Serving up wine, beer, live music, events, starry skies.
About three years ago, Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden owner Ali Amato switched occupations, from running the Bradshaw Mountain Wildlife Association to managing a vineyard. Her intention was to relocate a cat rescue operation.
However, according to her website, “when the community heard that there was a possibility that Granite Creek Vineyards was going to close down, they begged me to keep it open. So, I agreed to give it a shot. Winey Cats at Granite Creek Vineyards was formed to combine the winery and the cat rescue.”
In search of a business partner for her new endeavor, she turned to her good friend, Heather Buck, a former wildlife manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department in Phoenix.
“I fell in love with the Granite Creek Vineyard!” said Buck. “At first, we were joking about me coming to help run it, but after giving it some serious thought, I quit my job, sold my house and came up to work,” said Buck, who serves as manager.
Both Amato and Buck were involved in animal rescue for 20 years and became close friends.
The six-acre parcel has become a local favorite for concerts, corporate events, fundraisers and baby and bridal showers. “We’ve even done quinceañeras,” said Amato, noting that the venue has seen upwards of 300 people in attendance at single events.
“When the weather is right, it’s the place to be,” said Gurley Girls band member Jen Harvey. “Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden is home to swaying trees, talkative peacocks, vintage buildings, fine wines and some of the best live music in the Quad Cities area. It’s a bit like entering another world. The Gurley Girls have played here for years and we always look forward to coming back to this beloved venue.”
Currently, Amato and Buck are not producing wine, but they are growing vines and hope to learn to harvest grapes and make wine. In the meantime, they are showcasing wines from all around the world. “We are offering wines from Napa, South Africa, Spain, Italy, Portugal and other countries,” said Buck. “We also offer beers that are local to the U.S.”
Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden features a Summer Concert Series with live music every Saturday and Sunday through October. An upcoming Wine Tasting and Pairing event is on the schedule, along with a Make Your Own Wine Torch for your garden and Make Your Own Charcuterie Board activities.
“The Prescott Astronomy Club brings in their telescopes and astronomers will meet with guests and answer questions,” said Buck. “We had a great turnout last year.”
“We’ve been enjoying Winey Cats since we moved here two years ago,” said local resident Becky Bruske. “It has been a great place to relax, have a beverage and listen to great music. The grounds are beautiful and the owners and staff are warm and welcoming. It is a great place to meet people and watch the peacocks and cats. Ali and Heather have made my husband and me feel at home and appreciated!”
Robbie Cox of the R & D Project, a musical duo based out of Prescott, has performed at Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden for three seasons.
“They just put in a new stage and with the vineyard and rural country setting, you feel like you’re on a farm or ranch,” said Cox. “We just played there for Mother’s Day and there was a long lineup of cars. Patrons like to go there and relax and listen to music. Sometimes they will have food trucks and crafts for sale from different local vendors. It’s so sweet and a reflection of the small town feel of Chino Valley.” QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
For more information about Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden, visit www.wineycats.com.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Winey Cats at Granite Creek Vineyard Manager Heather Buck and owner Ali Amato share a toast to their three-year operation.
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