Kief-Joshua Vineyards, Arizona Wine Country’s newest winery and tasting room located at 370 Elgin Road, Elgin, is pleased to announce its winemaker, Kief Manning, recently earned a Graduate Degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. Manning, who also earned his undergraduate degree in Australia in Wine Technology and Marketing, is working full-time in his vineyard South of Tucson.
“My focus is to make memorable wines that are well-balanced in both richness and complexity,” said Kief, who has been practicing pesticide and herbicide free farming practices to protect the land since his first planting in 2003. “I realize that the path toward my goals begins in the vineyards, with vines that fostered through natural, sustainable farming techniques.”
Kief is focusing his attention toward Biodynamics, a holistic farming approach developed in the 1920s by the Austrian scientist-philosopher Rudolf Steiner. While it encompasses many principles of organic farming, such as the elimination of all chemicals, biodynamics goes further, requiring close attention to the varied forces of nature influencing the vine. It also emphasizes a closed, self-sustaining ecosystem.
“It will take several more years to get to where I want to be,” said Kief. “But each project is a step closer to my reliance on sustainable farming techniques, biodynamics, and farming for flavors.”
Anyone interesting in visiting Kief-Joshua Vineyards tasting room can do so daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Private parties and private tastings for larger groups are also welcome by appointment. The $4 tasting fee includes a free souvenir wine glass. Please call 520-455-5582 with any questions.
