10 Interesting Wine Facts to Help You Waste Time – Ahem, Learn About Wine

10 Interesting Wine Facts to Help You Waste Time – Ahem, Learn About Wine1. On January, 21, 2016, a notice was published in the Federal Register to make the Wilcox region an American Viticultural Area (AVA).  This area would encompass  526,000 acres in Southeastern Arizona to include portions of Graham and Cochise County!  (See https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-01-21/pdf/2016-01150.pdf).  AVAs are established regions with boundaries where the land (terroir) has a common link such as topography, climate, elevation, and make-up of the soil.  2. The only current AVA in Arizona is the Sonoita AVA, located a little south of Tucson and about 40 minutes north of Sierra Vista.  This AVA was established in 1985.  For more info, see http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-region/Sonoita.html.3. Who is surprised that the District of Columbia drank more wine per person than any actual state in the United States?  On average, DC consumes 34 bottles of wine per year per person in 2013.  This statistic is from the Beverage Information Group.  4. According to the International Organization of Vine and Wine, Americans are (FINALLY) drinking more wine than the French.  I had complete faith that we would eventually overcome the French (in wine drinking). 5. Have you ever had a glass of Beringer wine?  Did you know that the Beringer Winery is haunted?  You can take a cave tour of the winery and possibly listen to the whispers of Chinese laborers.  You might need a glass of wine after the tour to calm your nerves… (https://nvmarketplace.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/the-highly-spirited-beringer-brothers-winery/). 6. Need something haunted and closer to home?  Travel up to Jerome and stay at the Grand Hotel.  Speaking from experience, the hotel IS creepy, however, a very intense exploration of the hotel did not reveal any paranormal experiences.7. Sonoita Vineyards is the first winery in Arizona!  Go visit them and enjoy drinking a piece of history!8. Birding and drinking wine seems to be developing in popularity.  Several different areas (Ohio, Oregon, Sonoma, Argentina, Chile) are building in the possibility of birding while visiting wine trails. 9. Kristine’s favorite wine is Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley please)!  Eric prefers Zinfandel.  Just thought I would throw that in as a fact in case someone wanted to get us a gift.  Just saying…10. If you are interested in further exploring Arizona wines, check out the wine travel card (http://winetravelcard.com/az/).  The website has a lot of great information and the card gives some great discounts to different wineries.