The most widely accepted definition of Organic wine is wine made from grapes grown in accordance with principles of organic agriculture, which typically excludes the use of artificial chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Organic wine is generally consumed for its perceived health benefits and reduced environmental impact. The consumption of organic wine is growing every year, out-pacing growth in the consumption of non-organic wine, which is still a growing segment. There are estimated 1,500-2,000 organic wine producers worldwide.

Bio-dynamic is a method of organic farming that treats farms as unified and individual organisms, emphasizing balancing the holistic development and interrelationship of the soil, plants, and animals as a self-nourishing system without external inputs. Some grape growers who have adopted bio-dynamic methods claim to have achieved improvements in the health of their vineyards, specifically in the areas of biodiversity, soil fertility, crop nutrition, and pest, weed, and disease management. A long-term study of one California luxury wine estate found that improved quality for both bio-dynamic and organic could not be explained. This study in different vineyard blocks at a commercial vineyard in Ukiah, California found no difference between biodynamic methods with general organic farming methods with respect to soil quality, nor in the yield per vine. So in all instance to be Bio-dynamic you must first be organic.

Sustainable, Organic and Bio-dynamic winemakers claim to have noted stronger, clearer, more vibrant tastes, as well as wines that remain drinkable longer. Producers also note that their methods tend to result in better balance in growth, where the sugar production in the grapes coincides with physiological ripeness and healthiness, resulting in a wine with the correct balance of flavor and alcohol content, even with changing climate conditions from year to year. So next time you’re out to eat or at your local wine shop give these wines a try and see the difference for yourself.

Mickey Sarkett

Action Wine & Spirits – Distributors of Fine Wine to the State of Arizona

Lloyd’s Liquors Fine Wine & Cigars

Hours and Location

Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar serves seasonal, farm focused, contemporary American cuisine that features the freshest ingredients possible by utilizing the many local farmers and ranchers of Northern Arizona and the Four Corners region.

http://brixflagstaff.com/

The Raven’s original wood floors, high ceilings and polished bar tops pay homage to Prescott’s Western origins, but this is a newer, hipper version of the Old West bar.

The whiskey shots and clouds of smoke are long gone.

Instead there are some 30 handcrafted beers on tap plus another 350 bottled beers.

Then there is the wine list that, for Prescott at least, is truly impressive – around 200 individual wines , all from small production wineries.

Pair that with some pretty decent food and you have a place that locals  and visitors alike should try.

Located just a block North of the Town square on Cortez, The Raven Cafe is housed in a vintage building but, while the building may cause you to glance back in time, the look and feel, the attitude, of The Raven will bring you right back to the here and now.

The big open “dining” room is populated with numerous tables, a few overstuffed easy chairs and a couch or two that beckon to a highly diverse crowd that spans all life styles and age groups.

The atmosphere is  conducive to folks getting together for a beer or a casual meal – or just to listen to the music of a local entertainer.

Located creekside just steps from Historic Whiskey Row,
El Gato Azul provides a relaxed and quiet escape.

Dine on the intimate patio, under the shade of Cottonwoods, or inside at the Tapas bar or Dining Room.

El Gato Azul offers a wide selection of traditional and contemporary Tapas beginning at 3:00 Monday – Saturday and 4:00 on Sundays.

Mussels Cerveza, Ceviche, Sunflower Seed Crusted Goat Cheese with Pickled Onions, Gazpacho and Pasole are
just a few.

Lunch offers Tapas, Bocatas (sandwiches) and luncheon Entrees. Diners can enjoy The Artichoke and Hearts of Palm Chicken Pita, Paella, Lamb Skewers, The Gato Sub,
The Cyprus Chicken Salad and the luncheon favorites,
Crab Cakes or Shrimp and Crab Lettuce Wrap.

Evening brings cool breezes and the sounds of Derrick “Paco” Sanders every Thursday night on the outside stage under the trees, and occasional Friday & Saturday appearance.

With a dinner menu that changes on a weekly basis, you’re certain to find a new experience every time you come in. The classic Paella is a staple along with the Duck, Lamb, Top Sirloin and Statler Chicken.

……Monk’s updates

thirsty thursdays 3 – 9

funk night every tuesday
on the patio

http://fourcornerstimes.com/