. Instead, guests sit down, meet the chefs and sommeliers, and enjoy a five-course tasting menu with specially paired wines.
Classic Cooking Academy, 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale, 5 to 7:30 p.m., ccacademy.edu, $70, gratuity is not included in the class price
NOVEMBER 16
Fine Wines of Spain Pairing Dinner
In partnership with Quench Fine Wines, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse offers a five-course dinner paired with wines. The courses are jamoìn ibeìrico paired with Mestres, Cava 1312 Brut Reserva; marinated charred octopus served with Bodegas La CanÞa, Riìas Baixas AlbarinÞo; Spanish paella paired with Bernabeleva, Vinos de Madrid Camino de Navaherreros Tinto; Spanish bistec complemented by Bodegas Muga, Rioja Reserva; and for dessert churros and caramel dipping sauce.
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Carefree, 6 p.m., 602-374-4784, keelerssteakhouse.com, $105 plus tax and gratuity
NOVEMBER 19 AND NOVEMBER 20
Peoria Art & Wine Festival
The first Peoria Art & Wine Festival will bring Arizona wines to the Northwest Valley. Centennial Plaza Park will have artisan booths, music, food vendors and wine and beer tastings. Willcox Wine Country presents the event in conjunction with Peoria Arts and Culture to benefit Silver Lining Riding, a therapeutic riding nonprofit helping kids.
Centennial Plaza Park, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., willcoxwinecountry.org, tickets start at $20
DECEMBER 1
Holiday Wine & Dine
The Shops at Gainey Village at Scottsdale & Doubletree will celebrate the holidays with the Volcano Steel Drum Duo, electric violinist Natasha, the Sahanas Brothers guitar duo, and Miguel de Maria on Spanish guitar. To put guests in the spirit, festive horse and carriage rides by Scottsdale Horse and Carriage will be available in addition to a Blow-Up Snow Globe, baked goods, coffee, and hot chocolate by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Families will also enjoy a visit from the Cotton Candy Lady, passing out festive treats as well as photographs with St. Nick. For those 21 years and older, complimentary wine tastings will be available at participating restaurants.
The Shops at Gainey Village, 8777-8989 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 5 to 8 p.m., theshopsatgaineyvillage.com, free
