Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards

I dug through my entire library in search of a few quotes that would best describe my mission and overall disposition here at Caduceus. Not an easy task. I’m an extremely intense and passionate person and I invest myself fully into every endeavor i undertake. Physically emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. A few clever sound bites simply would not do. I’m not a Hallmark kind of guy. The few bits of poetry I had to uncover needed to resonate at the deepest and most personal level. So here they are. A few unearthed gems. Broad sweeps from a diverse palate that will hopefully paint a captivating portrait of Caduceus Cellars.

“The more one pleases generally, the less on pleases profoundly.” – Stendahl, Love 1822

“Look at every path closely and deliberately, then ask ourselves this crucial question: Does this pathhave a heart? If it does, then the path is good. If it doesn’t, it is of no use.” – Carlos Castaneda

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.” – Albert Einstein

“O me! O life!… of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless–of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life? Answer. That you are here – that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.” – Walt Whitman

Northern Arizona is truly a remarkable place. I scratched my head for years wondering why no one had attempted to grow grapes in what appeared to be the perfect climate. Harsh yet mystical. A survivors paradise. I theorized a series of hurdles left over from the days of prohibition. Perhaps that minor hiccup in our nations history stunted the development of our palate and thus veiled the potential of this region. It would take a deeper understanding for the grace, the magic, the alchemy that is wine for someone to recognize this raw frontier as a gold mine for a gifted wine making pioneer. Surely Max Schubert would have grinned and shook his head in bewilderment to see the red rocks of Sedona devoid of one single solitary vineyard. A crime. It only took me a few years of staring across my porch at Mingus Mountain while drinking a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape for the spell to take effect. And when it did, I decided then and there to plant a vineyard. 

Most of those I shared this vision with just sort of nodded and secretly hoped I would stay on my meds. But the few who truly recognize that look in my eye decided to ask the right question. They asked what kind of wine I intended to make. This question has a simple answer. My art and music has been described as "thick, dense, rich, complex, engaging, emotional, and spiritual," by those who are fans. And an "acquired taste" for those kind others who are not. Arizona is "thick, dense, rich, complex, engaging, emotional, and spiritual," as well as being an "acquired taste." We are a match made in heaven and surely these qualities will be reflected in the wine that Arizona will present to us. My job now is to LISTEN, As if a medium, to every detail no matter how subtle and present her story unaltered. Wish me luck.

Maynard James Keenan

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