More than 100 wines, a Sonoran Desert sunset, and an exclusive setting overlooking Phoenix’s sprawling Valley of the Sun are just a few of the treats in store for wine lovers lucky enough to attend the 2nd Annual Wrigley Mansion Wine Festival.
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Set from April 28–May 1, 2022, the 4-day event takes the wine festival concept to new heights. Consider that the 2nd Annual Wrigley Mansion Wine Festival features not just excellent wines, but also includes events that focus on chocolate, caviar, and mimosas.
And that’s not even to mention the Wrigley Mansion’s stellar views. The Visit Phoenix website lists Wrigley Mansion as one of the best scenic views in Phoenix. “Located in the Heights of Biltmore neighborhood, the estate looks out upon groups of other Biltmore homes as well as the downtown and central Phoenix skylines,” the website says.
4 Days Of Activities
The festival kicks off with the Chef’s Table Krug Dinner on Thursday, April 28, and continues on Friday, April 29 with a Kick-off Wine Dinner. April 30 features a full day of events, starting with a three-course lunch and wine pairings, continuing with the Blend Your Own event, a champagne and caviar event, and a chocolate and wine pairing event.
Then, just in time for the setting sun on April 30, the Grand Tasting Event takes place at the mansion’s Garden Room and Garden Terrace, featuring more than 100 labels for tasting.
The weekend ends with a Sunday brunch topped off with sparkling wines from Spain, France, and Italy, as well as mimosas.
An Annual Event And Year-Round Dining
With some of the events selling out quickly, festival organizers stress that the Wrigley Mansion Wine Festival is an annual event. Next year’s 2023 festival is expected to take place on the last weekend of April, with tickets available in early spring.
Visitors to Phoenix can also opt to dine at one of the Wrigley Mansion’s two year-round restaurants — Geordie’s and Christopher’s. Sunday brunch is also offered year-round, although the festival offers extra sparkles.
Due to city regulations, the Wrigley Mansion operates as a private club, and one person in a party must be a member. Membership information is available here. Out-of-towners can get a pass for $5 a day.
A Story As Big As Its Views
The Wrigley Mansion comes with a history that lives up to its scenic setting and sweeping views. Sitting on a knoll near the iconic Arizona Biltmore Hotel, the mansion was built by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. between 1929 and 1931 at a cost of $1.2 million. At about 16,000 square feet, the Phoenix mansion was said to have been the smallest of Wrigley’s numerous homes around the country, and the family spent only a few weeks a year there.
In 1992, the Phoenix landmark was purchased by musician and recording studio owner George “Geordie” Hormel — grandson of the founder of Hormel Foods — after which the mansion was opened to public functions.
Pro Tip: For those who would like to merely take in the opulent rooms and the gorgeous views, the Wrigley Mansion offers tours on selected days and months of the year.
