By the time you’ve read this, Simon Hazel Cellars would have already held its first-year anniversary party. The shindig happened on Sunday, June 11, at 6960 E. Sunrise Dr., featuring live music, games, prizes, great food, and, of course, tastings of the incredible varieties they carry from all over the world. 

Simon Hazel Cellars is the love child of a man named Joe Taylor, who was born and raised here in Tucson, and we have a road trip and picnic to thank for making it all come about.  

Taylor, along with his partner Bryan Durkin, who just happens to be co-owner of Simon Hazel as well, was on a months-long car ride from Tucson to the farthest reaches of Alaska in 2021. Both were dealing with losses so being in a car with a newfound love and going to the inner circle of permafrost seemed like just the thing they needed.

Being wine aficionados, especially for a good California cabernet, they made a detour and stopped at the mecca for said varietal: Napa, California.

Their favorite winery located on Pritchard Hill in Napa, Chappellet Winery, produces some of the most celebrated cabernet sauvignon in the world. While sipping their wine and enjoying a gourmet picnic, the two had time to reflect on their future. When they got home to Tucson, they would open a specialty wine emporium.  

Exactly one year after that inspired moment on Pritchard Hill, Simon Hazel Cellars opened the doors to their Foothills location at Kolb and Sunrise.

Named after Taylor’s dogs, Simon Hazel Cellars is the Southern Arizona destination for all things refined, delightful, elegant, resourceful, and headily ambrosial. And, we’re not just talking about the wine here. Where once a dry cleaning business claimed stake now proudly sits a bottle shop that is much more than a bottle shop. It’s a complete experience. 

Sure you’ll find a bottle of 2016 Promontory red blend going for almost a grand, but every other Friday be prepared to swing as you swig. Their Wine and Jazz Happy Hour is in full effect. There you can sample the goods that Taylor and Durkin are most excited about at the moment with maybe a few surprises thrown in just to keep you on your vino toes. 

Come hungry, too.

Each Wine and Jazz Happy Hour comes equipped with fresh charcuterie-level snacks, which traditionally include grapes. At one point, you are eating them, and then the next thing you’re drinking them. Is there anything that wine can’t do? 

Simon Hazel Cellars also has tastings throughout each month. This allows you to learn why Taylor and Durkin are so passionate about what they do and what their business is all about. One tasting could be from a select region, such as Austria, Portugal, or even Arizona, and another could feature a specific variety, a new, well-established, or favorite vineyard of theirs. 

There are even classes on how to properly taste wine and a private paint-and-sip where you learn how to paint while getting a little rosy in the cheeks. With so many classes and tastings, you’ll be well on your way to becoming quite the sommelier yourself. Keep in mind that each class and tasting is by reservation only. 

If you need even more Simon Hazel amazingness in your life, they have an exclusive wine club for you to join with benefits and members-only delights we can all raise a glass to. 

Can’t make it out to the Cellars but need that Syrah they currently have in stock? No worries. There is an easy-to-navigate order form for home delivery. 

It’s a wonderful story that started with a picnic during a road trip. We’re so glad that Taylor and Durkin came back home to Tucson, opened up Simon Hazel Cellars, and are now treating us all with wine from across the globe — wine they are so knowledgeable and spirited about. One year is just the beginning because we all know that wine gets better with age. We have the same feeling about Simon Hazel Cellars. 

So here is a toast! Let us all say sip, sip hooray!

Simon Hazel Cellars is located at 6960 E. Sunrise Dr. #160, and is open noon – 10 p.m. on Monday – Sunday and noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit simonhazel.com and follow Simon Hazel Cellars on Facebook and Instagram.

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Simon Hazel Cellars is a Foodie 500 Restaurant Partner.