History

Flying Leap Vineyards was founded in 2010 by Mark Beres, Marc Moeller and Tom Kitchens, three friends from the USAF Academy who shared a passion for wine and craft distilling. Initially they ran a vineyard and winemaking operation in southeastern Arizona, and in 2013 they purchased Canelo Hills in Elgin to establish Flying Leap as an integrated winery and retail environment. The distillery began producing in Elgin in August 2016, and in April 2017 their distillery tasting room opened separated from the winery space, where guests can view the distillation process through large windows and taste the products. Over time Flying Leap expanded its production and its land footprint through global collaborations with the Hoffmann & Girotti families in Mendoza and other wine-producing partners in Washington. They grow grapevines and produce ultra-premium wines and distilled spirits from their own vineyards and through partnerships. In 2023 Flying Leap entered into a statewide distribution agreement with Scout Distribution, which has extended their reach in Arizona and other states. Today Flying Leap is a company with a high degree of vertical integration – from grape growing via vinification and aging to distillation and distribution – and operates four tasting rooms as well as a distillery tasting room in Arizona.

Production / Manufacturing

Flying Leap is known for its vertical integration and its focused portfolio of products, spanning from wines to handmade distilled spirits. The distillery is equipped with four copper stills – two pot stills and two column stills (including a vodka still) – manufactured near Stuttgart by CARL Artisan Distillery & Brewing Systems. The large stills hold 650 liters and 1500 liters and are used for primary distillation from mash or fruit must, while the columns are used for refining the base spirit, and the distillation is supported by an on-site gas-fired steam plant and cooling via a recirculating water evaporative cooler.

A large hammermill is used to grind malt, which is fed down into mash tuns and fermenters, and Flying Leap produces whiskies of all kinds – particularly bourbons, rye and single malt spirits. In addition to whiskey, vodka, brandy and eau-de-vie based products as well as infused liqueurs are produced.

Distillation and aging take place on site and the company also produces brandy from wine and a range of brandy products, such as VSOP and Nachbrenner. Aging methods include everything from French oak barrels to cement tanks and stoneware casks, and many products carry a clear Made in Arizona signature.

Products / Whisky Series

Flying Leap produces whiskies in a variety of variants – particularly bourbons. For example: - Bourbon Whiskey – Straight (Sweet Corn, Sour Mash): Mash bill consists of Blue Corn (69%), Sweet Yellow Corn (5%), Malted Wheat (13%) and Malted Barley (13%). Aging: minimum 2 years in Kentucky White Oak, Strength 90 Proof. Notes include caramel, roasted almonds and apricot. - Bourbon – Blue Corn, Sour Mash: A rich, flavorful whiskey aged 4 years in charred barrels. - Wine Country Bourbon – Sweet Corn Sour Mash Maple Infused: Mash Bill 82% Sweet Corn, 9% Malted Wheat, 9% Malted Barley; finishing in maple syrup casks – total 5 years. Proof around 104.4.

In addition, other spirit categories from wine base include vodka (double distilled and triple distilled from Ugni Blanc), apple brandy in various expressions and brandy liqueurs (Habanero Brandy Liqueur, Lavender Brandy Liqueur, Orange Brandy, etc.). Some of their spirits carry brandy categories such as VSOP Brandy and Nachbrenner V.S.O.P. Their portfolio also includes Vermouth and other vermouth-like products.

Visits / Experiences

The distillery tasting room is located in the same building as the winery at 342 Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, but is separated from the winery and open by appointment (phone 520-954-3245). The winery tasting room is open 7 days a week between 12:00–16:00 in the summer months and other times depending on holidays. Flying Leap produces and sells its products directly through their online shop and physical stores and also offers a wine club for discounts. The distillery offers detailed views of the production through the windows and the opportunity to taste spirits during the visit.

Philosophy

Flying Leap describes itself as a company with a vision to become the culmination of artisanal wine and spirits. The mission is to celebrate the meeting of tradition and innovation and the values are: CREATE – INNOVATE – ENGAGE – EXCEED. They focus on creativity and innovation in production and flavor, on engaging customers through education and experiences, and on exceeding customers' expectations through high quality and memorable experiences.