An Arizona malbec? How the arid state became America’s newest wine country

As scientists in the drought-stricken state worry about water use, winemakers believe grapes are the perfect crop for the dry land

The high desert of Arizona may seem like an odd place for wine tasting. But you wouldn't know it from the crowds that gathered at the Verde Valley Wine festival, two hours north of Phoenix, on a hot day in May.

As the sun beamed down, hundreds of wine lovers jostled for a spot to enjoy their drinks in the shade. On the edge of a lawn, producers offered up tastings, to-go bottles and cases of wine - much of it grown just down the road.