Carlson Creek Winery and Vineyard [May 2022]

Carlson Creek has always been my favorite Scottsdale Wine Trail tasting room. [seen in the photo below] Not only do I enjoy their wines, but the tasting room is also so comfortable to hang out in, and the staff is so fun and engaging. I always make sure I get a taste of my favorite wine, Rule of Three. I’m not sure if it is because it’s so good or if I just love the story behind how it got its name. Rule of Three… a beautiful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah but this is not even the best part!!

Rule of Three was named for the three Carlson siblings. [Robert, John, and Katherine] It was said that when children were solo, or in a pair they were pretty well behaved. But when the three of them were together they were known to “wreak havoc” and since this wine does the same to your taste buds it was only fitting to name it thus!! Haha!! After frequenting the Scottsdale tasting room many times, I was pretty excited that we were going to be able to visit Carlson Creek Vineyard when we were in Wilcox!!

I don’t think I have to tell how Carlson Creek Vineyard got its name, since it is the families last name!! LOL!! It all started back in 2008 when Robert Carlson III decided to leave the stock market world behind in pursuit of a less stressful lifestyle. He found mentors and soaked up as much education as he could about running a vineyard and making wine. He then went back to his family and proposed the idea of starting what is now a family owned and operated business. 40-acres in Wilcox, AZ got them started and just like that... Carlson Creek Vineyard was born.

Robert was the head of operations and saw to just about everything, including the planting of the very first vine. He now oversees sales and distribution. His brother John went to UC Davis to take winemaking and viticulture courses, and their sister Katherine designed the unique Carlson logo and serves as the companies lawyer. She works full time for their dad’s firm. Dad, Robert “Bob” Carlson Jr.is a retired fighter pilot and has been practicing law for 30-ish years. Mom, also known as Elizabeth Carlson, handles the books and retail merchandise.

Carlson Creek Winery is truly a whole family endeavor. Opening the vineyard has been a long time dream and took some time in the making, but in 2022 the family that works together realizes their dreams come true together!! Today the vineyard totals around 320 acres and the 15,000 square foot facility offers a tasting room, meeting rooms, a wine library [wish I would’ve known this prior to our visit!!] along with indoor and outdoor areas to meet up with friends for wine.  

The family loves being able to grow and produce their wine entirely on site and to share their family story. The story of what they have accomplished working together by opening the doors and welcoming guests into the family fold. From harvest to production, they do it all right on site. They have a modern crush pad, climate-controlled barrel storage, and a designated fermentation area to make things easy from start to finish. Carlson Creek Vineyard is one of Arizona’s largest estate wineries,  producing up to 10,000 cases of wine annually!!    

Next week Wine with Wixy will still be in Wilcox, but we will be visiting a very different type of tasting room. Trust me when I say that you are not gonna want to miss out!! Come on back and I’ll tell you all about The General Store!!

Cheers to you my wine loving friends, and TTFN!!