Bus trip stops at vineyard

The Kokopelli Winery in Surprise will offer vineyard tours Saturday and Aug. 23.

Join your new friends from the Kokopelli Winery in Surprise for a fun and educational day trip to the vineyard. A bus will leave the winery in Surprise at 6:30 a.m., stop at the Kokopelli Bistro in Chandler for a light breakfast at 7:30, and then take a motorcoach to the Bonita Valley vineyard in Willcox.

Located about 20 miles north of Willcox, at an estimated 4,500-foot elevation, the Bonita Valley is one of the largest organically certified fruit producing areas in the Southwest.

The combination of class A1A soil, abundant water and a near-perfect microclimate make this an ideal place for wine grape production.

Planted in 1991, the vineyard produces 13 organically grown varietals, from which Kokopelli Winery produces 24 award-winning wines. During the bus trip to Willcox, the wine master will talk about the winery and the vineyard.

Once at the vineyard, take a guided tour and hear about the different types of grapes and growing techniques, especially looking at how grapes can thrive in Arizona. Taste ripe grapes right off the vine and take home a cluster of your favorite. After the tour, sample the various Kokopelli wines while enjoying live music and a light lunch in the vineyard.

The return trip should arrive in Surprise by 6:30 p.m., and you may optionally choose to stay on for a special "winemakers" dinner.

The cost is $130 per person, includes transportation from Surprise, breakfast buffet, vineyard lunch and wine tasting. The Winemakers Dinner is $25 per person.

Reservations are required. For information and reservations, call 623-556 4810.