On the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we often ask: What’s your favorite Scottsdale vibe? For the past several years, the top answer has been the food scene—and naturally, with food comes drink. What some may not know is that Arizona also has a growing, award-winning wine community.
Scottsdale’s Favorite Vibe: Food & Wine
This week, we sat down with two local sommeliers, Sage Toomey and Lucrezio, to talk about their funny and informative podcast, The Secret Life of Sommeliers, and what makes the Arizona wine scene so unique.
The Secret Life of Sommeliers
Sage and Lucrezio connected while working at a Scottsdale tasting room and studying for their sommelier certifications. Over a glass of wine (naturally), the idea for their podcast was born.
Their show, The Secret Life of Sommeliers, blends wine knowledge with humor, spotlighting:
- Arizona winemakers and vineyards
- Tips for learning wine basics (without the intimidation)
- Stories from the industry
- Plenty of laughs along the way
“It’s wine,” they say. “How serious can you be?”
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Arizona’s Unique Wine Country
When most people think wine, they think Napa or Oregon—but Arizona is quickly making its mark. The state has three main wine regions:
- Wilcox – Arizona’s largest grape-growing area
- Sonoita – known for boutique, small-batch producers
- Verde Valley – a growing region north of Scottsdale
Unlike larger regions, Arizona’s wine scene is intimate and hands-on. Visitors often meet the winemaker or owner in the tasting room—something that sets the state apart from more commercial wine destinations.
What Arizona Wines Are Known For
Arizona’s desert climate produces bold, distinctive wines. A few highlights:
- White Wines: Malvasia Bianca (Arizona’s flagship white grape) and Sauvignon Blanc. Malvasia is floral, aromatic, and a customer favorite.
- Red Wines: Spanish varietals thrive here, including Tempranillo, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Expect bold, fruit-forward reds that pair beautifully with Arizona cuisine.
- Rosé: A local favorite, crisp and refreshing, especially in the Scottsdale heat.
The desert climate brings unique challenges, especially monsoon season during harvest, which can affect grape quality. Yet, Arizona winemakers continue to produce award-winning bottles year after year.
Behind the Scenes: What a Sommelier Does
Sommeliers aren’t just wine lovers—they’re trained professionals who:
- Guide guests in choosing wines to match their preferences
- Educate customers on regions, grapes, and pairings
- Bring humor and approachability to the wine experience
- Sometimes even help make the wine
For beginners, Sage and Lucrezio recommend starting with approachable wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or a French Rosé. “They’re light, neutral, and perfect for learning your palate,” Sage explains.
Where to Experience Arizona Wine
Both sommeliers shared their favorite local spots:
- Erdest Tasting Room (Scottsdale) – Known for bold red wines and a lively vibe.
- Vino Stache Winery (Sonoita) – An appointment-only gem run by Scottsdale native Brooke Lowry-Ide, offering adventurous, small-batch wines.
- Liquor Pig (Scottsdale) – A new wine bar with a curated selection from head sommelier Scott Casey.
Wine Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Great wine doesn’t have to mean a $100 bottle. According to Sage and Lucrezio, you can find quality wine in the $20–$30 range—it’s about knowing what to look for, not just the price tag.
Scottsdale’s Wine Vibe
Arizona’s wine scene is on the rise, and Scottsdale is becoming a hub for locals and visitors to explore it. With sommeliers like Sage and Lucrezio leading the way—through both tastings and their podcast—the future of Arizona wine is bright, bold, and maybe even a little funny.
So next time you’re looking for your favorite Scottsdale vibe, consider pouring a glass of Arizona wine.