Having spent the last couple summers together with Jessica and Daniel in Colorado Springs, I am now somewhat addicted to hanging out with them and to our friendship. Spending an entire winter without any new adventures is just unacceptable to me. So, we decided it would be perfect to meet up in Kingman, AZ!! [which is kind of a halfway point between our winters spent in Phoenix, and their winters spent in Las Vegas] We were really just planning to meet up for a few hours and grab lunch but [surprise, surprise] I somehow found a winery not to far away to visit!! Hahaha
We met up at a sushi place, which is how we do since Daniel, Jessica, and I all love sushi!! [Shawn is on his own!! Hahaha JK.. there is usually something on the menu that is acceptable to him] I remember one year for our birthdays [cause Daniel and I have birthdays that are close together] we went sushi bar hopping… it was a total blast!! Anyways, after our lunch, we hit up a Route 66 Museum, and then I sprung the winery idea on them. Hahaha!! I think they were a little surprised that I even found a winery that was so close, but at this point they were still learning about my ridiculously good “luck” with all things wine!!
We headed off to Stetson Winery, located on Moonscape Way, just North of Kingman on Historic Route 66!! Opened by Don Stetson, who was from Temecula, CA and his wife Jo Pedrojetti Stetson in early 2012. When they first purchased the property they stayed in their 5th wheel camper while they explored Arizona and tasted wined from other local wineries. Don was pleasantly surprised by the taste of Stetson wine, comparing it to wines from Paso Robles. He thought with the heat of the desert they would taste more like San Diego wines, more tannic with the need for more time to “mellow out” in the bottle to be ready to drink.
What Don wasn’t considering, was the 3,500-foot elevation and the cooler temperatures that prevailed at this altitude. Don and Jo are proud of the fact that all the grapes they use to make their wines are grown locally. They started growing some grapes in their own “backyard” and after the first harvest, they increased the vineyard substantially to include over 25 acres. Stetson Winery is the only vineyard, winery, and event center situated along Historic Route 66. They were known as having great tasting wines that were reasonably priced, and they offered a free small appetizer selection with the purchase of a wine tasting.
They hired Eric Glomski, an award-winning vintner to craft their wines. In 2012, Glomski’s wines were chosen as the official wines for the Arizona State Centennial celebrations!! This was Arizona’s 100th anniversary as a state and included the celebration of the Grand Canyon National Park, Verde Historical Society, and the AZ specialty license plates. The Stetson winery “desert estate” as Don and Jo liked to call it, was much more than just a winery that offered tasty wines. They also provided a reprieve from travel in the form of a big parking area for RV’s, and they had the perfect spot to host weddings and concerts in their event center.
We always have a great time with Jessica and Daniel whenever we can work out the timing and logistics to get together!! Today was no different, we loved the wine venue and the beautiful grounds, and we thoroughly enjoyed our wine tasting!! If I remember correctly, we even bought a couple bottles to share!! I think we felt like we had to get the “Root 66” bottle since we were drinking wine at a winery right off of Route 66, but I believe the Cactus Flower [pictured below] may have been our favorite. Having read many reviews left for Stetson Winery, we were not alone in this way of thinking.
I’m so sad to report that Stetson Winery has permanently closed. Don Stetson died unexpectedly in August of 2022, and the winery did not survive his passing. They actually held a celebration of life at the Stetson Winery and Event Center that was attended by many. The last 12 years of his life were focused on his dream of owning a thriving winery and in this he unquestionably succeeded. He was doing what he loved and was able to share this with friends and family from all over the world!!
BONUS: I have added an extra special bonus picture at the end of this blog, because it’s just too good not to share!! I mean I can count on both hands [maybe even on just one hand] photos that I have with Shawn [as an older adult] where he is actually smiling all on his own!! I love it and I hope you enjoy it as well!!
Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me!! Wine with Wixy will be in San Diego next week… on a sailboat, and it is not an activity for the faint of heart!! Hahaha I know this is not technically a "winery," but I will also be talking some about 57 Degrees. Just you wait and see why I thought the sailboat deserved to make it into my wine blog, and then you can let me know if you agree!!
Cheers to you my wine loving friends, and TTFN!!
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