When Valerie and Daniel Wood moved to Northern Arizona to retire, they learned of the growing wine industry in the region. Impassioned, in 2013 they enrolled in Yavapai College’s first-ever Viticulture and Enology program.
The couple, among the program’s first graduates, helped to plant 13,000 acres of vines for what is now the school’s Southwest Wine Center before launching their own wine brand: Heart Wood Cellars. Each of their first five vintages won gold or silver medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and they are currently offering their 2016 and 2017 vintages for public purchase via their website.
– Alison Bailin, HMA Public Relations