Kokopelli Winery

Kokopelli Winery
Location Tempe, Arizona, USA
Appellation Arizona/New Mexico
Founded 1991
First vintage 1994
Key people Don and Carol Minchella, Dennis Minchella, Herve and Florent Lescombes
Tasting Open to Public
Website http://www.kokopelliwinery.net/

Kokopelli Winery & Bistro is a winery located in Chandler and Surprise, Arizona, United States. It is the largest winery in the state of Arizona.[1][2]

History

The winery planted its first grapes in 1991 on land about 20 miles north of Willcox, Arizona, first harvested in 1994, and opened in 1995. The winery was founded by Don and Carol Michella, and Herve and Florent Lescombes.[3][4] Herve Lescombes was a sixth generation winemaker, with a family history of making wine in France and North Africa.[3] It became Arizona's largest winery in 1995, producing over 5,400 cases that year.[3]

Its first winery location was in Chandler (part of the Phoenix metropolitan area), and it opened its second location and restaurant in Surprise in the summer of 2008.[5][6]

The Michellas have been recognized for developing methods for growing grapes in Arizona despite its heat.[7]

Kokopelli wines have won multiple awards in regional wine competitions.[8][9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Kevin Zraly, Kevin Zraly's American Wine Guide, p.77 (2007)(ISBN 978-1402725852)
  2. ↑ Hugh Johnson, Hugh Johnson's Pocket Encyclopedia of Wine p. 240 (1999) (ISBN 978-0684867564)
  3. 1 2 3 Julie Phillipsen (January 15, 1996). "Willcox is now home of Arizona's newest winery". Kingman Daily Miner (Associated Press). Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  4. ↑ About:The History of Kokopelli Winery, Kokopelliwinery.net, Retrieved January 21, 2010
  5. ↑ "Kokopelli Winery opening second location in Surprise". Phoenix Business Journal. June 30, 2008. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  6. ↑ Erin Zlomek (June 7, 2008). "Kokopelli Winery & Bistro to open in Surprise". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 21, 2010.)
  7. ↑ Erin Zlomek (August 22, 2008). "Kokopelli offers trips to the vineyards near Willcox". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 21, 2010.)
  8. ↑ "Kokopelli Winery". The Business Journal. July 21, 2000. Retrieved January 21, 2010.("Kokopelli Winery, Tempe, was awarded two bronze medals at the 2000 Connoisseur Classic Southwest Wine Competition in Ruidoso, N.M., for entries of pinot grigio and white cabernet sauvignon.")
  9. ↑ Howard Seftel (June 25, 1998). "Second Helpings". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved January 21, 2010.

External links

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