Behind the Cactus
The Journal of Jumping Cholla
Welcome to Behind the Cactus, where we share the thoughts, experiments, vineyard stories, and occasional rabbit holes that inspire Jumping Cholla. From winemaking insights and food pairings to Arizona wine, local adventures, and whatever else happens to spark our curiosity, this is where you'll get a glimpse of what goes on behind the label.
We hope you'll pour a glass, stay awhile, and enjoy the journey with us. Jump to a particular topic using the links below.
Great Wine Doesn’t Need to Be Expensive
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to drink something really good. In fact, some of the most interesting wines being made right now come from producers who refuse to play by the old rules about price and prestige.
At Laramita Cellars, producer of Jumping Cholla Beverages, we’ve always believed that great wine should be accessible. That’s why we created our Jumping Cholla Red—a blend of Syrah, Carménère, and Merlot.
We didn’t set out to make a “serious” Bordeaux-style wine. Instead, we looked at what some of the more forward-thinking producers in California were doing: using a little Syrah to add depth, vibrancy, and mid-palate weight to traditional Bordeaux blends. We liked the idea, so we played with it.
The result is a wine that’s bold, juicy, and surprisingly complex for something so easy to drink. It’s the kind of red that works just as well with a weeknight dinner as it does with something a little more dressed up.
We didn’t expect it to turn heads at competitions. But at the 2026 Arizona Governor’s Cup, our Jumping Cholla Red took Best in Class in the Red Blend category. Not bad for a wine that started almost as an afterthought.
The bigger point is this: price doesn’t always equal quality. Some of the most exciting bottles out there right now are made by people who care more about flavor and personality than prestige. We’re proud to be part of that movement.
If you’re tired of overpaying for wine that underwhelms, give our Red a try. You might be surprised by what you find.
The Cholla Sangria
Sangria is one of the easiest and most crowd-pleasing drinks you can make, especially when you start with a solid base wine. Our wines work great for sangria because they’re flavorful without being overly tannic or oaky. And a sangria can scratch that itch for a low-alcohol party beverage.
Here’s a simple, refreshing recipe that works with any of our core wines:
- 1 bottle of Jumping Cholla Red, White, or Rosé (chilled)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 apple or pear, chopped
- ¼ cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional but recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup sparkling water or lemon-lime soda (added just before serving)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Add the sliced fruit to a large pitcher.
- Pour in the brandy (if using) and simple syrup. Stir and let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the fruit can release its flavors.
- Add the full bottle of Jumping Cholla wine and stir gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
- Just before serving, add sparkling water or soda and plenty of ice.
Tips:
- Red makes a richer, more traditional sangria.
- White keeps things light and crisp — great for summer.
- Rosé strikes a nice balance and looks beautiful in the glass.
Sangria is meant to be flexible. Feel free to swap in whatever fruit you have on hand. The important thing is to start with a wine you actually enjoy drinking on its own.
Does the Shape of Your Wine Glass Really Matter?
You’ve probably heard that the shape of a wine glass affects how wine tastes. It’s not just wine snobbery—there’s actually some science behind it. The shape of a glass influences three main things: aroma, temperature, and how the wine reaches your palate.
Aroma
Most of what we perceive as “taste” actually comes from smell. Wider bowls allow more surface area for the wine to breathe, releasing more aromas. Narrower glasses concentrate those aromas toward the top of the glass, making them more noticeable.
Temperature
A larger bowl helps keep the wine from warming up too quickly from the heat of your hand. This is especially useful for reds that are best served slightly cooler than room temperature.
How the Wine Reaches Your Palate
The shape of the rim directs the wine to different areas of your mouth. Wider glasses tend to deliver wine across a broader area, while narrower glasses can focus it more toward the front or center. This can subtly change how you perceive acidity, tannins, and sweetness.
So, What Should You Actually Use?
For everyday drinking, you don’t need a huge collection of glasses. A simple, all-purpose wine glass with a generously sized bowl works well for most wines. That said, here are a few general guidelines:
- Bold reds (like our Jumping Cholla Red): A larger bowl helps soften tannins and open up the aromas.
- Crisp whites and rosés: A slightly narrower bowl helps keep the wine cooler and highlights bright fruit and acidity.
- Sparkling wines: Tall, narrow flutes help preserve bubbles, while wider glasses allow more of the wine's aromas to develop.
At the end of the day, the “best” glass is the one that helps you enjoy the wine. Don’t stress too much about having the perfect stemware. Around here, our go-to is a classic Bordeaux-style wine glass.
Bonus Tip
You don’t have to spend a fortune on stemware. Thrift stores are often full of quality wine glasses at surprisingly low prices. With a little patience, you can build a great collection for just a few dollars.