wine | AzWeatherChick

Verde Valley Tour- Last Stop- Page Springs Cellars

June 8, 2012 by AZWC | 1 Comment

I have never EVER heard of Cornville, Arizona, before I read about it’s wineries in Sunset magazine. I love wine, period. Page Springs Cellars in Cornville was the last stop on our Verde Valley tour. I was thirsty and dying for a tasting. The drive from Jerome to Cornville was about 15 minutes. We took 89A (of course) to Page Springs Road. The landscape on 89A was high desert, the usual. But I swear as we turned on to Page Springs Road it was like being transported to Napa, on a smaller scale. Huge Cottonwood trees everywhere, the road was windy but not anything to get car sick about. There were a few campgrounds alongside Oak Creek, a very beautiful creek running quite well this time of year. We passed a few other wineries along the way, but were intent on visiting Page Springs first. As we pulled into the driveway, a simple black and white sign greeted us. The parking lot was quite full, that is usually a good sign of good wine. The parking lot was surrounded by Grenache vines. We made our way into the main lobby/tasting area. It was very tastefully decorated. There was a V.I.P area for members that was appointed with nice furniture and had full service. I b-lined for the tasting bar and ordered two of the Arizona Flights. Five tastings of their red blends. I loved all of them. The outdoor deck seemed like a tree house, high up above the springs and vineyard, in the shade of large Cottonwood trees. A spring from Oak Creek runs thought the vineyard, watering the vines. We secured a table and quietly sat and enjoyed the shade, wine and the view. We did not chose to eat there, which we would later regret. But looking around at other patrons food selections, I could tell it was good. The staff were very nice and knowledgeable about the wines. There was nothing pretentious about this winery. Some patrons were snobby, but that is always to be expected. Most were willing to engage in conversation with us. I wanted to see what else the winery had to offer. We took a walk around and found an amazing little trail that led us to a vine covered pergola and picnic area overlooking Oak Creek. The sound of the water made me SO happy. Page Springs also offers a massage out in the vineyard. Their gift shop has some funky wineglasses, shirts, artwork, and local gift items. I really enjoyed my time at Page Springs Cellars. The wine I sampled was super good. Next time I am going to order lots of food and nosh out!! This is a great place to take out of town guests on a day trip from Phoenix. The drive is easy and scenic, and you are only a hop, skip and jump away from Sedona, Jerome, Cottonwood.

Page Springs Cellars 1500 North Page Springs Road, Cornville, Arizona. (928) 639-3004 www.pagespringscellars.com To learn more.

Verde Valley Tour- Cottonwood Arizona- Crema Cafe

June 3, 2012 by AZWC | 5 Comments

I love reading Sunset Magazine. My Mother read the mag my entire childhood. There was a coat closet by our front door that hung a few coats and nick nacks, and was stacked floor to coats with Astronomy and Sunset Magazines. I obviously have inherited my love of soil, gardening, weather, space and magazine hoarding from my parents. OK, back to Sunset magazine, last months issue highlighted weekend getaways in all the Western states. I am a tad bit miffed that the southwest gets three mentions. Two being Arizona; Verde Valley, and Safford. The other, New Mexico. I am always on the lookout for something cool, literally, to do up north when it gets too hot here in Phoenix. They showcased restaurants, tourist attractions, and places to stay. No plan in mind, my wing man and I set out Saturday morning at 8am on our Verde Valley adventure. Upon arriving in Cottonwood, we were starving! I suggested Crema Cafe Coffee and Creamery. It was a highlight in Sunset as a ”must eat at” restaurant in Old Town Cottonwood. It was pretty quiet in town when we arrived at about 10am. I kept babbling on about how amazing a transformation the town has had in the last 8 years since I had been there. There was the sweetest old man sitting on a bench under a store awning, drinking his morning coffee. I felt transported to a small town in the Midwest somewhere. Then I spotted Crema Cafe and practically ran to see it. It is situated in an old historic building, remodeled very lovingly with care to keep the buildings history intact. Much of Old Town Cottonwood’s buildings are connected by underground bootlegging tunnels. Upon entering Crema Cafe, we were greeted by two of the nicest young ladies ever, Kelli and Kellie. I am Kelly, so we had a great laugh over 3 Kelly’s being in the same place at the same time! I was hung on ordering the Chilequiles (warm tortilla w/eggs, cotija cheese, black beans & slow cooked pork on top, smothered in roasted green chile served with fresh pico de gallo). I went with the Farmers Salad (beets, goat cheese, dried apricots, marcona almonds, seasoned pearl couscous on field greens, with warm ciabatta bread and a dijon balsamic vinaigrette). My wing man ordered the Smoked Turkey Pesto sandwich (turkey topped with pesto mayo, red onion, cucumber and lettuce on 9-grain bread, seasoned couscous as the side with a pickle). Alternate sides include tortilla or kettle chips & chef’s seasonal salad. A few photos later, we were both silently emerged in our food. I was in heaven, what is better than beets and goat cheese? We both quietly and happily cleaned our plates in record time. I love food like this, fresh, simple, well thought out and healthy! Check out the full menu at www.cremacafe89a.com. You won’t regret eating here, promise! We had the opportunity to taste a few of their gelatos which are handcrafted in small batches with seasonal ingredients. The Bourbon Pecan (made with Bulliet Bourbon) and Salted Caramel were phenomenal!! Thank you to Kelli and Kellie for their hospitality and great food!

Crema Cafe Coffee & Creamery Open everyday 7am-4pm - 917 N. Main Street Cottonwood, Arizona 86326 (928)649-5789 www.cremacafe89a.com