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And the Wine Goes On
Also in the Verde Valley wine industry, is actor,
editor, writer and movie producer, Sam Pillsbury
of Pillsbury Wine Company, serving 100% Arizona
Estate Grown wines in an historic home just
outside of Old Town Cottonwood. Pillsbury
himself has directed 32 films to date, including
Free Willy 3: The Rescue, and Where the Red
Fern Grows.
Now he is racking up wine awards. He has brought
home to Arizona, no less than 120 medals over
the last ten years just from the annual prestigious
San Francisco Chronicle’s Wine Competition.
These include two “Best of Class,” eleven “Double
Gold,” and fourteen “Gold” medals. Also of note:
his 2009 Pinot Gris was served in the White
House. Pillsbury has grown many single grape hits:
Chardonnay, Malvasia, Mouvedre, Syrah, Petite
Syrah, Grenache, Viognier and Symphony.
Mr. Pillsbury himself often appears for events at his
wine room, imparting many vibrant details of the
entire wine-making process. Equally knowledge-
able is his curated staff, include Manager Val Fisch,
her husband Jason Fisch, and previous TR Manager
who has returned home to Pillsbury to roost: Sara
Massey. His crew have been hands-on: from
understanding the land, to the grape selection,
and having partaken in the melangeing of the perfect
blend, many sounding like a book title: One Night
Stand, Diva, Inappropriate, WildChild, and more
covers to come. Check out their two tasting room
locations and online wine shop here:
https://www.pillsburywine.com
DTPR MARCH THROUGH APRIL 2025 / COVER STORY
Photography by: Debby Wolvos