O.H.S.O. Brewery [January 2023]

Welcome to 2023 and welcome to O.H.S.O. Brewery!! Maybe with the New Year, I’m turning over a new leaf and drinking beer instead of wine… [NOT!! Hahaha!!] But I will tell you all about my wine experience at this brewery. First of all, most breweries also offer wine and besides that, O.H.S.O. has some really good food offerings. We really love the atmosphere here and sitting out on the patio. I am not sure if it was on this first visit or a couple of visits in, but I’m about to tell you how this brewery got so lucky as to be included in my wine blog in just two words… The Franc!! [Franc for short.. LOL]

Regardless of when I first tried Franc, it was here at O.H.S.O. that we met, so this brewery will always have a special place in my wino heart. [a photo of Franc on the patio can be seen below] After tasting it, I bought a bottle [taking what I didn’t finish home with me] and the research started. Those of you who know me well know that The Franc is my favorite wine ever. I tell people that if I had to pick and could only drink one wine for the rest of my life, Franc would be it. I needed to know how and where I could get it to be able to support my new habit... hahaha!!  

I'm not sure why Franc has wormed his way so deep into my heart, but he is made by Cosentino Winery located in Napa with 100% Cabernet Franc grapes. Aromas feature sweet spices, dark berries, vanilla, toasted marshmallow, and a delicate floral touch. He gives off a velvety, juicy mouthfeel with lush notes of black cherry, plum, and a subtle lingering mocha or black pepper finish. He is a medium to full-bodied, fruit-forward wine. Doesn't he sound dreamy!? HA!! I do not even need to go over suggested food pairings because Franc is good with everything, and even all by himself.

I am not planning to talk much about Cosentino Winery other than to say that when I heard they were closing their doors last year, I almost cried. After 40 years in business, they lost their financial backing and were unable to secure another lender. I immediately contacted my inside man [since I’ve been purchasing Franc directly from Cosentino for the last couple years] to place an order and ask the hard question… was I still going to be able to get my hands on Franc in the future!? Do not stress for me; to this day, I have been able to do just that!! In fact, I just scored 6 bottles of Franc this past weekend [in July 2026] when visiting my work daughter, Hayley in Spokane!!  

I'm sure I have mentioned before that I am a travel nurse in the operating room, but I probably have not mentioned how much I love my recruiter, Dorene Major. I give you this little tidbit because in the photo above, you see me pictured with a new travel nurse friend, Hannah Hoppe, and Dorene [our mutual recruiter] set us up with each other!! Long story short, Dorene talked me up to Hannah and vice versa. She thought that even though we worked in different departments, (Hannah works in the ICU) we had a lot in common outside of work and that we would hit it off. I started messaging Hannah, and we decided to meet up at O.H.S.O. one day for lunch.

Dorene was not wrong about us “clicking” and another amazing and very special friendship was born. Hannah is such a sweet spirit, and we found ourselves hanging out quite often, so do not be surprised if you see her in the near future!! [like next week!! Haha!!] She has since moved back to WV, and even though I'm so happy for and proud of her and the path she is taking... I sure do miss spending time with her in PHX!! Speaking of amazing travelers, let me also introduce you to Tracy Quintanilla, [seen below] a new and incredibly sweet friend I was fortunate enough to meet this year!! [2026] We worked together at Banner Del Webb and were able to meet up at O.H.S.O. before she left town [joined by her mom, Patti!!] We hope to work together again this coming fall/winter!!

Okay, I guess I better talk a little bit about O.H.S.O. Brewery itself. LOL!! It was opened in 2011 by Jon Lane with the help of a couple friends, Pat and Brian. Pat has a background in the music business, and Brian has years of experience in managing bars, restaurants, and clubs. This is how they met, all working at the same place. Jon took the lead to open the first O.H.S.O. located in Arcadia, Arizona. Today, there are five locations managed by this core trio of friends, and several more O.H.S.O. Breweries in various locations partnering with KIND Hospitality.

The boys wanted to create a place where local home brewers could meet, create their own brews, and have parties with their friends to share their creations with each other. That is actually the meaning behind the breweries name… Outrageous Home Brewer’s Outpost!! They offer great food and comfortable spaces to relax and unwind with friends while welcoming your furry friends as well. Next week Wine with Wixy will be at Quench Taps and Tapas with a couple friends, so y'all come back now ya hear!?

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