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Eat, drink & learn at ‘Drinking Local: A Toast to the Southwest’

Crooked Tooth Brewing Company (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

Eat, drink & learn at ‘Drinking Local: A Toast to the Southwest’

Apr 8, 20232 min read

From 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, an exhibit like no other, Drinking Local: A Toast to the Southwest, is taking place inside the Arizona History Museum.

Tucson Foodie is teaming up with the Arizona Historical Society, Local First Arizona, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tucson Guide, and the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild to reveal the grand opening of the new exhibit at 949 E. Second St.

What’s the new exhibit like?

The exhibit explores the history and community impact of brewing, distilling, and winemaking in Southern Arizona.

You’ll find artifacts such as the bar from Tombstone’s Birdcage Theatre, an original copper still from local distiller Whiskey Del Bac, and artifacts of retired University of Arizona soil scientist, Gordon Dutt. Have you ever heard of Gordon Dutt? You should because his research led to the founding of Sonoita’s very first winery, Sonoita Vineyards.

Drinks, food & live music

During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy certain — and exclusive — sips and tastes from award-winning wineries, breweries, distilleries, and local restaurants. Additionally, there’s going to be live music by the Whiskey Treats Band.

The Fun Pass, which is $65 per person, includes samples from every participating brewery, distillery, winery, and restaurant, unlimited dry drinks, and private admission to the entire museum. The Designated Driver Pass ($25 each) includes all but the alcohol.

Participating Wineries, Breweries, Restaurants & More

  • Dragoon Brewing Company
  • Sonoita Vineyards
  • Whiskey Del Bac
  • Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
  • Suncliffe Gin
  • HighWire
  • Hi-Fi Kitchen
  • Gentle Ben’s
  • Bacio Italiano
  • Si Charro! Restaurants
  • Sonoran Wines
  • …and many more

Proceeds from this event will support the museum and its “important mission to connect people through the power of Arizona’s history.”

The Arizona History Museum is located at 949 E. Second St. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit arizonahistoricalsociety.org.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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