By Roger Naylor
Everything about a stay at Castle Hot Springs is intended to induce a sense of harmony. The scenic beauty, the connection to nature, the physical activities, and wellness treatments are all designed to stimulate the senses while soothing the spirit. Guests leave feeling relaxed yet recharged.
A crucial aspect of the congenial overall experience takes place at the dining table where meals are prepared using the freshest possible ingredients, often grown right there on the property. Yet despite the healthful benefits, exquisite preparation makes every bite feel like pure decadence. Especially when it is paired with a most memorable wine. That particular harmonious note comes courtesy of Sarah Foote.
More than just a wine sommelier, Sarah oversees every aspect of the process as the Director of Wine and Service. With her knowledge, passion, and perception, Sarah ensures that Castle Hot Springs remains one of the premier locations for wine tasting in Arizona.
Of course, it all starts with the expansive wine cellar at the resort that Sarah has carefully assembled. More than 750 labels represent regions and styles from all over the world. But it very much follows her vision of creative and interesting choices, affordably priced.
“Our wine cellar is steeped in American history, just like the resort,” says Sarah. “The largest selection is California Cabernet Sauvignons and blends. We also feature wines from both the New World and the Old World to accompany the ‘new American’ menu that chef has created. We have written the wine list to be easily digested with a mix of esoteric and well-known labels.”
Naturally, Arizona’s flourishing wine industry is represented. The resort supports multiple Arizona wineries including Los Milics, Rune, and Page Springs.
Collecting the proper wines is only the beginning. Dispensing them at just the right time to the right person becomes the key. At Castle Hot Springs, skilled guides are busy during the daytime leading guests on a range of adventures, from hikes to archery to e-bike rides to Via Ferrata climbs. In each case, guides are there to lend their expertise and enhance the adventure. Sarah does the same in the dining room of Harvest. The wine experience is not just a matter of sampling designated flavors; it is about discovery. Sarah acts as the ultimate guide, charting a unique path with every guest.
“Technically, a sommelier’s job is to perfectly pair food and wine,” says Sarah. “However, service is in part psychology. Reading and understanding the guest’s wants and needs is more important than a perfect pairing.”
Sarah’s special gift is how she listens as well as advises. Staying sensitive to each guest’s particular preferences from newbies to oenophiles, she is able to turn each sip into a true sensory experience.
“If a guest is certain about what they desire, we want to serve them that with beautiful service, glassware, and timing,” says Sarah. “If they want our guidance, we seek to understand what they enjoy and introduce them to something they haven’t tried, but we know they will appreciate.”
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Sarah’s duties is how she creates something new—not just each season—but each day. That’s because the dinner menu at Harvest changes each and every day to reflect the bounty of vegetables, fruit, and herbs picked at their peak. That selection of ultra-fresh ingredients determines the dishes that will comprise that evening’s menu.
“The sommelier team collaborates with the chefs daily to understand what is being prepared,” says Sarah. “As the food menu changes, the wine selections change. Every single day new dishes and wine selections are made—so the guest will always see something fresh.”
The dedication and attention to detail have paid off. For the past two years running, Castle Hot Springs has been recognized by Wine Spectator with a coveted “Award of Excellence.” The honor is bestowed only to restaurants with a deep commitment to their wine programs, featuring an extensive collection of quality products that complement the cuisine while appealing to a wide audience.
With two levels of wine pairing dinners offered at Castle Hot Springs, guests have a chance for a remarkable journey, sampling beloved favorites or discovering new worlds to savor. Whatever type of adventure you seek to uncork, Sarah Foote will be glad to guide you. She has just one simple wish for everyone’s wine experience.
“I want it to be exactly what they want, plus a little more.”