Kokopelli gets a makeover just in time for Krush, October 21-23

Chandler, Arizona (October 17, 2011)—Attendees at Kokopelli Krush this upcoming weekend will enjoy a sneak peak at recent Kokopelli Winery & Bistro renovations including new technology, craft beer and a contemporary art display. Celebrating 10 years in Chandler, Kokopelli owner and wine maker, Dennis Minchella is stepping up his game to expand offerings by creating a custom iPad app where customers can browse through their extensive list of wine and craft beer.

Other changes include modernized renovations in the dining room, kitchen and restrooms and new menu items like lavash pizza, bruschetta boards and tapas. Minchella stated, "We wanted to return to our roots, by re-creating a menu more reflective of our original menu".

On display in the dining room, a special art exhibit Elation by Kimberly Alexander adds a contemporary vibe. The Elation series incorporates a variety of unconventional application methods and techniques to create four heavily textured and colorful canvas pieces. All of the art on display is available for purchase. For more information about Kimberly Alexander visit www.kimberlyalexander.com

Kokopelli Krush is the longest running and most decorated annual wine event in Arizona. Kicking off on Friday, October 21 at 5 p.m. and running through Sunday night, Kokopelli Krush is a family friendly event packed with live entertainment, games, a kid’s play area, krush stomp competitions and a steady flow of wine and beer.

Patrons can sample vino from a dozen local wineries in the Arizona Wine Gallery, sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Chandler. This year’s featured wineries include:  Alcantara • Lawrence Dunham • Javelina Leap •  Arizona Stronghold  •  Kief-Joshual •  Kieling Schaffer • Su Vino •  Studio Vino •  Carlson Creek •  Page Springs •  Callaghan Vineyards •  and of course, Kokopelli Winery.

The signature event at Kokopelli Krush is the Krush stomp competition. Teams of two will compete daily for prizes. Overall winners will return for the ultimate stomp title in a championship round. The winner of the championship round will have the chance to choose from a variety of amazing prizes including a five day/four night Carnival cruise for two, round trip tickets for two on Southwest Airlines or a two night trip for two to Las Vegas with flights and hotel included. Stompers can register in advance online for $10 per team or at the door for $15.

This year, Kokopelli Krush will feature another special event—the one millionth wine bottle opening with a ceremony honoring Dennis’s parents, Don and Carol Minchella.  Don and Carol founded Kokopelli Winery in 1993. When Kokopelli Winery moved to Chandler in 2001 it was the first business to open in Historic Downtown Chandler after the bank closed.

Kokopelli Krush is brought to you by Marriott Courtyard, Chandler Center of the Arts, Big Two Toyota, DiSciacca Glassware, Massage Envy and Smart Water. A percentage of the proceeds from Kokopelli Krush will go to benefit ICAN, a Chandler based community organization supporting youth programs that build self-confidence and healthy decision making skills.

Admission to Kokopelli Krush is $10 and includes one drink ticket or an Arizona wine tasting. Purchase tickets in advance at Kokopelli Winery and Bistro, located at 35 West Boston Street, Chandler. For more information about Kokopelli Krush call 480-792-6927 or visit online at www.kokopelliwinery.net to purchase advance tickets.

Here is the daily schedule for Kokopelli Krush:

Friday, October 21

5 pm                                      Doors open
Visit Krush Arena, AZ Wine & Beer Gallery & kids play area

5-7 pm                                  Live entertainment
7-7:15 pm                            Introduce Grand Marshall and featured AZ Winemakers
Open one millionth bottle of wine and celebrate Krush history

7:15-8:30 pm                      Krush Heat 1
8:30-11:30 pm                    Live entertainment
11:30-11:45 pm                 Introduce Grand Marshall and featured AZ Winemakers
Open one millionth bottle of wine and celebrate Krush history

11:45 pm-12:30 am          Krush Heat 2 & last call
12:30 am                              Kokopelli Krush closed for the night, thank you for coming!

Saturday, October 22

11 am                                    Doors open
Visit Krush Arena, AZ Wine & Beer Gallery & kids play area

11:30 am-2:30 pm            Live entertainment
2:30-2:45 pm                      Introduce Grand Marshall and featured AZ Winemakers
Open one millionth bottle of wine and celebrate Krush history

2:45-3:30 pm                      Krush Heat 3
3:30-6:30 pm                      Live entertainment
6:30-6:45 pm                      Introduce Grand Marshall and featured AZ Winemakers
Open one millionth bottle of wine and celebrate Krush history

6:45-8:30 pm                      Krush Heat 4
8:30-11:30 pm                    Live entertainment
11:30-11:45 pm                 Introduce Grand Marshall and featured AZ Winemakers
Open one millionth bottle of wine and celebrate Krush history

11:45 pm-12:30 am          Krush Heat 5 & last call
12:30 am                              Kokopelli Krush closed for the night, thank you for coming.

Sunday, October 23

11 am                                    Doors open
Visit Krush Arena, AZ Wine & Beer Gallery & kids play area

11 am-2 pm                        Brunch
11:30 am-2 pm                  Live entertainment
2-2:15 pm                            Introduce Grand Marshall and featured AZ Winemakers
Open one millionth bottle of wine and celebrate Krush history

2:15-3 pm                            Krush Heat 6
3-3:30 pm                            Krush check in, all heat winners
3:30-4:30 pm                      Championship Krush Off
5 pm                                      Kokopelli Krush closed until next year, thank you for coming!