I’m ecstatic because today we are featuring the Winery 101 Tasting Room. Winery 101 is near and dear to our hearts for a couple of reasons. Originally we had planned on saving it for the final day of Sippin’ September, however the birth of our first grandson a week early caused us to shift our planned trip to Sonoita by a week, so you get to hear about them today!
First off, Winery 101 is located on the Westside of Phoenix off of the 101 and Olive Avenue in an Business/Industrial complex. It’s kind of hidden if you don’t know it is there, mainly because the location is a bit unexpected and it’s about 50 yards setback from the road. There is a sign on the building but it can be easy to miss if you aren’t looking out for it.
The first time we visited a few years ago, it was not that long after they opened. We were blessed enough to have Gavin Gallifant the owner, be our host for the tasting. He was so excited and jazzed about every wine. He took the time to describe each wine with such passion that we immediately liked him.
The tasting room itself is amazing. Coming in for the first time you are not sure what to expect given it’s in an industrial park. Once inside you’ll see the space is well done, with an L-shaped tasting bar that can seat about 10 people. There are also 10 or so tables that can also be used, and a newly remodeled loft that they use for events.
We go into the tasting room quite often since it is very convenient for us, and it is the only one on the Westside. Don’t get me wrong, we love Scottdale but it’s a good forty five minute drive for us, so Winery 101 is much more convenient to just “drop by” on a whim. The Gallifants wanted to open their tasting room in Peoria since that is where they raised their children. It was a bold move given it’s lack of proximity to the other tasting rooms in the Valley of the Sun, but quite honestly it’s worked out well for them.
Of course now Winery 101 has expanded from its first vintage of George’s Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon in 2008. They currently have over 20 different varietals that they lovely handcraft into great wine. They have two labels, Gallifant Cellars and Southpaw Cellars.
According to Gavin Gallifant, their namesake label is for wines that represent their family and story, and are reminiscent of the winemakers the saw during their honeymoon in Italy. Southpaw cellars on the other hand, which they refer to as Arizona’s Left-handed Wine is more about showcasing Arizona itself. If you are wondering about the name, yes, both Gavin and his wife Irlyn are left handed.
These days when you visit the Peoria tasting room you will likely see Vince or Taylor. Vince is the manager of both the Peoria and Cottonwood tasting rooms. We have really enjoyed getting to know him over the last few years. He is passionate about the wine, friendly, just a great guy to talk to. Taylor is an absolute hoot! Both Taunya and I really look forward to seeing her when we go into the tasting room. Not only is she very knowledgeable about the wines, she always makes it a fun experience for us. She was the one who convinced us to become wine club members.
In November 2015 Winery 101 opened their second tasting room in Cottonwood. It's located right in Old Town Cottonwood next to Arizona Stronghold. Honestly we don't go into the room here as much as the Peoria location. It's a good space, long and narrow with lots of capacity. We did stop in during our Sippin' September event and the bar was packed so we had to sit at one of the side tables.
Ok, so now onto the good stuff. Winery 101 tasting are $10 for 5 wines. Their menu offers a red flight, a white flight, and a sweet flight. But they will let you do a mixed flight of any five on the menu if you like.
The Gallifants make so many good wines, it’s hard to pick one favorite. For me, I really think it depends on what I am in the mood for. Their 2013 Petite Sirah is excellent, and kind of my go to for a food pairing, especially for my BBQ. The Super Tucsan (pronounced "Tuck-san"), their spin on a Super Tuscan style wine, is good with food or just to drink by itself. Their take of a Rhone style blend, the Rhone Ranger, is also a great wine, but it’s not always on the menu (currently it is not).
I know that a lot of information to digest, but I am not sure it will do justice to Winery 101. One final note, Winery 101 has live music every week and other events often! It’s a great place to just stop by for a glass of wine. If you find yourself in Peoria, or you are a local, make sure to stop in as it is well worth it. Just make sure you tell them we sent you. 🙂
f you have not already, check out yesterday's feature on Winery 1912, or check out all of our Sippin' September features here.
Living, loving, drinking, and traveling through life.
— Derek
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