Where passion meets vision:
Oak Creek Vineyards
by Louis Palma
Photos by PetroGraphics
Debbie Wahl fell in love with the wine industry in the early 1980s, as a promotion manager for fine wines and champagnes in Europe. Once in the United States, she became a wine broker and food and beverage manager.
Already growing tired of corporate America, Wahl said, “I was inspired by Jon Marcus’ establishment [Echo Canyon Vineyards and Winery], and purchased land to follow my dream.”
Together with Rod Snapp (Javelina Leap Vineyards), Wahl purchased a spectacular plot of land along Page Springs Rd., about two miles past the turn-off for Echo Canyon.
They split the property, and Wahl’s acreage became Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery Inc., in May of 2002. Snapp developed Javelina Leap on his land some time later.
The red rock country wine map was forever changed.
“The three of us believed that others would follow,” said Wahl. And, of course, they were right, as grape vines now stretch from Sedona to Page Springs, and over to Jerome.
Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery has 10 acres planted with 4,000 vines, growing chardonnay, merlot, syrah, and zinfandel.
Wahl’s tasting room opened in March of 2003, and the business has continued to grow from there. The tasting room’s proximity to Sedona and shear convenience, situated a few feet off of Page Springs Rd., made it an instant success.
And, with the recent inclusion of Marcus’ Echo Canyon and Crop Circle wines – the sky’s the limit.
“Now, it’s the most extraordinary tasting room in the state,” said Wahl.
Wahl’s winemaker is her son, Flo, a handsome, courteous young man, who approaches his work with an obvious passion for the craft.
The vineyard’s production of 1,000 cases per year - crisp whites and full-bodied, soft reds - are mostly sold in the tasting room, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wahl is committed to the local wine industry, and is very much involved in organizing local proprietors and winemakers to develop far-reaching marketing opportunities, and increase the popularity of the region as a wine destination.
“So far, we have 10 wineries, and I’d like to see 30 here, in northern Arizona, by the end of 2015,” said Wahl.
Wahl’s knowledge of wine is encyclopedic, and her manner is fantastically cordial. Stop by and have a taste.
For more information, call (928) 649-0290.