Clarkdale, Arizona (Nov. 7, 2025) – On Sat., Oct. 25 the annual Wine & Dine event showcased that a beloved community tradition can evolve without losing its heart. Hosted by the Friends of the Southwest Wine Center, an auxiliary of the Yavapai College Foundation, this year’s annual fundraising gala featured a new theme, larger venue, and a newly added VIP pre-party.   

This year’s event centered around introducing the new team, bringing together more than 200 guests for an evening of fine Arizona wine, local flavors, and lively connection. All proceeds raised support Yavapai College’s Viticulture and Enology program and teaching winery, the Southwest Wine Center located at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale. 

“I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of the Southwest Wine Center and to everyone who joined us for this year’s Wine and Dine event,” said Nicole Kennedy, Director of the Yavapai College Foundation. “Your generous support strengthens our viticulture and enology programs, empowering our students to grow, innovate, and shape the future of Arizona’s wine industry.” 

With its refreshed format, elevated ambiance, and glowing guest feedback— Danusia Szumowski from Wild Tonic called it, “a taste of Napa in the Verde Valley”—this year’s Wine & Dine marked a sparkling debut for the program, the Yavapai College Foundation’s new leadership team, and a bright new chapter for Arizona wine education. 

The evening began with an intimate VIP reception at the Southwest Wine Center tasting room, where guests mingled among the vines while enjoying lively music from the Yavapai College Jazz Band. Samples of limited production wines were poured by students, alumni, and staff of the winemaking program and Southwest Wine Center. This new addition to Wine & Dine showcased the Viticulture and Enology program’s blend of artistry and education, offering a firsthand look across six educational stations at how Yavapai College continues to cultivate the next generation of Arizona’s wine industry leaders. 

As twilight settled over the vines, guests made their way to the Mabery Pavilion, transformed into a twinkling, open-air dining space replete with a wine walk and lounge spaces where wine, food, and community came together in harmony. Small-plate pairings from local chefs complemented pours from more than a dozen Arizona wineries, while live music, an auction valued at more than $20,000, a cork pull, a 150+ bottle wine pull, and lively conversation filled the air. 

Beyond the glamour and gourmet offerings, Wine & Dine remains first and foremost a fundraiser with purpose. Proceeds from the evening directly benefit scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities, and facility enhancements for Yavapai College’s Viticulture and Enology students. Every glass poured and every bid raised supports the future of Arizona wine—training the skilled growers, vintners, and entrepreneurs who will carry this legacy forward. 

“I speak for our auxiliary members when I say we could not be more thankful for the incredible outpouring of community support from our long time and new sponsors, volunteers, and guests whose generosity made the evening possible,” said Janet Regner, president of the Friends of the Southwest Wine Center. 

New and recurring sponsors for this year’s event were Salt River Project, Ledbetter Law Group, UniSource Energy Services, Martenson Construction, Combs Construction, Charles Schwab, Tiffany Construction, Freeport McMoRan, Salt River Materials Group, Cambium Wealth Management, and Little Daisy Hotel Jerome.  

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.