As industry pioneers retire,
the future of Arizona wine hangs in the balance.
Sam Pillsbury planted his first vines in 2000.
As he and others retire, a new generation strives to continue their legacy.
By Georgann Yara
May 13, 2025
He put Arizona's wine scene on the map. Now, he's stepping away from the vines
By Sarah Lapidus
Arizona Republic
Come Visit Sam at The Vineyard in Willcox
and Find the Exclusive Pillsbury Wine You Are Looking For
The Legacy Continues...
Watch Sam talk about Sustainability in Wine Making in this Video
This is Just a Fraction of What's Waiting For You at The Winery in Willcox
Get Your Exclusive Bottle of Pillsbury Wine Today!
Shiraz
"Guns and Kisses"
OUR ROCK STAR RED, THIS BABY HAS WON 4 DOUBLE GOLDS IN THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE. FREQUENTLY ONE OF THE TOP 3 SYRAH’S ENTERED IN THE MOST EXPENSIVE SYRAH CATEGORY IN THIS MOST REVERED COMPETITION. KNOWN IN FRANCE AS A COTE ROTIE (THIS MEANS BURNT HILLS, I THOUGHT IT WOULD LIKE OUR SUPER-HIGH MOUNTAIN VALLEY). IT’S A CO-FERMENT OF SYRAH WITH A LITTLE VIOGNIER (WE NORMALLY DO 3% VIOGNIER). CO-FERMENTING WITH VIOGNIER (AS OPPOSED TO BLENDING, WHICH HAPPENS AFTER FERMENTING), THE VIOGNIER CHANGES THE CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF THE SYRAH, PRODUCING A DELICATE, HEADY, STUNNINGLY COMPLEX AND EXTRAORDINARY WINE, ARGUABLY ONE OF THE TOP SYRAHS IN THE USA. -SAM PILLSBURY |