On our recent trip to the Grand Canyon, we made a stop in Williams, Arizona. Not only because it was on Historic Route 66, but it’s also my husband’s last name! What a cute, funky town that takes you back to what Route 66 must have been like. It reminded me of Radiator Springs from the Cars movie.
The few blocks of this historic route pack in gift shops, restaurants and we stumbled upon The Grand Canyon Winery Tasting Room.
This antique feel bar and tasting room offers wine and beer tastings, wines by the glass and bottle, and beers. The Grand Canyon Winery is a local Arizona winery owned and operated by the Kennelly family of Northern Arizona. The tasking room offers their line up of wines and other wines from Arizona.
I had a great tasting of whites and reds…Grand Canyon Winery’s Rambler White, Traveler White, Traveler Red and Voyager, as well as other wineries Sand Reckoner 2 and Stronghold Mangus. It was cool to see what these grape varieties that are doing in Arizona, from Zinfandel to Sangiovese to Chenin Blanc.
As a Rosé fan, one of the wines on the shelf that caught my eye was the Sand Reckoner 2012 Rosé. I bought a bottle to take to our Grand Canyon visit. And it turned out to be my favorite.
2012 Sand Reckoner Rosé
Region: Cochise County, Arizona
Variety: 73% Nebbiolo, 23% Sangiovese, 4% Zinfandel
Aroma: Raspberries and lime
Taste: Ripe strawberries and raspberries
Price: $22
My thoughts: First time I’ve had Italian grape varieties grown in Arizona! Enjoyed their Sand Reckoner 2 I tasted in the Tasting Room as well.
And love the tasting glasses I bought there too. Perfect sipping size.
Should you find yourself in Williams, Arizona, and if you’re going to the Grand Canyon you definitely should, stop by the Grand Canyon Winery Tasting Room for a tasting and pick up some bottles to go. It’s a great opportunity to drink local!
