Waggin’ Vineyard and Estate, Globe AZ

Next up in our Sippin’ September series is Waggin’ Vineyard and Estate in Globe Arizona. Yes, there is a vineyard and winery in Globe! It is a bit of a drive out from Phoenix, however it is well worth the trip to visit this boutique winery.

Waggin’ Vineyard is one of the newest wineries in the state to have opened up a tasting room. It all started in 2011 when Tim Trent stared down the slope behind his house and into the rolling hills of Globe. The self described newly minted retiree had decided he wanted to be a farmer. And not just any farmer. Inspired by a visit to his wife Daisy’s uncle and his vineyard in France, they decided to try growing grapes...in Globe.

They first planted in 2012, starting with just 150 vines. The vineyard has since grown into 4 acres at the tasting room vineyard, and another 4 acres on the hillside behind their home. They learned the ropes from a horticulturist through a University of Arizona program, having known very little to start and having no practical experience.

Waggin’ Vineyard uses local workers to help around the vineyard, training them as needed as they go. They support other local businesses as well, and all of their vines came from a local nursery. The climate in Globe has fairly large swings, with highs averaging 105℉ in the summers, but with cooler nights which seems to be common in Arizona wine growing regions.

They opened their tasting room in January, which was unfortunate timing due to the pandemic hitting us hard shortly after. Tim told us that their first month was outstanding, and they are still doing pretty well all things considered. Unlike bars, winery tasting rooms, at least in Arizona, are places where it is easy to social distance.

When you first arrive you pull into a well manicured parking area. As you walk through the gate onto the vineyard, you are greeted with an amazing view of the vineyard, a very large patio, and a stunning tasting room. You can just tell this entire project has been a labor of love for Tim and Daisy.

The tasting room features a stained and sealed concrete floor, and high ceilings with wood stained to match. A pair of roll-up doors can give the room an open air feel in good weather. The bar top is very unique, and is made from the alleyway from a local bowling alley that had closed. It is a bright and airy tasting room.

As we started our tasting, we decided to try both whites and reds. Waggin’ Vineyard gets its name from Tim and Daisy’s rescue dog, Sancho, and he is present everywhere. He is in the logo, and his likeness graces the art scattered around the property. Each wine label features a local artist rendition of Sancho as well. Every bottle also features a “Sancho Quote” which Tim will recite as he pours.

Neither Taunya nor I are white wine drinkers, however I thought all of the whites were good. My favorite was the 2016 Gates Open, which is a blend of Malvasia Bianca, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul. I actually enjoyed it, and I knew it was something that Mama Ruby would like. The other two were a Marsanne and a Chardonnay, and they were good just not to my taste as a non-white drinker.

For the reds we got started with the 2016 Bandita Red, a 100% Petit Verdot varietal. I am very partial to Petit Verdot and this was very good. Next up was the 2016 Zinful Red, a Merlot Zinfandel blend. It was also good, but I enjoyed the Bandita more.

Last up was the 2015 Globe's Delicate Red, blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Shiraz (for those of you who don’t know, Shiraz is another name for Syrah). It was also very enjoyable.

Although Taunya abstained, I did try the 2016 Sweet Madame, a Cabernet / Shiraz blend dessert wine. Yeah, still not really a fan of port or dessert wines but that is not their fault.

In the end, we chose to take home two bottles of the Bandita Red and a bottle of the Gates Open for Mama Ruby. Tim had offered to give us a tour of the vineyard and go over some of their future plans, however another couple came in and we needed to head down to Willcox anyway. Maybe next time.

So there you have it, a synopsis of our trip out to Globe and Waggin’ Vineyard and Estate. We would highly recommend stopping by and supporting them. They do also ship wines as well, although currently only within the state of Arizona and not during the summer. No one should ship wine in the summer! If you decide to head out to Globe, tell them you heard about them from Live Love Drink Travel. 😉

Be sure to check out tomorrow's feature on Tantrum Wines. You can read yesterday's article on Zarpara Vineyard and Winery, or see all of our Sippin’ September articles here.

Living, loving, drinking, and traveling through life.

— Derek