Our January Happy Hour will be in the Rat Pack Lounge at the Central Grille - a new venue in an old location - where Contemporary American cuisine meets classic styling and music reminiscent of the famed Rat Pack. Central Grille, an old school steakhouse, features prime grade steaks, fresh seafood, and an inspired wine list. Their executive chef Bruce Griffin III is the former sous chef at the AAA Five Diamond dining destination Kai - so you know it's gotta be good!

Kim Hartleroad is a walking encyclopedia of wine knowledge! In fact, he was one of the first wine professionals I met when I first moved here to Arizona. His latest gig is hosting tastings the first Monday of each month at Bomberos Café & Wine Bar. If you haven't been there, you need to check this place out! Housed in an old firehouse on Central, it's comfortable inside, and even better outside in the courtyard (especially next to a fire pit).

Member Patrick Hamilton suggested we do a tequila tasting, so he met with the owners at Camarones (formerly Garduno's) in Gainey Village, and set up this great deal:

The Sonoran Desert Chapter February AIWF Tasting Event is Pairing Wine & Chocolate - just in Time for Valentine's Day! Want to buy your sweetheart a gift that touches the heart and palate? Join us for a pairing of wine and chocolates at one of Scottsdale's nicest wine bars. Meet new friends while you learn about matching a variety of wines with samples of chocolates.