Celebrating Aspiring, Non-Commercial Winemakers with Professional Judging, Educational Seminars, and Awards

Clarkdale, Arizona — Yavapai College, in partnership with the Southwest Wine Center and supported by local community partners, is proud to present the Emerging Winemakers Competition and Wine Symposium at the Verde Valley Campus in Clarkdale (601 Black Hills Drive) on Sat. Apr. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in building M, room 137.

Organized by the Grand Crew, Yavapai College’s Viticulture and Enology student organization, the event spotlights non-commercial, aspiring winemakers from across the region and provides a hands-on, professional development experience designed to strengthen the next generation of wine talent.

The Emerging Winemakers Competition and Wine Symposium is a unique celebration of amateur and small-scale winemaking. Competitors submit wines for professional evaluation and receive personalized feedback from experienced judges. Complementing the competition, the symposium features industry led seminars, practical demonstrations, and networking opportunities that aim to educate, inspire, and connect emerging winemakers with mentors and peers.

 

Event highlights include:

  • Professional judging and individualized feedback for all entrants to help refine techniques and elevate quality.
  • Educational seminars led by winemakers, viticulturists, and industry consultants covering topics such as sensory evaluation, cellar management, sustainable viticulture, and marketing for small brands.
  • An awards celebration recognizing outstanding wines and promising talent in several wine style categories.
  • Opportunities for attendees to engage directly with judges and speakers during Q&A sessions and informal meet-and-greet periods.

Symposium speakers include notable industry professionals and Yavapai College alumni:

  • Tom Messier, Yavapai College Viticulture and Enology alumnus, Omphalos Winery
  • Susie Selby, Selby Winery
  • Rich DeScenzo, ETS Laboratories

Tickets are $35 per person, with lunch and beverages included. Register and purchase tickets online at https://yc.jotform.com/260335695064864.

 

“The Emerging Winemakers Competition and Wine Symposium captures the spirit of learning and community that defines Yavapai College’s Southwest Wine Center,” Yavapai College Director of the Southwest Wine Center Ryan Avery Follensbee said. “By providing professional feedback and hands on education, we help aspiring winemakers turn their passion into skill—and strengthen Arizona’s vibrant wine community.”

 

“The Grand Crew is honored to host our peers and neighbors for an event that supports non-commercial winemakers,” Co-President of the Grand Crew Becky Boyer said. “This competition gives emerging talent a constructive platform to grow, and the symposium brings practical industry knowledge directly to the people making wine in small batches.”

 

Who should attend:

  • Non-commercial and aspiring winemakers seeking professional evaluation and feedback.
  • Wine students, hobbyists, and home vintners looking for practical education and networking.
  • Industry professionals, educators, and community members interested in supporting regional wine innovation.

More event details and information are available online at www.southwestwinecenter.com/emerging-winemakers, or by calling the

Southwest Wine Center at 928-634-6566. 

Presented by Yavapai College and the Southwest Wine Center, the Emerging Winemakers Competition and Wine Symposium is made possible by generous support from community partners, local wineries, and volunteer judges. Organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring or volunteering are encouraged to reach out to the Southwest Wine Center.

The Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College delivers industry relevant viticulture and enology education to support Arizona’s growing wine industry. Through hands-on training, community events, and industry partnerships, the Center cultivates skilled professionals and passionate advocates for winemaking in the region. 

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

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