After a disappointing day of AZ wine tasting at Sonoita Winery (post here), I was more than a little worried about a second stop for wine tasting already booked at Hofmann Winery. As it turns out, not only was the wine at Hofmann Winery fantastic, but the proprietors were an absolute delight! Three words – run, don’t walk!
This small batch winery in southeast AZ (near McNeal) is run by a retired couple named Chuck and Karen, who lived full lives before they decided in their 70s that they needed a hobby and German wine making became it! They single-handedly do all the work at the winery (planting, growing, fermenting, bottling, labeling, hosting, pouring, etc) except for picking. To help pick, they have some local volunteers who help out each year. I hope that every one of us is this industrious as we age! It’s impressive!
As it turns out, not only was the wine at Hofmann Winery fantastic, but the proprietors were an absolute delight! Three words – run, don’t walk!
Chuck met us at the road and showed us where to park the RV for the evening. He and Karen had been out working all day so he asked for some time to shower before we met him in the tasting room. Despite being the only guests that evening, the Hofmann’s spent nearly 2 hours with us. They were interesting and kind people who love wine and sharing their knowledge. They were also extremely generous with the pours.
Near the end of the tasting, they allowed us to tour and taste their latest batches. Holding the lid in one hand and a pipette in the other, Chuck dipped into the cask to provide us with a pour when his pants fell to the floor, leaving him standing in his underwear for just a split second! I mention this, not to embarrass him, but because it was a memorable human moment from our travels. Especially endearing was that his wife was not in the least bit shocked and in that quick second it took him to retrieve his pants, she stated, “I thought that might happen. You forgot your suspenders after the shower.”
On a scale of 1 to 10, Hofmann Winery is an 11. The Hofmanns are terrific people that you immediately want to know more about, we had a great afternoon in their company, and they make delicious wine!
I’ve only ever posted one other song tribute (post here), but felt this winery deserved its own.
You know the Elton John classic…
Blue jean baby
RV lady
Searched for wine out in the sand
.
Found the Hofmanns
Retired hobbyists
70 plus, still work the land
Can’t believe it
You should have seen it
Wine glass in my hand
.
Keep on pouring
I’ll soon be soaring
So much wine, can barely stand
Slow the throttle
Buy one more bottle
Then we’ll taste direct from casks
.
Turned to pour
Chuck’s pants hit floor
But from his wife there came no gasps
Karen’s eyes
Showed no surprise
Just shook her head in aftermath
.
Looking on
Suspenders gone
The fault she knows
The tune she hums
But now it feels so real
Standing here, it’s still unclear
Only Chuck, and Chuck should hear her
When she says softly, slowly
.
Forgot to put on your suspenders
Not the first time down this highway
Hope it won’t affect our rating
You had a busy day today
Forgot to put on his suspenders
It’s unusual at a tasting
No, it won’t affect your rating
Had a joyous day today
Hope you enjoyed the tribute. Pants down, the Hofmann Winery is my Arizona top pick!
