Arizona sisters to open state’s first winery-brewery combo

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation last week that allows operation of a brewery and winery on the same land and a pair of Arizona sisters will be the first to take advantage.

Megan Haller and Shannon Zouzoulas of Arizona Hops and Vines in Sonoita, Ariz. were the first to commercially grow hops in the state for beer and now will be the first to run a combo brewery-winery.

“I’ve had four people contact me that are opening breweries or wineries and wanted to do both,” said Zouzoulas. “They’re all excited. We’re moving forward and driving this industry.”

Zouzoulas said their first beer, an India Pale Ale, will be called “The Shooter” in honor of Sen. Don Shooter, who helped push legislation through that helped end the restriction on running a brewery and winery together.

“We’re applying for the license which should take about 120 days to approve, so we’re looking at fall to start brewing operations.”