The Bitter Creek Story
High in the Mingus Mountain Range, a small trickle of water seeps out from an underground spring. As the pull of gravity moves the small stream around and down the mountain by the Gold King Mine, the flow increases. The small stream heads under the huge boulders of mine tailings from the Little Daisy Copper Mine and resurfaces close to the Jerome State Park, formerly the Douglas Family Mansion. Running faster, as the landscape angles downward, Slaughterhouse Springs contributes a dividend of water. Small pieces of vegetation, fallen leaves and water insects hitchhike a fast ride as Bitter Creek moves down the hill, along the side of what was once Daisy Town, a place of 1500 people, where Blue Wild Iris of Jerome bloom profusely amongst the ruins of homes long gone. Sliding into a fissure in the rock at Hogpen Springs, Bitter Creek dives underground again to meander through the natural aquifer. Bypassing a diversion toward the Josephine Tunnel, the water now flows into a water shed toward the town of Clarkdale. Devoid of life, the Creek moves through the aquifer in the quiet darkness under the High School to suddenly resurface as part of a wet land preserve. It is here that Bitter Creek loses its identity melding with the Verde River to continue the journey to join forces with the Salt River as it travels Southward toward Phoenix.
John Michael and Bitter Creek Winery Label Artist Rick Wyckoff at the Bitter Creek Wine Release Party.
Bitter Creek wines have made a similar journey from the vineyard to the winery in Jerome. The young, tender varietals have withstood the cold wind of an Arizona winter and the assault of a relentless summer sun. Ripening on the vine, producing a sweet fruit begging to be pressed into juice, the grape follows a natural process, becoming the nectar of the Gods.
Enjoy and savor Bitter Creek blends. Envision the passage from the beginning of the life giving spring to the glass of wine you now hold in your hand. We invite and welcome you to join our family and friends celebrating our grower/vintner, John Michaels', hand-crafted limited production of Bitter Creek Wines. Only available at Bitter Creek Winery in Historical Jerome, Arizona.
