The stress of the upcoming holiday and the extra family time might make you feel like you need a drink, so perhaps it’s no coincidence that most of the events on our December list include some alcohol. Don’t worry, there’s some good food planned, too, like a chocolate class, a grain-to-farm-to-table dinner, and a three-course dinner with wine pairings under the stars. All of it adds up to a fun last month of 2021. Have a good one!
An Evening of Wine and Fine Dining
Thursday, December 2
Wrigley Mansion
2501 East Telawa Trail
Wrigley Mansion is home to more than 12,000 bottles of wine, so it’s only fitting that guests can enjoy monthly wine dinners curated by wine director Paola Embry. December’s dinner will be hosted by Hartford Family Winery and includes a five-course meal paired with select wines. Master sommelier Michael Jordan will serve as the guest speaker for the evening, starting at 6 pm TTickets are available for $125 per person.
Wines from Merkin Vineyards will be offered with each course at Dinner Under the Stars in Scottsdale.
Travis Matreyek
Holiday Winemaker Dinner Under the Stars
Thursday, December 2
Scottsdale Waterfront Plaza
7135 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale
Wine and culinary enthusiasts are invited to a three-course meal under the stars presented by LDV Winery and Merkin Vineyards. It will take place at the Scottsdale Waterfront Plaza off Stetson Drive adjacent to the LDV Winery Tasting Room from 6 to 9 pm The tentative menu includes a winter salad with local produce and cheese with noble bread and LDW Winery olive oils and balsamic; wine-braised short ribs with ricotta gnocchi; and chocolate flourless torte with ganache and raspberry coulis, plus wine pairings. The event is $155 per person.
Making Chocolate for the Home Cook Class
Saturday, December 4
Desert Sage Herbs
1728 North Alma School Road, Chandler
Did you know chocolate is actually good for you? Learn how to make homemade chocolate for you and your family in this class presented by aromatic specialist Vicki Greener at Desert Sage Herbs. The cost of the class is $50 and includes supplies, lots of samples, and handouts. All recipes are dairy, gluten, and egg-free.
Jingle Bell Rockin’ Holiday Block Party
Sunday, December 5
Tarbell’s
3213 East Camelback Road
Tarbell’s Hospitality, led by chef Mark Tarbell, is hosting a holiday block party and wine sale in the Tarbell’s parking lot from 1 to 4 pm There will be yard games, premium wine tastes, contests, live music from Tarbell’s band Cha Cha Mouche, and more. The Wine Store will be open and selling a variety of select wines including those being used for the tasting. General admission costs $49 and includes a wine tasting with 10 pours and food pairings. A portion of the wine proceeds will be donated to the Joy Bus Diner.
Learn all about whiskey (and taste a few) at Second Story Liquor Bar and Restaurant.
Lauren Saria
Wonderland Whiskey Tasting
Tuesdays, December 7 and 14
Second Story Liquor Bar and Restaurant
4166 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Whiskey lovers are invited to select from two seasonal tasting events with a brand ambassador at Second Story Liquor Bar and Restaurant. Get four tastes on December 7 and five on December 14. These include a welcome barrel-aged cocktail, Makers Mark Barrel Select, and more. It’s $75 to $125 per person depending on which event, plus tax and gratuity.
Match Guide to Wine Class and Tasting
Wednesday, December 8
Match Market and Bar at Found:RE Phoenix
1100 North Central Avenue
This monthly class at Match Market and Bar offers a discussion about a certain type of wine with tasting samples and light bites. December’s focus is on chardonnay and pinot noir with guest speaker John Martindale of Stem Wine Company. Tickets are $25, and the event is from 7 to 8:30 pm
Saturday, December 11
Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows
5445 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale
Learn all about drinks with bubbles during this class at Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows. You’ll get both a history lesson and a taste test at the same time during this 30- to 45-minute class. Space is limited to 20 guests, with a maximum party size of eight people, and it’s $39 to attend.
The cocktail paired with New York strip steak is made with Sacred Stave.
SanTan Brewery, Distillery + Eatery
Grain to Farm to Table
Wednesday, December 15
Santan Gardens
495 East Warner Road, Chandler
This event is a partnership between SanTan Brewing Company and Moon River Beef at the SanTan Gardens.Taste cuts of beef fed from SanTan beer-spent grains, each paired with a SanTan beer or cocktail. On the menu is a ground beef slider paired with Devil’s Ale; coffee-rubbed brisket with an espresso old-fashioned; an marinade short rib paired with Sex Panther; and New York strip steak paired with Sacred Stave RyeBall. Tickets are $55 a person.
Champagne Dinner
Thursday, December 16
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
6850 East Main Street, Scottsdale
Get a jump start on 2022 with Zuzu at Hotel Valley Ho’s annual champagne dinner. Food includes starters like Wagyu beef empanadas and steak tartare with caviar followed by Nantucket Bay scallops; Argentine New York strip steak “Oscar”; and strawberry cheesecake, all paired with Veuve Clicquot champagnes. The dinner is $149 per person plus gratuity and tax.
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Saturday, December 18
Kelly’s at South Bridge
7117 East Sixth Avenue, Scottsdale
Eat, drink, and be merry at Kelly’s at SouthBridge’s Ugly Sweater Holiday. DJ Rolemodel will be playing music from 9 pm to 2 am Try one of the limited edition holiday cocktails — a Caramel Apple Martini, Apple Cider Whiskey Mule, or an Espresso Martini. Don your ugliest holiday sweater too for the chance to win a $150 gift card.
2022 New Years Eve Great Gatsby Ball
Friday, December 31
Queen Creek Botanical Gardens
25002 South 206th Street, Queen Creek
Roar into the 1920s with this great gatsby-themed New Years Eve party at Queen Creek Botanical Garden right by Pecan Lake. Dinner will be included plus there will be live music, fireworks, a tournament, a prize for the best dressed couple, and a champagne toast. Tickets are $150 per person.
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