Students
The mission of the Grand Crew is to support the goals of Yavapai College’s Southwest Wine Center by increasing awareness and interest in Viticulture, Enology and related opportunities and challenges of the wine industry in Arizona and throughout the US. The Grand Crew encourages students, alumni, industry representatives and other wine enthusiasts to support its mission by fostering participation in a fun, educational environment for all.
This event is organized by the Grand Crew, a Viticulture and Enology student organization of Yavapai College. The Friends of the Southwest Wine Center, Brixen Creative and the Verde Valley Wine Consortium are supporters. An “emerging” winemaker is any person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and whose wine is not available commercially. The Judges are independent Wine Industry professionals who will provide confidential feedback to each winemaker at the conclusion of the event. During the Symposium, there will be seminars of interest to emerging winemakers. An Awards Celebration will take place after the conclusion of the Symposium. Competitors may enter any single varietal or blend of red (including rosé), white, fruit, and sweet wines. The Entry Fee is $15 per entry and you may enter as many wines as you wish. Friday evening Symposium Seminars are FREE and open to the public. Saturday full day Symposium Ticket with an Early Bird Online Discount $30 or at the door $40. Saturdays admission includes a souvenir competition and symposium crystal wine glass, a glass of Southwest Wine Center wine, lunch and your choice of four symposium lectures. If you have any questions, please contact us at Chairman@emergingwinemakers.com. The health and safety of those who would come to our Emerging Winemakers Competition and Symposium event are critically important to all of us. In light of the ongoing spread of COVID-19 throughout the nation and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Arizona leadership, this year’s Emerging Winemaker Competition and Symposium has been cancelled. Please stay tuned for updates on how to pick-up any wines you entered in the competition and when you can expect a refund for entry fees and tickets purchased.While we are disappointed that we had to cancel the event, we are looking forward to next year’s Emerging Winemakers Competition & Symposium (tentatively scheduled for April 23-24, 2021).