I can remember just a few years ago when Arizona’s “wine industry” consisted of four small wineries that few people had heard of.

Today, many people would be surprised to learn the state has 39 licensed and bonded wineries, some of whose wines are served at the Valley’s finest restaurants.

While it still has a long way to go before it can be compared to California’s or Washington state’s, Arizona’s wine industry is booming, and the Arizona Wine Growers Association wants everyone to know it.

So 20 local wineries are banding together to put on the group’s first wine festival Sunday at The Farm at South Mountain.

The outdoor event, which runs 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., includes wine tastings, educational seminars, interactive exhibits, “people’s choice” awards and live music.

The participating wineries: Alcantara, Caduceus, Callaghan Vineyard, Canelo Hills, Coronado Vineyards, Dos Cabezas, Javelina Leap, Jerome Winery, Juniper Well Ranch Winery, Juniperwood Ranch, Keeling Schaefer, Kief Joshua Vineyards, Kokopelli, Lightning Ridge Cellars, Page Springs Cellars, Painted Lady Vineyard, Pillsbury, Rancho Rossa, Sonoita Vineyards and Su Vino Winery.

The $65 general admission includes all tastings and activities, as well as a picnic lunch.

A post-festival awards dinner will be held at The Farm’s Quiessence restaurant at 5 p.m. A limited number of tickets, which include a four-course meal prepared by chef Greg LaPrad, are separately priced at $125.

Arizona Wine Growers Festival at the Farm
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix
Admission: $65, which includes lunch and wine tastings
Info: (480) 306-5623 or azwinefestivalatthefarm.com.

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The outdoor event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., will feature six bands, wine and beer tastings and food specials.

The street alongside the restaurant will be closed to accommodate a stage. The music lineup, which showcases performers who regularly play at D’Vine’s Mesa or Chandler locations:

• John Burak, 1:30 p.m.

• The Dime (aka The Nick Heward Band), 2:30

• Soul Catcher, 4 p.m.

• Brendon Cottrell, 5:30

• Nick Smith Band , 7

• The Hype, 8:30

Several of the performers who play D’Vine with stripped-down lineups will be backed by full bands for the festival.

Wine and Four Peaks beer tastings will be $5 (for five tastings) between 1 and 5 p.m. Wine also will be available for $5 per glass and large beers for $4.

Chef Ramon Rice will prepare foods on an outdoor barbecue.

Local vendors will be selling items ranging from clothing to artwork. Gift certificates for local stores also will be raffled off.

“This is an event that’s well-supported by our commuity,” says D’Vine executive sommelier David Newton. “You can really feel it when you’re there.”

Admission to the festival is $10.

D’Vine, 2837 N. Power Road, is located just off the Loop 202 at Power and McDowell roads. Info: (480) 654-4171 or dvinebistro.com.

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Almost everyone looks forward to Thanksgiving Day dinner, but not many enjoy the hours of preparation and post-meal cleanup. Fortunately, a number of East Valley restaurants will be open on the holiday. All you have to do is show up and eat. (Take note: Reservations are strongly recommended.)

Cork: This south Chandler fine-dining gem (pictured above) is offering a four-course feast with three entrée choices (turkey, hanger steak or wild sturgeon) and two dessert options (pumpkin pie or pear-cranberry crisp). There are three seatings between noon and 5:30 p.m. Cost is $55 or adults and $15 for children. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773.

Ko’Sin: Almost every East Valley resort serves Thanksgiving dinner. At the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, American Indian-themed Ko’Sin is doing a three-course meal with three entrée choices (turkey, New York steak or salmon) from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost is $55 for adults and $30 for children. 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, (602) 385-5726.

Bill Johnson’s Big Apple: This local chain, which also has four restaurants in Phoenix, dishes up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, ham and all the fixings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for just $12.99. If turkey’s not your thing, you can strain your belt by partaking in an all-you-can-eat prime rib feast for $19.99. 950 E. Main St., Mesa, (480) 969-6504.

Rawhide: New chefs Jon Andersen and Micheal Cairns recently updated this Western town and steakhouse’s menu, and their T-Day spread, available 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., will include turkey, ham, roasted sweet potatoes, corn bread stuffing and pumpkin and apple pie. Cost is $24 for adults and $12 for children. 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, (480) 502-5600.

Monti’s la Casa Vieja: Who says Thanksgiving has to be about turkey? This East Valley institution instead is offering a special surf-and-turf special featuring herb-crusted prime rib and jumbo shrimp. The mega-meal, which costs $22.95, also includes two sides plus a basket of Monti’s signature Roman bread. 100 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, (480) 967-7594.

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Juan Jaime’s Tacos & Tequila, which opened in 2007 at Chandler Boulevard and the Loop 101 in Chandler, is bringing its street-style tacos and 80-plus tequilas to Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway, near Grayhawk Golf Course, in north Scottsdale.

Owner John James is shooting for a soft opening in mid-December and an official grand opening party Jan. 1.

Blue 32 Sports Grill, which opened in January on the northwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Val Vista Drive in Gilbert, is opening a central Scottsdale  location on Scottsdale Road just north of Indian Bend Road near Roka Akor.

The sports bar and restaurant, known for its made-from-scratch sandwiches and entrees, plans to open by late spring, according to co-owner Steve Conrad.

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Those honorees: Latilla, Arizona Kitchen, Red’s Steakhouse, Elements, Lon’s, Different Pointe of View, Ristorante Tuscany, Wright’s, T. Cook’s, Deseo, Palm Court, Asia de Cuba, Il Terrazzo, Bourbon Steak, Talavera, BLT Steak, J&G Steakhouse and Sassi.

Sassi is the only non-resort restaurant on the Arizona list. The north Scottsdale restaurant joins BLT Steak and J&G Steakhouse as newcomers in the auto club’s rankings.

Four restaurants from the 2009 list are gone: La Hacienda (closed), Mosaic (closed), Windows on the Green (temporarily closed) and Alchemy (about to reopen).

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The culinary festival season is in full swing, and this weekend offers something for everyone from chocolate lovers to beer drinkers. Here are seven events to check out:

Corks & Cactus: This annual 21-and-over event will allow people to sample more than 80 boutique wines from around the world along with hors d’oeuvres and desserts 6 to 9 p.m. at the Desert Botanical Garden. There also will be live music and talks by winery reps. Tickets ($80) must be purchased in advance. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, (480) 481-8188.

Festival of Pig: North Scottsdale restaurant Sassi celebrates its annual Festa del Maiale, a traditional feast of the pig, with a special five-course dinner for $55 Friday through Sunday. Choices range from suckling pig stuffed with pork shoulder to pork meatballs and sausages to bacon gelato and chocolate-dipped bacon. 10455 E. Pinnacle Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, (480) 502-9095, sassi.biz.

The Big Pour: Hundreds of beers will be available for sampling 4 to 11 p.m. Friday ($10 ticket includes eight pours), but the three-day beer festival’s main action is noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, when former “Cheers” star George Wendt will sign his new book, “Drinking with George,“ and Everclear will headline the stage acts ($35 ticket includes 15 pours). Scottsdale Waterfront and SouthBridge.

Chiles & Chocolate: Vendors will be handing out free samples of spicy salsas and gourmet chocolates, which will be available for purchase, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Desert Botanical Garden. Cooking demostrations and flamenco dancing lessons also will take place. Free with garden admission. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, (480) 941-1225.

First Press Grand Tasting: Samples of more than 100 award-winning wines and a cooking showdown between chefs Eddie Matney (pictured above) of Eddie’s House and Michael DeMaria of Heirloom highlight the eighth annual event 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Hotel Valley Ho. Tickets are $95 to $125. 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, (480) 774-8466.

Mill Avenue Farmers Market: Although it had a soft opening two weeks ago, this Sixth Street Park market (east of Mill) officially celebrates its grand opening from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Vendors will include Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona Bread Company, Boxed Greens and Bobbie’s Flowers.

Grill in the Grove: The Valley’s only working olive mill hosts another of its outdoor events 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday with grilled Italian sausages topped with tapenades, chicken and vegetarian kabobs and kids’ hot dog meals. Four Peaks beers, wine and champagne also will be for sale. Free admission. 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, (480) 888-9290.

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NYPD Pizza: All retired or active military employees receive two free slices or a slice
with a small house or Caesar salad and soft drink from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday. 221 E. Warner Road, Gilbert, (480) 632-6973; 2743 S. Market St., Gilbert, (480) 782-6973; 2580 W. Chandler Road, Chandler, (480) 722-0898; other Valley locations.

Sassi: Veterans and members of the U.S. military get a free three-course dinner plus non-alcoholic drinks Wednesday. Offerings
include manicotti with four
Italian cheeses or organic chicken breast with chicken sausage. 10455 Pinnacle Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, (480) 502-9095.

Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage of choice — either one non-alcoholic drink or one draft Anheuser Busch — Wednesday. Five locations in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert, plus other Valley cities.

Applebee’s: All veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy one of six free entrees, such as three-cheese chicken penne, bacon cheeseburger or seven-ounce sirloin, Wednesday. Numerous locations in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and other Valley cities.

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que: After handing out free meals to active-duty military for Armed Services Day in May, the chain is now offering a free entree to all veterans from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday. 3250 W. Frye Road, Chandler, (480) 782-1212; 1011 N. Dobson Road, Mesa, (480) 615-1444.

Golden Corral: Free buffet meals, including beverage and dessert, will be given to current military and vets from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday. The chain makes the offer on Monday so it doesn’t interfere with Veterans Day activities. 1318 N. Cooper Road, Gilbert, (480) 507-3331; 1868 N. Power Road, Mesa, (480) 985-6793.

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George Wendt, best-known for his role as beer-chugging bar fly Norm Peterson on the TV hit “Cheers,” will be the featured guest at the second annual Big Pour.

The three-day beer festival runs Thursday through Saturday at Old Town Scottsdale’s Waterfront and SouthBridge developments.

Wendt, also popular for his multiple appearances in “Da Bears” skits on “Saturday Night Live,” will be on hand Saturday to promote his new book, “Drinking with George.”

The Big Pour, sponsored by Valley-based Draft magazine, debuted last year as a one-day event at Mesa’s HoHokam Stadium. Organizers expected to sell as many as 10,000 tickets; crowd estimates were closer to 1,000.

This year’s Big Pour moves to the Waterfront-SouthBridge area, which hosted the Crave Arizona culinary festival last month.

“Green” breweries such as Sierra Nevada (which recycles 99.9 percent of it brewing materials) and New Belgium (the first U.S. brewery to
 purchase all its electricity from wind power), will be showcased Thursday.

Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. and tickets are $10, which includes eight pours.

Friday’s session will feature beer tastings, seminars and live music. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. and tickets are $10, which includes eight pours.

Saturday brings most of the Big Pour’s major attractions, including Wendt’s appearance, beer-pairing demos and an 8 p.m. concert by national act Everclear.

Hours are noon to 11 p.m. and tickets are $35, which includes 15 pours and concert admission.

Wendt fans can purchase a special $50 ticket that includes a copy of his book, a meet-and-greet with the actor, 15 pours and Everclear concert admission.

There’s also a $75 VIP package that includes three-day festival access and entrance to a VIP lounge.

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Four Peaks Brewing Company: The best-known and most-honored Valley microbrewery for the past 13 years makes eight mainstays, led by its popular Kiltlifter Scottish-style ale and British pub-inspired 8th Street Ale. It also has concocted more than two dozen various seasonal ales, such as its current Pumpkin Porter. 1340 E. Eighth St., Tempe, (480) 303-9967.

SanTan Brewing Company: This downtown Chandler brew pub (pictured at right), launched in 2007 by the longtime brewmaster from Four Peaks, showcases an every-day roster of six ales, plus a seasonal selection or two (currently, Strawberry Wit and SanTamber). Look for its most popular seasonal, Winter Warmer, to return later this month. 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, (480) 917-8700.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery: This California-based chain operates 87 locations nationwide, including ones in Chandler and Mesa. The beer list includes seven standards, plus a seasonal selection (currently, Pumpkin Ale) that changes every two months. 3155 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, (480) 917-0631; 6622 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. Mesa, (480) 324-1675.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: This Colorado-based chain, which also owns Old Chicago restaurants, has 40 brew pubs, including one in Ahwatukee. The beer list features five standard ales and lagers, plus a monthly seasonal (the next, London Smoked Porter, will be tapped Thursday). 14205 S. 50th St., Phoenix, (480) 598-1300.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: The Gordon Biersch Bottling Company actually sold off its restaurant group - which now numbers 46 locations, including Gilbert and Tempe - to Tennessee-based Big River Breweries a decade ago. The beer list offers five standard selections, plus a seaonal (currently, an Oktoberfest). 2218 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, (480) 722-0883; 420 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, (480) 736-0033.

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Wednesday was annual Free Cheeseburger Day at Joe’s Farm Grill. After handing out 3,100 free meals (cheeseburger, fries and beverage) last November, the Gilbert restaurant hoped to serve 4,000 diners this year.

But according to owner Joe Johnston, who spent the day chatting with those in a line (pictured above) that at times was 90 minutes long, the final total reached a whopping 5,575.

Tribune photographer Ralph Freso checked out the action (click any photo below to enlarge):

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