In an evening of friendship, fine dining and award-winning beverages, YC Foundation donors hoisted a glass with local wine enthusiasts to honor the Verde Valley and YC’s Viticulture and Enology Program – and raise scholarship funds for the winemakers of tomorrow.

Wine & Dine in the Vines, the Yavapai College Foundation’s signature fundraising event, lit up the fields and the foothills around the Southwest Wine Center on Saturday night, October 21.

Always a jewel on the community social calendar, Wine & Dine in the Vines invites friends new and old to appreciate the artistry of winemaking and the beauty of an autumn night in Northern Arizona. This year’s event sold out early, with a capacity crowd of 250 donors enjoying culinary creations from more than 25 local restaurants and wineries, participating in a silent auction and drawing for the best vintage in the annual Wine Pull.

Julia Dixon, the award-winning Owner and Manager of 1764 Vineyards and Four Tails vineyards, proved a highlight of the evening. The 2016 Yavapai College Viticulture & Enology (VEN) graduate spoke persuasively about the value of her education and the Southwest Wine Center’s profound influence on the Verde Valley community.

Since its inception in 2009, Yavapai College’s VEN program has bolstered the brain trust, pedigree and vineyards of the Verde Valley. From its teaching winery on the 13-acre fields of the Southwest Wine Center, the VEN program has provided qualified wine makers, fueled start-up wineries and offered the logistical expertise that helped the community earn the coveted designation of “American Viticulture Area” in 2021.

The October 21 event was a social and financial success, raising approximately $50,000 to support student scholarships and the College’s Viticulture & Enology program.

“The Friends of the Southwest Wine Center Board is grateful to all the attendees, sponsors, wineries, restaurants and donors,” YC’s Friends of the Southwest Wine Center Board Secretary Janet Regner said, “for an extremely successful event.”

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Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.