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SAVOR Food and Wine Festival: Tucson’s Ultimate Display of Food and Libation

Tucson, Arizona, has been a go-to destination for those looking to ward off cabin fever and pesky winter blues for many years. With over 300 days with sunshine annually and an average winter temperature of over 70℉, Tucson seems like it's custom made for winter getaways. The landscape is majestic and so diverse that you’ll find everything from rolling vineyards to desolate desert. In fact, you’ll find areas representing seven of the nine established life zones (distinct animals and plants at different altitudes). The Tucson metro area is surrounded by five different mountain ranges, leaving you with panoramic vistas no matter where you look. The warm weather and natural beauty have not only attracted snowbirds to the area, but many artists, chefs, brewers and skilled creators have also made Tucson their home. The growing creative community is best showcased in the variety of galleries, restaurants, art shows, breweries and wineries that you’ll find in this vibrant community. Tucson is also the city where you’ll find some of the finest festivals and events the state has to offer. One festival in particular that has been gaining momentum is the SAVOR Southern Arizona Food and Wine Festival.

 

Entering its third year of existence, SAVOR Southern Arizona Food and Wine Festival is steadily becoming one of the most anticipated winter events in the region. You’ll find more than 75 different chefs and local restaurants, selling their delicious creations. The growing list of drink options has reached over 30, with selections coming from a variety of local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Local instructors will be on hand, giving talks about the community, the food industry, and the local environment. The festival is held at the stunning Tucson Botanical Garden, giving the event a beautiful backdrop and a relaxed vibe. Also, the botanical garden grows many of the herbs and ingredients that are commonly used in the culinary creations of the local chefs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to sample the best food and drink in all of Tucson and make your way to SAVOR Southern Arizona Food and Wine Festival.

ResortsandLodges.com reciveved the opportunity to interview Cait Huble, the Communications Director for the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Allicance, to talk about this unique and fun event.

 

RAL: Tell me about the festival.

CH: The event was started in 2014, making this our 3rd Annual SAVOR Southern Arizona Food and Wine Festival. We will feature over 75 exhibitors, including local chefs, libations providers, and community educators. The event is on pace to sell out each of its 1,200 available tickets prior to the event as it has for the past two years! Demographically, due to the fact that the event is a wine festival and we feature over 30 local libations (including breweries, wineries, and distillers), we’re mainly a 21+ event. That being said, we do see plenty of couples, groups, and single people having a blast.

 

RAL: What makes the festival unique?

CH: SAVOR is the first culinary event of its kind in Tucson. Our focus on promoting the culinary arts as a true art form creates a unique feel for the event. The event puts a heavy emphasis on promoting the local economy as all of the participants are locally owned and use locally sourced ingredients in their featured menu items, as well as all year long in their restaurants.

 

RAL: Take me through a typical day at the event.

CH: Upon arrival at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, guests will enter the 5.5 acre event area, pick up a wine glass and have the opportunity to peruse and sample from each of the 75 exhibitors. Live musicians will be performing throughout the day on two different stages. Attendees can learn about Tucson’s recently claimed title as one of UNESCO’s Cities of Gastronomy, or have a book signed by Tucson Food Writer Rita Connelly, who is also presenting her recently published book ‘The Lost Restaurants of Tucson’. In addition, attendees can learn about local conservation projects including composting, the Heritage Seed Project, or they can visit the Butterfly Magic exhibition.

 

Of course the highlight of the day will be the food and wine samplings. Featured menu items include: prickly pear and toasted macadamia nut lemon squares with a mesquite flour crust, grilled pork taco on handmade corn tortillas, focaccia stuffed with braised citrus beef cheeks, top knot duck tinga on hubbard squash puree, and many many more!

 

RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?

CH: The Savor Food and Wine Festival coincides with the Tucson Gem Show, so finding lodging during this time may present a challenge as thousands of gem industry professions will be in town filling many of the hotels. If you are planning to travel to Tucson during this time we encourage you to book your accommodations early.

 

RAL: Does the festival bring extra business to the local economy?

CH: Yes, the primary goal of the event is to support the local Tucson economic community. Local First Arizona (one of the presenting organizations) is the largest alliance of independent businesses in the country, working to strengthen communities and local economies through supporting, maintaining, and celebrating locally owned businesses throughout the state of Arizona. With over 2,500 local business members, LFA educates citizens, stakeholders, business leaders, and legislators about the significant environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of strong local economies.

 

RAL: Does the festival support any special causes in the community?

CH: The event is presented by a collaboration of three non-profit organizations:  

 

The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance is a not for profit community arts organization dedicated to the advancement, preservation, and creation of the arts, hosting hundreds of free community-engaging events and performances each year, while also raising money for signature programs in arts education and therapeutic arts for veterans and local seniors. Tucson Botanical Gardens has been educating all ages on horticulture and plant life for decades, while providing a serene oasis for locals and tourists to escape.  Local First Arizona works to build vibrant communities that residents are proud to call home by advocating the importance of supporting locally owned businesses and supporting programs that create prosperity for local economies.

 

RAL: Why should people come?

CH: The Savor Food and Wine Festival presents a truly unique atmosphere as it brings together Southern Arizona’s finest culinary professionals and offers attendees the opportunity to truly savor the experience of sampling diverse menus in the beautiful blooms of the Botanical Gardens. Now in it’s third year, we’re continuing to see travelers return to enjoy this incredible event.


For more information about this event and other great events held by the SAACA, please visit their website.