Arizona Stronghold produces about 20,000 cases a year by practicing sustainable farming. Under Glomski’s direction, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards thrives in the region’s heat and arid environment, with a focus on Rhone varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre (GSM). Glomski kept the winery and rights to the vineyard's brand, and Keenan launching Caduceus Cellars on neighboring land. His winery experience is extensive, with his resume boasting stints in Northern California and Sedona wineries.Īfter seven years of running the business together, the Arizona Stronghold creators decided to go their separate ways. Originally from the Midwest, he went to college in Arizona and then decided to stay out west and plant his roots. Glomski’s passion for wine started with him brewing fruit wines in his garage about three decades ago. In 2007, Maynard James Keenan, lead singer of the rock band Tool, and Eric Glomski established Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Today a variety of grapes grow here, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Petite Syrah, Tannat, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and the original Mission. As vintners became more established and saw the vines flourishing, they worked to establish Arizona’s first AVA in 1984, the Sonoita AVA, at an elevation of about 4,500-5,000 feet alongside the Santa Rita, Huachuca, and Whetstone mountains.
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Sliding closer to recent history, ranchers began reviving the mission grapes (as they called the primitive grapes) in the 1970s, which were growing without any care.
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Missionaries planted grapes here in the 1600s and, before Prohibition annihilated it, Arizona had a vibrant wine industry. But this southwestern state also has a long history of winemaking. When most people think of Arizona, images of the vast Grand Canyon, soaring cacti, and breathtaking landscapes come to mind.
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This winery's history of survival and perseverance mirrors that of its land.