Sonoran Dogs at Ruiz Hot Dogs (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

March 2020 Food Events: Wine Festivals, Cocktails & Fancy Dinners


March 1, 2020
By Matt Sterner

There's lots to do in Tucson now that the weather is warmin' up.

Do you feel that breeze flowing through Tucson?

Some see it as dust, chilly air, and allergy-inducing, but perhaps visualize it as a large number of events coming to Tucson during the month of March.

This month, you’ve got choices that include wine festivals, food photography classes, cooking workshops, multi-course dinners, and a beer festival before an epic hockey game.

Sunday, March 1

(GMT-07:00)

For a few hours, taste a flight of Sentinel Peak Brewing’s flagship beers uniquely combined with a selection of everyone’s favorite seasonal cookies.

Besides the pairings happening until the early part of the evening, Girl Scout Cookies will be for sale and Sentinel Peak Brewing will be pouring even more on tap — you know, if your mouth gets a little too dry from all of those cookies. …read more.

(GMT-07:00)

The Tucson Village Farm is setting up a chicken coop for a game of “Chicken Poop Bingo” right outside Tucson Hop Shop.

Now, it’s not your typical game of bingo. These chickens are walking on top of a giant Bingo game board and you’re simply waiting for the feathered friends to drop the goods. …read more. 

Wednesday, March 4

(GMT-07:00)

Old Chicago will now host three Ten55 Brewing Company’s beers on tap, and they’re throwing a launch party.

Brew’s they’re putting on tap:

  • Pippin’s Pint (Saint Patrick’s Day beer)
  • Leap Forward
  • XOXO Coffee Stout

The brewers will be there so mingle with them, check out the new Ten55 Brewing swag, and enter to win giveaway prizes. …read more.

Friday, March 6

(GMT-07:00)

Compare three northern hemisphere wines with three southern hemisphere wines at this tasting.

Maynards Market & Kitchen is serving the wine tastings for $12 per person or for free if you’re a Maynards Wine Club member. …read more. 

Saturday, March 7

(GMT-07:00)

Be sure to register before the big day.

The after party will be near Ten55 Brewing Company on Scott Ave., between Congress and Broadway, from noon – 6 p.m. During the celebration, each rider will get a Gran Fondo t-shirt, three tokens for Ten55 Brewing’s beer and food, and one raffle ticket for Ten55 Brewing merchandise. …read more.

(GMT-07:00)

Jackie Tran had such a blast the first time he’s now offering another opportunity to turn your photography skills up a notch.

During the class, Jackie will be covering composition, lighting, and techniques he commonly uses when out on a shoot. In addition, there are going to be bites from Pinches Tacos and food trucks and beer from Borderlands Brewing Company. …read more.

Saturday, March 7 – Sunday, March 8

(GMT-07:00)

Like the previous years, the two-day event features samples and new wine releases from more than 15 Arizona wineries or acclaimed winemakers, and live blues music from some of the best in the Tucson area.

The festival continues to expand each year, and in 2020 it’s destined to be bigger and yummier with local cuisine from the Ciao Down Food Truck, Las Vigas Mexican Food, Russel’s Texas BBQ, and other vendors. …read more.

Tuesday, March 10

(GMT-07:00)

In celebration of their sixth anniversary, Iron John’s Brewing Company is putting the last three years releases of Hardy Thomas Cask-Aged Barleywine side by side on a flight, with candied nuts and strong cheese to pair.

Flights are $12.50.

There will also be live music beginning at 6:30 p.m. by Lexa Rachel and her band. …read more.

Saturday, March 14

(GMT-07:00)

This year, at least 10 local and regional breweries will be set up outside the TCC Arena in the beer garden, which is where you can grab all the samples you can before the Zamboni finishes prepping the for the Tucson Roadrunners.

Tickets are $45 per person and that includes your admission to the game, a commemorative glass, beer samples, and one 2020 Roadrunners Hockey & Hops mug. …read more.

(GMT-07:00)

The Pueblo Vida Brewing Company’s taproom is celebrating Pi Day by throwing some delicious pie into the equation with Pie Bird Bakery and Cafe.

They’ll be serving up two flavors of 4-inch pies to enjoy alongside two Pueblo Vida Brewing’s beers. All of the fun begins at noon and it may be wise to show up sooner than later, being that there’s going to be a limited number of pies. …read more.

Sunday, March 15

(GMT-07:00)

Every third Sunday, the Medella Fairs and Medella Vina Ranch host the Artisan Food Far.

It’s packed with trail rides, wine tastings, lawn games, demonstrations and plenty more to be enjoyed by the entire family. …read more. 

Thursday, March 19

(GMT-07:00)

You won’t want to miss this competition because you’ll have the opportunity to sample cocktails from five mixologists that represent a few of the 23 certified 2020 Tucson City of Gastronomy Restaurants.

You, the guest of honor, are allowed to vote, too. The results are partially up to you and you’ll be able to help name the “TCOG Cocktail of the Year,” which comes with a $250 cash prize.

Tickets are $35 per person and include cocktail tastings and hors d’oeuvres from the Carriage House. …read more.

Friday, March 20

(GMT-07:00)

This year, bring in the spring season with a nice glass of wine.

Maynards Market & Kitchen is serving wine tastings for $12 per person or for free if you’re a Maynards Wine Club member. …read more.

Saturday, March 21

(GMT-07:00)

Several local and regional wines of the Southwest are showing up, sweet and savory snacks will be available to munch on, stargaze through a fancy telescope, take a night hike, enjoy live music by Little Cloud, visit with the animals, and even capture the moment at the Hello Gorgeous Photo Booth.

Additional food will be available to purchase from Ironwood Terraces, Phoebe’s Coffee Bar, and local food trucks.

Tickets range from $20 to $105 — depending on the type of experience you’d like to have. …read more.

Sunday, March 22

(GMT-07:00)

The dinner is offered at the resort once a year with gourmet barbecue cuisine and more than 35 different varieties of Zinfandel for you to savor. Plus, you can’t forget about the live music during the meal, and the Connie Brannock and Little House of Funk have that covered with their blues and R&B.

Some of the featured wines include the Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Zinfandel, Shebang! Red 12th Cuvee, Oakville Winery Zinfandel, Maserie Pizari Primitivo, and more.

Tickets are $69 per person if you’d like the Zinfandel tastings and $49 if you’d rather skip the tastings. read more. 

Tuesday, March 24

(GMT-07:00)

With each year’s passing, the monthly event continues to change, get tastier, and grow into a much bigger culinary experience with its vast group of collaborators. This year, PY Steakhouse and executive chef Ryan Clark are inviting local farmers from Southern Arizona into the kitchen to craft multi-course dinners with paired beverages.

Next up is Alex Bencomo of Felicia’s Farm and will involve using hand-picked, mindfully-sourced, Arizona-grown ingredients.

Seats range from $75 – $125 per person and you can make reservations by calling (520) 324-9350. …read more.

Saturday, March 28 

(GMT-07:00)

This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a dinner and cocktails from local growers and producers, while learning about the origin and history of the food from James Beard Award-winning chef Janos Wilder.

Plus, the dinner will benefit the Community Food Bank and help support its mission to build a healthy, hunger-free Tucson community.

Seats are $125 per person and a vegetarian dish can be requested ahead of time. …read more.

(GMT-07:00)

Here’s a neat way to discover the world of dumplings.

The Garden Kitchen is hosting a hands-on class that teaches you to create a variety of internationally inspired dumplings.

Tickets are $55 per person and will include lunch, too. …read more.

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